Personally, I'm not looking for those details. What I meant is the venue is often announced prior to Thanksgiving or Christmas. The details are ironed out afterwards as the planning team brings to life what was contained within their approved proposal.
There was a time when Fred chose from a list of proposed locations based on the merit of the organizers' plans. The winning bidder's plan was often shared in the forum, sometimes in the form of a PPT, in the fall. Eventually, the planning method appeared to be the same team planning Fests based on where they could provide a good event at a location we've never done but still close enough for them to manage
(leaning eastward). This time, it appears
(from my limited perspective) that no one stepped forward until one group finally said,
"Okay, no one's making a plan, so let's DO THIS." The delay just left me wondering if the Fest had lost its luster.
I think it's great that you're bringing new blood to the TDIFest adventure. I wish you all the best! STL is on the edge of being too far for me to just go. The Fests I've attended in the past
(Boston, Dulles, Lexington) were all within an easy drive which required no time off and the ability to get my daughter home for the first day of school. I want to go. I just cannot make the plan to go until the event is closer, I know what's in store and what I want to miss
(leave daughter home to stay for Awards Banquet). Those are all personal challenges for ME... not you.
I hope everything comes together for a great TDIFest!
Good Luck,
Scott