Comments, Observations, and Rare Occurances in Philadelphia!

[R W Burgess]

Since Mike and I just got back from Philly, I thought I'd list a few things below that either happened around me, or because of me. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

1. Members of the Historic Virginia Region and the Northern Neck Region went out to dinner together and aggravated a Philly restaurant waitress filling out separate tickets for the "parties of 10", to the point that she made us fill out our own order tablet sheet. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Then she couldn't figure out what a "SW" was <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ....It's a "sandwich", girl! From that point on, we were that "troubled group from Virginia". We won't be going there anytime soon.

2. One of my party was very concerned about the weekend with me to the point that she stood up in the President's Dinner Friday night and annouced to the world that she was very concerned about the trip home Sunday morning. No! No!, not about the weather, but the fact that she was riding with Wayne Burgess. Hey! Hey! We made it home safe and sound, thank you very much.

3. As you may have noted earlier last week, I had a few problems with my Dell

(Brand X, as Judy Edwards called it). I have been calling a lot of people about this....to the point that one of "callees" told Mike to call her sometime, "I'm sure I'm on Wayne's speed dial by now!"

4. We had a lot of problems with the Hotel this year, especially the elevators. Mike went down the elevators Saturday night from the 22nd. down to the 21st. The elevator stopped but did not open the doors. The elevator then "clicked", and moved to the 8th floor, stopped, but did not open, so Mike opened the door manually, got off amd walked back up to the 21st floor. He wasn't taking any chances with those elevators anymore that night. At least Fran Shore didn't break anything on the elevators this year.

5. Asman's (You know, the Dell Tech guy?) other brother, Ansmellie, tried to charge me $75.00 for the 3 days of parking, when only $25.00 was the agreed upon rate by AACA. A lot of stomping of snow back and forth through the snow cleared this up.

6. The first night at the hospitality suite, I made a big show with my new members by telling the "barkeep", Joe, to put their "Liquior bill" on my Tab.(the drinks are free). Joe told me in a loud voice that I hadn't paid the bill from "last year"! Ouch! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

7. I made a post earlier about the "Fn" key on my new Dell Computer, when West Peterson claimed he didn't have an "Fn" key. Well, I found out in Philly that my "Fn" key also controls my LCD "brightness" display. I guess you better find one these keys for your laptop, West.

8. And, there are probably a few more happenings that I missed, but then at times, late at night, my memories were a little suspect. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Wayne

PS, other comments would be appreciated, so I'll know I'm not the only crazy that was in Philly this past weekend. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest BruceW]

Wayne,

The elevators were definately a pain this year. One time on Thursday afternoon, we left the 12th floor to go down to the Ballroom level. The elevator passed the ballroom level without stopping and went to the lobby (which had not been selected....The elevator paused briefly at the lobby (without opening its doors).. then went UP to the 18th floor and then back down the the 12th floor where the doors opened. Luckily the elevator worked correctly the second time. One of the staff said the Otis man didn't show up when he was suppose to and they did not know where he was.

The elevators was the biggest problem that we experienced at the hotel. We were on the 12th floor, so during the slowest time for the elevators, I would often use the stairs to go downstairs.

Interesting is that the elevators always worked fine when we were going up to the 22nd floor to the J.C. Taylor hospitality room. Joe V. always does a great job behind the bar. By the second night, he knew what Di drank and would mix it when he saw she walk in and have it ready for her by the time she crossed the room to the bar. Brittani asked for specific soft drink, which he did not have... however, the next time we stopped by the hospitality room, Joe surprised her by having gotten it and had it poured for her. With Joe V.'s quick wit, I am not surprised he was able to quickly throw a zinger back at you when you tried to "impress" your guests at his expense

I've heard people often complain about the unfriendly houskeeping staff.. but they always smiled and said hello everytime I saw them in the hallway. Our room was clean and well stocked with everything working fine. We arrived on Thursday about 7:30am because I had a board meeting in the morning. I wasn't sure what Di and the girls would do in the meantime since check-in isn't normally until 3:00pm. However, the hotel had our room clean and ready and let them check in about an hour after we got there.

The word I received from someone related to the Sheraton family.. is that by the time the next AACA Annual Meeting is held, the Wyndham will be a Sheraton.

As far as parking, I always pay for the number of nights at the front desk sometime during the weekend (after getting the parking ticket validated at the AACA registration). Then all I have to do is show the parking guy the paid receipt. I'm not sure that the parking garage is associated with the hotel and that may be what causes the problem with the attendant not knowing the reduced price.

This was the first time that Shannon and Brittania accompanied Di and I to the Annual Meeting. I wasn't sure if they would enjoy it. However, after the First Lady's breakfast on Friday (which they enjoyed very much), they got involved with the youth program, earning several CHIPS, and both are already looking forward to returning next year.

One thing I noticed on Saturday night was that the Region/Chapter banners were not hung up in the banquet room for the Awards Banquet. It was always nice to see the banners there during the banquet.... but I must admit it was much easier to get the banner off the lobby rail on Saturday night, rather than having to wait for someone with a lift to take it down from the banquet hall.

The other cars displayed in the Trade show were very nice.. but the five cars displayed by GM were fantastic. The GM reps were very helpful when I asked to take photos of the 1926 Pontiac for another AACA friend restoring a 1926 coupe. They graciously opened the trunk and hood for me and allowed me to take my time taking various photos of the car. I also learned quite a bit of information from the GM rep that I can pass along to my friend.

We left about 20 - 30 minutes behind you on Sunday. The streets in the city were covered but it was well packed and very little traffic. One nice thing about the hotel location is that it is a straight shot to the interstate and out of the downtown. The interstate south of the airport was spotty but traffic maintained a 45-50 mph pace.. until a row of about six snow plows lined up in formation across the interstate to scrape the inch or two of slush on that stretch of road. The traffic ended backing up behind them for the next 6 or 7 miles at a 20 mph pace. They then, much to everyone's relief, exited the interstate.. however, they did so about half a mile before reaching the actual snow covered stretch of highway. We made it home about 30 minutes later than it normally takes for the trip.

Mike Jones and his committee did another wonderful job (as always) putting on the Annual Meeting this year. I can only imagine the enormity of the task. A "Great Job" and thumbs up to Mike and his committee!

[Ron Green]

Decided to leave Thursday after work to beat the traffic (bad idea) however that didn't work. Had room reserved for Friday night at the AACA rate. We were leaving early Saturday afternoon anyhow and that worked out fine with the snow.

I did get a room for Thursday night at a much higher rate. When checking in I showed the clerk my confirmation # for Friday night, however Friday morning I received my express checkout under the door. Call to operator and she supposedly straighten everything out. A hour later the maid wants to know when were leaving. Back to the front desk and redo all the paperwork.

The next morning (Saturday) express checkout was under the door however it was not the AACA rate for Friday as per my confirmation, much higher. Back to the front desk and now Sheila is $issed. Redoes the paperwork for the AACA rate (Friday only) and slaps me with a $32 a day parking charge. I am tired of arguing, pay bill head north.

One other thing; our waitress by mistake kept my wife's credit card and dinner receipt Friday night as we took some friends to dinner at the hotel. By the time my wife realized what had happened and went back to the waitress who wasn't sure about anything, the card was lost, but this his a whole other involved story.

Mike, Ray, wives and all did a fantastic job again of organizing everything but it is impossible to plan for the human element of things.

[novaman]

Two things I noticed. Mainly they would concern members that are new to the annual meeting.

1. Would be nice to have some kind of flyer/handout that would explain what is "expected" at the different things going on. Examples: region presedents are to present any checks for the libary & mueseum at the President's dinner. During the general meeting the will be a chance for the region president to introduce himself.

2. make sure they know were the hospitality room is. I for one didn't but wasn't about to hunt for it either. By the time the seminars were over, I was looking for my bed to sretch out on an get some relief for my back.

All the hotel staff I encountered were polite.

With the elevators I hopped on any one the would open, figuring as long as it didn't go sideway, I'd get to where I wanted to go.

[R W Burgess]

David, It's good you didn't make it to the Hospitality Suites. That's when the problems with the elevators going sideways crops up, especially late at night, or is it morning? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

That's a good idea about what to expect at the various meetings, seminars, and dinners. Generally, though, If you have a question, you can ask at the registration booth or anyone you see with a special name badge.

In working with Shayna Geller, who did a great job setting up seminars this year, I've learned that the AACA is trying to give more accurate details concerning the seminars. In my case, it was added to the general "Publications Seminar", an unlining "Advanced Newsletter Production".

This,as it suggested, indicated that the seminar would not be more of the same.

I'm sure we're all looking for ways to increase interest in the respective seminars, trade show area, and other events we have available to attend. Any new ideas are appreciated. I've found that some of my ideas have been accepted very well. We can't move on in life without occasion change, so suggest away.

Wayne

[bill pritchett]

Talk about rare occurrences, you forgot to mention that you and I finally met in person. Since you decided not to attend the DF meeting on Saturday at the last Hershey, I was wondering if you were even there. I received such a bad sunburn that Saturday that I could hardly drive home because I burned myself so badly. See you soon and talk with in the Forums much sooner.

Bill

[novaman]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> That's a good idea about what to expect at the various meetings, seminars, and dinners. Generally, though, If you have a question, you can ask at the registration booth or anyone you see with a special name badge. </div></div>

I'm thinking along the lines of the small chapter or region who has a member/officer attending for the first time (and possibly the first time anyone from that club) They most likely wouldn't have a clue as to when donations are to be made, etc. Also, they might not even know about things, like the hospitality room, to even know to ask about it.

I did like the way the seminar listing was done with the subheadings to give you a better idea as to what the seminar was actual about.

[R W Burgess]

David, JC Taylor had a sign board annoucing their suite just in front of hotel registration beside the open air restaurant. I missed it the first day there.

Wayne

[novaman]

I apparently need new glasses. With 20/20 vision with or without my glasses I missed the sign on Thursday. Fri. I was only on the lobby floor headed out the Glaxco side door and back in there from grabbing some lunch. Saturday, I never went to the lobby floor. The sign possibly would be more effective on the floor with the seminars, near the elevators. Just a thought.

My back is finally starting to feel better. Dull ache yesterday and today. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks I've been suffering with it.

[R W Burgess]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <span style="font-weight: bold">My back is finally starting to feel better. Dull ache yesterday and today. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks I've been suffering with it.</span> </div></div>

Yep, should have found the sign David. I didn't have a pain until I was almost home Sunday morning. The calfs of my legs have been hurting ever since. I ran out of the "free" medicine I was getting every night in Philly. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Wayne