Dipping my oar into the water, after a long absence, I'll point out some
pluses and minuses from my Hotlanta experience.  While I cannot claim
continuous attendance at SHA conferences, I have been a pretty consistent
attendee since Talahassee in 1970 or 71.
 
So many concurrent sessions is a drag.  How many paper proposals were
rejected?  Perhaps honing down a bit would be helpful; some other
organizations are more selective.
 
Despite the location and sterility of the hotel's setting, they certainly
weren't ALL bad.  Crowne Plaza reported no conference rate rooms as of
11/1, so I booked an expensive one, given that the alternatives they listed
were the same exorbitant price.  However, with no warning, they only
charged me the conference rate.
 
Reception was mighty pricey at $25.  Food was excellent, and venue was
good, but $25 AND cash bar was a bit much, IMHO.
 
Overall, the conference was superb.  I did a 300 person conference in
May/June, and I have great regard for the smooth operation that Garrow et
al accomplished with over 1000 bodies.  That is a BIG job, and a job well
done.  Good on you!
 
Pat Martin
 
 
 
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Patrick E. Martin, Associate Professor of Archaeology
Director of Graduate Studies in Industrial Archaeology
Editor of IA, Journal of the Society for Industrial Archeology
Department of Social Sciences, Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931-1295 USA
Telephone (906) 487-2070   Fax  (906) 487-2468   Internet  [log in to unmask]
http://www.ss.mtu.edu/IA/iahm.html
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