Change can be good… but for us, change is fantastic!!! The last couple of weeks have been quite the roller coaster ride! There are two fairly significant modifications in our schedule of events.
We began negotiations for reunion venues and host hotels nearly a year ago. This is usually advantageous; however, things can change drastically in a year’s time. Unfortunately, that is the case with the Ramada Plaza. With some intense detective work (long distance and boots on the ground), I discovered why our wonderful sales rep suddenly quit, emails/phone calls were not being answered, appointments were not being kept and the hotel was falling into serious disrepair since my site visit 3 short months ago. The property is changing flagships and will be undergoing extensive renovation starting in October.
Sadly, I was compelled to immediately terminate our contract with this hotel. After 10 long minutes of experiencing every emotion imaginable, including severe panic, I remembered my backup plan and immediately jumped into high gear!
Now the good news! We have renegotiated the contract with our secondary host hotel just across the street, Holiday Inn East. They are bending over backwards for us, including lowering their rates even further than the original quoted discount. I’m happy to report that every one of our out-of-towners is happily secured in this beautiful, newly-renovated, property. I know everyone will be more than pleased with the accommodations and overwhelmingly friendly service.
Our Friday night Meet and Greet has been moved to Holiday Inn’s lovely Atrium and Winner’s Circle Lounge. Same time, 6:00-9:00 PM. And, even better ― the hotel has offered to stock the bar with a variety of delicious German beers! Now THAT’S customer service!
At the same time as the hotel debacle, I received a call from our Churchill Downs rep, “There’s an issue with Skye Terrace 4 for your Sunday event”. My heart sank and my stomach was now in my throat. This can’t be happening!
Now for the FANTASTIC news… we have been invited to the brand-new Starting Gate Suites with 11 corporate suites and huge, elegant dining room… ALL exclusively for our Roederer clan. Some of you Louisvillians have “been there, done that” at Churchill Downs dozens of times. Well, here’s your chance to have a brand new experience at the track ― feel like a high- roller while entering any of the luxurious suites and elegant dining area, taking in the great views, and placing your bets without leaving that comfy couch! The top banner gives you a sneak peek into one of the suites.
This is the perfect setup for the kids ― their own supervised suite, complete with an assortment of games, toys, fun activities and even the Disney Channel playing on their private TV.
This area is over 25,000 sq. ft. that can accommodate over 600 comfortably. Want to be in the middle of the large group and meet as many cousins as you can? Or would you like to have a quieter place to visit with that special relative you haven’t seen in decades? Take your pick ― the experience is yours to enjoy to its fullest!
Normally, it is a challenge to plan an event such as this long distance! But when you have a team of family members who jump in at a moment’s notice like I have had during this trying time… well, this is what this event is all about ―bringing families together! I am humbled and truly blessed!
A big thank you hug to my “boots on the ground cousins” (you know who you are)! I couldn’t have gotten through these past couple of weeks without you!
The website www.RoedererReunion.com has been updated with the new lodging information and the updated schedule of events. If you have previously printed out a schedule/lodging sheet, please discard it and print out the updated version. Don’t forget to print the revised copy for those older folks who do not have computers.
The website is the place to find Reunion Registration, easy online payment, past postings and access to the Roederer Reunion Store. Items are already flying off the shelves!
Cousin Rhonda
Rhonda@RoedererReunion.com
504-452-4370