2013 and 2014 US Go Congresses

[DrStraw]

from what i've seen, the most important thing to make a go congress a fun one is to have close proximity between all the events

Wrong!

Proximity to a good watering-hole is the key for fun.

I hear there were a few good watering-holes on the Chisholm trail, which runs just west of Dallas. Perhaps that would work for you.

[LocoRon]

Dallas... in the middle of summer... Now if we could get an event down there in winter, I'd be all for it.

Five day forecast I see right now... 106, 104, 104, 95, 104.

For the celsius lovers, 41, 40, 40, 35, 40.

as true as that statement is, i dunno.. get over it? haha

For an event that could cost $1000+ I sincerely hope the organizers would have a better attitude than that.

As for me, even 90 is way too hot. If I had the cash burning a whole in my pocket I would still pass.

[wineandgolover]

It is hard to find hosts for congresses. It is a ton of work.

Please do not discourage potential volunteers by whining about the weather.

[oren]

It is hard to find hosts for congresses. It is a ton of work.

Please do not discourage potential volunteers by whining about the weather.

While it's true it's a lot of work, I think it's very important to have a host area that encourages people to come rather than discouraging.

If people want to host an event in Dallas, winter is a much better time.

[wineandgolover]

If people want to host an event in Dallas, winter is a much better time.

To my knowledge, the US Go Congress is a summer event. The hopeful organizer can't really go to the board and say, "Christmas 2014! Whaddyathink?"

[oren]

To my knowledge, the US Go Congress is a summer event. The hopeful organizer can't really go to the board and say, "Christmas 2014! Whaddyathink?"

However, there have been wintertime events organized by Go Clubs. There was a big event in NJ/NY/DC last year or the year before. I'm trying to encourage thinking about doing something opposite the congress.

[often]

It is hard to find hosts for congresses. It is a ton of work.

Please do not discourage potential volunteers by whining about the weather.

While it's true it's a lot of work, I think it's very important to have a host area that encourages people to come rather than discouraging.

If people want to host an event in Dallas, winter is a much better time.

name one area that sounded exciting to you as an area in the past 5 US congresses
the only reason i went to any of the last few was b/c of the go congress, not because i thought "oh man ____"
seattle could've been rainy and dreary, north carolina was in the boonies, colorado springs was high altitude
'sides, as discussed before, you're there for GO, most people usually sightsee on the off day anyway so there is only so much you can do.

if you want logistical reasons for Dallas, there are plenty
1. American Airlines Hub - meaning that getting a direct flight will be easier than any of these other places that involve a flight and maybe a 2 hour cab ride to get to the location (north carolina) . or taking a smaller flight to get to the location b/c the airport near it is a smaller location (santa barbara). a hub means more flights means cheaper flights. let's not forget that it also means easier flights for the overseas visitors.
2. Relatively easy transportation - there is a plan within the next two years to have the dart (the rail system) extend from the airport to most major places in dallas. which is a good alternative to getting a cab, and easy ways to get around
3. Reasonably high concentration of Asian populations - there are a lot of chinese, japanese, and korean businesses here which could help people feel at home if they wanted their local cuisine or that could support the go congresses. not to mention the crow collection of asian art
4. Decent amount of attractions - Texas Rangers if people want to see Yu Darvish, museums, six flags, etc etc

the go congress has always had the problem of finding a "cheap" place that is also attractive to visitors. if heat is your biggest problem i'd still say get over it. there are other considerations to what makes a good congress other than the heat.

the things that would make me excited about a go congress would be interesting pros and well thought out activities -at- the congress. if those don't exist, a go congress is just one boring tournament.

[Joaz Banbeck]

...
if you want logistical reasons for Dallas, there are plenty...

Also, the Wright Amendment expires in 2014. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_Amendment )

But then again, most of what can be said about DFW could be said about Chicago. And reliable rail service is already in place at both O'Hare and Midway.

[wineandgolover]

But then again, most of what can be said about DFW could be said about Chicago. And reliable rail service is already in place at both O'Hare and Midway.

I don't think the recent posts in this thread are about the merits of particular cities. I think they are about discouraging potential congress organizers from volunteering, due to something we may not like about their city, like <sigh> the weather.

We can debate Dallas versus Chicago, in the unlikely event they both step forward at the same time.

In the meantime, let's foster an atmosphere that encourages these brave volunteers.