Well, like many folks, I don't need an excuse to go to Las Vegas. Taos looks fun too, my folks went when I was young and all I got was the t-shirt.

Trying to keep this thread going, I'm not sure that we have come to a consensus on place (or date) yet.

Why don't we have have a vote, with ranked choice voting to ensure a winner?

Here are the venues suggested so far (plus three more for good measure):

• Las Vegas, NV
  
• Dallas, TX
  
• Austin, TX
  
• Taos, NM
  
• Reno, NV
  
• Chicago, IL
  
• New York City, NY
  
• Ojai, CA

Vote for three, in preferred order.

My votes:
1. Taos, NM
2. Ojai, CA
3. NYC

For me, dates are more important than location.
I'll go almost anywhere...

Another vote for Reno.

What about Philly? I'm sure j_b knows some restaurant people who could take care of us.

Ok, I guess I didn't follow the rules:

1) NYC
2) Philly
3) Hartford

As certain events have unfolded for me since this was first discussed, an East coast dinner works best for me.

The reality is that if you want people to fly to the event it should be on the easy side to get to. Sorry but Taos, Ojai and a few of the others just don't make it on that criteria. There is nothing more fun than flying for several hours then having a long drive on the other side of it. Just my two cents. Plus it makes it easier on the spouses and significant others if there is lots of stuff to do when you get there (ie a destination type place).

And the west coasters should try to fly some place.

The best offlines that we've attended have been in the following places: Seattle, Chicago, Napa/Sonoma, San Francisco, New York City, Las Vegas and New Orleans.

And possibly the most important part is the event driver(s). For without that person or people nothing happens. And so far no one is jumping on that role.

Quote:

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And possibly the most important part is the event driver(s). For without that person or people nothing happens. And so far no one is jumping on that role.

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Still no one jumping.
If you all would come to Alaska, I'd volunteer in a heartbeat...

How about Yountville? It's an hour and a half drive from SF, there are a few great places to stay, and I think we all could find something to do in the Napa Valley. Thoughts?

I think going to wine country would be great.

I would suggest the Sonoma though because lodging would be half the cost in Santa Rosa. We did an event in October at Vintner's Inn and it was a great venue. It is located near wineries. Martinelli is about a mile down the road. There are also several "budget" hotels within a couple of miles. John Ash did two fantastic meals for our group also. And I'd bet we could get at least a dozen vintners to come to the dinner. I'd suggest we did a two-nighter and have one of the dinners at a winery. We did Papapietro-Perry and it was a super supper. I think these Pinot people would love to host us. We could do some group tours also.

I'd help setting up the dinners and tours. Somebody else would need to negotiate with the hotel for group rates. Everyone would be on their own to make their reservations.

There is air service from San Francisco to Santa Rosa. The airport is about five miles from the Vintner's Inn.

The Vintner's Inn is located on the road to Calistoga. It is 20 minutes at the most from Santa Rosa to Calistoga if one wanted to drive over to the Napa Valley.

As with any event like this it'll go absolutely nowhere unless one person steps forward, takes charge, sets a date, agrees to make the arrangements and let's the chips fall where they may.

Volunteers?

My vote:
1. Napa
2. NYC
3. Vegas

I'll volunteer...can't guarantee many responses...but I will try.

I can make it out to Napa Might be easier on the budget than elsewhere, especially with the upcoming wedding in the summer. Yikes.

See David's earlier post re Sonoma vs Napa, I'd agree that Sonoma would be preferable.

-Al