My apologies if I came across as saying you didn’t have content. Not the case at all! COPA’s schedule looked great, and I was disappointed to miss Addison.
I was just thinking of a few conversations I’ve had with others about the fact that, while we love to go to great locations, the owner/pilots really don’t have time to take advantage of much of the surrounding attractions. I think COPA Migration attendees are in the same boat: they have a very good convention, and the location is more of a factor for the spouses.
I’m just curious as to why you want the extra bodies to go forward.
And about 30 miles from where I was born and raised. Who would have thunk it. In the middle of redneck east Tennessee (I can say that since I was born there).
Not feasible for a flying convention, but a fantastic place if you want the best of everything. Makes Four Seasons seem like a slum.
KDPA (DuPage Airport) has enough parking for all 6,000 Cirrus airplanes. Travel Express Aviation Maintenance is a Cirrus Service and Training Center and is on the field. Wisconsin Aviation is a 30 minute flight. Others in the vicinity.
Pheasant Run resort is older, but still nice and you can walk there from the ramp at DPA. It has almost 500 hotel rooms and a golf course. It should be able to accommodate our group. Many restaurants nearby. Downtown Chicago is a 40 minute drive or cab ride. I’m sure courtesy buses could be arranged.
There are dozens of other suitable, newer and nicer convention centers and hotels within a 20 minute drive. An evening on one of Chicago’s larger sunset dinner cruises could be organized for the entire group. (I would organize yachts, but accommodating 400 people could be a little bit of a challenge [:P] )
Lots of busy, complex airspace and good opportunities to hone pilot skills. Huge airline facilities at nearby O’hare airport could potentially provide for some sort of tours, etc? Maybe while we are all there we can lobby to reopen Meigs Field!!!
Some other potential Chicago attractions:
Baseball games
Museum of Science and Industry
Mag Mile Shopping
Shedd Aquarium
Field Museum
Navy Pier
Most if not all of these would probably have to be before/after type stops for those interested, but they are endless! Also, there is a LOT of good shopping near KDPA. St. Charles, Geneva, Wheaton and Naperville are all charming towns nearby with lots to do.
My vote is Manassas. I have tons of family there and have some connections for tours, etc… Air and space museum, WH, Smithsonian, the list goes on. Active or retired military could possibly golf at Army Navy…
In addition, Tucson is a known convention town, so we have the brand name resorts: Ritz Carlton, Westin, JW Marriott, Loew’s, etc than can handle gatherings of COPA size with ease. There is plenty of parking at KTUS, KAVQ, or KRYN.
I will volunteer to be a liaison with the resorts and the airports, should Tucson become the destination. Can try to get astronaut Mark Kelly as a speaker.
Absolutely beautiful! Sea Island, Ga. ain’t so shabby either (site of G8 conference in circa 2000 maybe - or there bouts) – migration could be in St. Simons with a multitude of hotel offerings – including the famed Cloister Hotel Lodge! All, almost within walking distance of KSSI – 2 runways, lots of ramp space and site of 2014 AOPA fly-in. I 'll volunteer if you come.
p.s. we are celebrating xmas in Sea Island as we speak…
Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach, Half Moon Bay, Santa Barbara, Napa, Aspen, Tucson, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Seattle, San Diego, Salt Lake City… We do have lots on this side of the divide, just so you know. If you want the max attendance, you should look at Center-ish
What about Branson MO. It is ranked 2 behind Palm Springs and right behind Austin for Top tourist spots. its in the Middle of the country. They have a great convention center and hotel right on lake Taneycomo. They have 3 airports. There is a ton of shopping and all kinds of shows to see.
I vote Omaha. Hey, then I can just drive my car there.
I saw it mentioned once, but other than the central location there’s great hotels/convention and one of the best Zoo’s in the world for families. SAC Museum is a must for aviation enthusiasts.
I’m not sure on the 300 Cirrus capacity, so that would need to be checked.
Travel Express Aviation Maintenance is a Cirrus Service and Training Center and is on the field. Wisconsin Aviation is a 30 minute flight. Others in the vicinity.
