I delivered the bad news last month that the Blogger Open would not be back for IBM Connect 2013.  I appreciated all the feedback, and it is clear that there is interest in a post Closing Session event so I followed up on some suggestions. I have good news and bad news.
The Good news
The new bowling alley at Downtown Disney is the perfect location to hold and event, they will reserve a section of the bowling alley, and serve food. Â While it is a bus ride away from the Swan & Dolphin, there is a free shuttle so transportation is not a problem. Â Logistically it is better than mini-golf as we won’t have the chaos of getting everyone out on the course. Â Sounds great right? Keep Reading
The Bad News
It is not cheap. Â The Blogger Open has ranged anywhere from 50-75 people over the years. Â To reserve 6 Bowling lanes, and feed 75 people (alcohol would be ‘cash bar’) Â is approximately $6000 which is substantially more than it cost in the past for mini-golf.
I throw this out there to let the community know there are options, if anyone is interested in sponsoring the event, please get in touch with me, if I find enough sponsors I will run the event.
I would prefer to be one of many sponsoring, but we are interested …
Thanks John, can you give me an idea how much you are willing to sponsor
that being said, if we can’t raise the money, we can just all meet over there. They have 3 bars, a sushi bar, and lots and lots of space. And then just go completely ala-cart. Someone could go over early and just put in our name for a few lanes and just pay cash per person for bowling and per person for food and drink.
It’s a great place. Was impressed as I went there over the holidays.
Does this mean you’re bringing your ball down with you? And can I get video of your performance?
I wonder what it would take to get Soldier of Love put on the jukebox down there?
No I am not hauling my bowling ball to Orlando, and any video of me bowling on Thursday afternoon at the end of the conference is sure to be good.
BLUG will sponsor too. We can do $500 and a few prizes too.
Thank you Theo and BLUG
Hey Mitch! Conxsys can throw in $500 this year. I wish it could be more and I hope it helps.