(From the diaries. Chicago rocks! - kos)
Chicago!!!
We're pleased to announce that the 2nd Annual YearlyKos Convention will take place August 2 - 5, 2007 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago is not only a truly great American city but it's also has strong support in the Kos community. It's got everything that we liberals pine for: great museums, efficient public transportation, diversity, a strong union presence, delicious food and, of course, a huge convention center.
YearlyKos 2007 is going to be bigger and better than 2006, and maybe even a little more fun.
There were many cities to which we gave consideration and it was a difficult job narrowing the field; however when all things were said and done this venue came out head and shoulders above the rest. Chicago certainly received a lot of mojo in the location diary and that is not by mistake, Chicago is crawling with Kossacks and for those of us not residing in the Second City, it's got 2 airports making it one of the easiest cities to get to in the US.
You'll notice we also pushed the dates back a month or two so those students, teachers, and parents who couldn't make it to Las Vegas because of finals or graduation will now be able to come meet some userIDs in the flesh.
We've also reserved a block of rooms at the adjoining Hyatt McCormick place at $149.00. We know this is a hike from last year but due to the fact that we're not going to be at The Riviera, and we're not in Las Vegas, and hotel rates nation-wide have risen, it is the best we could do at a facility that met our standards. There are also a myriad of housing options in the downtown Chicago area and, while not as close to the convention center as the Hyatt, they are only a short bus, L or cab ride away.
Before selecting this facility and city, we evaluated proposals from venues in a variety of cities throughout the United States (taken from suggestions from the location diary). Utimately, we selected the McCormick Place Convention Center and Hyatt in Chicago because, among other reasons, Chicago was one of the most popular choices of the Daily Kos community, the McCormick featured a convention facility that can accommodate YearlyKos's unique logistical needs, the McCormick is a union facility, Chicago is an "airport hub" for many airlines that will make it relatively easy for most Kossacks to attend, and we were unable to locate any suitable facilities, other than facilities in Las Vegas, that offered room prices more than $20 dollars below the room price at the McCormick for our block of rooms. We strongly considered going back to Vegas, because of the cheaper hotel rooms, but ultimately decided that it was important to the organization to move to a different part of the country for the second annual convention. Ultimately, having thoroughly considered all relevant factors, we are confident that we have selected the best possible facility for the second annual convention.
Now that we've got the dates set, don't let yourself arrive in Chicago wishing that you had been an exhibitor -- email our exhibits coordinator, Robyn, at exhibits (dot) yearlykos (at) gmail (dot) com, and become one today!
If just exhibiting your goods at YK isn't enough, and you want to step up and become a sponsor, email our Fundraising Director, Linda, at sponsors (dot) yearlykos (at) gmail (dot) com. We've got all levels of sponsorship so don't be shy!
Want to volunteer to help with YearlyKos? Send us an email at volunteers (dot) yk (at) gmail (dot) com.
You can also support YearlyKos Convention by making a donation today.