I’ve come to the decision that I will NOT be attending Copia next year. I haven’t found the old thread so I’m starting a new one. I have NOT made any arrangements with the Holiday Inn Express for next year. Everyone seemed to appreciate the arrangements that were made last March. 
So, with plenty of time, I’m passing the baton to whoever is willing to make arrangements for QuietJourney for March 13-15, 2026. I will be happy to email contact info to whoever will take responsibility. 

I know it’s still early but maybe no one is planning on a Copia gathering next year? This isn’t something that can be thrown together last minute. Last year all the hotels close to the Alliant Energy Center sold out.

I just read that earlier today. Shame. Stepping stones I guess...

I was thinking I might skip this year but considering it could be the last or maybe winding down, I think I'll try to go.

Well, made my reservations yesterday. I'm at the Home suites, using Hilton points from years of business travel.  I see the hotell attached to the center is now a Hilton Spark. Maybe another year.

Huh...can't say I blame him. Maybe if he does a show in Winnepeg, I'll head up there. There's a couple of good Asian restaurants  i still want to check out up there.

I am planning to be there.  Haven't looked at hotels yet but probably going with same as last year - the group QJ hotel. Anyone been willing to reach out to the hotel yet?

pd

Yes, they do SP2!  You're spot on.  Sorry that leads to you guys missing the event.  All the best to you both with those challenges.

pd

"cherish the memories" Yup!

Bill, the QJ group was at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on John Nolen Dr. just across the street from the Energy Center/Copia.  So far no one has stepped up to make any arrangements with the hotel for the QJ group.  I'm planning on staying there again but have not made any reservations yet.

pd

Ok. I called. They're going to get back to me. I tentatively asked for a block of 10 rooms, mostly 2 queen beds...because we all seem to be into "sharing"
Show of hands at this point for anyone interested. Happy Holidays too 😀

Ill probably call them this week to see what they have and how much...and if there is a minimum number of rooms for a discount, etc.

Stew,

They called me back when I was driving out east for the holidays and I never was able to get back to them. I put in a call to them (The Holiday Inn folks) and I'm waiting for them to get back to me.

I did get in touch with the Country Inn (our old hangout). Here's what I could set up:

Block of 10 rooms.
Rate is $129.
Most rooms will be 2 queens (as in beds) and maybe a king or two in other rooms. Everyone can choose what they want when they book --- as same price for either option.
Meeting room is open each night. 100 bucks for each of night. 200 total for Friday and Saturday.

There's no contract to sign or financial obligation if we accept this deal and say, aren't able to fill all 10 rooms. We would, I imaging, still have to pay the 200 for the meeting room, but that's generally less than our beer budget--- so no problems there either!

Curve ball: I may have to miss this Copia because my wife and I are traveling to the UK, possibly as early as March 10th....which means I'll pass the baton to whomever would like to be nominally "in charge".

Country Inn (Aaron was who I spoke with) said it's not a problem. Anyway can talk to the hotel just to confirm that the rooms are available or get the key for the meeting room, etc.

Cutoff date for reservations is MARCH 1st....but if someone forgets or their plans change at the last minute and they can make it, they just have to call up the hotel and the hotel can squeeze them in at the same rate.

We'd be under the QUIETJOURNEY name again.

He's (Aaron) sending me a link that one can click to book or just call them and give them the group name.
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I'll wait to see what HOLIDAY INN gets back to me with but the Country Inn looks like a good deal so far.

Address:
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Terry, you are talking the Holiday Inn Express 610 John Nolen Dr. right?  $134 seems a far cry from $275 on hotels.com!!!!  I think we all preferred the HIE over the Country Inn & Suites - closer, nicer, better breakfast - for basically the same cost and cheaper meeting room that we could leave our coolers and stuff in -yeah, let's do that for sure!  If you will book that with Amy, I will volunteer to be your alternate if you need to miss Copia.

pd

I've reserved a room for Magic Paddler and myself.  HND did not reserve a meeting room due to what seems to be a low turnout.  Who else is actually going and who is staying at the Holiday Inn?

pd

Attendance is looking pretty thin.....the QJ crew ain't representing. 

Yes, using my hotel points from 40 years of business travel.

Will MuleLars be involved?

It's been, what, 10 years since I had that medical emergency...  He may have some name tags left.

Hello, All!

Sorry I've been late to the party.

I will be around and would love to gather Friday night and/or Saturday.

Let me know what your thoughts are. If we don't want to book the conference room, there are plenty of watering holes in the area where we could connect, depending on the numbers.

Hope all is well with everyone!
ml

My plans changed. Ill be attending. We can pitch a Wang dang doodle....as usual.

Amy at the hotel told me that we could always use the lobby to gather if we wanted. However, I'd defer to Mulelars for restaurant recommendations. There must be a couple of good sports bar/restaurants around... Breakwaters?

Hello again!

There's a good place not too far away that might work:

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They have a pretty varied menu and good fish on Fridays, if that's your thing.

They also take reservations, which is pretty necessary on a Friday evening. Parking isn't great, so we may want to meet up at the Holiday Inn and ride together, depending on how many we have.

Let us know who's in for Friday, and I'll make the arrangements.

(I just saw the 'other' Saturday night plan. It's been a bit since I was in that place. Hmmm)

Looking forward to connecting again!
ml

Martin, the Holiday Inn Express on John Nolen Dr. is 608-709-5050.

My sister Paula is late but when.calling they quoted $299 and kept wanting a link to proceed???

I am hoping to make it to Canoecopia for one of the days, but not sure which one yet.  My son cannot make it this year.  Hopefully I will see some of you there. 

Bump.

ML - speaking for me and hopefully MP since we're carpooling, I think we'd both be in for that.  What time are you thinking of meeting - 6:00 ish?  Folks not at the hotel could also rendezvous at the restaurant.

pd

He has a new YouTube video up about portage-less canoe routes. Also, snow coming in this weekend, so we'll have to plan accordingly for travel.

Meeting in the lobby at 6. Then over to the Breakwater, which is where the other group’s dinner was last year