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Now that we've all heard, seen, read, written, Flickr'd, and Twittered our way through BlogHer '07 (whew!), you bet it's time to start looking ahead to BlogHer '08. First order of business? Announcing its location. So without further ado, let me say that yes -- you have heard the rumors and they are true: BlogHer '08 is going to be taking place...
...somewhere!
The truth is, BlogHer '08 is still without a home, though not for long.
We polled you, and we've taken your feedback to heart. We've investigated your top contenders. Now it's up to you to help us make our final decision. So please, tell us what you think, keeping in mind a few things:
- The information we're providing is as accurate and detailed as possible, but it is still preliminary.
- We are aiming to host the event on the last weekend of July, as we have done every year.
- Your overwhelming feedback from BlogHer '07 is that the programming should take place in the same venue as the sleeping rooms -- you really want an all-in-one solution!
Read below for details about our leading options, then vote.
Note that voting ends Monday, September 10.
* * * *
Option One: San Francisco
Pros:
San Francisco came in as your top choice for location, so that's a big check in the "pro" column. It is, of course, a beautiful city with plenty going on. All potential event venues would be in the center of the city, and provide easy access to and from SF attractions.
Cons:
Because San Francisco is both small and charming, it is expensive -- and our options of venue (especially if BlogHer Conferences keep growing) are limited. It's also looking like we would have to move the conference up by one week (to the second-to-last weekend in July).
Bottom Line:
For a Fri - Sun in July, the best available room rates look like they'll be $209 - $239/night.
* * *
Option Two: Silicon Valley / Outside San Francisco proper
Pros:
Going 30 minutes (or so) outside of San Francisco means bigger venues, greater availabilities, and much more affordable room rates. Most nearby cities have attractions all their own, and offer myriad options for transportation into and out of SF for those who are inclined.
Cons:
The downside is that if we're outside of San Francisco, we're outside of San Francisco. Even if it's easy to get to SF, it won't be at your front door.
Bottom Line:
Spacious options, great availability, and room rates are only about $120/night!
* * *
Option Three: Boston
Pros:
The big BlogHer Conference has never taken place on the East Coast before, and could potentially attract a whole new group of bloggers. Plus, many of you expressed that you never otherwise have an opportunity to travel to this historic city (which is perhaps why it came in right on the heels of San Francisco as top choice of locale). Boston is also a small city, and easily accessible, plus it's very close to the airport.
Cons:
Just like San Francisco, getting to and staying in Boston is expensive. And again, we will likely have to move the event by a weekend.
Bottom Line:
Boston is probably just a little cheaper than San Francisco, at about $199/night.
* * * *
Option Four: Las Vegas
Pros:
The meeting and event capital of the US (if not the world), Vegas can fit us, and can do it a lot cheaper. Plus there'd be all those "What happens at BlogHer stays at BlogHer" buttons.
Cons:
Vegas does not host meetings on weekends! ANY option we go with would require a mid-week stay, where the bulk of the conference would be Mon-Wed or Tues-Thurs...not so great for the work week!
Bottom Line:
Some of the nicest hotels on the strip are available for room rates of $149, but only if we agree to go mid-week.
* * * *
Voting has closed.
We are eager to hear what you think, and encourage you to pass this on to readers/potential attendees. Click the link to add the poll to your blog, or just include the URL: http://www.micropoll.com/akira/MicroPoll?mode=html&id=51692
Thanks for your feedback!
