Hey, you DC fun guys (and girls, too, if you're lurking),

Wanna go to the Outsports convention in Philly as a group? Gas prices are gonna suck out loud this summer, so it would save a few bucks and be more fun. Plus, it would be fun to be in the same hotel...

TOTALLY! - although I am in the "leave on Friday, return on Sunday" group - and I was considering taking the train.

Maybe taking over an Amtrak car could be even more fun - scare the tourists!

I would be up for traveling as a group, and I too would have to not miss work for any of that weekend (i.e., leave on Friday and return on Sunday).

If I go, it will likely only be for Sat, so I guess I'd be a bad person to throw in with you all. But I'm thinking the train, just to save my nerves from doing the 95 drive.

Trevor

FYI - I checked out the Amtrak schedule - there is basically a train every half hour, with a choice among the Acela Express (saves about 15 minutes en route to Philly), the Metroliner and the regular train - time is between 90 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes to Philly. Cost is between $100 and 200 round trip.

So, we could take the choo-choo up - and still be in Philly in time for the "social" event Friday night.

Where is everyone staying?

Here's another Amtrak discount code - V729. This is good on trains to Philadelphia, 20% discount. You can use this code on Amtrak's website to buy a ticket. You have to buy ticket by phone to use Outsports.com Amtrak code (with a 10% discount).

I hope everyone is staying at Loews Philadelphia, which is where the conference activities will be taking place. We have a special Outsports.com rate of $109/night. See story on main page of Outsports.com for full details.


link to full travel details of Outsports.com conference

[ March 18, 2004, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: scottie ]

To answer GatorJamie's question, I am staying at the "official hotel of the Outsports convention", Loews Philadelphia....I hope everyone else is, too -- that way maybe we can commandeer an entire floor ....btw, does anyone know how many tickets to the Phils-Padres game on Sat. night (which I presume is probably sold out considering it's a weekend game at the new stadium) and how many rooms at the hotel Scottie has "reserved" for the group?

As far as transportation from DC to Philly is concerned, I'm open to all options....however, a convoy by car/truck works for me, too -- there are two other Outsporters who have contacted me about possibly "hitching a ride" and since I can comfortably fit 5 in my Pathfinder that may be the route I end up taking....but being able to "waste" a couple of hours surrounded by some jovial (NOT drunk, of course ) fellow Outsporters sounds like fun, too.

Guess I feel qualified to answer these - we have more than enough tickets reserved for the Phillies game (more than anticipated conference attendance), and I will release some back to the Phillies closer to the conference once we have a better idea of the # of registrants.

Hotel rooms - I think I blocked about 20-30 per night (knowing that some people would be doubling up, and some people might opt to stay elsewhere). I am monitoring this with the hotel, so we can reserve more rooms (if needed). Important: deadline to reserve hotel room at conference rate is the end of April. I would guarantee that you will not find a lower rate for Loews on any travel website (except maybe Priceline or Hotwired, where you don't know the name of the hotel until after you've reserved and paid for your room).

Thanks, guys, for the info. BostonGirl and I will arrange doggie-care and stay at Loew's. Only problems are - we can't come until Sat., and no late-night partyin' for GJ because I have to run on Sun. mornings - triathlon training.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

GJ

Edited to add: Thank you SO MUCH scottie, Joe, and everyone in Philly who is working hard to put this all together!

[ March 18, 2004, 07:32 PM: Message edited by: GatorJamie ]

Not that you want to bring your dog(s), but the Loews is pet-friendly (you can ask them more about their policies, but I know I've had friends stay there with their dogs).

Unacceptable there babe. Sat... i thought you would do a friday later at night. Then you wont go hang out till alll hours of the mornin.. sheesh.

GJ for one day...

WM1865 bailing to the deep south.

I need my posse if i'm flying 2-3k miles damnit.

MDPHL better clear that schedule.

[ March 19, 2004, 09:34 AM: Message edited by: PhillyFan ]

I (and the other attendees) aren't good enough for you?? frown

dont be jealous there kid....

I'll have you and JIP dancing on tables

Don't worry there, Phil. BG and I will also be there Sunday. We won't let you down after you've made such a hike to get there. I'll even fetch you a beer or two.

I also have a feeling that you're gonna be... popular. wink

Hi all,

Pittkid is lurking.... and the more I read about this, I must say, I wanna go. I'd love to join up with a car pool that weekend to get there gang.

And just curious, are people sharing rooms to save some money for the given "festivities". If so, who needs a roomie???!!! I don't snore and am pretty much a log after passing out... oh wait, now I sound like a drunk... hee hee hee

Info needed here.... help!

pittkid

Aren't you afraid of someone taking advantage of you in "your state of log"? wink

Knowing pittkid, cutie patootie that he is, he's probably hoping for it. wink

Another attendee whom I predict will be popular.

Sugar, i'm already popular... if i go.. there can be an autograph table set up.

[ March 19, 2004, 12:22 PM: Message edited by: PhillyFan ]

Wonder if the two Mr. Popular's - Pittkid and PhillyFan will have their own private convention over the weekend?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! My faith in womynhood is shattered forever. wink

Worry not, Joe, we wimmin/womyn/wombmoons/whatevah arreddy will be just fine. wink :cool:

Awwwww...

I'm blushing. You fellas/lady are just too kind. Maybe it's the Spring Fever in me, but not to worry all, I'll be in wild fun mode while I'm there (with a touch of sarcasm and sporty dizziness).

Hmmm... I've never really had anybody "take advantage of me" whilst in "log mode". Or.... have they? (insert evil laughter here)

Oh, the insanity!!!!!!!

off to join Scarlet Knight in west coast bashing... wheeeeee!!!!!

pittkid