Be careful what you wish for. After serious losses because of hotel contracts that didn't sell out, the Board decided to eliminate that risk for future meetings. We would contract for a minimum number of rooms, and rely on alternate hotels for the overflow. In Dearborn, that worked. In New Orleans, we have been a victim of our success. 

Recent Spring Shoots were not well attended, so we planned for a minimum block. But the New Orleans room block sold out quickly, and we haven't been able to add rooms. The French Quarter has a huge list of hotels; we researched a few close by, and put out a list of alternates which are a fraction of the choices near the Sheraton. I'm in the same boat. I waited too long to get into the Sheraton, but found a place a few blocks away. I plan to use the walks to and from as photo ops.

Don't let this keep you from coming to the Spring Shoot. There are lots of places to stay, and if some are a splurge, it's the Big Easy, and you'll have bragging rights. Besides, we're planning a program that's worth bragging about.

Think about meeting and socializing with respected international and local professionals. We're embedding a Leica Akademie workshop with Maggie Steber in the Shoot. That's been a success: it sold out to members as well as to some Leica enthusiasts who have joined LHSA. Maggie will be there the whole time, give a keynote address and judge our ad hoc weekend photo projects. We've also contacted local photo celebrities not only to come and make presentations, but also to lead us on photo walks. Add to that, contacts with local galleries and museums to welcome you during your stay. There's no shortage of things to do and people to meet. To that end, we've emphasized informal socializing as well as shooting.

Admittedly, this program is experimental, and as with all experiments, some aspects will work better than others. That said, New Orleans looks like it will be a grand time. Please come, enjoy the Big Easy, and meet your LHSA friends for a spectacular occasion. Then let me know what you think of it all. We'll work your comments into planning the next meetings.

I'll look for you there, and hope to see you.