Chicago Audio Fest 14-16 October

David Ellis · « **Reply #40 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 12:42 pm »

Yesterday I received this email.

***************

Mr. Ellis and Mr. Salk,

Due to our security concerns with your function and not having a contract with your group through our hotel, we have no option but to refuse the Chicago AudioFest access to our hotel. You are using the Homewood Suites hotel information on your website without permission and we ask that you remove us immediately. We thank your time and understanding. If you have any more question on this matter please feel free to contact me directly. Again, thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Jennifer A. Marini
Sales Manager
Homewood Suites by Hilton - Schaumburg
815 E. American Ln.
Schaumburg, IL 60173
ph 847-605-0400 ext 413
fx 847-619-0990
jennifer.marini@dimdev.com

*****************

/// Rambling a bit...

Strangely, 6 weeks ago when I discussed the details with the events folks they expressed no need to contract our small gathering. At the end of the telephone coversation with Jennifer she was unwilling to allow the security risk of our gatherng and unapologetic for their mistake.

Even after I kindly explained the general nature of being a professional, having responsibility, making a mistake, and offering an apology... I still didn't get one. ... the end

. I suppose their is hope for the human spirit and general civility, but I sure didn't get this from Jennifer, and her representation of Hilton.

Then I must admit that I work in an ethical utopia. As an ICBM launch officer working in targeting for STRATCOM I am blessed to work with and extremely bright, extremely ethical, and extrmely professional group of people. I suppose it's wrong for me to expect this from other organizations.

I was livid, but got over it.

As a minimum, I will never stay at Hilton again.

/// Done rambling...

The venue location will change. I have some work to do this morning on this. I believe the location will be the Marriot Schaumberg. I have some telephone calls to make and will post later today with some finality.

Tentatively, the Marriot appears to be a +/- deal. The standard room is not big enough for a system. However, the Marriot has 16 conference rooms. Presumably we will be able to get several on a Saturday, but it'll cost a few $$ for the exhibitors. These details will be worked later today.

I spoke with Bill last night, and it doesn't appear that timing will allow Jam'n Joe to attend due to the time necessary to mail some gear. Joe, confirming, you DON'T want to attend and DON'T want a small conference room.

The cost for the previous conference room was $100. I suspect these will be @ $200, but I really don't know for sure.

Dave

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #41 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 02:52 pm »

Hope it works out for your show...good luck !!

Chris[/list:u]

MaxCast · « **Reply #42 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 05:49 pm »

What a pisser. Glad to hear there may be an alternative. Thanks, Dave, for all your extra efforts.

Marbles · « **Reply #43 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 05:55 pm »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

The Marriot folks in Denver were great....hope the same can be said of the one's in Ohio !! Chris

When did Chicago move to Ohio???

Just razzing you a bit Chris

I know you New Yorkers don't get west of the Hudson very often

David Ellis · « **Reply #44 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 11:06 pm »

Gents,

Chicago AudioFest will be moved to the Hyatt Regency Woodfield. Everything else was very full, and the Marriot conference rooms cost $2000 per day.

Hyatt Regency Woodfield
1800 East Golf Road,
Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
Tel: 847 605 1234

http://woodfield.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/

We will have 4-5 conference rooms for our gear, and exhibitors will be on the hook to pay for their room.

Please wait @ 1 day for me to lock this event before making reservations. Room cost will be $99/night.

Mor information will follow ASAP after the event is locked and reservations can be made.

Exhibitors,

The cost per display room $150 per room. I do understand that some of you may not appreciate this. I would be happy to share a room with another exhibitor as necessary. I will also be happy to surrender "my" reservation to someone else if they desire the entire room. I am flexible. Currently Joe will not attend. IMO, Phil Bamberg, Jim Salk, and SAS audio have priority. I have received a few phone calls, and simply wish to know if you still want a room. It looks like we will have 4-5 rooms.

If possible all 5 rooms will be in close proximity, but this may not be possible due to the conference tables extant in a 2 rooms. In this event, we will have 3 smaller rooms and the ballroom a couple floors down for the DIY gathering room.

This event looked like would be VERY easy. I am sorry for not seeing things before they happened. I'll be smarter next year.

Dave

AKSA · « **Reply #45 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 11:15 pm »

First time I've seen the current terrorist paranoia and corporate policy dovetailed so neatly together. Very clever. Is this an indication of how Joe Citizen will be treated in coming decades?

The absence of an apology is evidence of higher authority and a grimly, politically correct Jennifer, who is determined to crawl up the corporate ladder..... Nothing unpredictable there.

This is very disappointing, David, I wish you well......

Cheers,

Hugh

David Ellis · « **Reply #46 on:** 11 Oct 2005, 11:32 pm »

Quote

The absence of an apology is evidence of higher authority and a grimly, politically correct Jennifer, who is determined to crawl up the corporate ladder..... Nothing unpredictable there.

Thanks for the humor. This really helps!!!

Thanks Hugh!

Hey, do any of your customers live in Chicago? If they have some of your amps, I'd be happy to give them some time in my system.

I still have your 55wpc parts, but haven't built them yet. There always seems to be something else more pressing.

Dave

gonefishin · « **Reply #47 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 01:39 am »

Quote from: AKSA

First time I've seen the current terrorist paranoia and corporate policy dovetailed so neatly together. Very clever. Is this an indication of how Joe Citizen will be treated in coming decades?

The absence of an apology is evidence of higher authority and a grimly, politically correct Jennifer, who is determined to crawl up the corporate ladder..... Nothing unpredictable there.

This is very disappointing, David, I wish you well......

Cheers,

Hugh

Hugh...I just love when I can read the smile in your posts...thanks

Speaking of...are you coming over for the event?

maybe you can stop by my house for a listen to your AKSA amps on some horns

dan

gonefishin · « **Reply #48 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 01:50 am »

Quote from: David Ellis

Hey, do any of your customers live in Chicago? If they have some of your amps, I'd be happy to give them some time in my system.

I still have your 55wpc parts, but haven't built them yet. There always seems to be something else more pressing.

Dave

David,

Hey...I've got a couple of them. A 25n+ version...a 100WattN+ version and a 55N+ version (which is not yet built

and is for my brother anyways

Darn it! That close to a tri-amped AKSA system

)

back to the subject at hand>>>>

You know what situation I'm in right now, with my back and neck. I feel real good...but still don't want to overdue things. If I have good news from the Doc tomorrow, I hope to make the event Saturday (remember Maynard Ferguson is playin' near by Friday night! I'm not missing that no matter what

)

Which leads me to The 100WattN+ version AKSA that I have. If I could swing up there Saturday...I'll find some way to bring my AKSA100n+. I'd love to hear the combo too

thanks for all the added troubles that you've gone thru>>>

dan

David Ellis · « **Reply #49 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 02:36 am »

Great,

Yes, I do remember your back troubles

... ouch. If you can visit, and bring an AKSA (any flavor), I'd be happy to let folks listen. These are wonderful amps, and should not be overlooked for the DIY hifi guy.

Dave

wshuff · « **Reply #50 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 04:54 am »

Quote

You are using the Homewood Suites hotel information on your website without permission and we ask that you remove us immediately.

This is the part of Jennifer's letter that gets me. I checked your site, and other than a sentence stating that the show will be held October 14th - 16th at the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173 (information that I presume you posted AFTER having confirmed the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173 as the site of the show), I see no Homewood Suites information whatsoever. Perhaps we are supposed to obtain Jennifer's permission before ever referencing the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173. It is unclear from her email whether permission would be needed to orally say the name Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173, but clearly her permission is needed if you want to write Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173. Maybe Hilton is now owned by, or partners with, M@NSTER C#ble, so any use of the name, even in casual converstion, poses the risk of potential litigation. I do understand the position of the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173. Clearly security is an issue, and since the Hilton family obviously needs to commit large numbers of personnel to the task of keeping Paris from making any more "private" movies, or once made, from having said movies distributed widely on the Internet and every corner video chain, it is not surprising that the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173 cannot muster the necessary resources.

I do hope you update your site soon to show that the show WILL NOT be held at the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173, so that those who were thinking of attending, or perhaps just those who thought to one day visit the area, will know that they should not make their reservations at the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173. That should make Jennifer happy.

Besides, it sounds like the Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173 is a bit like that old Seinfeld bit -- they know how to take the reservation, they just don't know how to "hold" it.

Have fun guys.

And Dave, glad to know that you calmed down. Jennifer obviously didn't know she was dealing with a man who (literally?) has his finger on the button. Plus, you had her targeting info -- Homewood Suites, 815 East American Lane, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #51 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 04:57 am »

Quote from: Marbles

Quote from: lonewolfny42
The Marriot folks in Denver were great....hope the same can be said of the one's in Ohio !! Chris

When did Chicago move to Ohio???

Just razzing you a bit Chris I know you New Yorkers don't get west of the Hudson very often

You mean you didn't hear about it Rob ?

David Ellis · « **Reply #52 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 11:14 am »

Quote

Maybe Hilton is now owned by, or partners with, M@NSTER C#ble,

There are some very funny remarks, but this one is my favorite. In retrospect, there is some humor found in this matter.

The website will be updated this afternoon.

I think there was someone who misread comments above. The Chicago event is NOT moving to Ohio. It's staying in Chicago at:

> Hyatt Regency Woodfield
> 1800 East Golf Road,
> Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
> Tel: 847 605 1234

The event will be Saturday 15 Oct in conference rooms - all day.

Dave

PEB · « **Reply #53 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 12:44 pm »

I'm glad the event is in a nearby hotel, instead of moving to Ohio. I think that having to change the name of the event might just push Dave over the edge, and we all know what could happen should his trigger finger start to itch!

Does this now mean that to exhibit Friday afternoon is an additional $150? Has the hotel indicated a cutoff time for playing music?

Steve · « **Reply #54 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 04:28 pm »

Well, I have car problems and the soonest I can get in is Friday afternoon. My favorite mechanic says Monday at his place.

So I have to officially bow out for this year.

On the good side, there are a good number already looking to come. Enjoy this weekend and wish I were there.

David Ellis · « **Reply #55 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 08:37 pm »

Thanks Steve,

Dave

BradJudy · « **Reply #56 on:** 12 Oct 2005, 09:40 pm »

All I have to say is: That sucks.

At least you managed to salvage the event - good work.

gonefishin · « **Reply #57 on:** 13 Oct 2005, 02:07 am »

David,

Will you have a pre-amp to hook to the AKSA amp? I think the only thing I have together right now (that's extra) is a Joule-Electra la75 tube pre. But if you've already got something...I won't bother with bringing a pre.

just let me know>>>

dan

David Ellis · « **Reply #58 on:** 13 Oct 2005, 03:28 am »

I have an Anthem CD-1 and use a Creek passive preamp. This has worked wonderfully with the AKSA. A few others agree. The impedance is high enough on the AKSA to make this viable. Given a strong enough CD player, an active preamp really isn't necessary.

I tried a few active preamps - they were worse overall.

Dave

gonefishin · « **Reply #59 on:** 13 Oct 2005, 05:34 am »

Quote from: David Ellis

I have an Anthem CD-1 and use a Creek passive preamp. This has worked wonderfully with the AKSA. A few others agree. The impedance is high enough on the AKSA to make this viable. Given a strong enough CD player, an active preamp really isn't necessary.

I tried a few active preamps - they were worse overall.

Dave

SOunds good. Thanks for the opportunity to listen to the AKSA amp with your speakers.

dan