2011 Brewerfan.net Winter Meetings (Sat 3/26/2011); Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., Fitchburg

[jjkoestler]

Are the Winter Meetings happening this year?

[Invader3K]

I'm in if they are. Wasn't able to make it last year due to being down in Arizona for ST, but had a blast the year before.

[Invader3K]

Any news on this? I don't live in the Milwaukee area but would be willing to try and help put something together.

[jjkoestler]

How about having the Winter Meetings in Madison? The downtown Dane would be a great space.

[logan82]

How about having the Winter Meetings in Madison? The downtown Dane would be a great space.

Downtown Madison is a little crowded right now.

[brewers19]

There is nothing being planned formally. Though people are more than welcome to do something on their own.

[Invader3K]

How about having the Winter Meetings in Madison? The downtown Dane would be a great space.

That would be fine with me, as we live closer to Madison than Milwaukee. I know this idea has been discussed in the past and might be fun. There are other Madison area posters on this forum who might be interested.

"Downtown Madison is a little crowded right now".

Maybe right now, but in a couple weeks or so? Perhaps something could be done the weekend of the 26th (which is right before Opening Day).

[TooLiveBrew]

Just a suggestion, but call ahead if you're going to be bringing a relatively large group in. They might have some special offers to throw your way. Not saying I know, but it's worth asking.

 

http://www.greatdanepub.c...&id=26&Itemid=40

 

Ask to speak with Kristin.

[Brian the Automator]

Invader, that would be great if you wanted to put something together. I'd certainly be in attendance.

[Invader3K]

Well, I see it as we have a couple options. I like jj's idea of doing something in Madison, but if enough people want to do something in the Milwaukee area, I can check around. It may be tough to coordinate two events, being we're already in mid-March (assuming we want to do this before Opening Day).

 

If jj (or someone else) wants to contact someone at the Great Dane, that would be appreciated, otherwise I can do it as well. It would also be helpful if we could get some others chiming in here to ensure there is real interest in doing an event this year.

[greeg35]

May want to bump this to a "headline" thread as not everyone checks this forum.

Depending on the date I would consider making the trip to Madison or Milwaukee; but I agree that it is probably not a good idea to try two at this point.

[Invader3K]

May want to bump this to a "headline" thread as not everyone checks this forum.

This would be helpful.

[1992casey]

This is now featured on the main page. As news develops, either a mod or jjkoestler can edit the topic title accordingly.

[logan82]

Maybe right now, but in a couple weeks or so? Perhaps something could be done the weekend of the 26th (which is right before Opening Day).

 

Maybe, maybe not. March 26th is the state girls basketball championships.

 

 

There are other Great Dane locations. Fitchburg, Hilldale and a new one on the eastside.

[jjkoestler]

I'll make some calls this weekend. Could we pin this to the top of the Major League forum?

[jjkoestler]

How many people attended in previous years? 10? 20?

[Invader3K]

I was not able to attend last year, but I seem to recall the one a couple years ago at Kelly's Bleachers we probably had around 20. My memory could be hazy, though.

[jjkoestler]

What do we want to do at the Winter Meetings? Are we looking for a space to talk baseball and have a few drinks? Food? Games/Trivia?

[Invader3K]

What do we want to do at the Winter Meetings? Are we looking for a space to talk baseball and have a few drinks? Food? Games/Trivia?

Any and all of the above. Games/Trivia aren't necessary, but could be fun.

[hawing]

The last few meetings have been more of a "hang out and talk baseball" thing than anything else.

Food is an option. Drink not so optional. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif Let's just make sure to not talk politics!

 

Last year, at Fourth Base, was quite nice in that they had a back room where we could converse without having to scream at each other over pounding noise or other patrons. I don't know if any of the Great Danes has a space like that.

 

The Kelly's Bleachers meeting was probably close to 20. Last year was in the teens, I think.

 

I can definitely get to any of the Great Danes, though for the sake of visitors' parking, I'd suggest we try one of the non-downtown venues.

Or, pick whatever venue Nottso can get to. Those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting Nottso should find a way to do so!

 

I'm afraid I am of less use than usual this spring in terms of organizing. My library assistant is on maternity leave and while that's a good thing for her, it has reduced my flexibility.

[docduany]

Hawing, I think the most important question is, are you going to be bringing the relish tray? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Invader3K]

jj, did you have any luck making calls?

[jjkoestler]

Not yet. I should have time today.

[Invader3K]

Guys, JJ has been sick and asked me to make some calls, which I will be doing today. I will try the Great Dane locations around Madison first. Realistically, I'm thinking next Saturday (March 26) would be the best day to have this event (which I realize is short notice). I assume around 7 PM would be a good time to tentatively schedule it?

 

Can I get a sense of who would think they would be able to attend? I know we could get anywhere from 10-20 people, but if only five or so are going to show up, it's kind of pointless to reserve a private room.

[Invader3K]

A small update: I've made contact with the Great Dane in Fitchburg and hoping to get further details soon. I would really like to start getting some feedback from members here soon to make sure this is going to be worthwhile.