Need help with 2016 Sturgeon Bay, WI TDIFest

3L3M3NT

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I'm thinking that with some help, a Sturgeon Bay, WI TDIFEST would be possible in 2016, if I could get some help.

I'd be happy to call hotels in the Sturgeon Bay area and see if they would be willing to have TDIFEST at their hotel in 2016. And hopefully figure out some activities for people to do.

If you are interested in helping bring a TDIFEST to the Sturgeon Bay area, let me know and we can see who can help with what. Figure out a plan to make this a reality :)
 
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frugality

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Now if only I could get some people in Wisconsin to help.;)
I think it would be a great location, since it's somewhat centralized.
Chicago would make for another good spot as well.
Can't believe a CHEESEHEAD would suggest a GTG in Bears country.

LaCrosse would be a better 2nd choice. Nice driving along the Mississippi, and we tolerate the Vikings fans better. ;)

At least, make it Lake Geneva or the Dells, and let the Illinois-ances come up to the GTG. Don't make us go down there. Please. :D

(Born in Milwaukee, raised in Madison from K-12+UW-Madison.)
 

3L3M3NT

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Can't believe a CHEESEHEAD would suggest a GTG in Bears country.

LaCrosse would be a better 2nd choice. Nice driving along the Mississippi, and we tolerate the Vikings fans better. ;)

At least, make it Lake Geneva or the Dells, and let the Illinois-ances come up to the GTG. Don't make us go down there. Please. :D

(Born in Milwaukee, raised in Madison from K-12+UW-Madison.)
I know it was hard for me to type, but for the convenience of all the Club members it would be an easy place to drive to for a good portion of members.

I agree a La Crosse Fest would another good location. I also really like the idea of a Wisconsin Dells location for TDIFest. That would be something to consider with all the activities that go on in the area. You have largest water park(Noah's Ark), the ducks, the go kart tracks, the Tommy Barlett Show, and plenty more.

Anyway we can make a Wisconsin Fest a reality would be great.:D
 

greengeeker

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I'd love to see a WI TDIfest. I could possibly help with a La Crosse coordination but know nothing of the area. Green Bay is just too far for me to help with.

Isn't Dells going to be crawling with people on Labor Day weekend? I would be surprised if any hotel would consider partnering with you on that weekend.
 

3L3M3NT

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I'd love to see a WI TDIfest. I could possibly help with a La Crosse coordination but know nothing of the area. Green Bay is just too far for me to help with.

Isn't Dells going to be crawling with people on Labor Day weekend? I would be surprised if any hotel would consider partnering with you on that weekend.
Hopefully some more people have your attitude and would be willing to help.:D

That's probably true for the Dells, but you never know...most families are back at home, since the kids have started school.

I know the Northeast area of Wisconsin the best, since I grew up here and that's why I suggested Green Bay, Plus there are more than enough hotels to choose from, since all the out of town Packer fans need a place to stay.:D

If we can get a core group to people to help make this a reality would be a lot of fun.:cool:
 

lovemybug

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I'd be interested in helping in some way. I live close to the place that holds Country Thunder in Wisconsin, It's a huge, open area that would be great for something like this, with lots of room for campers and RV's, as well. By huge, I'm talking multiple acres of open area.
 

3L3M3NT

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I'd be interested in helping in some way. I live close to the place that holds Country Thunder in Wisconsin, It's a huge, open area that would be great for something like this, with lots of room for campers and RV's, as well. By huge, I'm talking multiple acres of open area.
Where is Country Thunder located exactly?

Another thing you gotta think about is, what is there to do in the area?

With people interested in helping, we need to narrow down the location of the Wisconsin TDIFEST.

Obviously my vote is still with Green Bay; )
 

jasonTDI

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It need to be at a hotel with a convention center. They don't work otherwise.

The dells is jammed that weekend, school or not. No deals there. Green Bay is a possibility. Lake Geneva is a no go as the hotels that do have the space are golf destinations and $250+ a night. Lacrosse is nice I'll agree. Lots of great hilly roads if you head south towards Soldiers Grove and Prairie Du Chein.
 

3L3M3NT

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It need to be at a hotel with a convention center. They don't work otherwise.

The dells is jammed that weekend, school or not. No deals there. Green Bay is a possibility. Lake Geneva is a no go as the hotels that do have the space are golf destinations and $250+ a night. Lacrosse is nice I'll agree. Lots of great hilly roads if you head south towards Soldiers Grove and Prairie Du Chein.
I'm confident that I can find a hotel in the Green Bay area that has a conference center.

I can start looking for a hotel if there's enough interest.
 

VeeDubTDI

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I found the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay, but the reviews are sketchy and some of the pictures make it look like it's run down and dumpy. Indoor water park isn't particularly appealing, either, since the resort will be overrun with children.
 

3L3M3NT

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I found the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay, but the reviews are sketchy and some of the pictures make it look like it's run down and dumpy. Indoor water park isn't particularly appealing, either, since the resort will be overrun with children.
I know of a few people that have gone there and I wanna say someone went there for a wedding reception. If I can remember who it is, I'll have to ask them how they like it. If I have time tomorrow after the dyno day, I could stop by and check it out.
 

VeeDubTDI

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Stop by and see what it's like. Have them show you a couple of rooms, check out the grounds, and make sure there is enough parking for about 200 cars plus the regular hotel guests.
 

3L3M3NT

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Stop by and see what it's like. Have them show you a couple of rooms, check out the grounds, and make sure there is enough parking for about 200 cars plus the regular hotel guests.
If I have the time I'll see if it meets those guidelines.
 

3L3M3NT

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Stop by and see what it's like. Have them show you a couple of rooms, check out the grounds, and make sure there is enough parking for about 200 cars plus the regular hotel guests.
Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to stop by the Tundra Lodge, but my Dad had a suggestion to have it in Sturgeon Bay at The Lodge at Leathem Smith.

I spoke with the owner and they have 60 rooms available 12 acres on the property to use for parking and just about everything else, but camping unfortunately. They also have a ballroom that'll fit approximately 400 people and they have a restaurant and pool onsite, along with being right next to the bay and right off the highway, so it's easy to find.

There is also a marina right across the road for those of you who like to fish, whether it be taking your own boat out or going out on a charter boat to try your luck salmon, trout, walleye, or bass fishing.

Here are a few links of the resort.
http://www.thelodgeatls.com/

https://www.facebook.com/The-Lodge-at-Leathem-Smith-214201671947510/timeline/

A video of the property.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-81YB4zS78

A few other videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RbkI9JG4s4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiIYXkwvdNg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZNsoapM6rA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arQibQnSBZw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqcDXduTwD8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arQibQnSBZw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYLamiUSB3E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxP4Y3uu0CQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P166q1c1U9M

As you can see there's a few things to do up here in Door County ;)

Let me know what you guys think of a Sturgeon Bay, WI TDIFest?
 
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VeeDubTDI

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I think Sturgeon Bay sounds pretty awesome. It's pretty far north... How do others feel about it?
 

vwUMO

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I think Sturgeon Bay sounds pretty awesome. It's pretty far north... How do others feel about it?
Sounds decent! Close to the middle of the country too which is a bonus.
 

MichaelB

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Well, of course I'm biased as I just got back from Door county yesterday. I don't think anybody would be disappointed if Sturgeon Bay were chosen for the 2016 TDI Fest. If you look at the links that 3L3M3NT posted I think you will see why. I realize that it is mid continent so that is a long journey for many here. For those coming from the East there is also a wonderful car ferry from Michigan to Wisconsin, http://www.ssbadger.com/ . For people like myself " it's not the destination, it's the journey. Well anyway Sturgeon Bay gets my vote.
 

VeeDubTDI

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So I did some more looking into the Leathem Smith Lodge, and their 60 rooms may be a limiting factor for Fest. In Ypsilanti in 2012, we sold 78 rooms, which we could have easily exceeded by another dozen if the hotel hadn't sold out due to other events that same weekend.

It could still work, but some people will have to stay off-site, either in other hotels, rental cottages, or camping. Looking around the area a bit, it seems that there are plenty of alternative accommodations. Long story short, if this Lodge is attractive, we will need to rent the entire thing (a bonus, in my opinion, so that the space isn't being shared with other groups or individuals).
 
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3L3M3NT

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I think Sturgeon Bay sounds pretty awesome. It's pretty far north... How do others feel about it?
I'm in. lol

Sounds decent! Close to the middle of the country too which is a bonus.
That's what I was thinking the same thing location wise. :)

Well, of course I'm biased as I just got back from Door county yesterday. I don't think anybody would be disappointed if Sturgeon Bay were chosen for the 2016 TDI Fest. If you look at the links that 3L3M3NT posted I think you will see why. I realize that it is mid continent so that is a long journey for many here. For those coming from the East there is also a wonderful car ferry from Michigan to Wisconsin, http://www.ssbadger.com/ . For people like myself " it's not the destination, it's the journey. Well anyway Sturgeon Bay gets my vote.
It's a great trip up here, with some alternative routes up here if you want a more scenic drive, like taking highway 42 in Manitowoc to County S and for a drive along Lake Michigan turn onto County U after you leave Algoma.;)

So I did some more looking into the Leathem Smith Lodge, and their 60 rooms may be a limiting factor for Fest. In Ypsilanti in 2012, we sold 78 rooms, which we could have easily exceeded by another dozen if the hotel hadn't sold out due to other events that same weekend.

It could still work, but some people will have to stay off-site, either in other hotels, rental cottages, or camping. Looking around the area a bit, it seems that there are plenty of alternative accommodations. Long story short, if this Lodge is attractive, we will need to rent the entire thing (a bonus, in my opinion, so that the space isn't being shared with other groups or individuals).
Literally right across from The Lodge is the Snug Harbor Inn http://snugharborinn.com/

Then a little further down is Stone Harbor. http://www.stoneharbor-resort.com/

If you want I can talk to the owner and reserve the entire place.;)
 
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MichaelB

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I'm in.

It's a great trip up here, with some alternative routes up here if you want a more scenic drive, like taking highway 42 in Manitowoc to County S and for a drive along Lake Michigan turn onto County U after you leave Algoma.;)
That's the exact route I just took home...............Now back to the Packer game.:D
 

3L3M3NT

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That's the exact route I just took home...............Now back to the Packer game.:D
Go Pack Go!

One other thing that will be a hit IMO would be to bring in a mobile dyno. I already spoke with Full Boar Enterprises out of Dodgeville and he would be willing to make the trip to Sturgeon Bay.

https://www.facebook.com/FullBoarMobileDyno

http://fullboarenterprises.com/performance.html

As you can tell I put a little bit of thought into this. lol

So let me know and I'll start making calls to reserve things.:D
 
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