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CFUnited Blog

Help Liz plan CFUnited 2009 and Results so far

Posted At : October 3, 2008 2:14 PM | Posted By : Liz Frederick
Related Categories: featured

I'm the decision maker for CFUnited 2009! But I need help! I want to make this event a cut above the rest and it is up to you to let me know what you want.

I recently sent an email to all my alumni over the past 10 years and I've gotten almost 150 responses back since last night. Keep voting to make a change for 2009!

http://cfunited.com/go/survey/164

So far the results mention:

Most of you travel by plane then catch a shuttle and some travel by car to stay at the hotel

Most of you prefer a hotel with a conference center within but wouldn't mind a resort with a conference center.

Most people think the price for a night's stay should be around $175 per night

In order of rank the popular dates are: #1 - June 24th

#2 - July 29th

#3 - July 15th

#4 - July 8th

#5 - July 22nd

#6 - August 5th

#7 - August 12th

#8 - August 19th

#9 - July 1st

An Important Note: The closer to June the event is the more expensive the hotel and the more limited the choices.

The general feeling I get is that everyone wants something more affordable and cozier. Most wouldn't mind date changes as long as the sessions rock.

There is a big divide on location. Most want the event along metro lines and a lot of you want a different scenery than DC. I think as long as it is near an airport and plenty of parking, you'll be happy (maybe even a free shuttle from metro lines to the hotel would be ok); however, the sessions have to be amazing and you want plenty of time to network. You say the budget should be spent on internet, food and fluids, and audio visual.

I think what I'll do is keep looking at the results until October 8th. Analyze with my staff and advisory board. I've already sent out the RFP to 15 locations to bid on. I'm looking into a few others. I may narrow the proposals down to 3 locations based on all the feedback and let the community vote one last time on those three locations.

This really opened my eyes. Thanks everyone! Keep voting!

This entry was posted on October 3, 2008 at 2:14 PM and has received 3723 views. There are currently 15 comments. Print this entry.

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#1 by todd sharp on 10/3/08 - 3:20 PM

2 comments:

1. Keep it in DC for the love of everything holy!!! I love being in the heart of the city. Even though we drive in I still like being within walking/short public transportation trip to all the fun stuff after conference hours.

2. You should definitely update the survey to mention the fact that June = more expensive. Having known that I would have definitely responded differently.

Otherwise - keep up the good work!
#2 by Liz Frederick on 10/3/08 - 3:37 PM

Good point! I should have said something about June being more expensive. Most people might not know that June is like the most popular month (also May) for conferences and weddings.

If you really want to keep it in DC, tell people on your blog to vote for DC!
#3 by Thomas Case on 10/3/08 - 4:00 PM

A question on timing: Does DC weather need to also be factored into the timing? June wasn't bad, but doesn't it get more muggy later in the summer?
#4 by Jim Priest on 10/3/08 - 4:03 PM

Raleigh, NC just opened a wonderful new convention center :)
#5 by todd sharp on 10/3/08 - 4:09 PM

Cleveland would be happy to host a CFUnited mini conference!
#6 by todd sharp on 10/3/08 - 4:10 PM

And yes, I'm being serious. I'd be happy to help out with it too...
#7 by Liz Frederick on 10/3/08 - 4:13 PM

Another good point. Weather is so unpredictable in the summer. June has sometimes brought on rain storms. We lucked out this year but in 2007 we almost had a flood and airport delays because of it. July and August is of course very hot and muggy during the day but less issues with rain and we get really cool heat lightening at night. The nights are really nice for wondering the city. I think if we did the event in July/August we'd have to pick a venue that is perfect for relaxing indoors and definitely have a pool. This August in DC was great. Not that muggy in my eyes. Early July is really muggy. And DC hasn't had a decent fourth of July in 2 years. It rains badly during that time.
#8 by John on 10/6/08 - 9:54 AM

I know there are a lot of CFML people in Metro DC...but where *else* are they? Seems to me that "DC every year" should only be the policy if there are more CFML people in Metro DC than anywhere else. Maybe an analysis of CFUG membership numbers? Especially in the following cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia.

Just my 2¢
#9 by Liz Frederick on 10/6/08 - 2:17 PM

@John
I hear what you are saying. I've always wanted to move the event to another city however about 50% of our attendees every year are from MD/DC/VA/PA. Also about 20-30% of our attendees are government contractors or work for the government and having the event in DC is convenient. Another point is that my team is close to DC and it makes it easy to visit venues and understand the surrounding area better.

I'm working on finding a venue that covers all the needs of the attendees. I'm finding that most people are hoping it stays in this area. I try to do CFUnited Express events to bring other cities an event but they only bring about 50 people on average.

Thanks for asking!
#10 by John on 10/6/08 - 2:19 PM

@Liz

Is there somewhere I can signup to be email-notified of CFUnited Express events?
#11 by Liz Frederick on 10/6/08 - 2:30 PM

@ John

We have a newsletter sign up field on the home page of cfunited.com if you want to sign up. But the best way is to stay subscribed to our blog for all announcements. Our next express event is in San Francisco, call CFUnderground. http://www.cfunderground.com/
#12 by John on 10/6/08 - 2:34 PM

@Liz

One vote for CFUnited Express events in Texas.
#13 by Liz Frederick on 10/6/08 - 2:37 PM

Texas? It may happen! I have quite a few people saying I should. Go to your user group manager and have them contact me! Thanks.
#14 by Kevin Benore on 10/14/08 - 4:13 PM

Texas would be great. On the main CFUnited event, keep in mind some of us have to plan now for next budget year. So the sooner the better on deciding dates and costs.
#15 by todd sharp on 3/21/09 - 12:28 AM

go away you stupid wow gold spammer!!

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