Early Thoughts and Feedback on Next Year's DC Luncheon -- Opinions Please???

[leigh.bess.toad]

I was thinking about next year's DC Luncheon I've hosted the last two years. Of course next year, I won't be hosting alone but will be hosting with my partner. I (we) look forward to doing it again next year. But I discovered we will have an issue next year. We've had it on the Monday of MLK weekend, which in 2013 is January 21. Usually MLK weekend also coincides with Mid Atlantic Leather weekend. But MAL is moving to the weekend before next year for one reason: inauguration. Of course, that means MLK weekend will make hotel rooms in DC expensive as hell and virtually impossible to come by. And no MAL to attend either. So forum members from out of town won't be as encouraged to come.

 

So I'd like some feedback from anyone interested just to start thinking about it. Would you like to move it next year to a Sunday lunch the weekend before (January 13) or should we leave it as it has been, on the Monday of MLK weekend.

 

Thoughts, recommendations, feedback would be appreciated. I know it's early but I'd rather start thinking about how to address this once every four year issue now rather than in November and December.

 

Thanks and hope to see you in DC in January.

[Guest countryboywny]

Hey Lee.. ever the consumate planner and host.

 

I did MAL last year for the first time and I'd like to do it again. I would be in favor of moving the lunch event to the MAL weekend. That being said, however, if moving presents a significant problem for many, then the lunch would be my priority and I'd skip MAL.

[Diverdan]

Hi Lee,

I think you have to avoid the Inagural weekend... as you said, for anyone coming from anywhere but DC, the hotel rooms will be scarce and very expensive, as there is really no limit to what will be charged. Other than that comment, I have no opinion on what weekend, and I do hope to make it in 2013 ! Thanks again for your consumate planning and thinking ahead. Hope you and Jerry are having a fantastic weekend!

DD

[Kevin Slater]

Wow, are you organized and thoughtful. I suspect consensus on the board will be to keep it with MAL weekend, but here's one vote against. I've never been able to attend because MAL weekend doesn't work from a bookings perspective-- too many distractions for folk to hire escorts and thus the one weekend I avoid DC. Regardless, it's been fun to follow the DC luncheon threads and I thank you for the work you put into them.

 

Kevin Slater

[leigh.bess.toad]

Just looked at travelocity and already there are NO hotel rooms available in DC on the night of the 20th. NONE. We don't even know who is being inaugurated yet. And won't for months. So I guess the DC gathering will be the MAL weekend. Just have to figure out do we do a luncheon Saturday, Sunday, dinner Saturday or Sunday. That can wait til later. But my guess is that it'll be MAL weekend just based on hotel availability. To say nothing of getting around DC during inauguration weekend either.

 

More later, but thanks for the input. Any other thoughts are welcome.

[Guest countryboywny]

Wow, are you organized and thoughtful. I suspect consensus on the board will be to keep it with MAL weekend, but here's one vote against. I've never been able to attend because MAL weekend doesn't work from a bookings perspective-- too many distractions for folk to hire escorts and thus the one weekend I avoid DC. Regardless, it's been fun to follow the DC luncheon threads and I thank you for the work you put into them.

 

Kevin Slater

 

I've always wondered about that.. I hired for the MAL weekend (and glad I did) but with all those men in one place I wonder if a little green hanky in your back pocket might generate some biz?

[Bosguy]

Wow, are you organized and thoughtful. I suspect consensus on the board will be to keep it with MAL weekend, but here's one vote against. I've never been able to attend because MAL weekend doesn't work from a bookings perspective-- too many distractions for folk to hire escorts and thus the one weekend I avoid DC. Regardless, it's been fun to follow the DC luncheon threads and I thank you for the work you put into them.

 

Kevin Slater

 

Kevin,

 

Strangely enough, I've heard the same thing from some of my favorite guys about IML in Chicago. According to them there are too many people, too many functions, and little free time (of their own choice) for hiring.

 

Boston Bill

[+ ArVaGuy]

Just looked at travelocity and already there are NO hotel rooms available in DC on the night of the 20th. NONE. We don't even know who is being inaugurated yet. And won't for months. So I guess the DC gathering will be the MAL weekend. Just have to figure out do we do a luncheon Saturday, Sunday, dinner Saturday or Sunday. That can wait til later. But my guess is that it'll be MAL weekend just based on hotel availability. To say nothing of getting around DC during inauguration weekend either.

 

More later, but thanks for the input. Any other thoughts are welcome.

 

 

Hi Lee,

 

I agree the event should be moved to the MAL weekend due to the complexities of the Inauguration weekend. The hotels are holding entire room blocks out of inventory knowing they will get premium rates whoever is elected in November. Hotel rates will approach and likely exceed $400 a night for a standard room with minimums of three to four nights per booking. Additionally, all the prime venues are booked in names of both political parties with the certainty that they will be used for Inaugural events. This is standard procedure for DC's quadrennial blow out.

 

The other factor to consider is that security will be a nightmare. In 2009 the city was under the strictest lock down ever for a modern swearing in of a president. I anticipate that 2013 will see even greater security efforts for fear of extreme protests if one side or another is not pleased with the outcome.

 

I actually like to observe the build out of the entire inaugural infrastructure which will begin the day after the election. Watching the reviewing stand go up in front of the White House is rather fascinating. Also the weekend before is when they run the rehearsal for the main event. A mock inauguration will be held with a stand-in for all the main participants. Its fun to watch if the opportunity arises though there is no public announcement just being in the right place at right time to catch it.

[Bosguy]

Lee,

 

I attended last year and it was an absolutely fabulous time. Even though am somewhat into leather, I did not attend MAL at all. My purpose there was to meet my fellow hiring guys and working guys face to face ( or ____ to _____) not attend MAL. I personally think that "piggybacking" (get your mind out of the gutter) does not add to our event and , for some, may detract.

 

Ever consider the 27th versus the 13th. That would be my preference.

 

And I thought I planned ahead. HOLY S_ _ T!

 

Boston Bill

[leigh.bess.toad]

Ever consider the 27th versus the 13th. That would be my preference.

 

And I thought I planned ahead. HOLY S_ _ T!

 

Boston Bill

 

That's a possibility, or even moving it to the President's day weekend in February. I guess all we can safely say is that isn't going to be on MLK weekend this year. That would just be too much.

 

But maybe I could start a Change.org petition to have them change the inauguration date so it wouldn't interfere with our party. I mean, really. What is more important, anyway.

 

Hey, I plan. It's what I do. I'm driving my guy crazy already talking about going to PS weekend. Next March. I was going nuts trying to figure out where to stay for our anniversary and was freaking out when it wasn't done a month ahead of time.

 

My order of chill pills is on backorder and haven't arrived yet.

[bigvalboy]

Hey Lee, I will absolutely be attending the DC function. I loved PS, so I am sure that this will be as much fun or even better.

I for one appreciate all the hard work it takes to put something like this together.

 

Cheers, BVB

[Bosguy]

That's a possibility, or even moving it to the President's day weekend in February. I guess all we can safely say is that isn't going to be on MLK weekend this year. That would just be too much.

 

But maybe I could start a Change.org petition to have them change the inauguration date so it wouldn't interfere with our party. I mean, really. What is more important, anyway.

 

Hey, I plan. It's what I do. I'm driving my guy crazy already talking about going to PS weekend. Next March. I was going nuts trying to figure out where to stay for our anniversary and was freaking out when it wasn't done a month ahead of time.

 

My order of chill pills is on backorder and haven't arrived yet.

 

It takes a while for a trailer full to arrive!!!

 

Boston Bill