Convention 2008

[brisnat81]

Hi Guys,

Since my trip to the US back in June, I've been kicking around the idea of hosting an Australian convention in Brisbane. After talking to a few people, I'm looking to propose a date of September/October 2008.

Whilst there wont be the number of machines that some other members have, in 18 months time between myself and Leon, we will have a reasonable collection of toys to play with, quite a few of which are unique to Australia. Plus there is the added bonus of an overseas holiday for the non-Australian members.

For now I'm just looking to guage feedback and see what people think of the idea. I know it's a long way away, however by planning now it gives everyone the opportunity to save and plan for the trip.

I've attached a link which goes into the tourist/whats on aspect of Brisbane.

I'll throw in a little bit of information about where Brisbane is and the climate etc at that time of year:

- Brisbane has a population of 1.8 Million People which makes it Australia's third largest City (Remember the total population is only 21 Million)
- In September/October it is spring with Avg temps of 18-28degC
- Brisbane is almost in the middle of the east coast of Australia, it is 1600km to Melbourne, 800km to Sydney and 1500km to the Great Barrier Reef. Airfares within Australia are cheap now so getting around is quite easy.
- At the moment the USD buys 1.30AUD, so even though most things (Particularily food) are more expensive than in the US, the exchange rate should make the cost about the same.
- Brisbane is located in the state of Queensland specifically in what is called South East Queensland, which is the Bottom eastern corner of the state. Within 2 hours of Brisbane, there are some of Australia's renowned beaches, Rainforests and Natural attractions, Eucalypt forrests, and many other things. Steve Irwins Australia Zoo is about 50 minutes north of the city.

Enough of my Rambling for now, let me know what you think and that way we'll see if we can make it happen

Kind Regards

Nathan

http://www.ourbrisbane.com/

 

[toggleswitch]

O M G!

Pass the smelling salts

 

[partscounterman]

It's no worse than traveling to the mainland for me!

 

[westytoploader]

That would be utterly fantastic (we've been wanting to take a trip to Australia for a long time), but I probably couldn't afford to go, especially with the 2008 North Canton VCCC Convention (which is Hoover's 100th anniversary that I don't want to miss) being around that time!

 

[jmirawm]

THUD!

......didn't pass those smelling salts quick enough Toggle. <p>This is something I would consider doing. And this gives me plenty of time to consider it.....

 

[oxydolfan1]

I'm down for that.

 

[mattywashboy]

i would come across depending on wether i can get time off from uni, but yes i would defintely pop over, its only a 4 hour plane ride from Perth.
Kepp us posted
Matt

 

[toggleswitch]

If Austalia didn't need a return ticket to get in, I don

This is a fantasy come true. I have had Australia on my mind for the longest.

Remember Wilma and Betty on a shopping spree?
CHARGE (it!)

This one, IMHO, is a once-in-a lifetime trip. I'm thinking WORTH getting into debt.

Imagine if we could all get on the same flight out of Los Angeles, California? Or by some accident of fate charter a flight?

 

[brisnat81]

You can Fly direct from LA to BNE

Or SF - SYD - BNE

My biggest recommendation would be to fly Qantas. Unless the upcomming takeover totally screws the airline, they are a pleasure to fly with, and a great full service airline.

I must admit, it feels strange to be discussing something that is 21 odd months away But I figure plenty of notice is better than not enough.

 

[gansky1]

Excellent idea, Nate! I'm in!

I think I want to stay at the Sportsman Hotel!

 

[oxydolfan1]

Sportsman Hotel...

Yup, I like the idea of that place too!

But they only have ten rooms...

 

[brisnat81]

Sportsman Hotel is pretty seedy (Think unmodernised 70's

I've never ended up in the rooms however

Its a slightly seedy pub, (Tired and slightly worn with age)

It is friendly non-judgemental and accepts pretty much everyone, unlike some of the other clubs/pubs.

Downstairs is the Mineshaft, but thats a whole other story.

We live about 4km in a straight line from the city or 8km over the river via road.

 

[oxydolfan1]

Oh. How is the Central Brunswick Apartment Hotel?

 

[brisnat81]

Central Brunswick Apartment Hotel is nice

Its at the opposite end of the cbd, about a 10 minute walk in the city.

I've had friends who stay there when in BNE and have advised its quite nice.

 

[tlee618]

Nathan this is a wonderful idea and I really appreciate your giving us so much notice. This is for sure something that I would like to do, it would be a once in a life time trip. Count me in!!! Terry

 

[mattywashboy]

ooo looks like it might be worth definately considering since so many people i'm dying to meet are intrested, glad its only a hop skip and jump for me, i'll start pricing up some airfares and accomodation
Excited now lol

 

[oxydolfan1]

Are tourists permitted to drive and rent cars easily?

 

[scott55405]

Wow! This sounds really exciting. It's certainly something I want to think about, and particularly for that reason and given the fact this is a big trip for many of us, I'm very glad you have given a great deal of notice! I do hope I'll be able to join you!

 

[brisnat81]

Car Rental is fine

As long as you have a current US drivers license.

The big thing to remember is that we drive on the Left (Proper) side of the road.

That was two things I struggled with in the US:
1) Remembering to look left right left instead of right left right when crossing the street.
2) Every left turn I came to when driving, I had a mantra in my head that left equals right (Left hand turn aim for the right side of the road)

A family sized car with all insurances is about $100 per day, a compact car (Tiny by US standards) can be gotten for around $50-60 a day.