A fall meeting?

The ACES Executive Committee has come and gone, and they were mighty impressed with Minneapolis and the hotel. Still, we have some items that need some immediate attention, so I was wondering if we could get together again in November.

Again, after the election and before the holidays were what I had in mind. Saturday mornings, do those still work for folks? Is there a consensus on Nov. 8, 15 or 22? Would the Riverview Cafe again work? We could move down 38th Street to the Fireroast if a change of scenery is desired or to some place entirely different?

On the agenda:
1) A logo for the bags and other conference swag: I've talked a bit to a graphic artist here, but he was interested in ideas. So far, a state outline, a river, a downtown landmark or two (from both cities -- we're aiming for Twin Cities or Minnesota specific ideas here) or maybe a bridge? How would folks feel about that? Or do you have something else in mind?

2) Sizing up non-newspaper targets for outreach: If you didn't get the latest ACES newsletter, you may not know that ACES expanded membership to outside newspapers. It seems that this will also help the conferences. So the committee is hoping for a list of area employers with big editing operations, so they can send a letter about the new ACES membership option and mention the conference. I think we can probably just do it on this blog. And I'll start a list pretty soon. Jeff also was going to get in touch with a couple business communicators groups with chapters here to spread the word.

3) Afterparty. Gluek's was OK, except for space. If you have 200 in mind, the back room seemed too small to the committee. So we're starting anew. Many liked the Newsroom when they went there. I wonder about the financials (I got the info from the Newsroom and have some questions in with Deirdre Edgar) and whether people might want to escape the news biz outside of the conference. I can take care of this, but I wonder what others think.

ACES Executive Committee in town this weekend

The American Copy Editors Society executive committee is meeting in Minneapolis on Friday and Saturday. I am going to go over to the Hilton Saturday morning to talk with them about the upcoming convention next year. If you are free, you are definitely welcome. Tentative plans call for a 10:30 a.m. meeting.

Also, after comparing pricing lists and downtown bars, I have tentatively booked a private room at Gluek's (right near the Target Center and the end of the light rail line) for the ACES after-party. The fact that it offers its room for free made it very attractive, compared with the thousands of dollars asked for by Brit's, (to name one place). I believe the committee members will be checking it out before we finalize plans.

Perhaps it would be worth a meeting sometime soon after the meeting with the ACES board. Would a post-election, pre-holiday meeting on some Saturday morning in November work?

Anyone have contacts at The Onion?

I would love to have a speaker from The Onion... either as banquet speaker, or for a session. (I'm not picky!) I just think so many copy editors are fans that there would be a lot of interest.