We're closing on the numbers for a site for next year's NOVA, which is planned at present for a significantly increased size and capacity full on convention weekend covering Thursday PM --> Sunday PM.
There are options still out there, but right now we're looking at Labor Day weekend of next year, at this venue:
http://www.crystalcity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/gallery/photos.jsp;jsessionid=A26745C15865791AECA49F8F2CBC4491.atg01-prd-atg2?icamp=propPhotoGallery
I'd love some input from the trolls about how manageable (or not) a Labor Day weekend vacation/trip to Washington, DC is. It provides some of the "better" rates, while pushing us a bit further away from Wargamescon and Gencon. The venue is located on the metro, and a brief free shuttle ride from Reagan National Airport. So brief, in fact, the hotels rooftop restaurant overlooks the airport on the other side of the Potomac on one side.
Working on my BFS reports still, so I'll have those up soon. As usual, "words" of commitment to attend from various trolls is also always welcome ... and always encouraging to us on the planning end ;)
- Mike
One challenge will be for gamers who are parents. From personal experience, Labor Day weekend tends to be the last minute push for back-to-school activities and shopping.
ReplyDeleteI'm comfortable in stating that you will see the 4 of us from the 11th Company up there again next year (unless someone comes on here and embarrasses me). We will also be packing Mrs. Cheatin' Steve who will be bringing some fantasy love for a little variety in our contingent.
ReplyDeleteTournaments around holidays usually tend to lose the family guys....
ReplyDeleteTrue, you'll lose some family guys but I think the lower rates are a plus. It's a tough call. For me, holding it on a weekend where nothing else is going on was best. Having it on a holiday weekend you'll be competing with beach...
ReplyDeleteLabor day would hamper my chances on the tournament. Not saying i couldnt go.. but its usually the last thing done with the family before school starts so it could be an issue.
ReplyDeleteLabor day would be a no-go for me. I can't speak for others, but I would think a holiday weekend is a bad idea. Just my guess.
ReplyDeleteThat weekend works great for me honestly, getting that Monday off of work means 1 less day I have to take off work to travel out there and back.
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely be traveling out there for that, I don't know about any of the other Dice Like Thunder guys, as they're all tied down with families.
I would agree that holiday weekends are a bad idea for the most part, usually real life gets in the way for those that have one. Since I don't and the event is so close to me, you know I will be out helping out as needed. Is a week or two earlier a possibility? What is the price difference like?
ReplyDeleteI'll echo what others are saying here...holidays are rough for events of this nature. While Labor Day is not a religious holiday (we always have to dodge Easter and Daylight Savings Time), it is still more of a last minute vacation oriented holiday for families before school starts back up and all that.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, some companies have restrictions on taking additional days off around holiday weekends. Makes it tough for some people to get a that Thursday/Friday off.
All that said...I think Labor Day weekend is much more doable than most holiday weekends.
that might be though for some of us at 11th Steve,.. 1st week back to work and all...
ReplyDeleteLabor day would knock me out I think =\
ReplyDeleteI knew you would crush my hopes and dreams! =(
ReplyDeleteLabor Day is good for me and my crew.
ReplyDeleteAs a student, if the tournament is going to be sometime after school starts, a holiday would be great, since it would mean one less day of skipped classes. So, I'd be in, as would 2 or 3 of my friends who are also students and want to go to this event :P
ReplyDeleteAs one of those family guys, Labor Day weekend might require some negotiation, pleading, jewelry purchase... That being said, since my wife and kid are both in the hobby, I should be able to swing it.
ReplyDeletePersonally, the labor day aspect won't affect me as I don't have any kids, but it's damn close to the wife's b-day. I would still attend though.
ReplyDeleteLabor day may also be a pain for out of town people because that is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Just a thought.
yeah labor day and most holiday weekends in general are a no no for me. Also for people moving back to college having it on labor day will really mess with that since most people move back on labor day weekend
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