Just for fun: Dims Bash 2010 - Who's Coming?

[D_A_Bunny]

Originally Posted by superodalisque

i was thinking ( i know thats dangerous) wouldn't it be neat if we had a theme we could build some kind of activity around--like a fat poetry jam, some kind of paticipatory art thing like maybe making a short film together--maybe even a PSA just for fun. how about making a music video? writing a song together? crafty people might want to consider making things like a fat quilt--with people bringing premade squares. what do y'all think?

That sounds like fun. Maybe we should brainstorm something.

[BigBeautifulMe]

Originally Posted by superodalisque

i was thinking ( i know thats dangerous) wouldn't it be neat if we had a theme we could build some kind of activity around--like a fat poetry jam, some kind of paticipatory art thing like maybe making a short film together--maybe even a PSA just for fun. how about making a music video? writing a song together? crafty people might want to consider making things like a fat quilt--with people bringing premade squares. what do y'all think?

I love you Felecia, but I think that's too much work. Bashes are supposed to be fun. LOL

[LillyBBBW]

Originally Posted by BigBeautifulMe

I love you Felecia, but I think that's too much work. Bashes are supposed to be fun. LOL

Are you sure? We could all busily sew or knit a huge giant quilt! Then have natasfan wrap it around the fattest person at the bash. It would be fun.

[LillyBBBW]

Originally Posted by superodalisque

i was thinking ( i know thats dangerous) wouldn't it be neat if we had a theme we could build some kind of activity around--like a fat poetry jam, some kind of paticipatory art thing like maybe making a short film together--maybe even a PSA just for fun. how about making a music video? writing a song together? crafty people might want to consider making things like a fat quilt--with people bringing premade squares. what do y'all think?

You know, that's actually not such a bad idea. I know at one particular bash event someone decided to open up a crafty room for two hours as an experiment. People could bring stuff they've been working on, somone brought a boom box and we all sat around working on our projects and showing off our stuff. There was all kinds of stuff going on in there and some even learned how to do things they couldnt do before. I enjoyed it.

[ThatFatGirl]

I think the craft thing sounds like a lot of fun. It might also be fun to have a little mini craft bazaar so people who make things, but may not be so prolific as to fill a vendor table, could test the waters selling their wares (I'm thinking of myself here). It might also be nice to have a table of donated items where the sales could benefit a charity we select ahead of time.

[SoVerySoft]

I was thinking that if we all work together on a quilt, we can auction it off and the proceeds could go to help defray the costs of keeping Dimensions up and running!

[ssflbelle]

I love all the different ideas going around about the craft room, making a quilt and even selling some things. I don't think any of you know this but Mimi and I make beaded items. Not jewelry but purses, clocks, crosses, wedding cake musical boxes and baby bassinets, tissue boxes etc. If these craft room ideas take off I would love to teach you all how to make some ornaments or something. Please keep me in mind if the bash is held in Orlando again.

[D_A_Bunny]

Originally Posted by ssflbelle

I love all the different ideas going around about the craft room, making a quilt and even selling some things. I don't think any of you know this but Mimi and I make beaded items. Not jewelry but purses, clocks, crosses, wedding cake musical boxes and baby bassinets, tissue boxes etc. If these craft room ideas take off I would love to teach you all how to make some ornaments or something. Please keep me in mind if the bash is held in Orlando again.

I would totally be interested in this. Perhaps if there is enough interest you could design a project and make the kits of what each person would need and we could prepay for the kit so everything would be there. I would LOVE to learn how to make something beaded.

It would be cool if you brought some of the things you had already made for possible purchase as well.

[superodalisque]

i know a lot of dims folks are really creative. it would be nice to see what people do.

[BoomSnap]

I'm just gonna throw an idea out there: New Orleans. Bomb food, good night life, and believe me the random stabbings have went waaay down over the past year. The fact it's an hour and a half from me has nothing to do with anything what so ever.

[DennisJ]

I hope you all have it in Orlando again. Not that I'd be against going somewhere. But I thought everyone who came really enjoyed it here.

[MamaLisa]

really hoping to make it there next year.. u could all come down under?! lol

[HeatherBBW]

Just a quick note to let you know that I am going to be putting staff heads together in the coming weeks to come up with some groundwork for 2010.

Ultimately, we'd like to have something announced soon. This will enable people to make plans farther in advance.

I will let you all know that we are considering other locations and we will be taking a poll in another thread. So please look for it and give your input.

We loved Orlando and the reasons we went there were valid. Amonst them:

1. The convenient location to airport, shops, and restaurants.
2. Scooter rentals were easily attained for those with mobility needs as many rent them for park visits.
3. People were able to make turn their attendance to the bash into a giant vacation, by adding on theme parks.
4. The weather was beautiful and our pool party will be one that will go down in BBW Pool Party history.
5. The pricing was fabulous due to the numerous hotels competing.

BUT.. there is always a BUT We did not get the local support of other BBW parties/community. There are parties in the area, but we couldn't procure their support. The community there is also not as strong as it is in other areas with more established bbw events and activities, so compiling local attendance, was very difficult. So, due to this, we are considering locations where we know we will get more local support.

Does that mean we will be in that location forever? No. It means, we will build up the Dimensions Bash so that even if we have it in Alaska, it will be vibrant, well attended and most excellent

So in closing, please support us in this decision. We know many will be disappointed that were local or loved the location. But remember, that we make these decisions with the bash as a whole and ALL of those who will attend. So we promise, that no matter where we decide, it will be even MORE fantastic

Hugs,
Heather

[NoWayOut]

Originally Posted by HeatherBBW

Just a quick note to let you know that I am going to be putting staff heads together in the coming weeks to come up with some groundwork for 2010.

Ultimately, we'd like to have something announced soon. This will enable people to make plans farther in advance.

I will let you all know that we are considering other locations and we will be taking a poll in another thread. So please look for it and give your input.

We loved Orlando and the reasons we went there were valid. Amonst them:

1. The convenient location to airport, shops, and restaurants.
2. Scooter rentals were easily attained for those with mobility needs as many rent them for park visits.
3. People were able to make turn their attendance to the bash into a giant vacation, by adding on theme parks.
4. The weather was beautiful and our pool party will be one that will go down in BBW Pool Party history.
5. The pricing was fabulous due to the numerous hotels competing.

BUT.. there is always a BUT We did not get the local support of other BBW parties/community. There are parties in the area, but we couldn't procure their support. The community there is also not as strong as it is in other areas with more established bbw events and activities, so compiling local attendance, was very difficult. So, due to this, we are considering locations where we know we will get more local support.

Does that mean we will be in that location forever? No. It means, we will build up the Dimensions Bash so that even if we have it in Alaska, it will be vibrant, well attended and most excellent

So in closing, please support us in this decision. We know many will be disappointed that were local or loved the location. But remember, that we make these decisions with the bash as a whole and ALL of those who will attend. So we promise, that no matter where we decide, it will be even MORE fantastic

Hugs,
Heather

I was going to make one of those really stupid bets like I would show up in a dress if it ever was in Alaska, but then I realized that people could vote for Alaska just because they'd want to see that, so I'm not going to do that.

Just let it suffice that if it ever is in Alaska, I will be utterly amazed.

[Sweet Tooth]

The hotel in Orlando was wonderful, and the staff was so helpful and gracious. Orlando wouldn't be my #1 choice if given the option of any city anywhere, but I would be willing to go back there whether or not there's local support.

[D_A_Bunny]

Just to throw some thoughts into this subject - I thought the purpose of the Dimensions Bash was to bring together the people of Dimensions. That would not require outside support, unless there is something that I am not understanding.
Secondly, now that we have one under our belt, those who might have been hesitant, are looking forward to attending this year.

Let's not forget all of the statements made in Heather's post before the word but, such as great location for alternate activities, great hotel for being fat friendly and great service and pricing was really good.

Do I have a vested interest in the bash remaining in Orlando? yes. So do a lot of people. People move to Florida for a reason, it is a great vacation location. I think a lot of people who are willing and able to travel are going to be willing to travel to Orlando.

The above is my opinion only.

[indy500tchr]

Originally Posted by D_A_Bunny

Just to throw some thoughts into this subject - I thought the purpose of the Dimensions Bash was to bring together the people of Dimensions. That would not require outside support, unless there is something that I am not understanding.
Secondly, now that we have one under our belt, those who might have been hesitant, are looking forward to attending this year.

Let's not forget all of the statements made in Heather's post before the word but, such as great location for alternate activities, great hotel for being fat friendly and great service and pricing was really good.

Do I have a vested interest in the bash remaining in Orlando? yes. So do a lot of people. People move to Florida for a reason, it is a great vacation location. I think a lot of people who are willing and able to travel are going to be willing to travel to Orlando.

The above is my opinion only.

I ditto this...I had a lot of fun in Florida and wouldn't think twice about going back to the same place. I would think that you would want to find a place for a Bash that has great vacation options...like Orlando. I know there are a lot of Dimmers concentrated on the coasts however when I think of a summer vacation spot NYC, Boston or even LA are not the first places that come to mind. I think that the city that it is held in not only has to have a great venue for the activities happening at the Bash but other options for bashers to do outside of the hotel.

[HeatherBBW]

Just to be clear after seeing a few posts. Going back to Orlando is an option, but going back to the same hotel/location is not. Whereas the staff may have seemed gracious to many, there was some not-so-fun stuff that happened and a lot of stuff behind the scenes. I won't give them our money even if they begged us to come back.

But they clearly don't want us back, their hard sell to come back this year ended once our people were.. (their words): "Spending too much time in the common areas and visually distracting other guests."

I think that explains most of it.

[HeatherBBW]

Originally Posted by Sweet Tooth

The hotel in Orlando was wonderful, and the staff was so helpful and gracious. Orlando wouldn't be my #1 choice if given the option of any city anywhere, but I would be willing to go back there whether or not there's local support.

Are you speaking of Orlando, or the hotel itself or both? Please see my post below.

Also, the local support is needed to be able to make a profit or break even. (We didn't last year.) If not, we'd need to up the registration costs significantly, which would outprice people from being able to attend. That's why we are looking into other avenues.

I just want to make sure people aren't stuck on going back to FL for that hotel, because that is an impossibility.

[D_A_Bunny]

Thank you for clarifying that Heather. Now that you have stated that sentiment, I wouldn't want to go back there. That stinks because the set up was good.

And I also did not know that outside support was needed to bring in revenue. I will be closely watching this turn of events. Larry and I would love to come again this year, and plan on it, if the travel is feasible.

Thank you Heather (and helpers) for all of the hard work that you do in preparing for this event.

[HeatherBBW]

Originally Posted by D_A_Bunny

Just to throw some thoughts into this subject - I thought the purpose of the Dimensions Bash was to bring together the people of Dimensions. That would not require outside support, unless there is something that I am not understanding.
Secondly, now that we have one under our belt, those who might have been hesitant, are looking forward to attending this year.

Outside support and greater support from the bbw communities surrounding whatever location chosen, are needed to be able to afford to run the convention at an affordable rate.

When I say outside support, I may have made a mistake. Because it's support overall by attendance that I need. If we are in an area that has other things going on and a more vibrant BBW community, we can pull from that. That doesn't mean they aren't Dimensions posters.

For example, Heavenly Bodies (My group in MA) and the NJ Bash (Dims coordinators in NJ) have a mix of people who attend, those from Dims and those who are fat positive from the surrounding areas. But all of us coordinators are hardcore Dim folks.

In addition, the purpose of the Dimensions Bash is to bring the community together yes, but also to expand the community.

Most importantly, the bash needs to not only do the above, but it needs to make money, so that Conrad doesn't foot the bill for the site. Because if money isn't made, the site will be no more. I don't think people realize what a financial burden it is to keep this site up and running and .. free.

With that all being said, I hope people will support our decision to having to consider other locations.

Thanks for listening big hugs.

[HeatherBBW]

Originally Posted by indy500tchr

I ditto this...I had a lot of fun in Florida and wouldn't think twice about going back to the same place. I would think that you would want to find a place for a Bash that has great vacation options...like Orlando. I know there are a lot of Dimmers concentrated on the coasts however when I think of a summer vacation spot NYC, Boston or even LA are not the first places that come to mind. I think that the city that it is held in not only has to have a great venue for the activities happening at the Bash but other options for bashers to do outside of the hotel.

I totally hear you - one of the reasons we chose Orlando last year was for the vacation options. People could extend their bash into a supertrip that included other tourist type stuff.

That being said, we are going to try to incorporate this and in an area that has other outside fun stuff to do and that people travel to for vacations in the warm months. Maybe not as spectacular as Disney - but no one can really compete with the Mouse

[HeatherBBW]

Yeah the setup was great - I looked high and low to find the best setup for our group. There will be other great places though - so don't give up on us!

As for you and Larry, I fully expect you to be there, even if we have to come and kidnap you

Originally Posted by D_A_Bunny

Thank you for clarifying that Heather. Now that you have stated that sentiment, I wouldn't want to go back there. That stinks because the set up was good.

And I also did not know that outside support was needed to bring in revenue. I will be closely watching this turn of events. Larry and I would love to come again this year, and plan on it, if the travel is feasible.

Thank you Heather (and helpers) for all of the hard work that you do in preparing for this event.

[D_A_Bunny]

Originally Posted by HeatherBBW

Yeah the setup was great - I looked high and low to find the best setup for our group. There will be other great places though - so don't give up on us!

As for you and Larry, I fully expect you to be there, even if we have to come and kidnap you

I trust you completely Heather. We have been talking about going to the next one since we left the last one. Believe me, if we can drive there, we will be there.

[Sweet Tooth]

Originally Posted by HeatherBBW

Just to be clear after seeing a few posts. Going back to Orlando is an option, but going back to the same hotel/location is not. Whereas the staff may have seemed gracious to many, there was some not-so-fun stuff that happened and a lot of stuff behind the scenes. I won't give them our money even if they begged us to come back.

But they clearly don't want us back, their hard sell to come back this year ended once our people were.. (their words): "Spending too much time in the common areas and visually distracting other guests."

I think that explains most of it.

I meant that hotel particularly, not Orlando. I don't get enough time away from work in one single block to combine it with a real vacation, generally, so I don't personally care so much about it being a vacation destination.

However, after hearing this, I'm with you on not wanting to go back there even if it were held in Orlando again. I found the layout of the rooms comfortable and the lobby was beautiful [and good for hanging out]. The staff I came in contact with were gracious if not blatantly friendly. BUT.... none of that is worth giving money to those who have so little opinion of us. That's just sad.