A Rootschat Meet up : Stateside

[rootie]

As I have been thru several genealogy "meets"  I was asked for some insight.
Have it at a convenient to get to place....stay at the same motel thats within walking distance of some eateries........make it INFORMAL............close to some attraction like  Andersonville Civil War Prison.....Lookout Mountain etc.......2/3 days is enough!!!
the apline village at Helen Ga would be fun  but places like Branson, Dollywood are disastrous.
if people want to share info....great......staying at the same motel   sometimes get a group discount
good luck....we have people from all over the world come to ours

[KathMc]

Rootie,

Thanks a lot. I am not sure we are planning to be quite that long. I am game for anything, but as far as I have understood it so far, the plan is to meet somewhere and talk for one afternoon or some such. I am happy to do more, see where it takes us, but I didn't think it was a 2 to 3 day meeting or anything. The more the merrier and I know yn9man is planning to come from the DC area and hopefully Agnes will be able to plan her trip to coincide, but I think it is mostly regionalish.

Am I saying this right? I just want to make sure we are all thinking the same thing.

Kath

[Carl]

Kathy,
  I think what Rootie had in mind was for the benefit of those driving far enough that round trip, plus the meet, would be a bit much. I know more than about 300 miles in a day wears me out totally. For those near enough to the meeting place, hotel, etc would not be required.
  As I understand it, Rootie was thinking one day to drive out, RON near the meeting place, then drive back the next day (or possibly meet for the entire day, then drive home the next). .
  Just my understanding of what was said. Am I right??

[rootie]

Kath

that was fine   

I was just giving the hints as I was asked..

I would probably go to the southern one

[KathMc]

No. I'm sorry. I just want to make sure we are planning what everyone wants. And for the most part, I didn't think there would be alot of people driving really far.

Kath

[Carl]

... I just want to make sure we are planning what everyone wants. And for the most part, I didn't think there would be alot of people driving really far.

Kath

Kath,
  On the first part of that, we can agree. That's exactly why we're trying to get as much input as possible before locking down any kind of plans!!
  To the second part, you'd be very surprised just how far some folks here in the US would drive to meet friends they talk with online. 

[KathMc]

Carl,

You are right about that.  I would love to go to the Dublin one myself. 

I tend to agree with what Kristen said. We will definitely have enough to talk about just getting together. Everyone is welcome, no matter where they live. I just don't want people disappointed expecting more. So, as long as people know we are meeting for an afternoon of chatting, maybe lunch or something like that, then come one come all.

Kath

[Tony Payne]

I think the weekend type of meet would be nice, something informal more so people can get to know each other, rather than a formal type of meeting to discuss just genealogy.  Is this what people want most of all, to get to know each other better instead of just being a photo and a profile?

For those that live close an evening or afternoon meet is fine, but for those coming longer distances we probably want a couple of days.  I think Rootie's suggestion to make it an outing is good, find somewhere where there are places to visit, so instead of spending multiple sessions in a room, people can maybe meet and go out to dinner, then the next day head off to somewhere of interest locally, and then maybe another meal and off home.

Depends on who and where and how many and the time / money people can afford I suppose... 

[yn9man]

I think the weekend type of meet would be nice, something informal more so people can get to know each other, rather than a formal type of meeting to discuss just genealogy.

For those that live close an evening or afternoon meet is fine, but for those coming longer distances we probably want a couple of days. I think Rootie's suggestion to make it an outing is good, find somewhere where there are places to visit, so instead of spending multiple sessions in a room, people can maybe meet and go out to dinner, then the next day head off to somewhere of interest locally, and then maybe another meal and off home.

In agreement with Tony. The first "meet" should be informal with people getting to put a face with a name. Also could discuss where to go from there re genealogy topics.

Would also be best to have a longer meet if attendees are coming from a distant locale. 

yn9man