[jds2001]

This is the point where I get upset. My team hasn't ever qualified for CMP, but I volunteer there - it's a wonderful experience if you haven't done it. I just checked on Experient (where I got my hotel) using the link that I got, and every hotel that I've gotten is within walking distance of one of the venues. FIRST treats their volunteers well, I totally get that - but we're the folks that should have to schlep in from the airport, not teams (not that I'm objecting to having a close hotel.....) IMO.

A bit of a non-sequitur here as well - for the FTC East Super Regional last weekend, they arranged hotel blocks (not through Experient). I was assigned to volunteer late, so the negotiated rate was sold out. Went directly to the hotel's website, expecting to pay more assuming that the hotel wasn't ENTIRELY sold out. I actually wound up paying LESS! Just a reminder that the group negotiated rate isn't always the BEST rate.

For the future, whenever the rules for split CMP come out, make hotel reservations for next year ASAP when you know which one you might attend. You'll be able to cancel without penalty, and you'll get in before Experient does most likely, and be able to reserve hotels close to the venue. I realize that's a ton of advance planning, but it very well might be worth it.