You Are Invited!

[dianat]

...anybody without them will feel stupid.

[Jeff]

Hey Diana,

This LASIK thing has given me a better understanding of other peoples limitations therefore I am more compassionate towards their needs. Kind of the silver lining in the cloud.

As far as the hotel pricing I can get behind that. Most of the times when we get a large group together to go diving we get a group rate. Much more affordable than the price posted on the back of the hotel door. If I had to pay those prices I would stay home. Besides I bet Rebecca has had her hands full with hurricane Wilma's dictatorship. You got to deal with her on her terms. I feel fortunate that Rebecca is putting this whole thing together you won't find a vacation offer like this at the travel agent. Thank you Rebecca!
Jeff

[Gaye]

You are invited

Hi Jeff - sometimes we travel agents can put together some fantastic deals and even help out people like Rebecca when they are planning theirs.

[Jeff]

Hi Gaye,
I had no idea you were a travel agent. Thanks to you also!
Jeff

[Rebecca Petris]

Gaye is so experienced in this area and has indeed been a super help with advice. Sheesh, I can't believe I didn't mention her before since she was the one who mentioned the spa to us in the first place!!! mid-week brain fog. p.s. thanks for the kind words Jeff.

[Delilah]

Happy Halloween!!

So the cost of the spa isn't $200 a night? If I could find a cheaper hotel close to the spa so I could join all of you I would love to come and meet everyone. Maybe if Becca could find a way for me to come that is the cheaper route I would be so honored. I have traveled before lol, even though I am from a small town, I spent 2 weeks in New York City after 9-11, I volunteered, but we already had a hostel in Cuban Harlem, I really don't want to stay in another hostel lol, especially in the ghetto, don't get me wrong I fit in fine lol and I adjusted to it but a $14 dollar a night hostel in the ghetto in New York wasn't so safe, not too mention when I heard gun shots So please let me know if there is a cheaper hotel I could stay at but if the spa isn't that much a night I could possibly double up with someone if they wouldn't mind, I would be traveling alone. Also I will not have my computer this whole weekend it will be getting fixed, so I will respond next week. I was looking forward to seeing all of you because you don't know how much all of you mean to me, I never had this kind of support before and its very touching. I want to give all of you a big Idaho hug lol, especially Cindy and Rebecca, hope you didn't mind me calling you Becca lol? You can call me D for short all my friends do and I consider all of you my friends. Will Dr. Holly be there? That would be great and also have a safe and Happy Halloween Also QUIT BEING SO WORRIED ABOUT YOUR GOGGLES!!!! I can't go anywhere with out my sunglasses as my eyes water like crazy and my eyes are extremely sensitive to the sun light!! Others don't understand what we go through everyday and if goggles help you then to heck with everyone who stares!!! I still am a little embarassed about the little pocket mirror I have to carry around everyday and anywhere I go, with my tissue as I am constantly having to pull out those stringy mucus things and it looks as though I am looking at myself all day long lol. Only if that were the case and I were vain, boy I wish, but no, its those damn F%$#@! strings. Okay I am done swearing lol, well everyone have a good weekend and let me know what the cheapest price would be at the spa. Love your Buddy D in Idaho

[Lucy]

D.........you probably didn't read all of the posts re: the spa hotel. $200 was mentioned by ME when someone asked. I went to the hotel website and got that info.

However, Rebecca is getting some deals for us. I just want to mention this. By deals, I do not know how much. She said she would post specifics by Oct. 31.

Please read all the posts by Rebecca if you have any other questions.

[Rebecca Petris]

She said she would post specifics by Oct. 31.

Betcha thought I wouldn't make it. Thank goodness for daylight savings time. I actually had forgotten I would be away for a long weekend when I promised that, then ran into technical troubles trying to get the pages up tonight.

For the moment, please see this link for some basic info (in addition to my lengthy post on the first page of this thread). To sum up briefly for those with questions about pricing:

I've boiled it down to two options:

1) Conference only, $80. This is an all-day event on February 18th including refreshments, meals, materials, etc.

2) Full weekend package, $185. This covers all events and all meals from Friday evening to Sunday lunch, including the full day of sessions Saturday, special dinner reception Saturday night, supplemental focus group sessions Sunday and so on.

WITH RESPECT TO ACCOMMODATION: We have a guaranteed rate of $149 for deluxe rooms at the Spa itself. Please see the link above for further details. There are many places available in nearby Clearwater (and of course many more in Tampa, St. Pete etc) at much lower prices as well.

OK I'm about to miss my deadline so I'll post this and then add more....

[Rebecca Petris]

Darn it, I swear my computer said 11:59 when I hit the "submit" button.

Just a couple more comments then I will call it a night and post again as soon as the web pages about the conference have been updated (currently missing venue info, registration forms etc).

1) I am sooooo excited I just can't begin to tell you. Many, many special things in the works and it's just going to be an incredible weekend.

2) I sincerely hope that the pricing is within the range of what's reasonable and feasible for those who really want to attend. This is a subsidized event, because I am stubborn and really, really wanted it to be classy and comfortable but also affordable. I know that the cost of travel and accommodation add up, though. If there is anything I can do to make things easier, just let me know and I'll do my best.

g'night.

[mary kenny badami]

"I'm leaving on a jet plane . . . "

YES!

I made plane reservations yesterday.
And I confirmed reservations at "The Spa" today.
Arriving Friday afternoon; leaving Sunday afternoon.

Can't wait to meet so many people who -- thus far -- are real and dear, but known only via your internet "monikers."
LUCY! DIANAT! THE ALMIGHTY! < I've already met REBECCA, but will be happy to renew our acquaintance ! > .

And if you-all don't want to spend time with me, there's always the option of a lap around the swimming pool or a massage appointment.

. . . not Peter, not Paul, but MARY !

[dianat]

I'd be almost as excited as you are, but I'm a little distracted right now. (I'm considering getting out there on my kids' trampoline to induce labor).

But, I am also excited about February's meeting and went so far as to try to make my reservation today. The facility was still unable to reserve a room for me...maybe I called too early today. No matter, I'll have a room eventually and I'll be there, too. It's a good sign that you're in. I'll bug 'em again tomorrow.

...not the Almighty, not Lucy, not Rebecca, but DIANAT!

[Chris]

Have fun everyone. I wish I could go. I will actually be in that area the week of Feb. 25 when my kids have their winter break. I'm staying at my parent's house in Bonita Springs. So, I can't go on two trips

Florida in February is quite kind to dry eyes. I wish I could be around other goggle geeks like me.

Chris

[dianat]

I'm in!

Today I made my reservations at the spaaaaaaahhhh!

I haven't registered with DEZ yet, nor have I made my plane reservation, but I'll get to those when I figure out the family situation...who's coming along and who isn't. I'm very excited! Will there be other spouses and kiddies along?

DT

[Guest]

Mrs. Almighty and the mighty cute daughters (6 & 3) will be there. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity for their first trip to Excess, Inc. (DisneyWorld).

[Gaye]

Dry Eye Convention

My airline ticket is purchased, my hotel is reserved, my car is booked and all I need to do is send in my registration form!