1999 Conference Update: Host Committee

Beverly Waldron

In this issue of the ACN our report takes the form of questions and answers about the basics: when and where, how to get there, the hotel, weather, and what there is to do (when you aren't in sessions, of course.)

Q. When and where is the next conference?

A. The 1999 conference occurs a couple of weeks earlier than usual. It will be held June 6 - 10, 1999 at the TradeWinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Q. It has been a long time (for some of us a very long time) since I had geography, exactly where is St. Pete Beach?

A. The appendage hanging off the lower right (southeast) corner of the United States is Florida (wasn't sure how long it had been since you had geography). About halfway down on the left side (Gulf coast) of Florida is Tampa Bay. (It is a big bay - you'll see it when you are watching the Weather Channel.) Pinellas County is the little finger of land that extends down, enclosing the bay. At the tip of that little finger is St. Pete Beach. For those of you more visually oriented we've included a small map.

[map]

Q. O.K., now I know where it is, how do I get there?

A. Well that depends on how you want to come. By air: Simple answer, fly into Tampa International Airport. National and international frequent flyers have consistently rated TIA as one of the very best airports in the world. In Conde Nast Traveller magazine it has made it as high as #1 in the U.S and #2 in the world. In addition to being a great airport it is only about 30 minutes from the hotel. (Note: In the April 99 ACN we will have more details on getting from the airport to the hotel.) By ground: If you want to drive, the simplest directions are found in an old Jimmy Buffett song, " The next thing I knew I was on I-75 headed for Florida...". The following driving distances might give you some idea of how long you would be in the car: Atlanta - 470 miles, Boston - 1361 miles, Chicago 1160 miles, Cleveland 1116 miles, Miami 257 miles, New Orleans - 636 miles, Orlando - 105 mile, Pittsburgh - 1041 miles. (Note: In the April ACN we will have more details on exactly how to get to St. Pete Beach and the hotel by car.) Depending on where you are coming from, AMTRAK is another possibility for those of you who like rail travel.

Q. What about the hotel? Where's the beach?

A. We will be staying at the TradeWinds Resort which AAA rates as a four-diamond resort. The resort spans 18 lush tropical acres dotted with meandering waterways, charming white footbridges and Victorian gazebos. It is located right on the Gulf of Mexico so the white sands of the beach will be just steps away from your door. Each room features a wet bar area with coffee maker, refrigerator, toaster and dishware. Rooms also have voice mail and computer data-ports (for those who can't leave home without the laptop).

Q. What about the weather?

A. It is Florida, it will be summer, and it will be hot! (I know summer doesn't officially begin until June 21 but in Florida "summer" weather tends to start in late April or May and doesn't end until October or November.) The meteorological records indicate that for June the average high temperature is 89.6^o while the average low is 72.7^o. (The sea breeze coming off the Gulf will make it seem more pleasant.) If you decide to hit the beach you will not have to worry about cold water -- at that time of year the Gulf water temperature will be in the low 80's.

The Tampa Bay area is know as Florida's Suncoast because it averages 361 sunny days a year. St. Petersburg even holds the Guinness World Record at 768 consecutive sunny days. Having so many sunny days doesn't mean you won't see rain. June is one of our "damp" months with an average of 5.48 inches of rain. Combining that much rain with sunny days means we sometimes have relatively short, intense thunderstorms. (Among its many other claims to fame, Tampa Bay has the distinction of being the U.S.'s lightening capital.) But don't worry about the thunderstorms. They typically occur during the early morning or mid to late afternoon -- when you will be in sessions enjoying the conference program. (The left over clouds can also contribute to absolutely beautiful sunsets.

Q. What is appropriate attire? What kind of clothes should I pack?

A. Let's refresh your memory. One, it is Florida. Two, the hotel is on the beach. Three, it will be hot. In case you haven't gotten the hint yet -- this will be a casual conference. What do we mean by "casual"? No suits! No ties! No stockings! No heels.! You can wear anything you like but we do offer the following fashion tips: a suit and tie will let you do a pretty good imitation of a turkey in a baking bag; ditto for stockings, ladies; plaids and florals do not mix; dark socks & wingtips do not go with shorts; and finally, sun glasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit are good ideas.

Q. OK, once we get there, what is there to do?

A. Going to answer this in two parts. Right now we are going to concentrate on what there is to do at the hotel. In the December issue of the ACN we will talk about what there is to do in the area.

First of all there is the Gulf and the beach. They provide plenty of opportunity for relaxation or play. For instance: walking along white sand beaches, playing in the surf, or relaxing in a hammock. Let's not forget to add cabanas are available. Want to be a little more active? How about sailing? There are Aqua Cats (with complimentary sailing lessons) available. Also Aqua Cycles, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skis, and waveriders.

Don't like salt water? There are 4 pools, whirlpools, and a sauna. Let's not forget racquetball, croquet, a putting green and volleyball. There are also 4 har-tru tennis courts (and an on-site pro to help get you starter or to improve your game). The TradeWinds also has exclusive golf privileges at one of the area's finest private golf courses.

The resort also has waterways that meander through and around the resort. Paddleboats are available for you to cruise these waterways with the ducks and the swans. Gondola cruises are also available.

For those of you who don't want to give up your fitness regimen while away from home there is an on-site Tony Little Fitness Center with free weights, equipment and personal trainers. Also available are low impact aerobics with a certified instructor on Monday through Friday; aqua aerobics on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; and a beach walk on Tuesdays and Thursday. For those who want to pamper themselves the Body Works Salon is available.

Q. My husband/wife/significant other/girlfriend/ boyfriend/partner/friend/etc. has informed me that going to Florida without him/her/it would probably not be good for our relationship or my own continued good health. Would this pose a problem?

A. Not at all. Bring them along. There is plenty for them to do during the day (while you are busy with sessions).

Q. What about kids?

A. They are more than welcome. The TradeWinds has something called the KONK Club (Kids Only No Kidding) and Kids in Action. Programs are available for the morning, afternoon or all-day. There are separate programs for kids age 3 - 6 and age 7 - 12. It is a fun-filled day of arts & crafts, pool time and beach games. (Note: prices per child for summer '98 were $21/morning session, $15 afternoon session, or $28/all day with lunch.) There are frequently evening programs for the kids as well. Programs of interest to teens are also offered during the week.

Hopefully this answers some of the questions you may have about next year's conference. We will have more information in the next ACN (and in the February and April issues). In the meantime you may find additional information at the following websites:

TradeWinds Resort: www.tradewindsresort.com

St. Petersburg-Clearwater Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.stpete-clearwater.com