SGGA Questions?

This is my first one and I am nervous. So, I need some help here!

1. One, what can I expect in general - the time frames, the food, etc.? Do the speeches/seminars take a lot of time, or is mostly just ladies gabbing? (and guys.)

2. What about 'after hours?' Do you have to be pushy and invite yourself or do you wait to be asked? As many you may know, I am 'tact' deficit and tend to speak my mind. I am also shy. I don't realize when I hurt peoples feelings, nor when they try to hurt mine - I just don't notice. I don't want to be a wall flower, but I don't want to be rude either - and I have a hard time telling when I'm rude.

3. I am staying across the parking lot at the Red Roof Inn. Is this bad?

4. Do I need to bring my own liquor and some to share? Or is this always a good idea?

5. Gliders. Well, neither of my cages is all tame. I have Sampson and Sassy in one who would rather give up their Stealth than sit in a pouch. And Mr. Beans in the other cage. He runs and hates to go into a pouch. When scared, he comes OUT of his pouch - usually onto me. Will I be expected to pull them out to show off? (I haven't decided which cage to bring. I am bringing the rescues for transport and one other cage.) Will people think badly of me if I can't pull them out? (Okay, this is a stupid question.)

I am really nervous about this. I haven't even started packing. I need to figure out how to care for the animals that stay here - including my son. What about my husband? He's not into gliders, but he is coming anyway. Will he have stuff to do? Any bars nearby?

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Who I shouldn't talk to and who I should! (That was a joke, sorry!)

1.Saturday will last 9-5. There are speakers coming. There ae many breaks for the restless ones. On sunday there will be more speakers and demos.
2. lots happens after hours. just walk around the hotel and you will find a good time, mostly people hang out by the pool or in someones room. Be pushy and just walk in and join the party.
3.it's not bad you are staying at the other hotel just make sure you spend lots of time at the holiday inn wandering around. you see a group of people with pouches stop and join in.
4.we do share our liquor but it's always good to bring what you like to drink.
5.lots of people bring there gliders but do not carry them around. no one will think bad of you if you do not share your gliders.
6.my husband is going and is not in to big crowds or all us crayz people so he usually hangs out at the pool or in a quiet spot of the hotal and people watches.
the sgga is wha tyou make of it. if you sit in a corner and be a wallflower you will miss the fun. get out there and be pushy join in the groups of people hanging out.

I can only answer for myself and from my experience.

1 - As far as the actual event on Saturday, it will be pretty structured because I guess we have to get out of the room for another event in the evening. So, there will be speakers and announcements and such... break for lunch and then speakers and announcements. Pretty much like the agenda posted on the SGGA site.
Sunday - during demos is much more loosely structured, but will still have to stay within the time limit. The Friday night welcome dinner is just come as you are, eat and meet people. No real schedule.

2) I guess I can understand where you are coming from. I, for one, do not mind anyone inviting themselves to hang out in our room when we are there. There will be so many people there that I don't think you will have a hard time finding someone to hang with. If not, then sure, invite yourself. People will pretty much be hanging out around the hotel in different areas and rooms, so no worries about finding glider people.

3) It is not bad that you are staying at the Red Roof. I think there will be others there. It really is a short walk (the worst of it being that you have to walk around a short fence that kinda divides the two parking lots.

4) Yes Bring your own. If you bring some to share, you will only make more friends!

5) Every one of us has had some not so tame/bonded gliders at one time or another. I have some now. I will be bringing gliders that aren't all that bonded to me. Additionally, I don't let others see some of my gliders -those that have open wounds or that stress from too much attention. So, don't worry about people judging you. That is not what we are there for. The best part is that there will be people there ready and willing to help with any situation you may have pop up --- gliders getting loose, injury, bonding help, etc.... make your need known and many will help.

The hotel sits in an area that is within blocks of... pretty much everything you can imagine. So, yeah, your husband can find plenty to do.

STOP stressing! You are gonna have a great time!

Saturday … as mentioned 9-5ish is the conference .. with attention on the speakers and breaks in between .. .ending in the raffle .. then vending latter that night …

After hours … follow the noise .. lol.. there are usually things going on in several rooms, groups going out to eat, lots of people hanging out .. if no one invites you to something .. knock on a door that has noise .. many have their doors open for people to wander … !!

This is the first year that I have been to with a second hotel .. I am sure there will be people doing the same thing in both .. you might be able to get some sleep being In the other hotel .. .LOL…

#4 .. always a good idea to bring your own .. some people have extra .. but sometimes that can seem rude .. most have what they want as many like different things …

5 .. you do what YOU are comfortable with .. if you want to show them to some one go for it .. if you are not comfortable with that .. then don’t stress youself or your gliders ..

I do the first timmers thing … because we do not want anyone to feel left out!! My first year I had met practically no one in person before we got to the hotel … and now I will not miss one !!!

John - what 'first timers' thing?

Ya'll are making me feel better. Believe it or not, I can be pretty shy! And act really stupid...

Well the first year I was going .. I was talking to about “NO wall flowers” … and telling Bourbon and others that there should be something done for the first timers so they are welcomed, and other people know who they are and can say HI and welcome them to the group … so guess what … I thought of it .. I do it … lol… !! the first year I did it was my first year too .. I can tell you I was terrified … lol…

Molly is very direct....................but thats what I like about her..............ya dont have to guess where she stands!!!!

Great topic Molly as this is my first as well......................you and I have been to little gatherings but this big one is scaring the shiot outa me

My door will be open...................................

I hope I can put my shyness to the side, be a little more outgoing, talk to as many folks as I can and have a BLAST!!!!

I think I am going to bring jello shot ingredients just in case I get a chance to make some there!!!!! (So bring your cool shotcups Laura )

Okay Cora - you and me can stick together. That way, if we get left out, at least we have each other - *hum a stupid song here...*

It scares the shiot out me too!

John - I'll have to make sure to find that! Totally off topic, but I'll send you a PM about it... nevermind...

Thanks for the PM ... .. can't wait to meet everyone new and see old friends too !!!

I have been to the hotel for a smaller gathering, like 10 of us, I can promise you'll find people at the pool in the evenings. It had a big seating area and that's where we were. Also, most of us also hang out in rooms, but don't always lock the doors, if you hear noise and see a door propped, there is someone having fun inside and your welcome to come in. I won't let you get left out, and I know Cora won't eithor.

Oh how sweet Molly!!

I guess I'm like you, Molly - I can never tell when I've said something that will piddle off an entire room of people. And I'm a recluse, highly inclined to be a wallflower. So, um, I guess I'll wander around until someone kidnaps me and forces me to interact.

So, next question,

What type of alcohol should I bring for all those who are coming?

LOL, Molly! bring what you like and if no one else likes it, more for you! wooo!

I've got an absolute crap-load of wine I will be bootlegging (ppl liked the stuff I was drinkin back in April... had to go buy a case of it and might have to go get more!)

Yes Cora, the kickass shot cups will be coming.... however our gliders will not. Decided to leave them with a sitter. Thought it would be nice to run around and play with everyone else's for a change