Wave 1 Meet 'n Greet

[DessertDivaFL]

I noticed the other two Waves had a Meet 'n Greet thread so I wondered if we should have one too?

Can someone coordinate this since I have never been to NC?

[babywings76]

This is my first year as well, and I'd love to go to some sort of get together with everyone from here that's going in our wave.

Anyone going who's been before and will know how to plan something?

[Lifeat50]

New too! I think it would be fun to meet some folks from here. What hotel are you staying in?

[Lifeat50]

I'm in the Chicago Hilton.

[Flamingo]

Ok for the last couple of years our meet n greet has been at the Sheraton but lets change this up and do it at the Hilton this time... Ok!!! I will say how about thursday night at about 8 - 8:30???? We have also meet for lunch on Thursday for those of us that were unable to do the evening or just wanted to meet both times... So everyone reply back and lets make a decision...

[DessertDivaFL]

I am staying at the Hilton too. This should work out there. Andrea has a great idea.

[babywings76]

I'm at the Hilton as well. :)

[kcmckay]

:cry::cry: Well I was so excited someone posted a meet and greet thread. And the more I read the better I felt. Then I double checked which hotel we are staying in, since I thought it was the Hilton. But we are staying at Sheraton!!!:cry: Oh well does anyone know how far the hotels are from eachother? Walking distance? If so I will just have to pack some sneakers!!:D Although depending on how far I might not make it. I don't know if any of my roomies or cluster people would go. None of them are on here as often as I am:blushing:. And I probably couldn't meet for lunch as I'm doing HO tour and first timer orientation. Oh well if I can't make meet and greet I'm sure I'll see you all around and in workshops!! Can't wait

[babywings76]

I'll be at the 7am HO tour and the 12-13:30 orientation. So maybe anyone else slated in those times can meet there as well? We need to find a way to identify each other, so we don't go up to everyone..."Are you Katie from Chef Success?" :D

[Lifeat50]

I am also going on the HO tour and the noon first timer orientation. We need some way of knowing each other when we are out and about!

[Flamingo]

Ladies you can take a cab for just a few $ each to the meet and greet at the Hilton. It's not a long ride at all....

[kcmckay]

I'll be at the 7am HO tour and the 12-13:30 orientation. So maybe anyone else slated in those times can meet there as well? We need to find a way to identify each other, so we don't go up to everyone..."Are you Katie from Chef Success?" :D

Well my avator is me so that should help a little. That picture is less than 2 years old LOL. However for you Amanda unless you are going to dressed as Mickey as a wizard you are right we will need someway of identifying eachother!!:D:D I'm also doing 7am tour and 12pm orientation.

[Flamingo]

There is a pin from Chef Success that you can order to pin on your id tag so as you are walking around NC we can spot each other. I will look up the link and post in a few minutes...

[Flamingo]

Ok this is the link!!!

Ann Szwarc's online store (http://www.cafepress.com/annszwarc)

[babywings76]

I do have a picture of myself if you click on my name and go to my detail page (whatever it's called) :D I just didn't put it as my Avatar.

And I'm hoping to lose some weight and change my hair, so who knows what I'll look like! Ha ha! (I can dream, right? Ah, I mean, set goals?) LOL

[babywings76]

There is a pin from Chef Success that you can order to pin on your id tag so as you are walking around NC we can spot each other. I will look up the link and post in a few minutes...

Yeah, I was thinking of getting one. Can't decide if I like the darker one or the lighter one. :confused: ;)

[tlag1986]

I will be at the 7am HO tour and the 12 pm orientation as well.

[DessertDivaFL]

Can we all agree to meet Thursday evening at the Hilton? Seems like most of us will be busy at lunch time. What time is best - 8pm or 8:30 pm?

[kcmckay]

Well sounds like the HO tour will be an unofficial meet and greet as well! LOL:D

[tlag1986]

I agree the HO tour will be an unofficial greeting.

[Flamingo]

Let's firm up the time as we get closer to the event.

[DessertDivaFL]

I ordered a CS pin so I will be identified in case you don't recognize my face.

[babywings76]

the light one or the dark one? Magnet or pin? I can't decide. :D

[babywings76]

or maybe the mini pin? Hee hee, I'm so indecisive. :rolleyes:

[DessertDivaFL]

I ordered the regular pin not the mini or the super large one. It should be arriving soon.

[tlag1986]

I did as well Danielle. We will be twins with our pins. I'm and poet and didn't know it. Ha Ha.

[DessertDivaFL]

I did as well Danielle. We will be twins with our pins. I'm and poet and didn't know it. Ha Ha.

Yes you are! I saw your Relay For Life event on Facebook! I hope that goes well!

I think it will be great to finally meet my CS friends face to face!

[DebbieJ]

:cry::cry: Well I was so excited someone posted a meet and greet thread. And the more I read the better I felt. Then I double checked which hotel we are staying in, since I thought it was the Hilton. But we are staying at Sheraton!!!:cry: Oh well does anyone know how far the hotels are from eachother? Walking distance? If so I will just have to pack some sneakers!!:D Although depending on how far I might not make it. I don't know if any of my roomies or cluster people would go. None of them are on here as often as I am:blushing:. And I probably couldn't meet for lunch as I'm doing HO tour and first timer orientation. Oh well if I can't make meet and greet I'm sure I'll see you all around and in workshops!! Can't wait

You can take a city bus for $2 or take a cab. I've taken the bus from the Hilton to the Sheraton for the meet ups the past two years and it's really easy. It's pretty far to walk, especially since the meet n greet usually has alcohol and late hours. :D

[MWCOOKIN]

Hi, anyone interested in meeting at mccormack place the first day maybe an hour before start? I have ms and use a scooter, will not make it to the hilton. I am at the sheraton as this is where beth jacobs dinner is. Otherwise stop me and say hi, you have my pic and i wear a big cs pin. Looking forward to old and new friends.

[KaryCam]

One thing that I really liked last year was that we had two meet 'n greets.
One at McCormick the first day for lunch and the second in the evening.
This way, if you can't make one, you can hopefully make the other.

I had a fun time at the lunch last year and met so many new people. Remember the yummy free chocolate cake?! (check out avatar)

Maybe we can think about doing both again this year.

[Flamingo]

How do you know where Beth Jacobs dinner is????? It has been at the Hilton for the last 3 years....

[MWCOOKIN]

how do you know where beth jacobs dinner is????? It has been at the hilton for the last 3 years....

i know because beth is my ex. Dir. And it is in her monday motivation newsletter to her team.

I know because i have difficulty getting around and i make sure i find out where dinner is cause it is 2 less times i have to be bounced on and off a bus.

Why did you want to know how i knew?????

[pamperedalf]

Thanks Andrea for pointing me in the right direction. I know me & Ida (kissrae) will be there w/ our roommate. Can't wait to see everyone.

[Koolotus]

I have an event in the Hilton Thursday night but will be down after :)
Keep me posted!!

[kcmckay]

Anyone staying at Sheraton that wants to split a cab or travel with me to the meet n greet at Hilton Thursday night? I'm not too keen on traveling in an unfamiliar place by myself. I also have to find out when our dinner is and where as well. I will ask my director tonight though, we usually talk on Tuesdays.

[KaryCam]

One thing that I really liked last year was that we had two meet 'n greets.
One at McCormick the first day for lunch and the second in the evening.
This way, if you can't make one, you can hopefully make the other.

I had a fun time at the lunch last year and met so many new people.

Maybe we can think about doing both again this year.



Again, I would like to encourage us to have 2 meet and greets like we did last year.
One for lunch at McCormick and another in the evening at whichever hotel. Then, more people might be able to join in.

[Flamingo]

Lunch sounds good..... We can also do this for the ones not going on the first timers or home office things....Or director people. how about 12 noon....??

[babywings76]

Lunch sounds good..... We can also do this for the ones not going on the first timers or home office things....Or director people. how about 12 noon....??

Which day? Thursday?

[KaryCam]

Which day? Thursday?

Yes, it would have to be Thursday.
The first workshop starts at 1pm, so we might want to make it earlier than 12noon.

Someone who was there last year, can you explain where we met last year. All I remember is it is in the middle of the building, down this hallway.
Thanks

[Koolotus]

very funny!
You guys met at the Mcdonalds near the Director lunch. So if you follow the signs for director lunch you will see the food court :)
I will stop by after lunch!!
Can't wait!

[KaryCam]

very funny!
You guys met at the Mcdonalds near the Director lunch. So if you follow the signs for director lunch you will see the food court :)
I will stop by after lunch!!
Can't wait!

No, we didn't eat at the McDonald's. It was further back in the building from there.
Here is the info I found on the McCormick website:

Plate Room Food Court - Level 2.5, Grand Concourse, South Building
This bustling location offers an interesting array of items available to take on the run or to be enjoyed in the adjacent seating area. Six food concepts are available at this location, including Little Italy, Antipasto Bar, Pacific Rim, the American Grill, The Carvery and Fiesto Bravo. The Plate Room is open daily.

I believe this was it. Anyone else who was there know?

[DessertDivaFL]

Doing the "bump".

[kisrae]

Your so good. ! Thanks

[pamperedalf]

No, we didn't eat at the McDonald's. It was further back in the building from there.
Here is the info I found on the McCormick website:

Plate Room Food Court - Level 2.5, Grand Concourse, South Building
This bustling location offers an interesting array of items available to take on the run or to be enjoyed in the adjacent seating area. Six food concepts are available at this location, including Little Italy, Antipasto Bar, Pacific Rim, the American Grill, The Carvery and Fiesto Bravo. The Plate Room is open daily.

I believe this was it. Anyone else who was there know?


Cheryl had too much chocolate cake the night before (silly), yes this is where we have met the past 2 or 3 years.

[pamperedalf]

I say we meet for Lunch between 11 & 11:30 at the plate room food court on Thurs...... I'll be there since I was slacking & I'll be by my lonesome. :(

[DessertDivaFL]

For the Thursday evening meet 'n greet at the Hilton, what time? Where?

[KaryCam]

I say we meet for Lunch between 11 & 11:30 at the plate room food court on Thurs...... I'll be there since I was slacking & I'll be by my lonesome. :(

Great! I will try to get there about 11am. We had so much fun last year.
It will be good to see you again.

[pamperedalf]

For the Thursday evening meet 'n greet at the Hilton, what time? Where?


I say around 8:30 ish is my vote, I thought there was a bar there we can meet at. I've always stayed at the Sheraton so I don't know.

[pamperedalf]

Great! I will try to get there about 11am. We had so much fun last year.
It will be good to see you again.

Yes it will be good to see you too, I'll be there.

[Koolotus]

yum chocolate cake :)
I know we saw ya, I will call when we get outta lunch!
Umm, Ida & Amanda. Change of plans Wednesday night and I need to know when you guys are coming into Chi-Town!!!
xoxo

[kisrae]

yum chocolate cake :)
I know we saw ya, I will call when we get outta lunch!
Umm, Ida & Amanda. Change of plans Wednesday night and I need to know when you guys are coming into Chi-Town!!!
xoxo

I'm on the phone on hold....so bear with me.
Amanda comes in about 1:00 and i'll be in at 3 but not at the hotel until about5ish. Whats going down?

Amanda, you'll have Amber if she's back from 1st timers and her HO tour.

[pamperedalf]

I'm on the phone on hold....so bear with me.
Amanda comes in about 1:00 and i'll be in at 3 but not at the hotel until about5ish. Whats going down?

Amanda, you'll have Amber if she's back from 1st timers and her HO tour.

I don't think she'll be back until around when you get out, but of course she can come hang out w/ me if she is back. I can't piss off the driver otherwise I'll be hitching a ride home.

[MWCOOKIN]

I'll plan to meet you all at 11 on thursday. If i can't get there look for me thru conference, i'll be in a scooter. Not hard to find me. Say hi! Eager to see old friends and meet new.

[Flamingo]

Ok ladies this is a bump for our meet n greet...

We will meet at the Hilton lobby bar at 8:15 ish.... If you need to be later no problem. Just show up when you can... See you all in a few days..... YEA!!!!

[Flamingo]

About the Lunch time meet... I heard that everything is in one building this year so maybe the place we have met at in the past is too far.... ???? Any thoughts for those of you who are veterans at NC...

[KaryCam]

About the Lunch time meet... I heard that everything is in one building this year so maybe the place we have met at in the past is too far.... ???? Any thoughts for those of you who are veterans at NC...

here's the info I got from the McCormack website:
In the Lakeside building there are no sit-down or cafeteria type restaurants. They have a take-out coffee shop which is on level 2 which is the main floor. They say that they have some other take-out place on level 3 but I have never seen it (maybe someone else has).
Even if we take-out, there is no where to really sit except to sit on the floor somewhere. Or we can go outside (bridge between the buildings) where there are a few seperated tables, but we won't know if it will be raining (it has) or too hot.

So to answer you question - I don't know. I'm just providing the info and let's see what everyone else says. I'll go wherever.

[Melissa78]

I'm in the second HO tour (8am?) - Anyone in that one? I have the newbiew orientation at 7:15 followed by the HO tour, I guess backwards from others.

[DessertDivaFL]

Ok ladies this is a bump for our meet n greet...

We will meet at the Hilton lobby bar at 8:15 ish.... If you need to be later no problem. Just show up when you can... See you all in a few days..... YEA!!!!

Works for me - around 8:15 pm on Thursday night it is!

[DessertDivaFL]

I'm in the second HO tour (8am?) - Anyone in that one? I have the newbiew orientation at 7:15 followed by the HO tour, I guess backwards from others.

No Melissa, I am taking the 1st HO tour and I am not doing the newbie orientation because my director said it wasn't necessary.

[babywings76]

I'm taking the first tour, then orientation

[babywings76]

I'd like to meet up w/ everyone, but I don't drink. Will I be a bit out of place at the bar w/ those who go? Is there food served there, or is it strictly a bar?

[Koolotus]

I'd like to meet up w/ everyone, but I don't drink. Will I be a bit out of place at the bar w/ those who go? Is there food served there, or is it strictly a bar?

You'll be fine! I will drink for you ;)
It's a bar restaurant

[DessertDivaFL]

You'll be fine! I will drink for you ;)
It's a bar restaurant

I am glad I am meeting everyone at the Hilton hotel. I don't drink except for special occasions. I will have to limit myself to one glass of Zinfendel.

[DessertDivaFL]

I checked Hilton website and they have 3 places we could meet at (see in link). I was thinking either Kitty O'Sheas or Lakeside Green Lounge. Any thoughts?

Hilton Chicago - Dining - Chicago, IL Hotels (http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CHICHHH-Hilton-Chicago-Illinois/dining.do;jsessionid=864BE1C390DCFAFAAAF70D88F5C28558.etc55)

[flemings99]

I'd like to meet up w/ everyone, but I don't drink. Will I be a bit out of place at the bar w/ those who go? Is there food served there, or is it strictly a bar?

I don't drink either :)

[Melissa78]

Think of all the money you will save! Put it to a good use - Surpise box. :D

I drink socially but am super cheap with it so I'll probably enjoy a diet soda with you.

I can't imagine that "Chicago" and "cheap" go together in terms of alcohol prices (or any prices for that matter).

[Flamingo]

Ok no one will be out of place if they do not drink... We are a great group of people and it will all work out... As to where my preference is NOT Kitty O'Sheys. The lounge sounds good to me... We can get drinks and sit in the lounge at the end of the hallway and have plenty of room for everyone. I may not be ther etill 9 ish because of a dinner with my Director but will get there as soon as I can... I am sooooooo EXCITED>>>

[DessertDivaFL]

Let's just meet at the Lakeside Green Lounge.

[Koolotus]

If ya don't see me, call me! Andrea I sent you my cell

[Flamingo]

Ok this time tomorrow I will be in the Windy City... oh my gosh my hair is already a mess....LOL

[MissChef]

I wish I could have met with you all that night, this is the first one I haven't been to since I started chef success 3 years ago! but oh well... There is always next year!! my room buddies didn't get dinner until late, and then I got sick from it!!! ugh! Friday I felt miserable!! not cool! But you know how cool conference is when you feel terrible but are still awe struck with Company! It was the best feeling miserable that I've felt!! lol!:D;):thumbup:

[babywings76]

Sorry to hear you got sick. That's too bad. Hopefully you enjoyed your overall experience of Conference though.

I was so bummed that no one came. DessertDivaFL stopped by, but we missed each other. But no one else came (that I'm aware of anyway). The few people who shared phone #'s ended up not being able to come either. It did seem to just be bad timing for everyone. We didn't finish dinner till 8 or so and that seemed to be a common theme w/ everyone--late dinners, being too far from the hotel, etc. I kept checking periodically to see if people might just come late, but no luck. My cluster thinks I'm nuts and have imaginary friends. lol :D I did meet up w/ a few other Cheffers the next day, so that was nice. Well, I hope everyone had a great time and here's hoping next year we can have a successful meet n greet! :)

[kcmckay]

Wow, that's dissapointing! I was unable to make it and wasn't sure I was going to either. But then my day went to _ _ _ _ when we got back to hotel. We were in our room getting ready to meet in our SD room for pizza and drinks. I realized my cell phone was missing:eek: I ran down and of course the bus I was on already left, but the driver of bus after was more than helpful. I was very impressed. I eventually did track it down, it had fallen out of my bag on the bus. I bought the cell phone holder from Merrill on Friday! By the time I got it it was about 8pm and myself and 2 of my roommates hadn't eaten. We went out for a late dinner and crashed after. Actually one of our roommates went to a bar when we met up with about 10 or so other clustermates on our way back from dinner. Hopefully next years meet and greet will be better. I didn't end up seeing any cheffers all through conference. I thought that was kind of weird! I'll find ya next year though. You'll see me on stage for promoting!!!!:thumbup::D:chef::sing:

[straitfan]

I was really bummed that it didn't happen. Thank you SO MUCH AManda for trying to pull all this together. I was so glad I got to meet and visit with you on Friday. I've had a blast at the 2 prior mng's that I've attended.....they were both at the Sheraton, where I was staying (although the 1st year we were at Palmer House and I and a clustermate walked--the return walk was a little creepy). It didn't seem like there were as many as "us" as I was accustomed to, seems like the phone lists from years past had about 25 or 30, this year's only had 6.

Here's hoping next year is better!!

[Melissa78]

I got the opportunity to meet a few of you. Cheryl (Koolotus) was stuck with seeing my face for 3 days (thanks girl!) but I do really hope to meet more of you next year! I love faces to names/words and even more so, the personality behind it all. Here's to hoping next year is more successful in the meet-n-greet area. For those of you I did meet...WAHOO!!!!!! <--hehe :D

[DessertDivaFL]

Yeah, it was just one of those things. I wanted to get back to the lounge Thursday night but our waiter was so slow at the restaurant that I didn't get there until 8:30 pm. I am glad I did meet some of you...some in line at Merrill and some at classes.

[raebates]

A couple of years ago I was late to the MNG because the waiter at our tapas restaurant was slow. Unfortunately, in the noisy atmosphere of the MNG people thought I said topless restaurant. You can imagine the response. LOL!