[thebigbaker]

I also heard Atlanta, but Michigan would be good too.  At the rate it's growing, they are going to need them at places like the Meadowlands or better yet, Gillette Stadium 

Or the Georgia Dome, which is also right next to the Georgia World Congress Center and w/in walking distance of about 13,000 - 15,000 hotel rooms.

[thebigbaker]

What's wrong with 2013?

Maybe he's triskaidekaphobic 

Ha, not quite.  Got married on Jan 13, 2007...Friday the 13th!

[theDarkSide]

What's wrong with 2013?

Maybe he's triskaidekaphobic 

Ha, not quite.  Got married on Jan 13, 2007...Friday the 13th!

[morticaixavier]

Ohh ohh I know... but I can't tell... they might throw me in the river.

Oh come on Drew. Even if they DO throw in the river it's L.A. right? you just pick yourself up, dust off, pull the used syringe out of your bottom and walk back up the concrete viaduct. It's not like your even going to get wet!

[denny]

I can't say anything about where it might be, but I can tell you that I haven't heard any mention of Atlanta.


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[theDarkSide]

I can't say anything about where it might be, but I can tell you that I haven't heard any mention of Atlanta.


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Ya' know, Fred said the same thing on the shuttle back to the airport.  I think you guys are just touting the party line  .

Honestly, I'd like to survive Philly before worrying about 2014, but I understanding the people who can't make it next year.  I was in that same boat a couple years ago before attending Seattle for my first.

[gmac]

+ 1 for Michigan.  It's about the only way I'll ever be able to attend (unless of course you'd consider Toronto) 

[brewmichigan]

Denny or Drew, would you mind posting some info on how a site is chosen and what criteria it has to meet to even be considered. Just curious when the process starts and what is involved.

[denny]

The process starts a couple years in advance of a conference when a local club puts together a "bid" (non financial) to have the conference at their location.  They submit info on their ability to pull off final round judging, suitable locations, and volunteer resources available other things.  There's an online Google doc describing the process, but I don't have the link available on my iPad.  If someone doesn't post it, I will later.


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[dbeechum]

Here's the basic document:
http://ahaclubs.homebrewersassociation.org/NHCplanningguide

Usually two folks spearhead the bidding process, build a consortium of nutty individuals to handle different efforts and then work with Gary and Kate at the AHA to really put the polish on something. For instance, the conference in SD was put together by folks from at least 4 different clubs from SD to LA. Lots of time and energy.

Big problems for the conference right now is our growth is impacting locations we can go to. Does your area have a hotel complex that can host 2000-2500 people?

There are changes that coming down the pike where more of the mundane tasks will be handled by a core group from year to year that works with the local group to ensure a smooth conference. For instance, this year was the first time we had a paid Beer Services team to handle moving kegs in and out of the cellar and deliveries to where the kegs were needed. This was by far and away the biggest change that needed to happen because man, cellar sucks and it's a huge burden to ask a couple of local folks to give up their shot at the conference to do that task.

[brewmichigan]

Thanks Denny and Drew.

The thing I worry about it this event is becoming so big that only a handful of cities in the US can really support that many people for an event. When you also take into account that of the cities that can host an event like this, how many of them are "craft beer-centric"? Seattle and San Diego were great because they are great beer cities and have the support from multiple homebrew clubs. I'm sure Utah won't be in the mix for awhile 

[bluesman]

There's so many tasks that come into play when organizing a conference that will accomodate 2500 people for several days.  Each city and state have their own local laws that pertain. I know that the AHA has become more and more involved with Pro-brewers night, as it's just easier for them to do in most cases.  It's a balancing act that Gary and company have learned so well. 

As Drew has pointed out the AHA's growth as well as the popularity of NHC have comlicated matters with regards to accomodationing the amount of folks necessary to meet the demand. It's becoming more and more difficult to host a conference without moving up to the next size venue which then poses a whole new set of issues and concerns not to mention cost.

[bonjour]

Here's the basic document:
http://ahaclubs.homebrewersassociation.org/NHCplanningguide
 ...
Big problems for the conference right now is our growth is impacting locations we can go to. Does your area have a hotel complex that can host 2000-2500 people?

2000-3000+
Proximity of hotels is also a consideration.  2 to 3000 homebrewers, essentially an unlimited supply of beer,  drink up then "Drive" to your hotel room?   I don't think so.
 and as Drew said

Here's the basic document:
http://ahaclubs.homebrewersassociation.org/NHCplanningguide
Usually two folks spearhead the bidding process, build a consortium of nutty individuals to handle different efforts and then work with Gary and Kate at the AHA to really put the polish on something. For instance, the conference in SD was put together by folks from at least 4 different clubs from SD to LA. Lots of time and energy.

[denny]

Thanks Denny and Drew.

The thing I worry about it this event is becoming so big that only a handful of cities in the US can really support that many people for an event. When you also take into account that of the cities that can host an event like this, how many of them are "craft beer-centric"? Seattle and San Diego were great because they are great beer cities and have the support from multiple homebrew clubs. I'm sure Utah won't be in the mix for awhile 

That's definitely an issue we've discussed, Mike.  I wish I could say we have a good answer, but at this point we're searching for a solution.  There's been talk of multiple conferences spread around the country, but that's completely unworkable from a staff power and cost standpoint.

[Hokerer]

Ohh ohh I know... but I can't tell... they might throw me in the river.

Hmm, throw you in the river?  N'awlins would be a rockin' NHC location