SleuthFest 2009: Hotel and Meals

I have offered up my blog to Sleuthfest participants and Linda G. Hengerer, co-chair with Neil for this year's SleuthFest and author of Football Basics and A Pocket Full of Wine, offered up this info:

Randy Rawls is Chairing SleuthFest this year, and Neil Plakcy and I are co-chairs. I’m in charge of the pre-conference side of things, including the hotel and meals.

We are once again at the Deerfield Beach Hilton, with a special group rate of $179/night. Becky Swets is the roommate coordinator for anyone looking to share a room, and can be reached at bdors52@yahoo.com.

For the SleuthFest newbie, or anyone who wants to see old friends, we are having the SleuthFest 101 dinner on Thursday night. We’re staying at the hotel, so there’s no need to carpool, rent a car or cab it. Convenience is the key this year.

New: having our own designated bartender Friday and Saturday! Each attendee will receive a drink coupon that can be used either at our special bar area or during the Agents & Editors cocktail party on Saturday night. Attendees from previous years know how crowded the bar can get, especially if there is another big function going on. This should help ease the crush around the main bar.

Also new this year: a spot to grab a quick breakfast-on-the-go. We’ll have the Captain’s Room (across from the dining room) set up with: Whole Fruit- $1.00 per piece; Yogurt Fruit/Granola Parfait- $4.00; Sliced Fresh Fruit - $3.00; Breakfast Croissant Sandwiches - $4.00; Assorted Muffins- $2.50; Bagels with Cream Cheese- $3.00; Boxes of Assorted Cereals with Milk- $2.50; Bottled Water & Sodas, Juices- $3.00.

The Agents & Editors Cocktail Party will be poolside, weather permitting; last year it was beautiful. With a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres in different areas around the pool, and a carving station, there is ample opportunity to meet and mingle.

There’s still plenty of time to sign up and escape the freezing weather up north. Get the details at http://www.mwaflorida.org/sleuthfest.htm.