[johnf]

I guess given that there's a waitlist, there must be some procedure for refunding or transferring a reservation. Does anyone know for sure?

For Oakland I had to give up my registration. I just emailed they AHA, they refunded me, gave it to the next person on the waitlist. Not automated, but very easy.

[Gary Glass]

I guess given that there's a waitlist, there must be some procedure for refunding or transferring a reservation. Does anyone know for sure?

We will accept refund request up to March 31.  Those needing a refund can contact Chris Williams our events registrar at williams@brewersassociation.org/888-822-6273 x 125.

I do think we will be able to accommodate a good number of the wait listed people, though probably not everyone.  It's certainly our goal to accommodate as many people who want to attend as possible.

Something to keep in mind with the conference is that we have to book the venues 2 to 3 years in advance.  The 2012 contract was signed before the 2010 conference even took place.  It's not easy predicting what kind of growth (or possible decline) we'll have that far in advance.

[a10t2]

Thanks Gary. I was worried about taking someone's spot without being sure I could attend.

[Roger Burns]

I think that the GABF should be the place that those college kids learn about great beer, and the NHC is where they come to learn how to make it.  Two great conferences with two different goals.  Depending on your perspective, one is the minor league, one is the major.  But each joined together.  As long as there is interest, there will be growth.

Thanks to Gary for also pointing out how far in advance the planning takes.  Our own Crispy Frey mentioned in an email to our club how many people are needed in just one facet of the NHC planning.  It is a major undertaking, and I think that all the AHA members should really know how much.  I definitely feel like my dues are working for me. 

brew on,
Roger Burns
Ann Arbor Brewers Guild

[MDixon]

Personally I think the issue is/was waiting until February to allow people to purchase the conference. Usually it quietly opens in November and it does not sell out for quite some time. My suggestion would be to go back to the old ways for 2013.

[udubdawg]

Personally I think the issue is/was waiting until February to allow people to purchase the conference. Usually it quietly opens in November and it does not sell out for quite some time. My suggestion would be to go back to the old ways for 2013.

I can see your point, but IMO having more information available about the conference is better.  The more speakers/events that are defined, and perhaps even if a schedule of seminars was defined when tickets go on sale, the less likely people will cancel, no?

cheers--
--Michael

[j25stew]

I would like to know how many tickets were sold, w/o awards dinner? How many last year? ( not to include the social only option)

[bonjour]

The 2011 and 2012 are being held at radically different facilities with different capacities.  Sites are currently chosen almost 3 years in advance.  The 2012 site was chosen before last years conference and is the 2nd largest NHC ever.

And yes, we went well over our anticipated growth.

[MDixon]

Michael - I contend the speakers have little to do with whether or not one attends a conference. What it boils down to the pretty simple, can I go, do I want to go and can I afford to go.

Now you do bring up a good point, I wonder what the cancellation rate has been in the past.

[aod]

Wow.  I got the email about tickets last week, posted it up on my homebrew club forum/facebook, booked a hotel room, and said, "I'll get the tickets next week, I need to study for this BJCP exam in two days."

Well crap.  I have a hotel room and no tickets.  (I am on the wait list, but I got on kinda late...)

Will sell half a room for tickets?!

~Adam

[timmyr]

Have reservations and on the waitlist.  Hoping.  Any word when we may see e-mails go out or have they already and I missed it because I did not read all 3 pages of the post?

[tschmidlin]

Have reservations and on the waitlist.  Hoping.  Any word when we may see e-mails go out or have they already and I missed it because I did not read all 3 pages of the post?

I would contact the AHA to find out what the deal is.  I don't know what the notifications looked like, so I can't say if you were too far down or missed it.  The AHA will know.

[aod]

I signed up for the waiting list too, but never heard anything from the AHA.  What's the best way to contact them?

~Adam

[KathrynPorterDrapeau]

Thank you to everyone that has waited patiently to hear if they have a space at this year's AHA Conference. Unfortunately, all the Full Conference and Social registration spots were recently filled.

Kathryn

[timmyr]

Bummer. Well, I still have a reservation in the event someone cannot make it and wants to sell their registration (it that's allowed).