[Chicago] Tradeoffs (was: Acceptable transit times?)

[Ted Pollari]

So, it sounds like there are a few key ideas coming out of today's  
discussions -- correct me if I've missed something

In no particular order...

• For many people this sort of event is a conference first but also a  
chance to get to a city/metro area that they might not otherwise  
visit -- and neglecting either side of that balance would be a bad  
thing.

•  Whatever we do, Chicago and it's Chicago-ness should be valued as  
a draw.  If the site is in the city, we're covered.  If it's in the  
'burbs, we should recognize that some may want decent access to the  
city or that perhaps we should work in an (optional) event in the  
city.  (hence, access to CTA or metra from whatever suburban location  
would be important)

• Wherever PyCon is, community building is critical.

• One of the best ways to really build the community is by fostering  
random discussions and gatherings, frequently after-hours.  If we're  
in a centralized hotel, especially out in the burbs where there are  
fewer distractions, this is likely a gimme.  If we're at a university  
site without on-site housing, this will need to be a coordinated  
thing.  That's certainly not an impossible thing -- it could be a  
great chance to highlight some of Chicago's bars and restaurants.

•  Whatever we do, there'll be compromises in order to make a  
reasonable budget happen.

• Lastly, and forgive the cheese factor here, but this group is  
totally impressing me.  If we're all this psyched about getting PyCon  
here, I'm thinking it's totally doable.

-ted