Hi All,
We know a lot of you have questions about the spring conference and unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of answers. Wait wait, before you start using some choice language about me and the rest of the board, I will tell you everything I do know and hopefully, it will suffice.
It has been incredibly difficult for us to find a location. Hotel prices continue to go up, food prices continue to rise, and while we normally have bargaining power since we are a big group – that power, or lack thereof, seemed almost nonexistent. In addition, we seemed to run into a string of hotel and conference centers that were understaffed or having building issues with no ETA on when they would be resolved. I lost count of the number of voicemails and emails sent to hotels and conference centers that went unanswered. The quotes that we received literally left Rodger speechless – I don’t have to tell y’all how hard that is. Terry even used mature language with some of the sales reps trying to negotiate room rates and conference fees. Simply put, we were having a hard time trying to find a hotel and conference center with “reasonably priced” rooms and accommodations…however, we did find one place!
I’m excited to announce that the GABTO Spring Conference will be held on Monday, May 8th, and Tuesday, May 9th at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah Georgia! GABTO has been given a room rate of $219 per night plus state and local taxes, and a $6.00 per night city fee. We have a block of 80 rooms reserved, which we anticipate will go quickly!
Now, I do not have the link to the room block just yet. We are still working out a few details with Hyatt, but the link, along with the registration forms, and the agenda will be coming out in the next few days. We will get each item out to our members as fast as we can! We know that you all are eager for the details, to register for the conference, and see who will be speaking. Know that we are working as fast as we can, while also trying to be responsible and respectable to all parties involved. Thank you all for your patience and I look forward to seeing everyone at the conference.
Best,
Derek Cox
GABTO Secretary