We Have Conformation! Ok, I talked with sales today and here is the skinny:
Because we are opting for a weekend (easiest for everyone) they do not normally do discounts on rooms. Even on a weekday we would need 15-rooms for the discount.
Now the good news is that they can do a set-meal plan for us and after I get the menu choices I will post for all to see. I may be able to get them even to “cater” the entire event for a bulk rate if some may wish (breakfasts and bag-lunches, however I think the bring-your-own option is still going to be cheaper.
Also if we confirm it they might be able to arrange with the GM of the resort to allow us to be the evening entertainment by projecting a slide show of photos from the day
Now for the Prices:
I talked about conference-room rental if needed, that’s $200 for 5-6hr, however I do not see the need really with only 10 people (as of now) if I get a semi-suite that has a living room that we all can congregate-in.
Cabins (no real view of valley) 1 or 2 beds $73-94/night +tax
Traditional room [better views] 1-2 beds (doubles or queens per request) $118+tax
Camping, please see
Shenandoah National Park - Campgrounds (U.S. National Park Service)
[Booking (You MUST book your own room)
Toll free: 888.896.3833 Please request room for Skyland Resort. Check in is Friday June 27th. Check out Sunday June 29th (or when you wish to leave)
Again sorry they do not offer a group rate, despite my sweet-talk, for weekends)]
I estimate following costs for the weekend $3-500 (depending on options and gas)
You’re responsible for booking and providing
Entrance Fee $15/car
Room $175-250
Food breakfast/lunches TBA
“Workshop-fee” $75-100 includes*
(Reduced for spouses/family just wishing to have meals w/ us)
T-Shirt, 16x20 print Classes, freebees from sponsors Guided hikes, and equipment loaners
Food: Welcome BBQ (at picnic area, they changed the rules), 1 Dinner (set meal) at lodge, snacks, drinks, donation to Pentax Forums
I need to know by Tax Tuesday (the 15th) definite numbers for food/attendance and if anyone objects to a public slide-show so I can get firm pricing on food and talk to the GM about the free space for the slide-show presentation to the resort.
*Details:
Fee is to cover expenses only! All remaining money will be donated to Pentax Forums for Server/site maintenance
>T-Shirt will have the date on it, sponsors logos on it red or black (TBA)
>16x20 Print will be from a photo of your choice (digital cameras/files only) Ready on Sunday Also a group shot 8x10 will be taken/given out
>Freebees from sponsors (some will be free-raffled off due to low quantities)
> Use of available Pentax/K-mount lenses that I have (trying to get more from Pentax)
>Slide Show of groups work on Sat. Night
Classes:
>Sunrise shoot if requested (requires waking up at “o-dark-thirty”)
>2 guided hikes (about 1.5-3mi round trip)
>Use of camera and camera basics (as needed)
>How to make your wildlife/scenic shots better
>Advanced Lighting Techniques with your hot-shoed flash (Sigma 500/530 DG Super or Pentax AF360 or 540 required, others may work but not guaranteed)
>Portfolio reviews available on request for Sunday only
We will need to drive to 1 or 2 places (depending on options/hikes chosen); I ask if we can car-pool to save gas/parking. Those who opt to be a group-vehicle (anyone have a mini-van?) for this I will give an extra 16x20 print or 2 to compensate for gas
PLEASE PLEASE email me at bominb@hotmail.com so I have your email to send a PDF form with everything on it to you asap.
thanks