Brooks803
Member
I'd love to go. Maybe I can talk my wife into letting me go...anyone in my area crazy enough to join me? split the cost?
Midwest Penturners Gathering 2012
- Thread starter low_48
- Start date
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Buzzzz4
Member
Looks like we may be able to put lots of names with faces this year! This is a great event and we are really looking forward to it. Now to find the right hotel. Any blocks set yet Rich?
low_48
Member
Which hotel did you pick? We are looking at several different hotels. We are gathering data on Country Inn and Suites(std rate $89 with breakfast), Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham ($68) and Double Tree by Hilton ($117 with breakfast, $101 without breakfast). Do you guys want us to look at lower rates? We are going to get rates on all these for a block of 30 rooms. More info to follow ASAP.
alphageek
Former Moderator
I picked the country inn, but my rate was a bit higher than that. If you figure something out, I'd like to know. We are planning 2 nights as we have a 5.5 hour drive each way.
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
I know a few people have "booked" rooms, Rich. But, if you settle on a "home hotel", they will probably be able to change as long as we are this far "out" from the date.
I was somewhat aware of your plans, so we have not made reservations yet, and will certainly be part of your "block".
I was somewhat aware of your plans, so we have not made reservations yet, and will certainly be part of your "block".
low_48
Member
That was the group rate she asked for at Country Inn, but she's not sure if the rate was for single of double occupancy. She will ask for more details, we generated a list of questions tonight to get more info from the hotels listed. The other prices shown are standard rates until we get group rate information from them.
mbroberg
IAP Activities Manager, Emeritus
Being the cheap person I am, I booked a room at Motel 6 in Normal, IL. It's $40 per night (plus any taxes and fees) and 11 miles away from the venue. If we get a block of rooms at a hotel with rates not too much higher than that, I'll switch.
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mbroberg
IAP Activities Manager, Emeritus
Correction, I just rechecked my reservation. 35.99 Plus tax per night.
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Brooks803
Member
I got the approval to go! Just gotta figure out the cheapest way to do it. Im looking at flights to chicago and renting a car. Hotel Info will be great since I gotta plan way ahead.
low_48
Member
Jonathon,
There are direct flights from Atlanta, Ga to Bloomington, IL and starting April 9th into Peoria, IL where I live. About 45 minutes from Peoria, to Bloomington. Ohare in Chicago will be cheaper, but that is about a 3 hour drive, sometimes more with traffic. If you fly to Bloomington, the hotel will get you on a shuttle, and someone is bond to be close to your hotel to get you to the venue. That would save you the rental car.
There are direct flights from Atlanta, Ga to Bloomington, IL and starting April 9th into Peoria, IL where I live. About 45 minutes from Peoria, to Bloomington. Ohare in Chicago will be cheaper, but that is about a 3 hour drive, sometimes more with traffic. If you fly to Bloomington, the hotel will get you on a shuttle, and someone is bond to be close to your hotel to get you to the venue. That would save you the rental car.
jjudge
Member
DAY (dayton) to/from ORD (o'hare) flights for $349
Hmmm ... versus a 5hr drive.
--joe
Hmmm ... versus a 5hr drive.
--joe
Buzzzz4
Member
We will be driving in from Grand Rapids, Mi. We have room if anyone needs a ride between there and Bloomington. Also, we plan to stay at the hotel with a block of rooms.
Brooks803
Member
Thanks for the tip Rich! Although Atl is a 3hr drive it'll be a drive I've done many times.
I've been doing my homework today looking at flights and hotels in the area. I was looking at Hawthorne suites, Days Inn, and Red Roof. They're all in the same spot (West Market St if I remember correctly). About 6miles away from the venue. Do you have an idea as to when you'll decide on where to reserve that block of rooms?
low_48
Member
It looks like Country Inn and Suites will be the winner. Chris gave it a good review, others are looking at it, and at least one reservation has been made already. We can get a better price by $10 at Hawthorne, but they want my credit card number as an agreement on the group rate. I'm more than a little nervous about giving my credit card number on 30 hotel rooms even with the manager telling me that he would not charge me anything. That would have to be in writing, and I would still be nervous. I like you guys a lot, but not 30 times $79 a lot. I have a feeling that maybe 30 rooms might not be enough, and Country Inn will do 40 rooms or more at the rate of $89. That includes breakfast. I have to get over there and sign a letter of intent and then will have a code number for everyone to use. Okay with everyone? Anyone with a different recommendation? If not, I'm going ahead.
alphageek
Former Moderator
It looked like the best overall to me based on online reviews.
PR_Princess
Member
Who gets the lathe in their room? :tongue:
thewishman
Member
I stayed there last July and it was very nice indeed. There are snacks available during the day and the rooms are comfortable and quiet.
Brooks803
Member
Thanks Rich! I'll try to coordinate with someone staying there to bum a ride to and from the venue. That'd save me about $200!
SOMEONE'S gotta bring one! Can't have a bunch of turners sitting around talking and no turning!
DrPepper8412
Member
I'm hoping to come from school in Chicago. It would be nice to put a face to some of the turners I so admire!
ZanderPommo
Member
Me and possibly the gf (emmwittle here on IAP) will be there all day saturday. cant wait!
ericw95
Member
Just watch the speed traps. If the cops get wind of a bunch of rich craft type people, you just may be pulled over and asked to fork over some cash AND the pen you sign your citation with. No first hand knowledge but I was given a similar warning once about Bloomington's finest.
rherrell
Member
Make sure it's a Jet Mini, I'm donating a tool rest and alot of other "goodies" and I made the tool rest for a mini, that's by far my most popular.:biggrin:
HAVE FUN!
wthomp
Member
Crushed...
I do not post on here as a general rule but I will visit from time to time. I am one of the older members from what I have seen and am just crushed that Greg has given up turning pens and posting on here. I have never been to a Penturners gathering but as I will be in Terre Haute, IN on the 27th for a veterans event, I may drive on over and see what all the hubbub is about. Greg used to get VERY excited about the gathering and put a lot of work into it. Will
I do not post on here as a general rule but I will visit from time to time. I am one of the older members from what I have seen and am just crushed that Greg has given up turning pens and posting on here. I have never been to a Penturners gathering but as I will be in Terre Haute, IN on the 27th for a veterans event, I may drive on over and see what all the hubbub is about. Greg used to get VERY excited about the gathering and put a lot of work into it. Will
low_48
Member
I agree Will, Greg put on a first class show. He pulled the plug shortly before last years event. I took that one over too, and we kinda limped by. Well really, it turned out quite nicely. This year seems to be gathering the momentum like a few years ago. Come on over!
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
Hey Rich,
If we make reservations at the hotel now, will they count toward the rooms you reserved? (or 'do you want the business, yet"??)
If we make reservations at the hotel now, will they count toward the rooms you reserved? (or 'do you want the business, yet"??)
low_48
Member
They set back 40 rooms for us, but seemed to imply that more could be added if we needed them at this early date. As it gets closer, that option will probably be closed. I say go ahead and reserve now so we can easily get more rooms if we need them. Jeff asked about other hotel options if we need them, so you will see other options in the sticky real soon. Thanks for asking Ed.
ZanderPommo
Member
Hey whats the score if you want to grab a table? I may have some resin blanks for sale if anybody wants to buy or trade....
low_48
Member
Anyone selling must present a $50 damage deposit check. My turning club had to put up a $500 damage deposit on the building. No damage, everyones checks get returned or torn up. Damage caused by anyone, the checks gets cashed. I will provide a table for swapping. Maybe provide a piece of paper telling what you would like to swap for so you don't have to baby sit the blanks. Selling will not be permitted at the swap table. It's not fair to the vendors.
ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
Hey Rich!!
How do we get the money to you (Exotics).
We are HAPPY to pay for the space---do you want PayPal, or check or ?????
I'm sure all the vendors will want to know this, but if it is mail, PM me an address, please.
Thanks!!!
How do we get the money to you (Exotics).
We are HAPPY to pay for the space---do you want PayPal, or check or ?????
I'm sure all the vendors will want to know this, but if it is mail, PM me an address, please.
Thanks!!!
low_48
Member
All vendors can just bring the check along with them, and I will collect them at the Gathering. I prefer the check since I fully intend on giving them back.
ZanderPommo
Member
10-4 sir thank you!