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Greg, I am guessing soon you will be negotiating hotel and conference center space for next year baseball and football events. I for one would certainly appreciate you upgrading the las vegas location. I am aware we do not need to stay where you hold the draft/auction, however it is so much more convenient to do so. Nicely put the "Flamingo" was an absolute dump, and what I consider the only negative part of a well done event. The accomodations for baseball were adequate at the Rio but I believe you can do better. Obviously a better location would mean a price increase but I feel that would be money well spent. Thanks for your cosideration.

Chris, I appreciate your comments and we have no commitment at this point for football in 2005. We will be going back to the Rio March 18-19, 2005 for the National Fantasy Baseball Championship as I have already signed a contract there. The Rio has a huge amount of meeting room space and should we sell out for baseball as expected, I know we can add meeting room space prior to the event. I think everyone will admit that the Rio hotel rooms are as good as they get in Las Vegas as each room is a suite.

I didn't like the Flamingo conference room setup as it was difficult to find. I thought the staff was excellent, my room was fine and the food was great for every event we held there. I unfortunately didn't get to check out the casino or the sportsbook, so I can't comment there. But overall my impression wasn't the same as yours, although unquestionably it is an older hotel that has been remodeled.

Price is not a consideration as we always look for the best option with the best available meeting room space. The Flamingo is limited to 20,000 square feet in the main ballroom, so I'm not sure it's suitable for future growth. I have inquired about available space at the Flamingo for 2005 football, but I'm also doing that with other hotels on the Strip. Even the Rio is a possibility for next football season.

I appreciate all of your comments and will let you know what location we choose for 2005. Again, it's not a matter of price as we are able to negotiate good contracts with each hotel because of the number of shows our company runs each year. They like to do business with companies that could come back each year and add other events each year as well.

You are a loyal member of the NFBC and NFFC family, Chris, so I value your opinion. We'll keep looking for that perfect location and hopefully stay there for years to come.

The Flamingo was a good choice. Great location good pool and service was good. Checking in to my room at the airport was great. No lines to worry about. All in all I'd say it was a winning pick.
The problem with the Rio is it charges too much and it's off the strip.