Home Forums Discussions General Discussion Fall Meetup in Lake Tahoe

Now that ACUC 2011 is behind us, we are putting the logistics of our fall get together in place.

To be clear, this not an AC event, rather a get together for Providers (and their guests/spouses) to hang-out, participate in various sessions, and enjoy Lake Tahoe.

This is open to all Providers, not just AC users.

We are putting up the first couple of polls to crowd-source the when and the where.

The first question is when. Room rates go down some once you are past the first week in October, so I would recommend the second week or later.

The link to the poll is: http://providersinn.com/?q=content/Providers-Pines-2011

We have suggestions for several sessions, but are looking for more; you can add them here if you are so inclined.

Next up will links to a few different facilities to choose from, and then a poll for where preferences.

To actually vote you'll need to create an account on the site (if you didn't as part of ACUC 2011); just takes a few seconds.

The comments are open on the poll as well if you have suggestions about timing (mornings, evenings, daytime) or starting Thursday night or later.

Look forward to seeing folks this fall.

Indy,
How do you vote? There is nothing to "click on"

Think that is fixed now - broke the rule of applying changes to production within 15 minutes of going to bed. My bad - and thanks for catching it. Permissions are now set to any authenticated users.

Alright, the voting isn't overwhelming the server at this point , so time to ask the question of the base facility.

In Lake Tahoe, there are several different type of locations, but here some good examples. All of them have meeting facilities (inside and/or outside) nearby, so this more about accommodations and their facilities.

Here's the most "Tahoe-ish" option, Zephyr Cove cabins:
http://www.zephyrcove.com/accommodations/zephyr-cove-cabins.aspx


The Ridge:
http://www.ridgetahoeresort.com/


A nearby casino & hotel - Harrah's:
http://www.harrahslaketahoe.com/casinos/harrahs-lake-tahoe/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml


Embassy Suites Lake & Ski Resort
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en...hoe-Hotel-Ski-Resort-California/index.do

I'll put the actual poll on ProvidersInn.com to track votes, but I welcome posted thoughts.

Here is the actual Poll for folks to express your desires.

http://providersinn.com/?q=Lake-Tahoe-Accommodations

I got my vote in!

I voted for weekend of 14th - some place like an Embassy Suites.

Also what are the chances of getting Bert to go?????

Bert has been invited. I have suggested that we have Bert host the Ultimate Backup Bake-off - who can out-backup Bert?? ...but I am not sure anyone would step into the ring to face the Master.

If Bert hosts the Backup Bake-off, I will back out of the Bake-off.

But bet your bottom dollar I will beat Bert to Tahoe.

If you haven't been to Tahoe before, I should point out that Lake level is about 6200 ft above sea-level. The mountain ridges around Lake Tahoe are 8500-9500 ft, so if you plan on ridge hiking you should get into town 24-48 hours before that so that you acclimate.

If you are planning on driving from the airport, you can fly into Reno, Sacramento, or even San Francisco or Oakland. The drive from the Bay area is 5-6 hours, and if you wanted to side-trip through wine country or the gold-rush areas, plan extra time for that.

I'm not too far. In Los Angeles. Looks like all 3 dates are tied at the moment.

27-30 Oct in the lead atm, but voting is still open.

From LA you can come up the central valley, and even go through Gold Rush country and wind up through the mountains to come into Tahoe from the south.

The fastest route is actually up 15/395, passing close to Death Valley, and then going past Mammoth Mountain and the Eastern entrance of Yosemite. One footnote for that route, pay attention to those speed signs in the middle of nowhere - they are well enforced.

Looking for suggestions for sessions & for outings:

Anyone up for a day hike?

An interactive session with Marty about working the point combinations at the Craps table?

A trip to the Carson City out door range?

Sight-seeing around the lake to Emerald Bay?

Hiking sounds great as long as you take into consideration many of us are from the low lands. Maybe "strolling" would be more apropos. I think the "sessions" should concentrate on things like "Regional Beers", "How to Spend Your Stimulus Money at the Poker Tables", etc.

Ha, what's the headcount at the moment?

Two votes here for the stroll and the hike/sightseeing.

Leslie, let's try to keep this somewhat academic. I am thinking of an evening session focused on "Regional Beers". That session should be complete with extensive hands-on training which can continue for those who need extra CME, into a discussion of "Paperport vs. Updox: An Issue for Our Time". A couple of hours later you and Bert can (try) to have a debate on the merits of Brother MFP's.

After a couple of beers, screw Paperport!

I'll come in with my alternate suggestion of the MainPine Fax Modem. But I won't be drinking.

Thought I would bring this back up - people still interested?

Based on the group's input, looks like we are settled on the weekend of 27-30 October.

The jury is still out on location, but the most popular choices are within 2 miles of each other, so Lori and I will start checking availability, and I'll put up another poll to crowd-source the desired content.

Sounds like some guided strolls of places like Emerald Bay, the Lake Tahoe Rim trail, or similar would be of interest.

Please keep the agenda suggestions coming!

Indy,

How many have expressed an interest?

My Stepdad taught me to play craps at the ripe age of 17. Never got carded at the casinos then again I never was winning anything big.

You guys definitely don't want any craps lessons from me or you'll all end up in the poor house!

Leslie,
It looks like about 14 have voted in one poll or the other. Indy can tell us if others have expressed interest without voting.

I think it might be helpful if we clarify the agenda a little. I think the "activities" will not be an issue; maybe we need some "academic" agenda topics to help people justify the trip and the expense.

Those expressing interest are in the 20-30 range (unknown number of spouses/guests); we are fine with that number for this year.

I second Jon's suggestion that we determine what the content should be, as that will drive what kind of facilities that we need to lock down.

One possible type of discussion: there are major portions of AC that I either have not bothered to learn or seriously under-utilize. I would be interested in seeing demonstrations by those who use these "modules" efficiently. For example, the orders section, reports/searches, tracked data, use of group mailboxes, and even the most efficient way to manage problem and medication lists. Discussion of how people are handling MU would be helpful (I would LOVE to see how other specialists are doing it). These could all take the form of prepared, formal discussions, or just "going around the room" and anyone who wants to show how they do it could give a demo.

It might be a short talk. It has been my experience, orders, reports, tracked data, group mailboxes generally work poorly.

I'm going anyway.

I tend to agree with Jon. I love seeing how other docs are doing things from office flow to MU. Now that many have started attesting, it would be great to be walked through the steps. I think with only 20-30 we can accomplish this nicely just by having a short demonstration for the group and then breaking up into "round tables". Perhaps we could poll those planning to come to see what they might be willing to demonstrate for the group. One thing we did not really do at the big meeting was get to see how people are using other programs along with AC...Updox, Star printer, Backup programs, Paper port, Shortkeys, the appointment schedulers, etc. I think seeing this stuff would be dandy.

Also, the sooner we lock in a date the better. I am sure we all need to make plans to be out of the office.

Also, knowing who is planning on being there, where they are flying into and the time might allow us to coordinate and combine transportation to the facility. (I was cheap before Wendell knew what cheap was!)

As far as dates, I'm willing to call it for the weekend of 27-30 October. Travel on Thursday, Start on Friday.

There is a shuttle that goes from the Reno airport to the Tahoe casinos, I need to get their current schedule and fees.

Fine with me!!

Indy,

What is the voting on the location?

OK, Gang.

The meet-up at Lake Tahoe is well into the planning stages. It is set for the weekend of October 27-30th. The location, although not finalized, will likely be the Cabins at Zephyr Cove. There is a link to the site in this thread. We (Indy) is still in the negotiating stages for a group price. The meeting will be very informal. Although there is no set agenda, we are wanting to use the time to see how other users use AC in their day-to-day practices. We want to see work-arounds, ancillary programs (like UPDOX and Short Keys), and office flow examples. This is not intended to be a meeting for newbies, although you are certainly welcome to attend. We would like to hear from those planning or thinking of attending as to what topics you would like to see and what topics you may feel comfortable discussing. There will be no formal lectures. The main goal is for everyone to feel comfortable and to have a good time while picking up some tips on how to better use AC. Bring your hiking shoes because we plan on burning some calories while seeing beautiful scenery. Bring your Dramamine for the dinner cruise on the lake. Bring your appetites for steaks on the grill. Bring your kids, your dogs and your Grannies. Everyone should have a great time!

Thanks Leslie!

the one thing that I have brought up that we can do is a mobile applications & hardware, session otherwise affectionately known as the mobile-devices petting zoo.

Probably still won't get as much interest as mule-skinning.

I'd love to attend a meeting like this in Tahoe. Never stayed at Zephyr Cove, but heard it's nice. I wonder, though, if it might be more convenient for those flying to be on the Northern or Western part of the lake, which can be less of a drive from San Francisco, Oakland airports and much closer to Reno airport?

I, too, am solo. I know there are workarounds to certain things that I just don't know about. I'm happy to share a few I've come up with.

If you are coming from the Bay area, from Sac it is fastest to come up 50. Zephyr Code is about 8 minutes past the Casinos and South Lake Tahoe.

Beautiful drive, especially in the fall, if you like to press the drive, do it late night with good lights and tires - it will take your breath away. Right as you crest Echo Summit, you should back off, the edge barrier is low, and the drop is a few thousand feet.

Sorry I have been away from the forum for so long. I'm definitely going to be at Tahoe. Don't plan on talking on anything, but will certainly buy a round of Margarita's and am eager to listen. Martin

Good to see you back Martin!

Look forward to having you there; maybe you'll bring your iPhone transporter device.

I should be embarrassed to admit I still have it!, but since it is the compact travel model, (i-Phone / Web Cam interface with Image Stabilization). It doesn't take up much room in the drawer where I threw it! lol