THE GOOD: I liked the Albany Hilton a lot. My room was the nicest hotel room I’ve ever had at a BOUCHERCON. I marveled at the charming Dancing Girls sent up nightly to entertain me. I liked talking with Maggie Mason, the two Teds, Janet Rudolph, and Steve Steinbock. I loved all the free books! I had a great time chatting with Sue Grafton. I enjoyed frolicking in the Hilton pool with the bikini babes. I liked the cool Fall weather in Albany. I really liked the free parking at the Hilton.
THE BAD No Art Scott or Steve Stilwell. No Meyersons, Criders, Smiths, or Abbotts. No Beth Fedyn, Tina Karelson, Richard Moore, Marv Lachman or Diane Kelley. I missed all of you!
THE UGLY: No one liked the dispersal of the BOUCHERCON attendees over four hotels. No synergy. Just about everyone hated the shuttle buses. They were supposed to run every 20 minutes. But I waited a half hour for one. Other attendees told me they waited over an hour for a shuttle bus. And–here’s the deal breaker for folks with knee and joint problems (you know who you are)–the buses let you off 200 yards from the entrance to the Egg (that thing that looks like a crashed UFO) that takes you to the convention center where BOUCHERCON was held. I’d guess this is the last BOUCHERCON Albany will ever host.
You didn’t miss me? I’m inconsolable.
Thanks for confirming (especially at the end) that we made the right decision not to go, though we certainly would have liked to spend time with you.
We definitely have Raleigh and New Orleans in our sights.
Jeff, we plan to go to Raleigh, New Orleans, and Toronto.
Sorry Diane wasn’t there at least. Although she probably wouldn’t have gone for the Dancing GIrls.
Patti, we couldn’t get coverage for Diane’s 93-year-old mother so I had to go solo to BOUCHERCON. How did Megan like BOUCHERCON?
Where are the photos of the bikini babes?
Bill, the pix of me with the bikini babes are safely hidden from the ever-vigilant eyes of Diane.
Sorry to hear that Diane wasn’t there either. I missed you folks too. Several times over the last weekend I thought about the Bouchercon festivities. Glad to hear that you enjoyed yourself.
The upside of missing Bouchercon for me was being able to attend the 30th anniversary party for our independent bookstore – Books & Company in Oconomowoc, WI. I saw lots of old friends and customers. I celebrate my 25th year with them on Oct. 18th and am happy to be the oldest employee (in more ways than one).
Beth, we’re counting on you for Raleigh, New Orleans, and Toronto! BOUCHERCON just wasn’t the same without you!
I haven’t really heard. She had to train back to NYC and fly back to MS yesterday so she hasn’t emailed. I am sure she enjoyed it.
Patti, I kept hoping you and Phil would show up for Megan’s panels.
That’s okay, Bob, he didn’t miss any of us in the Pacific Northwest, apparently. Maybe we should start using cologne or something, though it seems so pointless when the rain just washes it right off.
George, sounds like it was an up-and-down time. That 200 yard walk after the shuttle lets you off is just wrong. I read in another report that due to the scattered nature of the hotels and the con being in the convention center that there was no central place to meet or hang out this year. No Bouchercon bar, not hotel lobby, nothing like that. Too bad. I saw a picture of the book room and it looked like an odd setup, with a glass barrier and then round tables for con goers to sit at.
Rick, you’re right about the scattered nature of the hotels for the Albany BOUCHERCON. The Dealers’ Room was spacious and multi-leveled. Plenty of great books! And the room was large enough to accommodate the space for writers’ signing books, too! Plenty of people were stimulating the economy!
Bob, the last time I saw you was in Chicago. I thought we’d see more of you at BOUCHERCON since you retired.
With Bouchercons in St.Louis, Cleveland Albany, Raleigh, New Orleans, Toronto and St. Petersburg it’s obvious the focus – excepting next year – is on the eastern third of the country. Pretty handy if one lives in the east.
Exactly, Rick! If I can stay in this Time Zone (or maybe go over just one) I can avoid the jet-lag effect.
I was in San Francisco and LCC in L.A.
Bob, you need to travel east of the Mississippi.
George, it sounds like you had a wonderful time! I wish I could have just beamed myself in for a few panels and a few hours hanging out in and around the book room.
Tina, you would have had a great time at the Albany BOUCHERCON! The panels were packed with eager attendees. There were plenty of good books in the Dealers’ Room, and stacks of free books! I would have bought you dinner!
I’m just a poor pensioner. Also, the last few B’cons I’ve attended made me feel like a stranger.
Bob, you just have to hang out with the Right People at BOUCHERCON. You would have had a blast in Albany!