Bill

I think that the schedule will pan out for most people wanting to show up. It would be nice to be independently wealthy and not have to worry about work I agree, but I am planning on having a "cold" for those two trips (as it looks like it will become). If you really think about it aren't you feeling a bit of a bug coming on that will bloom in the spring or fall some time?

Kempis

I think you will be covered. There is a groundswell of opinion wanting an event in the northern hemisphere during its autumn. Watch this topic for further details after the Dusseldorf session. We should be getting some good feedback from that crew. Many of the major FT players are going and that whole trip is indicative of the party and FT friends atmosphere that we are so lucky to enjoy here.

Fly By Night (Steve)

That was a trip literally and figuratively meeting a FTer in the seat next to me on a Mileage Run. I love when stuff like that happens. First of many meetings with the folks from these boards I hope. That you are a Raiders fan was a bonus. It was a great day on Sunday for all Raiders fans with that thrashing of our brethren from the land of good barbecue. Just Win Baby!

On a personal note, I had the opportunity to enjoy a bottle of Penfold's Cab Sav, vintage 1990 on Saturday evening. The first time I have enjoyed an Australian wine more than five years old. They cellar very well! Excellent drop if any of you come across a bottle. Had just gone from purple to a lovely brownish purple and smooth as anything.

I will do the next update after the people get back from Dusseldorf with comments unless there are any major developments before then.
Soon I will likely post a straw poll for two arbitrary dates (one in Europe in the latter half of the calendar year and one in Oz in the first half of the calendar year). We can move from that to a refinement or rearrangement of the times and places based on general availability and preference.

Mike