"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. " -Helen Keller

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Post BlogHer ALI get together

Mel, the goddess of our ALI blogosphere, called out for help planning a Sunday morning/early afternoon post BlogHer get together. Since she asks for so little and does so much, I decided to step up and do what I could.

I called on my NYC expert, also known as Dora from My Preconceived Notion, and discussed possible locations. Dora said that finding a good location for a group our size (around 20) can be problematic in that area of NYC. And, since we are trying to keep it indoors since the weather could mess up an outdoor get together, we concluded that the hotel lobby and coffee/juice/etc would be the best option. As a rule, hotels are willing to hold onto luggage for a bit if there is a gap between your check out time and departure time. That means we wouldn't have to worry about our luggage while we enjoy each others company.

The only remaining questions are what time do we plan this for and how do you feel about children at the get together. I know many of you still haven't had the child you long for and the presence of little ones can be painful. I also know that a few of the people integral to this community will not be able to be there if kids are not welcome.

So, to sum it up:
Location: lobby of the Hilton (we can always move it outside if the weather is good)
Time: post check out (mention a time in the comments if you have a specific time in mind)
Kids or no kids: answer the poll below



16 comments:

Kir said...

Hi :)
I am actually coming in on Friday afternoon..for lunch. I will not be at the conference, but because you have a "FREE TIME LUNCH" from 11-45 to 1:30 on Friday, I will be taking the whole day off, coming to the Hilton and meeting whoever wants to meet me. LOL

I will also have John with me....you asked about kids, but I hope Husbands are ok too.

See you Friday, in the lobby for lunch. I hope...:)

xo

Kakunaa said...

Ack! I WANT to come to meet people, but I will POSSIBLY be having my ET then or just after....I don't know....AND I don't have a car I can use....perhaps I will see how it goes the next couple of weeks...

Unknown said...

Kids, nom nom nom, nom.

Lori Lavender Luz said...

I'll bring the ketchup.

Thanks for doing this, Kristin!

Will email you with more location info.

Colette S said...

Sounds fun to meet up.

Enjoy.

I hope the schedules and everything work out.

Briar said...

I am juggling two groups but will do my damnedest to make it to both. I'm local, too, in case help is needed.

Dora said...

Mmmmm, babies! Hold the ketchup. Maybe a little fresh pepper. Please save me a bite of W!

K said...

I was thinking of Blue Chili, which is nearby. Lunch is $9 or $10, and the portions are a good size. The homepage shows this long table they have on the lower level where a group could meet:

http://www.bluechilinewyork.com/

I'm pregnant and starting to show, so let me know what the verdict is on kids/bellies.

There was talk of a Sunday meet-up, or is it just Friday for lunch?

Wishing 4 One said...

Oh how I wish I was going to be there too. I can't imagine how YUMMY the combo of all you awesome bloggers and then possibly a side of kids, would be! You are so great for spearheading this girl! Oh and you looked awesome in your blue too. LOVE LOVE LOVE that little black dress and accessories too, what a deal! xoxo

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

Thanks for stepping up, Kristin!

What if there were two segments of the Sunday get-together, a child time and an adult-only time? People who are fine with kids but won't have any with them could attend either or both. Those bringing kids could attend the child time only. Those who are not okay with kids could attend the adult only time.

Just as an example (with made-up times, not sure if these work for people),
10-11 adult only
11-12 children welcome

electriclady said...

The only other location suggestion I had was that there is a Le Pain Quotidien on 50th street between 6th and 7th avenues (i.e. 3 blocks away from the Hilton), and they have a couple gigantic communal tables that a big group could easily fit around. Sandwiches, salads, coffee, pastries, that kind of thing, very casual. However, it's table service only, which is less convenient if people are going to be coming and going.

lady pumpkin said...

Ladies, this is foodie-licious New York. How about at least a garlic aioli kid-dip? So I'm pretty new to this community, but would love to join you all. I'm also local, so please let me know if there's anything I can do to help. Location suggestion: wherever Kakunaa's ET is happening. Why should anyone have to miss out? ;)

Mel said...

Is the IVP doing anything? Can we combine?

Thank you for doing this, Kristin. I think the lobby is a perfect idea. I'd aim for an mid-morning start and have it be like an open house so people can drop in and out depending on schedule and other commitments.

calliope said...

I'm trying to see if the IVP has something in the works...I'd love a combined love fest. I will probably be staying close to the hotel because I will be making out with the air conditioner.

So if you see a freakishly tall woman in plaid docs wiping sweat off her brow- it's totally me.

Mrs. Gamgee said...

I soooo wish I could be joining you all!

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

Sounds like the consensus is pro-child. What about time?