I'm now here in Madrid.
Reminder- blogs are best when read from the bottom up- my first and most informative post is 'Hola!'
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
P.S. If you want to stay at the ME, please let me know in your registration response email. Brazil, US, Canada, etc. I would definitely take advantage of the savings and it may make sense for your group/assistants to coordinate so that you are all on the same page.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Madrid!
City Guides:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/travel/tmagazine/03place.opener.13.t.html
An excerpt- THE GLOSSARY: What they never taught you in Spanish 101.
Guay (gwhy) Cool.
Cojonudo (ko-ho-NOO-doh) Better than cool.
Me mola (may MO-la) Love it!
Alucino (ah-lu-THEE-no) Can't believe it!
Paso (PAH-so) Couldn't care less.
Juerguista (hwer-GHEE-stah) Party animal.
Cutre (KOO-tray) Seedy, lacking class. Sometimes used affectionately, as in, “Sometimes the most cutre places serve the best tapas.”
Ligar (lee-GAR) To pick up someone.
Hortera (or-TER-ah) Flashy, tacky, kitschy.
Fashion (FASH-yohn) Trendy, obsessed with the latest. Used as an adjective, not necessarily related to clothing, as in, “The people who hang out in Chueca are really fashion.”
Gente guapa (HEN-tay GWA-pah) Beautiful people.
Pijo (PEE-ho) A posh and conservative type, as in, “That party at the golf club was crawling with pijos.”
http://www.timeout.com/travel/madrid
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/spain/madrid/overview.html
Logistical Info:
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=welcome (Dictionary)
http://www.softguides.com/madrid_guide/eatingout/food_dictionary.html (Food)
http://www.madrid-mad.com/ (Airport)
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic (Currency Exchange)
Other:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/lj/cultural_notes/
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/25/travel/tmagazine/03place.opener.13.t.html
An excerpt- THE GLOSSARY: What they never taught you in Spanish 101.
Guay (gwhy) Cool.
Cojonudo (ko-ho-NOO-doh) Better than cool.
Me mola (may MO-la) Love it!
Alucino (ah-lu-THEE-no) Can't believe it!
Paso (PAH-so) Couldn't care less.
Juerguista (hwer-GHEE-stah) Party animal.
Cutre (KOO-tray) Seedy, lacking class. Sometimes used affectionately, as in, “Sometimes the most cutre places serve the best tapas.”
Ligar (lee-GAR) To pick up someone.
Hortera (or-TER-ah) Flashy, tacky, kitschy.
Fashion (FASH-yohn) Trendy, obsessed with the latest. Used as an adjective, not necessarily related to clothing, as in, “The people who hang out in Chueca are really fashion.”
Gente guapa (HEN-tay GWA-pah) Beautiful people.
Pijo (PEE-ho) A posh and conservative type, as in, “That party at the golf club was crawling with pijos.”
http://www.timeout.com/travel/madrid
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/europe/spain/madrid/overview.html
Logistical Info:
http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=welcome (Dictionary)
http://www.softguides.com/madrid_guide/eatingout/food_dictionary.html (Food)
http://www.madrid-mad.com/ (Airport)
http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic (Currency Exchange)
Other:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/lj/cultural_notes/
Hola!
Thank you all so much for your patience.
Although I hope to anticipate anything you may need now in this email, there are still many details being finalized. I will be updating this blog on a daily basis as the event draws near, and will post new information as I am able to.
At this point, I am pretty much a team of one coordinating everything (with increasing help from the very busy Lola agency) so please check-in with the blog if you have questions BEFORE contacting me. We have over 100 people and many many details to manage so I really appreciate your help in this matter!
REGISTRATION: Firstly please take a moment to fill out the following in the format requested and remit to me at your absolute earliest convenience. For the few of you that have already sent information, please indulge me and do so once more in this format so that I may create a master spreadsheet. With so many people to keep track of and events spanning over three days, I would be much obliged.
Last Name: e.g. Doe
First Name: e.g. Jane
Title: e.g. MD
Arrival Date & Time: e.g. 12/4 9:30 AM
Departure Date & Time: e.g. 12/6 9:30 PM
Room Preferences: (e.g. smoking, single, etc.)
Dietary Concerns: (e.g. vegetarian, allergies, etc.)
Do You Eat Pork: (Yes or no please- this has to do with catering)
Other: (fill in any additional info here)
Mobile Phone: (including appropriate country code)
Assistant Name: (if applicable)
Some other things of note:
HOTEL: A large room block has been long secured at the Westin Palace Madrid (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=79). This means that everyone who has RSVP’d to the conference has a room and once I receive all flight itineraries in the above format I will be able to give you a confirmation number.
The Westin Palace room block is primarily comprised of deluxe doubles, at a rate of 260€ per room, per night excluding 7% VAT. Access to the breakfast buffet is included, and served at the Restaurant from 7:00am-11.00am. HOWEVER, a delicious Spanish breakfast will be served by us on both Thursday and Friday mornings, so please still bring your appetite to the meeting. Check in is 3pm and check out is 12 noon.
SECONDARILY, we have also reserved a small block of rooms at the ME Madrid Reina Victoria by Melia, (http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/hoteles/jsp/C_Hotel_Description.jsp?codigoHotel=2822) which is about a four minute walk to/from the Westin Palace. They were able to offer us 15-20 rooms with more competitive rates for those attendees who will have a negative currency exchange. Please contact me absolutely ASAP to secure these rooms at rates of between 200-215€, as they are limited.
Lowe Worldwide not be paying for any lodging or transportation/travel expenses; each attendee’s home agency is responsible for their own costs.
Should you require early or late check in, should you be traveling with an additional person, or should you have any special requirements or concerns, or change any detail of your trip please let me know in the “Other” section of your “Registration.”
Also, Spanish law requires that the hotel take the following information from your passport so if you choose to provide me with this beforehand, your check-in may be faster:
Document No:
Document Type:
Document Issue place and date:
Surname:
First Name:
Gender:
Birth Date:
Nationality:
Birth Place:
TRANSPORTATION: Sorry for the caps but WE (this includes anyone from Lola) WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ARRANGE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION FOR ANYONE UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. With the number of attendees, it is simply not possible so I truly appreciate your understanding and adherence. Here are some options below:
• Lola has provided us with these two local companies that you can call 24 hours a day, that will be able to take reservations in English:
AeroCITY
http://www.aresmobile.com
reservas@aerocity.com
Tel: (+34) 91 747 75 70
AND
Héctor López Cardiel
Coordinador Central Taxi RM Madrid
Tel: (+34) 91 710 04 05
• The Concierge at either hotel is happy to arrange airport transfers, the price of the services they use varies (Westin is a little pricier, at 100 Eur and ME varies based on your needs, but is generally far less expensive). You will need to provide them both with your name, cell number, and date/time/airline/flight number. You can give the Concierge your credit card number or the charge can be added to your room.
Westin Tel: +34 91 360 8000
Email: concierge.00079@westin.com
ME Tel: +34 91 701 6000
Email: recepcion.memadrid@solmelia.com
• The taxi stand at the airport is relatively quick and easy and you can tell them that you need a cab with a credit card machine if necessary (THOUGH VISA/MC IS FAR MORE WIDELY ACCEPTED THAN AMEX, and obviously local currency is the best option). There are also always taxis outside of the hotels for your return. Unlike New York, there is no set rate for a ride to/from the airport; it is an ‘on meter fare.’ Based on my previous experiences, your ride will likely be between 25-40€ depending time of day and level of traffic. You can also call taxis to request one yourself- below I have included the number for the upgraded version of service from Radio Taxi.
RADIO TAXI MERCEDES
+34 91 593 20 20
We have organized group transportation where applicable to and from meeting locations, as will be indicated in the next week and there will be some walking as well. I will be on hand if there is any confusion in terms of where you need to be and when.
WEATHER/DRESS CODE: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/08221.html
Please feel free to wear whatever you would like. There will be some walking however, to and from venues, and on Thursday afternoon during a group excursion so dress accordingly in terms of outerwear and footwear.
TRAVELING COMPANIONS: Please let me know as soon as possible if they will be joining either of the evening events. They are invited, but please do us the courtesy of RSVP’ing on their behalf so we may plan accordingly. This would be greatly appreciated.
AGENDA: PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE BREAKDOWN BELOW. TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE UNTIL CONFIRMED. Rest assured that you will be 100% fully engaged during the times set forth below, including meals, which you should attend. You will be carefully guided to each event and an additional copy of dates, times, and addresses will be provided. This will also be posted and updated on our blog.
Wednesday, March 5th
7:15-9:30pm
Cocktail Reception (drinks and heavy tapas only) at nearby Lola agency. Attendees walk from hotel to agency (maps will be provided).
9:30pm Attendees are invited to head to a nearby bar en masse for a nightcap. (Further details to be distributed).
Thursday, March 6th
8:00-8:15am All attendees will meet outside of the Westin Palace (including guests of the ME) for walking directions to our venue. (Address and map will be provided shortly). For those few living in the Madrid area please make your way to the venue or join us at the hotel. Please plan to arrive WELL BEFORE 9 in order to grab a bite to eat and get settled.
8:15-9:00am Breakfast, with a hard start at 9am.
9:00am-6:30pm All day session. Full attendance is required- lunch, beverages, and snacks provided. Afternoon activity will require that attendees do a bit of walking off-site.
6:30pm-8:00pm Free time- make way back to hotel independently and/or experience Madrid for a bit.
8:00pm-8:30pm Guests are guided to site of dinner reception- walking unless otherwise stated
8:30pm-11:30pm Cocktails and seated dinner, for all attendees. Please do not make separate, private dinner plans.
Friday, March 7th
8:30-8:45am Again, all attendees will meet outside of the Westin Palace (including guests of the ME) for walking directions to another venue (address and map will be provided shortly). Madrileños will make their own way.
8:45- 9:30am Breakfast, with a hard start at 9:30am.
9:30am-5:00pm All day, on-site; full attendance is required unless otherwise arranged with WW management- lunch, beverages, and snacks provided.
5:00pm-6:00pm Adios celebration- tapas and a toast as the meeting comes to a close. Full attendance is encouraged, but if you will not be able to attend, please do us the courtesy of mentioning this.
We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Best,
Devon & Peter
P.S. I will have my blackberry with me at all times and can be reached via email, text/sms, and phone (please see below). In the event that you need to send a fax urgently, please do so care of the Maite Mompo at LOLA (+34 91 789 3353)
Email: devon.euell@loweworldwide.com
Blackberry: +1 646 897 7457
NY Office: +1 212 605 5622 (calls will be forwarded upon my departure for Spain next week)
Lola: +34 91 789 3350 (ask for Devon or Maite and someone will find me)
Although I hope to anticipate anything you may need now in this email, there are still many details being finalized. I will be updating this blog on a daily basis as the event draws near, and will post new information as I am able to.
At this point, I am pretty much a team of one coordinating everything (with increasing help from the very busy Lola agency) so please check-in with the blog if you have questions BEFORE contacting me. We have over 100 people and many many details to manage so I really appreciate your help in this matter!
REGISTRATION: Firstly please take a moment to fill out the following in the format requested and remit to me at your absolute earliest convenience. For the few of you that have already sent information, please indulge me and do so once more in this format so that I may create a master spreadsheet. With so many people to keep track of and events spanning over three days, I would be much obliged.
Last Name: e.g. Doe
First Name: e.g. Jane
Title: e.g. MD
Arrival Date & Time: e.g. 12/4 9:30 AM
Departure Date & Time: e.g. 12/6 9:30 PM
Room Preferences: (e.g. smoking, single, etc.)
Dietary Concerns: (e.g. vegetarian, allergies, etc.)
Do You Eat Pork: (Yes or no please- this has to do with catering)
Other: (fill in any additional info here)
Mobile Phone: (including appropriate country code)
Assistant Name: (if applicable)
Some other things of note:
HOTEL: A large room block has been long secured at the Westin Palace Madrid (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=79). This means that everyone who has RSVP’d to the conference has a room and once I receive all flight itineraries in the above format I will be able to give you a confirmation number.
The Westin Palace room block is primarily comprised of deluxe doubles, at a rate of 260€ per room, per night excluding 7% VAT. Access to the breakfast buffet is included, and served at the Restaurant from 7:00am-11.00am. HOWEVER, a delicious Spanish breakfast will be served by us on both Thursday and Friday mornings, so please still bring your appetite to the meeting. Check in is 3pm and check out is 12 noon.
SECONDARILY, we have also reserved a small block of rooms at the ME Madrid Reina Victoria by Melia, (http://www.solmelia.com/solNew/hoteles/jsp/C_Hotel_Description.jsp?codigoHotel=2822) which is about a four minute walk to/from the Westin Palace. They were able to offer us 15-20 rooms with more competitive rates for those attendees who will have a negative currency exchange. Please contact me absolutely ASAP to secure these rooms at rates of between 200-215€, as they are limited.
Lowe Worldwide not be paying for any lodging or transportation/travel expenses; each attendee’s home agency is responsible for their own costs.
Should you require early or late check in, should you be traveling with an additional person, or should you have any special requirements or concerns, or change any detail of your trip please let me know in the “Other” section of your “Registration.”
Also, Spanish law requires that the hotel take the following information from your passport so if you choose to provide me with this beforehand, your check-in may be faster:
Document No:
Document Type:
Document Issue place and date:
Surname:
First Name:
Gender:
Birth Date:
Nationality:
Birth Place:
TRANSPORTATION: Sorry for the caps but WE (this includes anyone from Lola) WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ARRANGE AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION FOR ANYONE UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. With the number of attendees, it is simply not possible so I truly appreciate your understanding and adherence. Here are some options below:
• Lola has provided us with these two local companies that you can call 24 hours a day, that will be able to take reservations in English:
AeroCITY
http://www.aresmobile.com
reservas@aerocity.com
Tel: (+34) 91 747 75 70
AND
Héctor López Cardiel
Coordinador Central Taxi RM Madrid
Tel: (+34) 91 710 04 05
• The Concierge at either hotel is happy to arrange airport transfers, the price of the services they use varies (Westin is a little pricier, at 100 Eur and ME varies based on your needs, but is generally far less expensive). You will need to provide them both with your name, cell number, and date/time/airline/flight number. You can give the Concierge your credit card number or the charge can be added to your room.
Westin Tel: +34 91 360 8000
Email: concierge.00079@westin.com
ME Tel: +34 91 701 6000
Email: recepcion.memadrid@solmelia.com
• The taxi stand at the airport is relatively quick and easy and you can tell them that you need a cab with a credit card machine if necessary (THOUGH VISA/MC IS FAR MORE WIDELY ACCEPTED THAN AMEX, and obviously local currency is the best option). There are also always taxis outside of the hotels for your return. Unlike New York, there is no set rate for a ride to/from the airport; it is an ‘on meter fare.’ Based on my previous experiences, your ride will likely be between 25-40€ depending time of day and level of traffic. You can also call taxis to request one yourself- below I have included the number for the upgraded version of service from Radio Taxi.
RADIO TAXI MERCEDES
+34 91 593 20 20
We have organized group transportation where applicable to and from meeting locations, as will be indicated in the next week and there will be some walking as well. I will be on hand if there is any confusion in terms of where you need to be and when.
WEATHER/DRESS CODE: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/08221.html
Please feel free to wear whatever you would like. There will be some walking however, to and from venues, and on Thursday afternoon during a group excursion so dress accordingly in terms of outerwear and footwear.
TRAVELING COMPANIONS: Please let me know as soon as possible if they will be joining either of the evening events. They are invited, but please do us the courtesy of RSVP’ing on their behalf so we may plan accordingly. This would be greatly appreciated.
AGENDA: PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE BREAKDOWN BELOW. TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE UNTIL CONFIRMED. Rest assured that you will be 100% fully engaged during the times set forth below, including meals, which you should attend. You will be carefully guided to each event and an additional copy of dates, times, and addresses will be provided. This will also be posted and updated on our blog.
Wednesday, March 5th
7:15-9:30pm
Cocktail Reception (drinks and heavy tapas only) at nearby Lola agency. Attendees walk from hotel to agency (maps will be provided).
9:30pm Attendees are invited to head to a nearby bar en masse for a nightcap. (Further details to be distributed).
Thursday, March 6th
8:00-8:15am All attendees will meet outside of the Westin Palace (including guests of the ME) for walking directions to our venue. (Address and map will be provided shortly). For those few living in the Madrid area please make your way to the venue or join us at the hotel. Please plan to arrive WELL BEFORE 9 in order to grab a bite to eat and get settled.
8:15-9:00am Breakfast, with a hard start at 9am.
9:00am-6:30pm All day session. Full attendance is required- lunch, beverages, and snacks provided. Afternoon activity will require that attendees do a bit of walking off-site.
6:30pm-8:00pm Free time- make way back to hotel independently and/or experience Madrid for a bit.
8:00pm-8:30pm Guests are guided to site of dinner reception- walking unless otherwise stated
8:30pm-11:30pm Cocktails and seated dinner, for all attendees. Please do not make separate, private dinner plans.
Friday, March 7th
8:30-8:45am Again, all attendees will meet outside of the Westin Palace (including guests of the ME) for walking directions to another venue (address and map will be provided shortly). Madrileños will make their own way.
8:45- 9:30am Breakfast, with a hard start at 9:30am.
9:30am-5:00pm All day, on-site; full attendance is required unless otherwise arranged with WW management- lunch, beverages, and snacks provided.
5:00pm-6:00pm Adios celebration- tapas and a toast as the meeting comes to a close. Full attendance is encouraged, but if you will not be able to attend, please do us the courtesy of mentioning this.
We look forward to seeing you all soon.
Best,
Devon & Peter
P.S. I will have my blackberry with me at all times and can be reached via email, text/sms, and phone (please see below). In the event that you need to send a fax urgently, please do so care of the Maite Mompo at LOLA (+34 91 789 3353)
Email: devon.euell@loweworldwide.com
Blackberry: +1 646 897 7457
NY Office: +1 212 605 5622 (calls will be forwarded upon my departure for Spain next week)
Lola: +34 91 789 3350 (ask for Devon or Maite and someone will find me)
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