7th National Conference.

[sharon]

Kristin, you should bring a few copies of your book! I'm a very longtime ostomate and I enjoyed your book and have a couple of pages that I re-read just for the comfort of knowing another has the same feelings.

We just made air and hotel reservations. These conferences can provide a wealth of information even for an old hack like me.

[Diane C]

Jimbob,

I've a question. Two of us may share a room but I anticipated driving from VA to Philly. I just called the hotel. Parking is $42/night at the hotel. The hotel only has valet parking -- so that rate is for everyone. If I must pay that for parking, hmmm, it may be less to go by train or even by air. Can UOAA do anything about waiving this parking fee for those of us who drive and stay at the hotel?

Many thanks,

Diane C.

[Diane C]

Answering my own question. I spoke with someone from my local support group who's aware of the parking situation. As she is on the Board, will speak and represent our group, her expenses will be covered. I did see the extra information about parking in other garages where the cost is less than $42/day. If one is fortunate, one can park at one garage for about $17/day at the early bird rate. Other garages cost more and none is at the same zip code as the hotel so I'll need to see how far away they are. It's unfortunate that conference planners could not negotiate the cost down with the valet parking company. A daily parking fee of $42 raises the cost substantially and adds inconvenience for those who register for the conference and decide to drive to save on train or air fare. I'm definitely on the fence now. Originally, I was pretty sure I'd attend since the hotel was on the East Coast but I may wait for a regional conference. Mostly, I'd hoped to see the exhibits. I'm disappointed with the conference planning staff.

[Jimbob]

I am told there is a Parking Garage directly across the street from the Hotel that charges $20.00 per Day. As soon as I get the name I will post it. Sorry for the delay in answering but I was out of the country last week.

Jim

[Jimbob]

For information there is a Parking Garage across the Street from the Conference Hotel, It is the Gateway Parking Garage, located at 16th and Vine, daily rate is $22.00, You can get information from the conference page by clicking the parking link....I am told that there is a hospital nearby and a lot of the employees park at this Garage so it might be a good idea to call and see if you can reserve a place.

Jim

[Diane C]

Thanks, Jimbob. That info is very helpful and saves me time figuring out how far the garages are from the hotel. I'm now re-considering. That's half the price so it helps. Having planned conferences for the government near DC, I recognize that prices can be high and sometimes representatives from hotels have no ability to negotiate on certain items. Since 2 of us may share a room that would help, too. I think the early bird rate is right around the corner so I must decide soon. (The nearby airbnbs seem to charge for parking, too, or aren't in the safest neighborhoods at night -- I'd rather be with a group!)

It would be nice to meet more of you. The last national conference I attended was in Las Vegas. Whew, talk about hot and humid in August! But I got a lot out of it, met wonderful folks -- and although I didn't gamble more than $.25 in the casino (!), I enjoyed playing tourist after the workshops. I still want to return! Philly has so much history and it's been years since I've been there.

Many thanks. Enjoy the remainder of your Memorial Day Week-end.

Diane C

[Jimbob]

One more thing about the Gateway Parking Garage is I am told it is near a Hospital and a lot of the employees park there so it might be prudent to call the Garage and see they will reserve a spot? Just a suggestion.

Jimbob

[Diane C]

Thanks, JimBob. I tried to call but only could seem to receive the parking violations/ticketing number. I'll look again but sent an email to http://www.philapark.org/contact/ and sent it to Customer Service. Hope I receive a reply before tomorrow when the early bird rate for conference registration ends.

Diane C.

[Diane C]

JimBob, I know it may still be early but do you know who's in charge of registering vendors for the exhibit hall? I'd like to know that many vendors plan to attend. Many thanks!

Diane C.

[Diane C]

JimBob and Others,

No email reply from Philapark.org. It'd be helpful to have a name of someone who has a bit of time (?) and is planning the conference -- and knows about transportation and parking. Without this info, I won't be registering early by tonight. I think one only saves $15 -- but that's the cost of a lunch. I did learn that a couple from my wonderful N. Va support group is driving and I can join them. However, they also had hoped to tag on a vacation trip and I don't want to inconvenience them. Our non-virtual support group is Sunday -- the last one before September -- and perhaps I'll learn if anyone else is attending. Last night, while ushering at the theater, someone recommended Amtrak. But again, that means coming straight back and frankly, I could use a few days off to see some sights after my November surgery.

Time will tell. Thanks for giving me a name or email if you can.

Diane C.

[Jimbob]

If you are going to the National Conference and arriving by Plane or Train we have been offered a discount on shuttles to the hotel from the airport and return. Click on the link and use code (UOAA19) http://www.phltours.com/ The same company will also give a discount on tours if you wish to take one. See you there......

[Diane C]

Good incentive to take the train. I've been offered a car ride and still on the fence as I'm caring for my mom (age 102) who is nearby. Searching for a limited caregiver. She's extremely independent and I try to help often during the week but would like to find a PT job. It's a busy summer. The conference sounds informative and it's always great to put faces and names together.

My Dell Inspiron laptop sent warnings that the BATTERY (?!) is fading and today I rec'd notification that the battery is no longer working. So must get answers from the computer store; unsure I can install one myself if I buy it (looks fairly easy -- easier than some ostomy issues!). So, if you don't hear from me for a while, I'm handling computer issues (again!). I so need a teenager!

Be well!

Diane C.

[Jimbob]

I was in Philly this past week and checked out the hotel and area around it for the conference. Everything is close by and accessible including restaurants ranging from Subway to Cheesesteak and Hoagie shops to Chinese and right up to Upscale. A few blocks walk and you can make a picture where Rocky ran up the steps and of course Philly is where the USA started out. Being a small town boy I got a sore neck looking up at the tall buildings, LOL

If you are bored it will be your own fault, plus the conference will be great.

See you there.

[darick]

Oh Jimbob, you are so cool Can't wait to see you again this year!

[Jimbob]

Will be good to see you also Darick Plus the rest of the old gang. We will all have to have a toast for Jembe.