Information for Delegates

April 24th, 2008 by sgrimes

I know that the LP will be sending out some information, but I have been looking and found some pretty useful pricing information for going to the Con.

First, Southwest (although I am pretty much scared of their planes) I have found has the cheapest flights @ around $260 (from Seattle). I tried my other favorite site, cheapoair.com, but I was not able to find the times that I needed otherwise I would have used them. It is imperative to buy tickets early because I am afraid prices will just keep going up =/

Also, I looked into hotels. I am not old enough to rent a car, so I looked at hotels in the vicinity of where the Conference is being held. They were not any cheaper than the Sheraton (where the conference is), because LPCon goers get a discount ($99/night).

To get the special $99/night rate for the room, go: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=0803121993&key=90C50

If you haven't yet looked, the official site for Con organization is http://www.denverlpcon.com/. I will be purchasing the Congressional Package for $179, and then the Presidential Banquet for $125. I don't really care about the breakout groups or anything so that seemed to be the best. I was also told that you don't HAVE to buy one of these packages if you are just going to vote.

I will be arriving on May 22nd and staying all the way through to the 26th.

Its better to start preparing early than be caught in a hard place come the Con. I hope to meet up with all of you there! Hopefully we'll get our packets soon and get more information.

WEEE so excited! Only like one more month!!!!!

Comments

Just bought my plane ticket

Submitted on May 2nd, 2008 by sgrimes

Just bought my plane ticket with some stimulus money. It was about $361 with Southwest.

I was also checking my hotel options, and it is cheaper to actually buy on Hotels.com or sheratons website (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/index.html). I mean, not much cheaper (about $4 per night), but it ends up being about $20 which really makes a difference for me.

Since I can't rent a car yet (stupid "24 years old" rule) I will be using SuperShuttle. Round-trip pricing from the airport to the hotel (and vice versa) is $36 I think? Somewhere in there.

Anyone that hasn't bought

Submitted on May 2nd, 2008 by rossl

Anyone that hasn't bought plane tickets yet should consider taking a bus. If you find the right one, it can cost a fraction of what a plane ticket costs. I know that there are busses from Philadelphia to New York for $5 or $10.

Status of Trip

Submitted on May 2nd, 2008 by DebbieKat

We have our plane tickets on Alaska and we are staying at the Adam's Mark. I also did my reservation via the starwood website and it seemed pretty trouble-free.

I haven't purchased my conference registration yet. Will do that today.

I'm still not sure about whether we want to rent a car or take the super shuttle... :-) We have some friends in the area, but probably won't get a chance to do more than dinner with them so I'm thinking having a car is a waste.

Thanks for putting this up!

Submitted on April 24th, 2008 by BamaGravelian

I need to get on the ball tonight!

"People will have to suffer a level of frustration and anger sufficient to reason their way out of this conundrum and reach for an "out of the box" solution to their own empowerment." (page 6 of Citizen Power)

Me too

Submitted on April 25th, 2008 by DebbieKat

I am only going to be attending Sat/Sun/Mon. I had some correspondence with BetteRose Ryan who is one of the convention organizers. I think the packages are awfully confusing. There are a lot of different options. She recommended the following to me based on my last email with her where I indicated I wanted to see the presidential debate and be able to vote. Also, my husband will be traveling with me but not a delegate...

BR: "The best package for you would be the Congressional package as it gives you all the materials you need to be a delegate and gives you the opening reception. If your husband is not a delegate, he may grow tired of the debates on platform and bylaws. I would suggest the Aide package. Instead of receiving a delegate book and such, he would get a pass to allow him to go to all the breakout sessions. Should you wish to do some of that with him, you can increase your pass to the Speaker level."

DebbieKat: "I am not going to be able to attend the first couple of days as I won't be able to get the time off from work, but I am hoping to be there Sat, Sun, Mon. Would the congressional package still be the best? Since I won't be able to attend the opening reception?"

BR: "I would take the junior congressman ticket and buy the delegate book and bag as an a la carte. The problem with that ticket is that it will not allow you to hear the speakers on the convention floor. You will only be allowed to attend the business sessions. It is strictly a delegate duties only pass. Your husband can watch that for free provided there is seating in the gallery that has not already been reserved. It is not the best but it will allow you to vote on the presidential candidates and will save you some money."

DebbieKat: "When you say it will not allow you to hear the speakers, does that include the presidential debate?"

BR: "I don't think that final decision has been made on that yet, however, the discussion is whether to include it in the Jr. package or to charge a small extra fee for it (around $10), as this includes extra A/V beyond the simple business of the party. Debates are not, at this time, open to the public unless we have a fee attached.

Be aware that you can always upgrade your ticket anytime before the convention or at the door if the upgrade does not have meals involved."

HTH!