I've booked ten rooms at American Inn in Monona for our group. The reservations are for March 8 and 9.   The change in motels was made because our old place had the meeting room reserved already.  American has a meeting room available and I reserved it.
The cost of the rooms is $126 per night. You need to book the room by Feb. 9 otherwise the rooms will be open to the public.  When booking a room tell them that you're affiliated with Quiet Journey.
Let us know if you'll be attending.

American Inn
101 West Broadway
Monona, Wi
608-467-4791 

I am planning on attending Copia 2024.  I will be calling America Inn today and booking a room for Friday and Saturday nights .

Looking forward to seeing fellow paddlers.

Looks like I will NOT be going to Copia 2024.  I was just informed by my wife and daughter  that they booked a trip to Myrtle Beach March 6 -13th with the grandkids.  They thought Copia was March 15-17th. Plane tickets and hotel already secured.

Geesh … this will be the 1st Copia I have missed since I think it started. Very disappointing as I really enjoy the show and hooking up with my paddling buds.

Wally13 wrote on Dec 13^th, 2023 at 10:29pm:

Looks like I will NOT be going to Copia 2024.  I was just informed by my wife and daughter  that they booked a trip to Myrtle Beach March 6 -13th with the grandkids.  They thought Copia was March 15-17th. Plane tickets and hotel already secured. I called to see if they could move the show dates for you. They would but Jerry and the band only have that weekend available. There will be a gaping hole in the festivities. Geesh … this will be the 1st Copia I have missed since I think it started. Very disappointing as I really enjoy the show and hooking up with my paddling buds.

Marten wrote on Dec 14^th, 2023 at 6:06am:

I called to see if they could move the show dates for you. They would but Jerry and the band only have that weekend available. There will be a gaping hole in the festivities.

;D

:'(

Wally13 wrote on Dec 13^th, 2023 at 10:29pm:

Looks like I will NOT be going to Copia 2024.  I was just informed by my wife and daughter  that they booked a trip to Myrtle Beach March 6 -13th with the grandkids.  They thought Copia was March 15-17th. Plane tickets and hotel already secured. Geesh … this will be the 1st Copia I have missed since I think it started. Very disappointing as I really enjoy the show and hooking up with my paddling buds.

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o

I was planning to make a batch of chili (along with some other treats) for Friday night's meal.  It seemed to go over well last year. 

We'll order food for Saturday night or there's a restaurant next to the motel.

Even though I've been a bit quiet on the forum, I look forward to seeing everyone in March!
ml

I'm just putting a pin in this thread so that I can follow the arrangements as they change and morph into.....whatever.... :)

Just made a reservation for the room, bought tickets, and getting show guide mailed out as well.

I'll see if I can pick up some Norske Nook pies again for Saturday....

Mike,
Bob B. was trying to get our room and was told the block of rooms w as for one night only?

I just booked it through Expedia. Same price.

Sorry, haven't been watching lately.  I'll check the room availability.  We should have them for two nights....Fri. and Sat. 

I contacted American Inn today.  We have 10 rooms reserved for March 8 and 9.  The front desk confirmed that again today.  Looking forward!

Again, you need to make reservations by Feb. 9th.   Thanks.......

MagicPaddler and I have booked a room.

pd

I have decided to go rogue this year and will stay at the Holiday Inn Express which is across the road from the Energy Center. I have been invited to present on ‘Paddling Alaska’, and will be sharing the unlimited and diverse paddling opportunities in the Last Frontier. The amenities are better and it’s just a short walk, which saves parking expenses and hassle. 8-) They also have a nice sized meeting room. They might be worth considering when next year’s accommodations are chosen. ;)

I will plan to attend QJ festivities on Friday and Saturday.  8-) I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Madtown. 8-)

We will be staying at the Home2 Suites, which is also right across from the Alliant Center.  We stayed there last year and it was very convenient.  The restaurant next door is excellent, too.  We will no doubt drop in on your Friday evening gathering, as we usually do.  Always enjoy seeing you folks.

Just a reminder, we have a Feb. 9th deadline to reserve rooms at the American Inn. 

Look forward to seeing everyone.

Who’s planning to attend Copia? I’m hoping to see my paddling friends there. 8-) 8-) 8-) Please post if you’re going to Madtown. Less than a month… 8-)

I have tickets and hotel res, so expect I'll be there.

Not sure how many rooms we have taken up. Hope it is enough to get us the meeting room at low or no cost. I know my sister Paula has rooms and just got word that newbie Mike has a room too.

Judging by this thread - assuming the AmericInn by Wyndam on 101 West Broadway across from the old Comfort Inn - there's Mike P., Magic/me, Bill C., Marten, Paula, newbie Mike - so 6, depending on how many rooms Paula has booked.

pd

The hotel told my sister today that they have just three rooms under Quiet Journey so it will get sorted when we are on site. We just need to be sure to have a donation box to cover the $150 for the meeting room.

portage dog wrote on Feb 29^th, 2024 at 8:44pm:

Judging by this thread - assuming the AmericInn by Wyndam on 101 West Broadway across from the old Comfort Inn - there's Mike P., Magic/me, Bill C., Marten, Paula, newbie Mike - so 6, depending on how many rooms Paula has booked. pd

I'm at Home2Suites.  A lifetime of business travel staying at Hilton properties is enough points for free Canoecopia hotels for many years.  So glad they now have one withing walking distance of Alliant center.

Is the $150 per night or for the weekend? I’m fine with a donation can. In fact, if requested, I’ll donate the can to the cause. Looks like we’re downsizing this year. :-?

Mike P. Told me he had paid the $150 so assume it is for both nights. There are others coming for the gatherings so we will have a good crowd. Mike had mentioned somewhere that he was bringing a pot of something for Friday evening. My sister and I live close enough that we will bring food too.

I will bring the requisite Leinie's - Canoe Paddler of course.  Maybe some Northwoods Lager too.

pd

I'll bring beer and water as well.

I’ll bring Alaskan beers. 8-)

I''ll make some chocolate chip cookies and bring them along.

Went shopping for my Friday evening meat entree, got it covered now.

---

The QJ Roadkill Cafe? 8-)
That puts me on the hook for bringing the mixed nuts… 8-)

Looking forward to it Marten!   :o

OS - the mixed nuts will show up on their own.   :D

pd

Hey everyone.  Scott and I will arrive at the meeting room around 5:00 p.m. on Friday.  I'll be bringing the chili.  Look forward to seeing everyone! 
American Inn
101 W Broadway
Manona, WI
608-467-4791

My understanding is the $150 covers both Fri. and Sat. nights.

I'm going to try to stop by for a bit on Friday night.  I look forward to seeing folks and sharing stories and trip plans.

My presentation is on Sunday at 11:30am in the Caribou room. It’s about Padding Alaska and just scratches the surface exploring the thousands of padding opportunities in the Last Frontier. I hope you can stay Sunday to see it. If you can, I can use volunteers to distribute free materials to those attending. Let me know if you can help. I’m planning to be there all weekend. Thanks  8-) 8-) 8- . It’s in the caribou room because we caribou you  :P

[quote author=old_salt link=1702415591/36#36 date=1709786984]My presentation is on Sunday at 11:30am in the Caribou room. It’s about Padding Alaska and just scratches the surface exploring the thousands of padding opportunities in the Last Frontier./quote]

Well, first of all, I didn't realize that anyone was considering "padding" Alaska, but I hope the padding is warm and comfy.   ;D

And now that I have been obnoxious to point out your typo(s), Old Salt, both Neil and I will be at your presentation on Sunday and we would be happy to help.   :)

Youse folks enjoy yourselves, drive safe n' stuff...  :)

It was nice to see everyone again!  Thanks for bringing refreshments and treats.....and jigs/tails!    The beaver was good as were the desserts. It was nice to hear about plans being made and get other's comments on where they've paddled before.  Can't wait to get out there.  I'm wondering if Jake looses any hair getting petted so much? 
........Mike

That was fun as usual. Thanks for your part, Mike, in the organization of this as well as  mule Lars, marten and everyone else who pitched in. Looking forward to seeing some of you on the water this summer!

If you didn't stay until Sunday and hear Old Salt's excellent presentation on paddling in Alaska--you missed a treat!  It was very well attended! His handout bags were popular, as was the big box of literature he had to give away.  I think there will be interest in another presentation about "driving to Alaska". If he does that one, we'll be there, too!

---

Thanks Lynda 8-) I wasn’t sure about how many people would attend. Being a Sunday presentation, it could be a few or more. I was pleasantly impressed by the room full of people. They seemed to be genuinely interested in Alaska. The part about driving to Alaska was in response to a question about that. That would be a fun presentation. 8-)

I meant to mention also that we enjoyed our short time with you folks on Friday evening.  The chili was delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy my first experience with beaver!  Just another new adventure!   It was good to see our QJ friends.

We enjoyed all of our three days at Canoecopia and took part in a variety of experiences.  It is a great way to kick off pre-spring!  Or maybe it is really early spring this year--I have mini-daffodils and big crocuses blooming profusely now in south central Michigan and have never seen them this early!   :)

I also enjoyed seeing those who were in Madtown. Always nice to catch up with the gang. I appreciate the Spartans distributing my Alaska materials on Sunday. 8-)

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, across the road from the Alliant. I think that’s my new home in Madison. They have awesome cooked breakfast buffet. They have a very nice meeting room which we can use for private breakfasts. We don’t need a minimum of rooms to have it. One of the really nice features that I used is they have a shuttle that will take you to the Alliant doors on your schedule. Call them when you’re ready to return and they will pick you up. 8-) This saves the time and expense of parking. For those flying in, the shuttle can meet your flight, saving the expense of a car rental. They will also take you to various area restaurants. They were awesome! 8-)

My suggestion is that we consider this as our new location for QJ gatherings. 8-)

I spoke with the sales manager and We can get a block of rooms for $124 per night at the Holiday Inn Express. It’s right across the street from the Alliant.  8-) We can get the room for the whole weekend at no cost. The room can be locked, meaning coolers and other items can be left there. We can also use it for breakfasts.  8-)This looks like an awesome deal to me.  8-) What do the rest of you who attend Copia think? I will need to give them an answer soon as another group has made inquiry. 8-)

I just talked to Mike Peebles about Old Salts Holiday Inn Express proposal for COPIA 2025.   He and I think we should make the Holiday Inn Express our home for Copia 2025!

Having a meeting room to visit in at no charge is a real plus. And you can’t beat the location.

Copia folks let Old Salt know your thoughts about the Holidsy Inn Express right away so he can get it booked. 

Thanks Rich for inquiring about the Holiday Inn Express as a base of operations for Copia 2025.

I'm ok with that.

pd

If it were up to me (and it's not) I'd ask MuleLars for advice

Just to keep everyone in the loop, I’m working on finalizing the contract for the room block and meeting room with the Holiday Inn Express. I’m confident that we can wrap it soon. When it’s done, I’ll post the details here. We have plenty of time.  8-)

MuleLars and anyone else can post advice anytime. 8-)

I have texted Madison resident Mulelars. He is a thumbs up with the Holiday Inn as our base of operations for COPIA 2025.

Thanks to Old Salt for organizing.

Wally13 wrote on Mar 28^th, 2024 at 4:40am:

I have texted Madison resident Mulelars. He is a thumbs up with the Holiday Inn as our base of operations for COPIA 2025. Thanks to Old Salt for organizing.

Fine by me.

Old Salt wrote on Mar 28^th, 2024 at 2:01am:

Just to keep everyone in the loop, I’m working on finalizing the contract for the room block and meeting room with the Holiday Inn Express. I’m confident that we can wrap it soon. When it’s done, I’ll post the details here. We have plenty of time.  8-) MuleLars and anyone else can post advice anytime. 8-)

Contract?

There is always a contract to rent a room. It’s not a big deal because either party can opt out with proper notice. Any time one stays at a hotel, the fine print is a contract. 8-)

You are not obligated for anything. It’s a contract between me and the hotel.  8-)

I can weigh in--not too much to add, though.

It is a great location (and slightly closer for me!!), and that shuttle is super convenient. I've had out-of-town work people use it to go all over in Madison. For example, those who want to go wherever BWCA.com is having their Saturday night gathering, you can take the shuttle. Or you can take the shuttle my house and pick me up  ;D ;D

Should be a great location.

Good job, OS!
ml

Someone should start a Canoecopia 2025 thread.

Sounds great to me.