When I attend conferences – and this will be my fifth IAJGS conference – I prefer to stay at the conference hotel. To be sure, it is convenient. But even more than that, it ensures you are ready for those optimal networking opportunities with other like-minded genealogists: dinners, lunches, impromptu meet-ups in the lobby, chances to sit with a glass of wine, new friends, and shmooze .

Over the years, I’ve been to several other  national-level genealogy conferences besides IAJGS.  The IAJGS conference is different than those others  in that there are many more conference-sponsored evening activities. This is another good reason to stay at the conference hotel. One may decide on whim to attend or not attend an activity without the added strain of figuring out how to get from there to here late at night – just take the elevator!

This year in addition to the Sunday evening keynote address, the Thursday evening banquet, the always fun Jewpardy, we will also feature several other events such Sleepless in Seattle – an opportunity to hear wonderful family history stories from those who discovered them. Sleepless in Seattle will start at 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Each talk will last no longer than 25 minutes. Expect a little of everything – from humor to pathos.

My understanding is that our reserved block of discounted conference  hotel rooms is going fast. There are only a few left. The Sheraton will continue to take reservations until they are completely booked. But, remember, this is prime tourist season for them. If you wish to stay at the Sheraton, register for the conference as soon as possible (especially before tonight’s early discounted registration deadline, 11:59 P.M. PDT) and also reserve a room for your Seattle stay.

FYI, the conference planners have also arranged for ten rooms per night at a nearby hotel, but the rooms will be more expensive than the conference rates provided at the Sheraton.

See you in Seattle!