New York In 2007: Need Feedback

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:33 am

Originally posted by KAPEFEAR2:
Gregg, your asking alot for us to go to AC. I'm just asking, that's all.

Holding an event there on Labor Day weekend is tough, but it's just an option. I'm just looking for feedback. If at the end of the day the vast majority want me to continue hosting this in Manhattan, I'll consider the Hilton and continue talking with other area hotels. It's a tough place to do business, but I've always liked the accessibility for those on the East Coast. If I'm wrong (what the hell do I know, I live in freakin' Wisconsin) then just tell me and I'll book something else. But I like Manhattan more than Atlantic City too.

We have some things in the works that hopefully will make 2007 historic. I know I've said that before, but I hope we need a much bigger East Coast venue than we've had in the past. So my goal is to reserve twice as much space as we had last year and plan accordingly. That's where I'm going with all this and the Hilton unfortunately limits that expansion. But the Hilton isn't the only option in Manhattan.

BillyWaz · Post by **BillyWaz** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:35 am

Originally posted by Quahogs:
Fisher - smart. Bleed Chi-town of its top talent (from what I hear some damn fine players are invading NY) then sweep into the Oakbrook and clean some clocks.

Q You need only look at the 3CC AND NY/Chicago grudge match standings to see where the talent is!

Diesel · Post by **Diesel** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:45 am

Greg, if the Hilton was maxed out this year, why do you still keep them as a possibility? I thought I read somewhere that they were supposed to expand by next year, but I'd get that in writing before you re-book there...Hopefully NY makes a new record for entries next year.

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:48 am

Originally posted by Diesel:
Greg, if the Hilton was maxed out this year, why do you still keep them as a possibility? I thought I read somewhere that they were supposed to expand by next year, but I'd get that in writing before you re-book there...Hopefully NY makes a new record for entries next year. Not to speak for Greg but we had 9 leagues at the Hilton this year and easily could have gotten 10. So the question becomes whether we keep that facility and max out the NY entrants at 10 leagues or do we believe we can exceed that number which would require us to look elsewhere?

From a management perspective, the Hilton has been great to work with. They've taken great care of us and I've never had a single problem with them in terms of getting everything set up and handled the way we've asked in advance. So it's a great place from that regard. Whether it's great for all of you, though, is the question and that's what Greg is asking for in this thread.

DOOMSDAY · Post by **DOOMSDAY** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 6:57 am

Definitley need to keep New York in the mix!

I work for Starwood Hotels in web development - unfortunately this does not give me any pull to discounts on large meeting facilities.

But the two Sheratons should have enough room if availble and be fairly resonable as well.
Sheraton Manhattan...
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/ ... ertyID=425
Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers...
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/ ... ertyID=421

Or possibly...
The Westin at Times Square...
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/pr ... rtyID=1380

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:00 am

Originally posted by Diesel:
Greg, if the Hilton was maxed out this year, why do you still keep them as a possibility? I thought I read somewhere that they were supposed to expand by next year, but I'd get that in writing before you re-book there...Hopefully NY makes a new record for entries next year. The Hilton is the only Manhattan hotel right now that can secure the space for us on that weekend. The manager we work with is a fantasy player himself and he loves having this event there. They worked with us when selling space there was still tough and even though prices today are much different than they were in 2003 when we started talking with them, they've held firm with us. It's been a great place to host an event and I hope they do expand their convention space. We'll talk to James about that and see if there is a way to fit 14+ leagues there in 2007.

renman · Post by **renman** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:06 am

Greg,

Here are my thoughts. You know I will draft in a softball field behind an industrial plant. Having said that I think you should seriously consider the Meadowlands if they have a room that is appropriate.

I worked in NYC for 6 years so commuting into the city is comfortable for me. But for many others it is a massive hassle and very confusing. Trains, subways, buses, the ferry... You can't drive there without huge traffic and parking problems. If you do park it is extremely expensive.

The Meadowlands has numerous highways that travel right to it. it is about 20 minutes maximumm from a massive Airport (Newark Airport) and I have to believe the price you would get in New Jersey for the space would be much better then what you would get in Manhatten.

The Hilton room is not big enough and will definately not be big enough as the event grows. I personally think the Meadowlands is much much more accessible to everyone in the Tri-state area than is a draft held in Manhatten other than those who prefer or require mass transit and don't have a car. Even then you can get a bus to the meadowlands from the city.

I would avoid Atlantic city too. That is a massive treck and would be a traffic nightmare at that time. Thus everyone from the Tri-state area would be required to travel far and sort of takes away from the convenience of regional drafts. Hotels would be insane as well. Those who want some casino fun wrapped into their fantasy football experience are welcome to draft in Las Vegas and the price of a flight would be less irritating then the drive to Atlantic City.

I like the Meadowlands idea. Keep in mind you have an NFL stadium right there and maybe can in some way get access to it for those want a tour or something. Just brain storming.

I would like a room where we have a little more space between leagues as well. I am not a big fan of hoping a certain player falls to me and some drafter who is confused or stymied hears the name "Marques Colston" at the table next to him and then picks him right ahead of me.

luckily this year that did not happen...lol But we all know it does...

There, my vote is the Meadowlands...

Dr. FI$HER · Post by **Dr. FI$HER** » Wed Oct 18, 2006 7:14 am

Snake-

Let's make this happen in our own backyard. Honestly, you think you could fill a league with your contacts down here?