AFF Gathers: In Melbourne [August 2008]

Official discussion thread on AFF here.

Beyond chance encounters in QPs, I know I am not the only person who often wishes that he could meet many of the great personalities that make AFF. So over a coffee which eventually turned into dinner and drinks with fellow AFFer Evan, the idea of an official AFF gathering sprouted in our heads after much reminiscing. It is only befitting of this awesome forum that we have an official event to celebrate how much we've learnt and the joy we've had of contributing to. The level of interest that was generated after I started a thread to identify a preferred date also convinced me that such an event has long been awaited for.

So I invite you all to the inaugural of what I hope to be many such events, AFF Gathers to be hosted in Melbourne, VIC over the weekend of Friday 1 August to Sunday 3rd August 2008. Pack some warm clothing. ;)

I am delighted to organise the event, but I will be most grateful for any assistance rendered by any AFFer. So PM me your application to join the AFF Gathers Organising Committee ('the OC') today! Everyone's welcome! I anticipate that the OC will meet up a couple of times over the coming months to plan the event - over much booze of course.

Flights

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"Fare deals" UPDATE:

Stop press!!

We've received a very kind offer from crazydave98 who is willing to organise a group deal on Virgin Blue's Premium Economy seats. This of course includes access to The Lounge. Pending the level of interest of course.

So if you're from interstate and want in on this - please indicate your interest ASAP. That includes RSVPing of course if you've not done so already.

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Melbourne is well-connected to not only other capital cities but also major regional centres by the nation's airlines. In addition there are no shortage of sale fares by competing carriers. The Qantas sale fares can often be a great deal for those on SC runs.

I believe there are a bunch of you living overseas - why not boost your SCs/EQPs/EQMs and what not and join us for a fun weekend!

Stay tuned for notices on fare sales - I might be a bit slow in editing so i think it might be best watching the forum for this.

Hotels
The major chains are well-represented in Melbourne. I have only listed the ones located in the CBD and adjacent suburbs.

Starwood
The Westin Melbourne [Collins St, CBD]

IHG
Holiday Inn on Flinders [Corner Spencer St and Flinders Lane, CBD]
Crowne Plaza Melbourne [Spencer St, CBD]
And sometime later this year an InterContinental is opening at the site of the former Rialto Hotel on Collins St.

Hilton Group
Hilton on the Park [Wellington Pde, East Melbourne]

Hyatt
Grand Hyatt Melbourne [Collins St, CBD]
Park Hyatt Melbourne [Parliament Square, CBD]

Accor
Huge range of them here.

And of course non-chained properties all over the city, from trendy boutique hotels to serviced apartments.

Activities

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UPDATE

Final itinerary

Friday 1 August:

19:00: Welcome drinks: Belgian Beer Cafe Eureka, Southbank


Saturday 2 August:

1000: Start the day by going up Eureka Skydeck

Lunch on Southbank

1530: Mid afternoon coffee: Pushka Espresso Bar, Pesgrave Pl, CBD (off Howey Pl, which is in turn off Lt Collins between Swanston and Elizabeth Sts)

1930: Dinner with The Industry:
Vialetto Ristorante
75 Hardware Lane, CBD (off Lonsdale St between Elizabeth and Queens Sts)
3 course set meal: $40/head, drinks are extra
Special guests:
Phil Gunter, Virgin Blue
Luisa Megale, American Express Australia

Post dinner drinks at Three Below, City Square
And after hours club crawl for anyone who's still up!

Sunday 3 August [late flights out recommended]

1030: Tram 96 to St Kilda Beach, followed by brunch on Acland St: Greasy Joe's

1410: AFL match at Telstra Dome
St Kilda vs Port Adelaide
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No shortage of things to see and do, great restaurants, coffee shops, bars and clubs in Melbourne.

Going by what's worked well in past events I've attended, my thinking right now is a "suggested" list of things to do and pulling together a rough plan of timings. All optional events, allowing for people who'd drunk too much the night before to sleep in. Not that I know any of those kind of people. ;)

And all anchored by a big evening meal and after dinner drinks - which I really hope everyone will be able to come together for.

Stay tuned for updates.

Transportation between airport and CBD

As an alternative to using a cab, munitalP has kindly availed the use of his chauffeur for anyone who needs transportation between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and the city. Prices will be competitive, and set at not much more than a cab. Please PM myself or munitalP if interested.




The poll to identify a date was most inconclusive given the 50/50 split, so it looks like AFF Gathers 2 might already be in the works in November. So if you can't make it to the August event, don't fret just yet!

Everyone is welcome regardless of frequent flyer status, age or drinking ability. :D