2005 Gathering Information - Basic for booking travel

[dread]

I don't offen post and Have made a decission to attend the gathering in 2005 (finally) and wondered - since I have not ever attended a gathering what is involved - It says from July 28 - 31 but there are classes before and after those dates? Can anyone give me an idea how it works - When do they post the classes - So I can keep an eye out for them when posted.

[pjacobs]

If you are a member in good standing of ISGB, you will receive a book, about Feb, with all the information. Usually they also put the book on the ISGB website for download.

Pam

[PamDugger]

Pam's right, about the middle of February all members in good standing by Dec. 31, 2004, will receive a registration booklet which will tell you all about what will be happening at the Gathering, including the pre and post-conference classes. Once you receive the registration booklet, you can fill out the form and send in your registration by a certain date to be included in the first lottery for the classes, etc. The participants in all the classes are chosen by lottery, as well as the tour and whatever other events there are that have to be limited in number. There shouldn't be too many this year, other than the tour and the classes. The facility this year will be huge. You are going to have a great time!!
Pam

[Greg]

The classes are usually Monday Tuesday and Wednesday before the conference and 3 days after.
Depending on the length of the class.

Greg

[bjcohan]

Deb, there will be plenty of time to book your flights etc. as soon as you find out whether or not you got the classes you want. Last year, I posted my travel plans on Orbitz and asked them to email me when a cheap fare became available. Amazingly, the fares dropped to rock-bottom the same week that I got my class notifications, and I managed to fly to Portland and back for a ridiculously low price.

You can book your rooms ahead of time for the longer period (to include any classes you're trying to get into). Then, if you don't get the classes you want, just change your reservation to a shorter time period.

I'm glad you'll be there this year. Get ready for total sensory overload! This will be my third Gathering. It's truly an amazing, though budget-crushing, experience.

Barb

[SaraSally]

Just a reminder, we extended the "member in good standing" date to January 15, 2005. So, you still have a couple of weeks to make sure your membership dues are paid for 2005.

[torchdancer]

Just a quick note about booking your hotel. I have noticed with several big hotel chains, they are now not making the first night refundable, so really watch what you are clicking okay to, if you book online!!!

I got out of my "non-refundable" reservation, because my roommate had also booked a room, so they didn't charge me because it was a double booking. This was at a VERY Large Hotel Chain, for a Med-size California City, but it might be different in Louisville, just double check all the small print.

Debi

[chellesbeads]

Hi!! I'm finally an official member! I'm so excited to be supporting my art and to be possibly going to The Gathering. Does anyone know how much the registration fee is this year?

It is just too close to home to miss. I only started lmapworking really last May, and haven't had a lot of hours practice, but that should change soon.

Glass is my love and passion. I totally am in the zone when doing it. I can't wait to meet some of you that I know by name from here ane WC! On WC! I am Toxey's Treasures and Chelle.

Thanks,
Chelle