TAM9 -- Is it happening?

[toniclark]

Can someone official confirm that TAM 9 is definitely going to take place? I see that some people have already booked rooms at the Southpoint, but I don't see a schedule anywhere. I'm trying to decide how long to stay and would like to make flight reservations before the (probably imminent) price hike, but I need more information. Thanks.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I heard that they're changing the name from TAM to TCS Fest. Same time and place. So technically TAM 9 isn't happening, but the far superior TCS Fest is.

[toniclark]

Joking? I assume so. If not, what is TCS?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Joking? I assume so.

Yes, joking. TAM 9 is July 14-17. It's really happening.

If not, what is TCS?

Think about it.

[toniclark]

Um, thanks, I think.

Can anyone else confirm that TAM's happening? No schedule. No official postings. I'm not convinced.

[SkepticScott]

I'm not official.
I'm fairly certain that TAM9 will happen. I've book my flights and reserved my room. The only additional evidence I have is that a few months ago I offered to coordinate the volunteers at TAM9 and my offer was accepted by D.J. . There's still four months to go, so I wouldn't worry yet. Even NECSS, which is in April, doesn't have a speaker-by-speaker schedule on its web site yet.

[toniclark]

Thanks, Scott. That helps.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Can anyone else confirm that TAM's happening? No schedule. No official postings. I'm not convinced.

Then don't go.

[toniclark]

No need to be rude. I just don't want to buy 2 tix for nothing. Had heard a rumor that there'd be no meeting this year.

[AdMan]

Don't know about any rumors, but registration opened and speakers were announced in late February for TAM8. So if that's any indication we should hear more news soon.

[Cleon]

Official dates are posted here (http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/246-amazng-meeting.html). I imagine a speakers' list and schedule will be forthcoming.

[toniclark]

Thanks everyone. I did see the dates. Didn't realize that the schedule wasn't posted until the end of Feb. last year. I'll try to be patient! :)

[Horatius]

Thanks everyone. I did see the dates. Didn't realize that the schedule wasn't posted until the end of Feb. last year. I'll try to be patient! :)



At this point there are enough of The Usual Suspects signed up with flights and hotel rooms, we could just all show up and still have a good time, even with no talks at all.

And if you want talks, we could turn it into the biggest SkeptiCamp (http://skepticamp.org/wiki/Main_Page) ever!

[Wowbagger]

There is no reason for it not to happen. I, for one, already booked a room. Sorta.

Have you been to any previous TAMs? If not, there's a thread somewhere for advice for newbies.


No need to be rude. Telling Scrut not to be rude is like telling the sun not to be hot.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

There is no reason for it not to happen. I, for one, already booked a room. Sorta.

How do you "sorta" book a room?

[Horatius]

How do you "sorta" book a room?



He plans on picking your pocket.

[Wowbagger]

How do you "sorta" book a room?It's easy!!

I just sorta called them up, one day, and sorta told 'em I was going to stay there for a bunch of nights, and they sorta sent a confirmation, of some sort, I think.


Actually, someone else sorta booked the room before me, I think. And, I kinda said I'll join 'em, I guess. But, then I sorta had to call 'em up, myself, to remind them to put two separate beds in there, instead of one, 'cause the one thing I know for certain is that I ain't gonna sleep in the same bed as another guy. Everything else is all vague and mysterious, in some way.

[saganite]

No need to be rude. I just don't want to buy 2 tix for nothing. Had heard a rumor that there'd be no meeting this year.

Who started this rumor? We must kill this person.

[Hokulele Mom]

Who started this rumor? We must kill this person.


No need to go overboard..... Just gagging should do it. Hokulele said she booked room for us already. I'm waiting to hear what Post-Tam activities are available so I can decide when to leave for home.

H Mom

[Hokulele]

No need to go overboard..... Just gagging should do it. Hokulele said she booked room for us already. I'm waiting to hear what Post-Tam activities are available so I can decide when to leave for home.

H Mom


Us? I was supposed to have booked a room for two people? I figured you would sleep in the chair in front of The Claw.


:p

[phyz]

No need to be rude. I just don't want to buy 2 tix for nothing. Had heard a rumor that there'd be no meeting this year.

Source? Link? Don't be shy!

[AdMan]

And as if by some psychic power, at this very instant the JREF "Take Action - Feb. News" email arrives and Randi has this to say:

And of course TAM 2011 -- to be held in Las Vegas July 14-27 -- is about to open registration in the next few weeks. We think this is one of the best program's yet, and I sincerely to see you there!

http://jref.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=5041&em_id=1101.0

[The Central Scrutinizer]

And as if by some psychic power, at this very instant the JREF "Take Action - Feb. News" email arrives and Randi has this to say:



http://jref.convio.net/site/MessageViewer?dlv_id=5041&em_id=1101.0

I wonder why I don't get that email? Am I supposed to sign up?

[AdMan]

I wonder why I don't get that email? Am I supposed to sign up?


http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/support-us.html :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/support-us.html :)

I've been a member since 96. :)

I guess they have my old email address.

[AdMan]

I've been a member since 96. :)

I guess they have my old email address.


You actually can sign up (without joining) here (http://randi.org/site/signup). I think that should get you on their email list.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

You actually can sign up (without joining) here (http://randi.org/site/signup). I think that should get you on their email list.

Great! Thanks.

[phyz]

Wow; they must have a lot of speakers and activities: July 14-27. I'll need to change my reservations!!!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Wow; they must have a lot of speakers and activities: July 14-27. I'll need to change my reservations!!!

The extra 10 days are spent in the Del Mar Lounge.

[bumlet5]

The extra 10 days are spent in the Del Mar Lounge.

As opposed to every other waking moment during TAM?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

As opposed to every other waking moment during TAM?

Yes, but without those annoying lectures interfering.

[bumlet5]

Yes, but without those annoying lectures interfering.

That's what I suggest to people who can't afford to buy entry to TAM itself. Just go and hang out at the Del Mar all weekend. No one has taken my advice yet.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

That's what I suggest to people who can't afford to buy entry to TAM itself. Just go and hang out at the Del Mar all weekend. No one has taken my advice yet.
If you can get to Vegas and have a place to stay, then the registration fee for TAM need not be an impediment. Apply for a forum grant. The TAM9 forum grant program will be announced when the TAM9 pages go up.

~~ Paul

[skyhar8000]

I have booked a two-queen-bed room for Wed.-Sat. inclusive. Looking for three roomies to share the costs. I did book at the sale rate and will keep my eyes open to see if I can get a better rate between now and then. So if you would like to come aboard, your room will cost about $100 for the four nights, or $25 per night, and that isn't bad! I am 53 years old and a non-smoker. I am not a prude but expect my roomies to behave decently, not break the furniture, and stay reasonably clean and sober. Fine with me if you come and/or go at any hour of the day or night -- I haven't missed a TAM yet, and I know the nature of the beast -- but as long as you observe quiet while one or more of your other roommates is sleeping, we'll get along just fine. You may respond to steveb@e-z.net at any time and/or call me at 503-246-9520. This annual offer of mine usually fills up fast, just because the takers know they'll end up with safe, sane comrades and pay a very reasonable cost for the same. So let me know ASAP, and first come, first served, etc., and see you at TAM!!
Stephen Bauer, Portland, Oregon USA

[Hamradioguy]

At TAM8 last year someone, not sure if it was Mr. Randi himself or someone else, said they had wanted to get Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson back (He was at TAM6) but he had a scheduling conflict. Wouldn't surprise me if there is an effort to get him for TAM9. His TAM6 presentation was terrific.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

At TAM8 last year someone, not sure if it was Mr. Randi himself or someone else, said they had wanted to get Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson back (He was at TAM6) but he had a scheduling conflict. Wouldn't surprise me if there is an effort to get him for TAM9. His TAM6 presentation was terrific.

I would approve of this.

They did say there would be a suburb line up this year, but I think they say that every year. :)

[bumlet5]

Well, it is a superb line up every year, but I'm not sure about how suburban the line up is. For all we know, many of them are urban or rural.

[AdMan]

They did say there would be a suburb line up this year, but I think they say that every year. :)


Suburb? :confused:


Wait, you mean TAM9 is happening???


;)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Well, it is a superb line up every year, but I'm not sure about how suburban the line up is. For all we know, many of them are urban or rural.

That's what I get for cross posting on the St Louis City forum at the same time. :mad:

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Suburb? :confused:


Wait, you mean TAM9 is happening???


;)

I heard it was canceled? Or maybe that was London? :)

[hcmom]

That's what I suggest to people who can't afford to buy entry to TAM itself. Just go and hang out at the Del Mar all weekend. No one has taken my advice yet.

I know at least a couple people have done just that, for at least a couple of TAMs.

[bumlet5]

I know at least a couple people have done just that, for at least a couple of TAMs.

So do I, but they were doing it long before I showed up on the JREF scene. No new people have done it based on my suggestion. :)

[Wowbagger]

Keep in mind that JREF only has, like, three or four staff members, these days.

They're probably doing a million things at once, and haven't finished getting TAM9together, yet.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Four.

With an opening for a Field Coordinator.

[Cethis]

As long as it happens, I'm able to register, and they put on a great meeting, I will be happy.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Source: "Hopefully next week".

[Wowbagger]

Source: "We're giving up on TAMs, because the world is going to end next year, anyway."







(I did not say it was an accurate source.)

[bumlet5]

Source: "We're giving up on TAMs, because the world is going to end next year, anyway."







(I did not say it was an accurate source.)

Very acute.

[kenkoskinen]

I'm a newbie and have never been to a TAM. I viewed a video of a panel discussion on-line. I think it was TAM 3. In this session the audience was allowed to ask questions of panel members. A man with military garb on (sorry forget his name, rank & didn't get his serial number) acted as moderator. He repeatedly said that one's question shouldn't be longer than answers. I wondered whether there are any part of a session within a typical TAM when attendees can actually participate in discussions and not simply be limited to asking questions? I think it would be good to have at least an hour of give & take. I realize that most people go to such meetings to hear the keynote speakers and therefore there has to be limits but sometimes you want to challenge or contribute to ideas.

[Cethis]

Kenkoskinen: There are workshops that can involve discussions or audience participation. Those are on Thursday and Sunday.

[Horatius]

Kenkoskinen: There are workshops that can involve discussions or audience participation. Those are on Thursday and Sunday.



And quite a few of the people involved show up at the various evening get-togethers, and are usually very approachable.

[SkepticScott]

A man with military garb on (sorry forget his name, rank & didn't get his serial number) acted as moderator.That was Hal Bidlack, and he was trying to preempt people who make a long speech and then finish with their question, "Don't you agree".

As Cethis and Horatius wrote, the workshops are more interactive, and there are always impromptu discussions going on before and after. Also at lunch, but it's tough to find one person out of 1200 in a room. The reception before TAM is also a wonderful place to talk.

[zooterkin]

There is also the aforementioned Del Mar Bar, where plenty of discussion takes place (and where most of the main speakers put in an appearance at some time).


Seriously, though, what sort of open discussion do you think you could have with nearly 1,500 people in the room, without most of the people present getting bored or frustrated?

[zooterkin]

As Cethis and Horatius wrote, the workshops are more interactive, and there are always impromptu discussions going on before and after. Also at lunch, but it's tough to find one person out of 1200 in a room.

Yes, this is the big advantage of a venue like the South Point, where most people are staying and so are around before and after the official sessions are on, and where there is plenty of room for groups to gather and hang out. You also don't get stuck waiting to just get from A to B, as happens at smaller venues like places where TAM London has been held. I also had some very interesting discussions at lunch with the people I sat with, who I hadn't met before.


The reception before TAM is also a wonderful place to talk.

Assuming they've learnt the lesson from TAM8.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I'm a newbie and have never been to a TAM. I viewed a video of a panel discussion on-line. I think it was TAM 3. In this session the audience was allowed to ask questions of panel members. A man with military garb on (sorry forget his name, rank & didn't get his serial number) acted as moderator. He repeatedly said that one's question shouldn't be longer than answers. I wondered whether there are any part of a session within a typical TAM when attendees can actually participate in discussions and not simply be limited to asking questions? I think it would be good to have at least an hour of give & take. I realize that most people go to such meetings to hear the keynote speakers and therefore there has to be limits but sometimes you want to challenge or contribute to ideas.

A lot of the speakers show up to the Del Mar Lounge. You can also approach any of them in the hallway outside the meeting room.

[AdMan]

Source: "We're giving up on TAMs, because the world is going to end next year, anyway."







(I did not say it was an accurate source.)


I thought it was this year (http://www.familyradio.com/graphical/literature/judgment/judgment.html).

[Wowbagger]

I don't know what to think, any more. Different "sources" keep saying different, conflicting things.

Source: "This year's Amazing Meeting will be entirely devoted to the music and short films of Tim Minchin, and will henceforth be renamed Tim TAM."

Source: "This year The Amazing Meeting will be merging with Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival Festival. The combined event will be referred to as River TAM."

Source: "This year, JREF Forum Member Tamazon will be organizing the whole event, so we have not decided which of the many available puns to use as its official name, at this point. Should we go with TAMazon, or Tamazing Meeting, or what?! An emergency staff meeting will be held, this weekend, to resolve the issue, before we can make the public announcement."

So, which is the truth?!!!!

[Dicon]

A lot of the speakers show up to the Del Mar Lounge. You can also approach any of them in the hallway outside the meeting room.


Or, if you slip a twenty to someone on the cleaning staff, they'll let you into their room and you can just hide under the bed.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Or, if you slip a twenty to someone on the cleaning staff, they'll let you into their room and you can just hide under the bed.

I did that with Julia Sweeney. She hasn't been back since.

[zooterkin]

Or, if you slip a twenty to someone on the cleaning staff, they'll let you into their room and you can just hide under the bed.

I tried that, but I found myself wondering why I was hiding under the bed of one of the cleaning staff, especially when they knew I was there...

[kenkoskinen]

SkepticScott & Others,

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't know how many people attend these events & of course I already expressed my sensitivity to how most people are interested in the keynote speakers. Yes an event that large, requires organization and entails some limitations to audience participation. I'm glad there are smaller sessions where some give and take is manageable & acceptable.

[Horatius]

I didn't know how many people attend these events & of course I already expressed my sensitivity to how most people are interested in the keynote speakers.



Another factor to consider is, keynote speakers aside, it's hard to find a bad conversation at TAM. It can be done, but you quickly learn which people to avoid.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Another factor to consider is, keynote speakers aside, it's hard to find a bad conversation at TAM. It can be done, but you quickly learn which people to avoid.

That's why I never talk to you.

[SkepticScott]

Yes an event that large, requires organization and entails some limitations to audience participation. I'm glad there are smaller sessions where some give and take is manageable & acceptable.The Q&A during the sessions have to be managed, but outside of that the JREF tries to have the speakers available.

Last year there were some complaints that too many of them were in the fund-raising lunches, and not enough were in the lunch. I hope we don't repeat that this year.

If nothing else, you can always talk to 'Scrut. :p

[Horatius]

If nothing else, you can always talk to 'Scrut. :p



If he lets you! :mad:







Ah well, there's always Buzz0 :D

[SkepticScott]

Ah well, there's always Buzz0 :DOr me. :D

[bumlet5]

If he lets you! :mad:







Ah well, there's always Buzz0 :D

You're just evil.

[Horatius]

You're just evil.



Nice of you to finally notice. My Minions will be by later with your "award".

[dasmiller]

Another factor to consider is, keynote speakers aside, it's hard to find a bad conversation at TAM. It can be done, but you quickly learn which people to avoid.

Fortunately, there's a bunch of fresh faces every year, so I can usually find someone to converse with. At least for the first few days.

[eudaimanic]

From @jref on twitter:

TAM details to be announced on Mon. Here is a sneak peak at just one of this year's amaz!ng speakers. #TAM9 fb.me/VDrTcKbM

[AdMan]

From @jref on twitter:


Ah yes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_deGrasse_Tyson

:)

[Chris H]

A lot of the speakers show up to the Del Mar Lounge. You can also approach any of them in the hallway outside the meeting room.


By approach, you mean spear tackle, right?

[MattusMaximus]

TAM9 is on... on like Donkey Kong! :)

[bumlet5]

TAM9 is on... on like Donkey Kong! :)

:mdance::monkeyr::mdance::monkeyr:

[xinit]

TAM9 is on... on like Donkey Kong! :)

It's being held in 1981 with no Internet or cell phones?

[Horatius]

It's being held in 1981 with no Internet or cell phones?



But on the plus side, I finally get to throw barrels at people!