Quoted from TwilightZone

I just got back from the States...Michigan...and I can tell you the economy there is still struggling. I think the same is true for most of the States.

I can vouch the same can be said for the Tampa area, as I just returned from there last week.  Pretty sad...

D

Quoted from aerostarz

Is there a motel/hotel of choice that is close?
I would like to possible hook up with the maaca guys one evening for some POPS "beers".  

Most people that attend the show from out of town stay at the hotel where the show is being held. ($115 / night show rate)  There is another hotel about 1 mile down the road where Unca' Gene will be holding his own IPB show, and they are offering a $50 / night show rate. (can't recall what the name of the hotel is though)

And meeting up with people is what the show is all about!  That's what this thread is for, an un-official 'roll-call'.

D

Quoted from Menace

Most people that attend the show from out of town stay at the hotel where the show is being held. ($115 / night show rate)  There is another hotel about 1 mile down the road where Unca' Gene will be holding his own IPB show, and they are offering a $50 / night show rate. (can't recall what the name of the hotel is though)

And meeting up with people is what the show is all about!  That's what this thread is for, an un-official 'roll-call'.

D

We stayed at the show hotel last year ... really nice place ... a bunch of us met up at the RAM tavern last year ... it is right across the street from the show hotel and has some real good micro brew

I'm planning on going as well.

tartagliag

Quoted from SquidVicious

We stayed at the show hotel last year ... really nice place ... a bunch of us met up at the RAM tavern last year ... it is right across the street from the show hotel and has some real good micro brew

Yep, we stayed @ the Westin as well for the 2008 show and it was excellent.  And I concur that RAM across the street has excellent eats and even better beverages!

Doug

lOOKS like ME,TSLAM,MENACE,MONKEYBUG,MEDVET AND TWILIGHTZONE are all cruisin down in my SUBURBAN.
Staying at the EXPO hotel,CHILAXIN!

Would anyone possibly have room in their trailer to bring a PIN back over the border for me?

Of course i will provide a fee and money for duty taxes upon crossing the border.
Maybe we can arrange to meet in the Toronto area or somewhere East along the 401 if you heading back this way?

I am having some serious thoughts on driving to Chicago and would rather fly.

I just dont like long commutes and thats it. I guess i will never get to experience those US trips to find those treasured pins!

I am also looking for Pin pickup and transportation back to GTA.
The pin is located in downtown Chicago.

Please PM me if anyone has any room.

Thanks,
Jeph

Quoted from poolman

lOOKS like ME,TSLAM,MENACE,MONKEYBUG,MEDVET AND TWILIGHTZONE are all cruisin down in my SUBURBAN.
Staying at the EXPO hotel,CHILAXIN!

What time do you folks expect to get to the hotel ??

Maybe a Wed night meetup

Quoted from SquidVicious

What time do you folks expect to get to the hotel ??

Maybe a Wed night meetup

I think we're scheduled to hit the road around 3AM Thursday, which should put us into Chi-town before well before lunch Central Time.

D

Quoted from Menace

I think we're scheduled to hit the road around 3AM Thursday, which should put us into Chi-town before well before lunch Central Time.

D

And I was thinking 6AM on Wednesday was nuts ... 3AM ... I guess the roads will be wide open !! (although double-check re construction as I know on the QEW (not that you'd be taking that) from 10PM there is construction chaos every night until just before rush hour (5-6ish)

Quoted from aerostarz

My wife wants to fly there but then i would have to get a pin shipped to buffalo....  

I've done both the 'driving' and 'flying' methods to the show...and I don't see the incentive of driving 12+ hours ONE-WAY anymore...

All depends where you want to save: on time or in $$$


Flying: if not renting a car, expect a $50-70 taxe ride to the hotel, which is NOT near the airport nor downtown Chicago. A few cab companies (name eludes me) have flat rates...use one of those OR wait at the airport for one of the 'free' shuttles. 2 yrs ago, I cab to the hotel and took the shuttle back. You can get someone from maaca who could drop the machine at your place for a small fee if you fly.

Driving: easier to go shopping, as the hotel, IMHO,  is in the middle of NOWHERE, USA. (nice place though!)

I won't be going this year... I'm happy I attended the 'good years'...

Mes deux cennes,

frosken