>>> Some day, Markus, some day you'll understand :-)
>
>And you know, it is not like I don't understand the issue. We will def. try to move it to a different week. I'm just trying to make you understand that it's not one of those "oh, what a bunch of morons" type of issues. There were good reasons for picking this weekend, and there were good reasons why we couldn't pick another timeframe (besides the fact that content managers like myself are not involved in picking hotels or weekends ;-).
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>And I guess it's my European heritage, but I never quite understood the american way of celebrating Valentine's day and mother's day. IMHPO, if those holidays define the quality of your relationship, you have a major problem to begin with. What's wrong with taking home some flowers on a day other than Valentine's Day, or taking him/her out for a nice candel light dinner without needing a special occasion? But I guess that's just me...
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>Markus

I think some of the significant others would appreciate your cultural heritage, and enjoy the flowers/dinner at "other" times, but I would seriously doubt that any of them would want to give up Valentine's day, Mothers' day , or even Fathers' day for that matter. On the other hand, few will object seriously to the bread winner taking in a conference or two that will enhance their breadwinning capability, as long as it does not interfere with "quality time."

But again, I still cast the lonely vote for less 'MEGA" conferences in favor of comprehensive regional ones that are easier to attend for those on lesser budgets.

tongue in cheek, of course <g>