As I recently came back from a ladies gathering in the
Milwaukee area, I thought I would share some tips that
have worked for us many times over the past ten years.

Location -- not sure what cities you have in mind to vote for,
but it helps if it is a major city, for those flying in. Having
to connect to smaller cities can add alot to the cost.
(by the way, I missed the Vegas meet due to family drama; all okay now)

Hotel -- if possible, pick a hotel with suites or some suites.
At one of our past gatherings, eight of us stayed in a 2-bedroom suite
with double beds in both, and roll-aways to help. Fun!!
And if no suite, then a hotel agreeable to most.

Also, a hotel that has free shuttles to the airport is nice, like the
Best Western Midway Hotel near Milwaukee that we just came from.
And for a small cost, they took us to places of our choice.
Like the Potawatami Casinos, LOL!!

The hotels we chose all had areas where we could comfortably
gather as a group for as long as we wanted, even 24-7 if needed LOL!!
For example, at the Best Western they had a big atrium area with
lots of tables for everyone to sit at. We spent alot of time
hanging together and chatting and laughing, and some brought goodies
and wine for all. There was so much laughter throughout the days,
even the hotel staff got into it with us.
I brought boxes of macadamia nut chocolates for all.

Sightseeing and activities..we did some of that, but not overly, as
we were there to enjoy each others' company. I arrived in Milwaukee
a few days early so that I could spend time with another friend
who happened to live in the same area.
(note: some brought husbands, and they fit right in LOL!)

Anyway, just thought I would add what has worked for us
year after year.
I can't wait to see what the next meet plans are!!

Hugs,
Cindy

Great tips. Your other online community have been meeting up for the past ten years, Cindy? How fab! Do you spend a weekend (or longer) for these get-togethers and do you have overseas members attend these?

Lola, yes, we have been doing that for that long, and I have two other
groups that meet every other year. Although many come to Hawaii to
visit in between. : )

In general we pick a weekend about six months ahead. For this trip,
we chose Friday May 16 - Sunday May 18, but many arrived on the
14th and 15th, some like me stayed until the 20th.
We came from all over the USA, and some years we have a member
or two coming from Europe or Asia.

Oh, yes. Hawaii. Now, if it were not sooooo far away... My sister lives in Waipahu when she is not with her husband at the atoll and I have yet to visit. She comes to the mainland instead. Faaar off to the northeast. How long was the flight to Milwaukee?

These are excellent tips Diamond. And it's good to hear the best way from an experienced Boomer.Are these other cyber friends Boomer ladies as well?

Lola, small world isn't it! I am going to Waipahu today to help clean up
my mom's apartment. Honolulu to Milwaukee was an 8 hour flight; just think of
it as a long car ride LOL.

Edelweiss, yes, they are boomers like us.
The best age group LOL!!
Although, a year ago I joined a local mom/grandmom
group that is very active and large; but my
all time favorites are the boomer groups like ours here.

Edelweiss, do you plan on visiting the States next year or
the next? I really hope you do!

I hope I can make it too. But like Louisa and JJ said...it's pretty far in the future, and hard to commit definitely.
If I ever have more time, I would like to join local cyber groups too.

Edelweiss, I think that is true for most. The hardest part of
planning a major meet is deciding the exact weekend to meet.
Once a weekend is decided on, then flights, hotel and other details
can be worked on.
It is so wonderful to meet those you already "know"!

Cindy