AFF Gathering #13 in SYD on 18 - 20 October 2019

[Bazzi]

With 7 months to go until the event, the wiki is now together and linked (at the top), but if I have missed any +1's (or vice versa) please speak up so I can update the list. The list currently stands at 18 Platinum and 30 Gold, that if all came together would make for easily the largest dinner size.

Shortly I will need some volunteers on the ground to take up some of the slack for me. I shall be visiting Sydney at the end of March, but I'm not sure I'll get all the information I need at that point. I have identified the following members as being 'local' and attending: @CMA222 @Bazzi @albyd @SydneySwan @OATEK @gwilli1 @wanderer_au @Lynda2475 @daft009 @jch @mrsterryn

If any of these members – or perhaps any other locals – would like to step up to an organising position, I would be most grateful, and will add you to a private conversation to discuss options. A position can be any size, I realise planning and organisation can be a little daunting to some, as it was to me on my first occasion.

Ooops, sorry, lost track of the thread - the year is flying by - and yes, I did put my hand up to help.

Re HARS - a few years ago I attended a group tour there, it was a great day out and from memory they catered a sit down lunch with wine/beer etc.

Re QStation at Manly - Manly Hotel Accommodation (Quarantine Station) - they do cater to groups in both the function room and restaurant so this might be a good option. I’ve dined there a couple of times and the food has been excellent. They run shuttle buses from the parking area to the restaurant/accommodation block - perhaps they would run shuttles from the Manly Wharf at an agreed departure time??

 

[Viridianne]

Please put me down as Gold -- I'm local!

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Should've chimed in earlier... but as a local, I'm in too!

 

[Buzzard]

Have now booked some accommodation in SYD for Saturday and Sunday night so I guess I'm platinum.

 

[SydneySwan]

Unfortunately I have downgraded to bronze. I am now joining Mrs SydneySwan as her +1 at a conference in Holland from Oct 16-18 and we will not be back in Sydney until Oct 23.

 

[Quickstatus]

Given AFFers have no compunction in making journeys of 15000 kilometres, they may well be able to cope with 100 kms.

However, not my function. Your decision!

But in Sydney 100km might take several hours

 

[Sprucegoose]

Gold at this point subject to work requirement

 

[Major]

I know it's a bit rude of me but apart from the date and location are there any other details yet ?

 

[support]

I know it's a bit rude of me but apart from the date and location are there any other details yet ?

Things are slowly coming together. Friday drinks have been solidified and are updated on the first page of the thread. More to come soon hopefully and then I can get a booking form up.

 

[Quickstatus]

Platinum with a Flex Ticket
= platinum unless something bad happens in which case I can get a full refund/credit. Not on call but they do call.

Local so don’t need accom

@support , Happy to assist with planning and if others are stuck for accom suggestions. please pm with budget, status, #pax, #nights

 

[Quickstatus]

For the Saturday, we may need to accept a higher ticket price as the Sydney tax. Alternatives may be to look outside the city (e.g. Newtown or Northside

For something a little out of the hustle and bustle for a lunch option
Berowra Waters

And something a little nice for dinner:
Pilu Freshwater

 

[RooFlyer]

Friday drinks have been solidified

You mean we are here? IceBar Sydney | What's On - City of Sydney

 

[Eija]

Flights booked - 18 October MEL-SYD QF400 06:00 / 20 October SYD-MEL QF497 22:05. Accomodation yet to be sorted. Bar being run over by a bus - guess that makes me Platinum.

 

[kookaburra75]

After consulting the Oracle (also known as MrsK), we're Platinum. I've locked in the flights for up on Friday (QF1426 Arr 1425) and back on Monday (QF1479 Dep 1255). We've pencilled in some accom over at Newtown.
Really looking forward to it. @support please let us know if there are any "rules" or etiquette to be followed e.g. only address people by their usernames etc

 

[support]

@support please let us know if there are any "rules" or etiquette to be followed e.g. only address people by their usernames etc

No rules that I can think of. Generally, when you first meet a member in real life you'll get their real name and their username. It is up to you to decide how you address them, or better still, how you remember who they are. Personally, I prefer handles as I am used to seeing them on a daily basis, but this may not be the case for others.

The biggest problem is forgetting who people are, but we do have a solution for that. Every year all those attending receive a lanyard with their username and first name. Members are generally expected to wear them and it can be a real help when bumping into someone to just see their names instead of having to ask

 

[CJEMNMAC]

Another option for dinner could be Ripples Milsons Point.. BYO wine

not sure if it fits the brief but great position ( northern end of the bridge ) and pretty nice food...

 

[Fifa]

I am now Platinum for this event!

Luxury Escapes currently has a great deal at the Marriott Circular Quay so I checked the Marriott website and they also have the same offer:
"Harbour Getaway, includes buffet breakfast for 2 guests daily at Silvester's, chocolates upon arrival, 1 bottle of wine upon arrival". Free cancellation up to 17 October.
$499 for 2 nights (plus 3.5% cash back via Cash Rewards).

It's a really expensive weekend for accommodation in Sydney so I'm really pleased I was able to nab this.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks @Fifa . Was just looking for accom, and managed to get the same

 

[Dr Ralph]

It's a really expensive weekend for accommodation in Sydney

This is every weekend!

 

[Eija]

Thanks @Fifa, just booked the same