Dateline: 11-13-2006

CONvergence 2006 in Review - Hotel

Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Occupancy

Once again, and certainly not to be taken for granted, we had a successful stay at the Sheraton Bloomington Minneapolis South for CONvergence 2006. We nearly filled the building with 512 rooms occupied on Friday and 530 on Saturday. While this year the hotel held 20 rooms for their own use, we are told that next year the whole building will be allocated to CONvergence.

There were no attendee-related issues this year. The elevators did go out on Friday, but that was a fault in the building's fire system. And yes, there was a fire alarm that went off Friday night, but it proved to be a false alarm, and as in 2005, CONvergence attendees rose to the occasion and responded in an appropriate and orderly manner. We're even told that our attendees themselves took to cocounting people after elevator service was restored and held at 10 people per car. Most excellent, and thanks to all who participated.

Wednesday 7/5	14	(3 more than 2005)
Thursday 7/6	147	(17 more than 2005)
Friday 7/7	512	(11 more than 2005)
Saturday 7/8	530	(22 more than 2005)
Sunday 7/9	112	(18 fewer than 2005)*
Monday 7/10	4	(2 fewer than 2005)*

* The high numbers of Sunday and Monday hotel occupancy in 2005 were likely due to the July 4 holiday falling on Monday that year.