[RoboMom]

This thread made me smile.
OK, here it goes...

Interesting week - 7. The dynamics around this week are going to be fun to watch.

Pros:

• An 8-9 hour drive. Or,
• Airport with direct (non-stop) flights from Boston (or Manchester or Providence) on SWA, or others.
• Easy transport from airport to downtown.
• Venue is a big convention center downtown, within easy walking distance to numerous sites that are popular with visitors. Natl. Aquarium, MD Science Center, Pinball Museum (really), Inner Harbor. In the shadow of both Camden Yards (Go O's!!!!!) and M & T (Go Ravens!) Holds 60+ teams and plenty of pit space.
• Lots of eating choices, including chains and local places.
• Lots of choices of hotels, both through Steele Meetings and others. Choices within walking distance to venue or if you have a vehicle, lots of choices near airport. Drive from airport to downtown is 20 minutes.
• This event has historically attracted teams from up and down the east coast, and usually 1 or 2 come from a distance. Last year we had teams from CA and FIM. http://www.mdfirst.org/programs/firs...2-results.html
• By week 7, the daffodils will be up. No guarantees on snow, but historically unlikely.
  • A committee and volunteers who work very hard to make it a fun, fair and friendly regional. (Thanks for the shout out Seth. It was fun having 192 join us last year.)
  • And it's Balmer, hon. As quirky a city as they come.

Cons:

• It will cost you to park your vehicle.
• The convention center food is pricey and you cannot bring food into the venue.

The Chesapeake Regional.