OK... time to catch up on the replies.
QL: The hotel arrangements are all made in connection with a group meeting. If I had my choice I'd be collecting points from Starwood or Marriott. When you move to L.A., PremEx says to bring sheep.
Punki: I'll definitely look forward to seeing you again and meeting Joe. I don't sail, but I have. (How's that for inscrutable?)
Rudi: The convention that I'm not sure whether I'm going to is in Friedrichshafen.
MileageAddict:OK. You're on the list
doc: As you know, the #1 and #9 trains also run on time, as long as your watch is broken.