The registration for RWA 2011 in New York is open, and despite three browsers and twenty minutes of errors, I registered – woo! While I was filling out the hotel information, it occurred to me that I’ve heard in the past that many RWA members are somewhat intimidated by New York City, by Manhattan, by the costs and the geography and the expensiveness and the general confusion of being in a city of 9 million people.
Well, first, take heart: it’s July 4th weekend, so many of the actual New Yorkers will be away. But more importantly, New York City is an awesome city (though today it is rainy and cold and icy and kind of yucky to be outside), and, contrary to popular rumor, New Yorkers are not rude. As Meg Cabot pointed out in her “Lightning Girl” series, they aren’t mean – they’re in a hurry and don’t like to stop. But after many years of living along side New York and commuting in and out, I can tell you, New York is exciting, friendly, and awesome.
In the weeks and months leading up to the conference, I want to do a few PDF guides for visitors for the conference. Places to eat, places to go, ways to get around, and general FAQ, so that when you arrive for the 2011 national conference, you’re as excited as I and many others will be to welcome you to Manhattan. So, got any questions? Concerns? Burning desires to memorize the subway system, or desperate yearning for shopping and exploration? Hit me up with your questions, and I’ll start devising the answers. And if you have suggestions of what those journeying to New York in July might enjoy (a hint: sunscreen is a good idea!) please, drop a comment.
