Okay, I'm not ashamed to admit that I am a little fearful of attending this huge meeting, as it is my first VT meeting ever! So, is there anything I should know about meetings in general? Anyone I should stay away from? (just kidding!)

:)
Nicoletta

youīll be suprised how eaygoing the meetings are.
itīs really like meeting olf friends even if itīs the first time you see the as we all have the same reference (vt).

looking forward to meeting up with you :O)

hi nicolette...

i enjoy vt meetings and have attended/organised various vt dinners in malaysia, singapore, thailand etc... maybe you want to check out http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/5a195/13901a/6/ and also vt meetings listed on my homepage...

just attend and enjoy yourself..

regards.chia

Bring enough cash for bail

Thanks for your tips everyone! I am really looking forward to meeting others who are a part of this wonderful travel community.

Get ready to be a star, there are camera shots galore to the point where u feel blinded, just remember those pesky cameras are lurking everywhere just waiting to catch you at a embarrassing moment ;0))))))
VT meets are really good, just be yourself.....

donīt worry.

iīll be there to cover the embarrasing moments.

I've only been to one, a brief one in a bar in London. There was a lot of drinking. This is my 2nd, so maybe...be as sociable or not as you want. I want to see the city, so I'll try to do that when I can. But the events sound fun too.

We can sit in the corner, and watch these people, together. ;)

hi all,

just so you all know, your three Baltoberfest hosts have all discussed making sure people all feel comfortable and welcome...and, we're about to take classes on all the social graces we've somehow missed! ;-))

don't worry....it'll be a casual and great event (ok, I may be biased), with a very diverse group of people in terms of ages and interests.

I so look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones...and, now in under 3 weeks!

ciao hons,
Ellen

Nicoletta (and everyone),

I forgot to add that this is the first VT meeting (or first 'big one) for a number of people....I'm hoping that we can all live up to the amazing expectations that everyone seems to have!

Also, I went to one big meet. And, it was a lot like life. Some people you really like, some you could live without, some are better just knowing via the computer screen, etc. It's not too difficult to find a niche, though. Just so you know, though, my two closest "VT friends" (who are now 'real friends') I didn't know from the forums or VT, but met at meetings!

that's it...unless I think of something else!

ciao!

You know, I've been to VT Meetings of all sizes.... I'm really looking forward to hosting Baltoberfest, but at the same time, I know it won't be as personal and intimate as some smaller meetings.

When I travel, I prefer to be in very small groups, if I'm in a group at all. But this is different I think. I hope that attendees to this meeting know that they will be given some guidance, but need to be self-sufficient to some degree. We can't hold everyone's hands and tell them where to go and when to go there...

Enough about Baltoberfest though. I think Ellen is right, you'll find your niche of friends to spend more time with, and possibly forget that others even attended... You control your experience.

Less than three weeks to go!!

Baltoberfest host number 3 checking in. : )

Like everyone else has already said, you will have a good time. I have not had a bad experience at any VT meeting. I have met some wonderful people, have made some lasting friendships, and have generally found it to be a great experience. The meeting in Baltimore has been planned so that everyone can hopefully feel comfortable and have a good time. Nothing fancy. Just some fun places to kick back, get a feel for Baltimore, and spend time with friends.

larry

Dear Ellen, Frank, and Larry:

I would like to thank you guys for all your hard work in putting together this soon-to-be awesome meeting! You have planned such a great variety of events, and everyone is so excited. You have obviously devoted an enormous amount of time and effort in coordinating this event, while maintaining a a job and personal life. I am surely not alone is saying thank you for this wonderfully unique opportunity to make new friends and learn about the "charm of Baltimore".

I am SO looking forward to it!
Nicoletta

Thanks Nicolette! I'm looking forward to meeting the Art Teacher of the Year!!

Just to remind everyone, the most up to date information is now at

www.baltoberfest.com

"...while maintaining a personal life" ....you mean, outside of VT?? ;-))
honestly, I think I speak for Frank & Larry too when I say we're just as excited about showing off our city as people are about seeing it....and meeting/reconnecting with VTers also fits into the equation as well....

See you in two weeks now!!!

I'm blushing here....awwwww.


Its going to be a great weekend. I am even getting a hotel room so I don't have to leave the city for the weekend.

Larry

Wow! I want to party with Larry!

Party! Party!

Larry

Is Baltoberfest really just 3 days away??!! Wow.

I'm so excited, I just can't hide it (Pointer Sisters)

I'm about to lose control
And I think I like it
Like it....

Sorry just had to finish out the chorus of that song.

Larry

hehehe

I't needed to be done!