*My* "whine" (to use Alison's term <g>) has always been: why can't we have conventions at University campuses? Their accomodations (room and board) are likely to be cheaper than those at hotels that are fancy enough to sport Conference Centers. And, their classrooms ar likely to be beter fitted for workshops than a hotel's conference rooms...
I was told that, although it was possible in Europe, it wouldn't "play" in US. That Americans liked to be able to take a lift (elevator) from the bedroom to the dining room, to the classroom, to the meeting room, instead of having to walk from hall to hall. Ah, well... :)
Baloney!!!! The Northwest conferences are held on college campuses. It works out very well. Lacers take over the dorm lounges between classes and do a lot of socializing while making lace. The dorm-food-class locations are usually very close, and no further than we had to walk in Santa Clara or Tulsa to get from our room, wayyyyyy to the other end of the building to the vender's room and classrooms. We do have to venture out into the weather -- and take our chances on that ---- but it usually isn't too bad for the five minutes it takes. Modern dorms and class buildings have elevators, also.
Usually, we are the only people on campus, but sometimes there's another group there also. We've shared grounds with weaving groups (fun to see their stuff too)
and other similar groups. Once it was a choir conference, and they sang for us.
It's true that the accommodations on campuses are not quite as deluxe as big hotels, but they are much kinder to the pocketbook. It's the lace and contacts that are important, not the pictures on the wall.
A sewing group I belong to always uses campuses for the lower cost and lots of classrooms.
I imagine that there are some people who think that a college dorm is not acceptable, but there are more who are grateful for the lower cost. The less spent on the room, the more available for the vender's room. <G> That extra $40-50 a night means several bobbins or spools of thread. Or a video. Or new pillow. Or book.
For the above reasons, campuses are in demand. Finding one with the time and space available might be the problem.
I'll get off my soapbox and go finish my bookmark. And start a new one. This will be number three this week. I'll have some on hand if/when I need one.
Happy lacing, Alice in Oregon (Secret Pals -- have you sent your January package?)
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