In a message
dated 11/18/2004 12:14:48 PM Eastern Standard Time, billbrock@billbrock.net
writes:
Subj: 2006 U.S. OpenMr. Bill Goichberg
Date: 11/18/2004 12:14:48 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: billbrock@billbrock.net
To: chessoffice@aol.com
CC: sevanmuradian@hotmail.com, rogerdb9@earthlink.net, mike.maloney@sbcglobal.net, timjust@comcast.net, vinnyjh@hotmail.com, icb@mchsi.com, robertloncarevic@comcast.net, lscohen60@yahoo.com, hfried1@sbcglobal.net, ChessNehoc@aol.com, Dennis9942@wmconnect.com, kbachler@cavemanchess.com
Sent from the Internet
Subj: Re:
US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/20/2004
To:
res1yb6k@verizon.net,
lwdubeck@aol.com
CC:
beatchess@aol.com,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
chessdon,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com,
Chessoffice
In a message dated 11/20/2004 5:47:35 PM Eastern Standard Time, res1yb6k@verizon.net
writes:
Subj: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/20/2004 5:47:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: res1yb6k@verizon.net
To: lwdubeck@aol.com
CC: Chessoffice@aol.com, beatchess@aol.com
File: USChessFederation31.doc (697856 bytes) DL Time (31200 bps): <6 minutes
Sent from the Internet
Hello Leroy,
I have attached the contract for the Cherry Hill Hilton for the 2006 US Open.
I feel this is a good contract, with appropriate space and considerations.
I have also copied Bill for his signature, and Beatriz.
Please note the hotel is holding the space until Nov 30.
Thank you, diane
Please let me know if you have any questions.....
Please note the one change I made at the last minute to the contract is the addition of the word "office"in part of the Crystal Room (same location as last time)
Diane J. Reese
National Event Director
805-735-4405
845-661-3447 Cell
805-293-8533 FAX
diane.reese@verizon.net
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004
To:
res1yb6k@verizon.net,
LWDubeck@aol.com
CC:
Beatchess@aol.com,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Chessdon@aol.com,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
In a message dated 11/21/2004 3:34:03 PM Eastern Standard Time,
res1yb6k@verizon.net writes:
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004 3:34:03 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: res1yb6k@verizon.net
To: Chessoffice@aol.com, LWDubeck@aol.com
CC: Beatchess@aol.com, timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Chessdon@aol.com, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com, Chessoffice@aol.com
Sent from the Internet
Hello All,
I was asked by Leroy to assist with the contract, and it was my understanding he had the nod of approval from the board.
Don, I cannot compare the financial situation with Chicago, I have not seen a bid. I do not feel, however that one of the locations in Chicago is large enough, which I did discuss with Bill.
The bid that went to Delaware was costly for a number of reasons, really has nothing to do with the US Opens. The National Tournament Agreement for Delaware stipulated the organizer would be liable for any financial loss. As you know, that became a major bone of contention. (just for the record, I did not award the bid)
I had proposals from locations in Kansas City, and Louisville for 2006 US Open but stopped the process when Bill told me he wanted to place it in Chicago.
Hilton.
That is where we are now
I was following directives. Beatriz, Leroy, please respond!
Diane
At 05:46 PM 11/20/2004, Chessoffice@aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 11/20/2004 5:47:35 PM Eastern Standard Time, res1yb6k@verizon.net writes:
Subj: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/20/2004 5:47:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: res1yb6k@verizon.net
To: lwdubeck@aol.com
CC: Chessoffice@aol.com, beatchess@aol.com
File: USChessFederation31.doc (697856 bytes) DL Time (31200 bps): <6 minutes
Sent from the Internet
Hello Leroy,
I have attached the contract for the Cherry Hill Hilton for the 2006 US Open.
I can't imagine why, as you know that I have been working on a Chicago area bid which is far better for USCF. It is also much too soon to think about repeating Cherry Hill which had the Open in 2002. And the Midwest has had only one US Open since 1994.
I feel this is a good contract, with appropriate space and considerations.
A $115 room rate is a good contract!? You must be kidding. The US Open has never had a three digit hotel rate, and having to pay so much for an event of many nights will hurt attendance.
I have also copied Bill for his signature, and Beatriz.
Please note the hotel is holding the space until Nov 30.
I will forward bids from two Chicago area hotels to the Board on Monday, along with my intended choice. In addition to satisfying our long established principle of US Open geographic rotation, both bids offer lower room rates than Cherry Hill, as well as requiring fewer room nights to avoid rent. Of course, the Board can always overrule me, but in the absence of a Board vote to do this, I will not sign this Cherry Hill contract.
Bill
Thank you, diane
Please let me know if you have any questions.....
Please note the one change I made at the last minute to the contract is the addition of the word "office"in part of the Crystal Room (same location as last time)
Diane J. Reese
National Event Director
805-735-4405
845-661-3447 Cell
805-293-8533 FAX
diane.reese@verizon.net
Diane J. Reese
National Event Director
805-735-4405
845-661-3447 Cell
805-293-8533 FAX
diane.reese@verizon.net
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004
To:
res1yb6k@verizon.net,
Chessdon@aol.com,
LWDubeck@aol.com
CC:
Beatchess@aol.com,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
In a message dated 11/21/2004 4:34:13 PM Eastern Standard Time,
res1yb6k@verizon.net writes:
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004 4:34:13 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: res1yb6k@verizon.net
To: Chessdon@aol.com, Chessoffice@aol.com, LWDubeck@aol.com
CC: Beatchess@aol.com, timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
Sent from the Internet
Bill did not tell me not to pursue the other midwest bids, he just said he wanted to put the us open in Chicago.
report of my feelings about the space, not financial considerations as I did not know of them at all, just the space. He disagreed and said it would be fine. I asked if he wanted me to contact the hotel and work on the contract, he said no that he would. So, I have not seen any financial details about any other contracts.
What I did ask Bill, and he agreed, is to let me see any contracts before they were signed. Too often in the past folks involved in the agreements are not aware of many small or large concessions we can get in the contract that will save us money. Also, the emphasis is on the Open itself, and space considerations must be made for Denker/Polgar, meetings, banquets, etc.
Again, I did was I was directed to do, first by not contacting Chicago, then by contacting Cherry Hill.
I agree we should have regional diversity, and was aiming for just that.
Diane
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004
To: Beatchess,
res1yb6k@verizon.net,
LWDubeck, ESDOYLE,
Ippy1
CC:
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Chessdon,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
In a message dated 11/21/2004 4:44:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, Beatchess
writes:
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004 4:44:18 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Beatchess
To: res1yb6k@verizon.net, Chessoffice, LWDubeck, ESDOYLE, Ippy1
CC: timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Chessdon, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
Dear Diane,
I can just imagine how busy you are with the US Championship and the K-12 National Grade Championship approaching in the next couple of weeks. I would also like to thank you for calling me in regard of the incident in PA at the Action Tournament. You are doing an outstanding job and we appreciate it.
Concerning the 2005 US Open, the New Jersey Chess Federation has been working on this bid for quite a couple of months and thanks to your assistant the contract with the hotel has been improved.
includes our annual convention.
Hello All,
I was asked by Leroy to assist with the contract, and it was my understanding he had the nod of approval from the board.
Don, I cannot compare the financial situation with Chicago, I have not seen a bid. I do not feel, however that one of the locations in Chicago is large enough, which I did discuss with Bill.
The bid that went to Delaware was costly for a number of reasons, really has nothing to do with the US Opens. The National Tournament Agreement for Delaware stipulated the organizer would be liable for any financial loss. As you know, that became a major bone of contention. (just for the record, I did not award the bid)
I had proposals from locations in Kansas City, and Louisville for 2006 US Open but stopped the process when Bill told me he wanted to place it in Chicago. Then I was asked to assist with getting the best contract possible with the Cherry Hill Hilton.
That is where we are now
I was following directives. Beatriz, Leroy, please respond!
Diane
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3Don,
Date: 11/21/2004 5:34:29 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Beatchess
To: Chessdon, res1yb6k@verizon.net, Chessoffice, LWDubeck, ESDOYLE, Ippy1
CC: timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
Beatriz, the Executive Director is in charge of chossing the site for US Opens.
The Board, of course, can overrule the ED.
From what I can see here, the politics are going the other way.
The simple fact, from what I can see, is that the Cherry Hill bid is a lousy bid for the USCF in a marginal hotel and in the wrong geographical region.
Don Schultz
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004 5:48:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Beatchess
To: Chessoffice, res1yb6k@verizon.net, LWDubeck, ESDOYLE, Ippy1
CC: timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Chessdon, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
In a message dated 11/21/04 5:41:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, Chessoffice writes:
Please do not feel that you need to take a position as an Event Manager, your contributions are valuable and we would not like to see you involve in a political battle.
Therefore, in the following communication I suggest removing your e-mail from this exchanges and we will communicate to you the Executive Board final decision.
Subj: Re:
US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004
To: LWDubeck,
res1yb6k@verizon.net
CC: Beatchess,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Chessdon,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com,
ESDOYLE,
Ippy1,
LWDubeck,
Chessoffice
In a message dated 11/21/2004 10:12:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, LWDubeck
writes:
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004 10:12:56 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: LWDubeck
To: Chessoffice, res1yb6k@verizon.net
CC: Beatchess, timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Chessdon, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com, ESDOYLE, Ippy1, LWDubeck
I just read about 10 e-mails concerning the 2006 US Open bids.
1. The statements from Don Schultz about the New Jersey bid are outrageous.
The $5,000 sponsorship for the 2002 US Open did not materialize because of the USCF Office mismanagement and refusal to meet with the sponsor, John Hancock. Ask the then NJSCF President Herman Drenth or Glen Peterson about the USCf's INCOMPETENCE. Not only did their behaviour cost that $5,000 but a good chance for a further $25,000. New Jersey did not complain about the USCF then: the thanks we get is to be attacked by Don Schultz now for USCF's stupidity. This time we will not go quietly into the night.
2. The Cherry Hill hotel has spent millions of dollars refurbishing all its hotel rooms.
3. The $115 per night for up to 4 people in a room are less than the room rates on your national scholastics--read the November Chess Life where the room rate for the Supernationals in 2005 is $129 single-quad!
4. Diane Reese did a fine job of improving the offer that the hotel had made to me. It is in the interest of USCF to make every bid as advantageous as possible from USCF's viewpoint.
5. Bill does have a conflict of interest whne he deals with a hotel that he uses for CCA tournaments. I can't believe that you cannot see this, Don.
6. The NJSCF loaned USCF $5,000 when it needed it. Being attacked for wanting a disinterested party to make the US Open decision as being a "political payback" by Don is a nice way of thanking us.
7. Let me remind you that Chicago held a US Open (Helen Warren was the orgainzer) in 1989. In 1994 it was in Rosemeont, Illinois. No one complained about it being in the same state only 5 years apart. Now however, Mr. Goichberg not only opposes New Jersey holding it in 2006 but also in a written memo to NJSCF President Joe Ippolito Goichberg opposed New Jersy hosting the US Open in 2007, the exact same 5 years apart that Illinois held US Opens. So much for Brady's suggestion to consider 2007.
When he advocated considering the Louisivlle bid for the USCF office, Mr. Goichberg also was all for putting in Louisville many USCF national tournaments, including "the US Open (1200 room nights), which could be there at least once." That wording (from a Goichberg
e-mail that I have) suggests that a US Open could have been placed in the same Louisville hotel more than once in the 10 year period.
concerned about a 1215 room night guarantee for the Cherry Hill hotel--anyone see a little difference in his judgement when it comes to New Jersey??
8. Something else to consider. If the $500,000 Maurice Ashley's open tournament is as much of a success as some think it will be in 2005, it will surely be repeated in 2006, in the midwest. Does anyone seriously think that such a mega open event will not have an impact on all other open tournaments in that region, including the US Open? If you think it will not, would anyone like to wager that the 2005 event will not decrease the attendance at Goichberg's Chicago Open? Dr. Leroy Dubeck
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004
To: Chessdon,
LWDubeck,
res1yb6k@verizon.net
CC: Beatchess,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com,
ESDOYLE,
Ippy1
In a message dated 11/21/2004 10:54:37 PM Eastern Standard Time, Chessdon
writes:
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3
Date: 11/21/2004 10:54:37 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Chessdon
To: LWDubeck, Chessoffice, res1yb6k@verizon.net
CC: Beatchess, timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com, ESDOYLE, Ippy1
Leroy blames Defies for the $5,000 fisaco and gives Herman Drenth and Glenn Peterson as first hand witnesses. I refuse to defend DeFeis, he was an abomination; so score one for Leroy.
I don't at all see Bill using a hotel he does business with in Chicago to get a better deal for USCF as anything but helpful. In any event Bill seems to have indicated the Sheraton in Chicago will give only a slightly worse deal with USCF and he has never done business with them.
I have stated, Leroy as a US Chess leader or the NJ Chess Federation both have every right to challenge Bill's decision but that is unnecessary at this point as the consensus of these dialogues seem to be having the EB decide. I'll save my critic of Leroy's other arguments below for that Board discussion.
Beatriz, I think it a wise idea to have both Bill and Leroy participate in what looks like a forthcoming EB teleconference to decide this.
In a message dated 11/21/2004 10:12:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, LWDubeck writes:
I just read about 10 e-mails concerning the 2006 US Open bids.
Subj: 2006 U.S. OpenMr. Bill Goichberg
Date: 11/18/2004 12:14:48 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: billbrock@billbrock.net
To: chessoffice@aol.com
CC: sevanmuradian@hotmail.com, rogerdb9@earthlink.net, mike.maloney@sbcglobal.net, timjust@comcast.net, vinnyjh@hotmail.com, icb@mchsi.com, robertloncarevic@comcast.net, lscohen60@yahoo.com, hfried1@sbcglobal.net, ChessNehoc@aol.com, Dennis9942@wmconnect.com, kbachler@cavemanchess.com
Sent from the Internet
Subj: Re: US Chess Federation3I don't at all see Bill using a hotel he does business with in Chicago to get a better deal for USCF as anything but helpful. In any event Bill seems to have indicated the Sheraton in Chicago will give only a slightly worse deal with USCF and he has never done business with them.
Date: 11/21/2004 11:52:22 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Beatchess
To: Chessoffice, Chessdon, LWDubeck, res1yb6k@verizon.net
CC: timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com, ESDOYLE, Ippy1
In a message dated 11/21/04 11:17:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, Chessoffice writes:
flexible and being willing to listen to other points of view encourage cooperation.
from our State Associations its part of our core mission.
Don Schultz is proposing a reasonable approach. Other people may have other ideas.
Dear Board:
Following is a recent email I received from Bill Brock, who is expected to be the next Illinois Chess Association President, in support of having the 2006 US Open in the Chicago area.
I believe that this decision can probably be arrived at without a conference call, but if such a call is deemed necessary and Leroy Dubeck is invited to participate on behalf of NJSCF, then Bill Brock should be allowed to do so as well on behalf of ICA.
Bill
Subj: Re: 2006 U.S. Open
Date: 11/22/2004
To:
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com,
Beatchess@aol.com,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Chessdon@aol.com,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov
In a message dated 11/22/2004 6:42:45 PM Eastern Standard Time,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com writes:
Subj: Re: 2006 U.S. Open
Date: 11/22/2004 6:42:45 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
To: Beatchess@aol.com, Chessoffice@aol.com, timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Chessdon@aol.com, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov
Sent from the Internet
Dear board,
We are all busy. I hate to be testy, but I really have heard enough about
the bids for the 2006 US Open.
There are two things I hope for in the future:
1. The President and the CEO work together in harmony for the good of the
organization.
2. That we never again have to deal with the "just another two weeks"
syndrome. We have a bid from New Jersey. We do not have a bid from Chicago.
Oh, but it is coming and what's more I have lobbied the Illinous Chess
Association President to lobby the USCF board even though there is as yet no
bid.
does not play politics to get his/her way.
Subj: Re: 2006 U.S. Open
Elizabeth
Subj: Re: 2006 U.S. OpenYes, I knew NJ was interested a few months ago, but at that time I had already done a lot of hotel negotiating and gotten the ICA to approve.
Date: 11/22/2004 8:35:35 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: Beatchess
To: Chessoffice, elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com, timothyhanke@comcast.net, stephenshutt@yahoo.com, bradyfm@msn.com, Chessdon, Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov
Bill,
For the record, you knew about the NJ bid for a long time. Diane spoke with you months ago, your reply was I am working on a proposal in Chicago because the US Open has been placed in the Midwest for a long time.
I said that Cherry Hill was unsuitable due to the rotation issue, and that the Chicago bid was very favorable financially for USCF.
Diane, then called Leroy and Leroy called me. I spoke with you about it and you did not say much.
If they were upset it may have been because they thought we had called for bids. We don't invite bids for the US Open and at the time they expressed interest, I already had enough in writing from the hotel plus agreement from ICA so I considered Chicago definite, just a matter of working out final details.about this.
That may be the problem, USCF policies changed since the 2002 event was awarded. In 2001 boxes appeared in Chess Life saying the following:
Now, a couple of months later Diane sent her e-mail with a copy of the contract from New Jersey.
I am willing to move on, I understand you are busy and this is your area of expertise. But, something has be clear that the NJ Chess Federation did the same thing that they did to get the 2002 US Open...
Subj: 2006 US Open summary
Date: 11/22/2004
To: Beatchess,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
chessdon,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
CC:
res1yb6k@verizon.net,
Chessoffice
COST TO PLAYERS:
Including tax, Hyatt $95.58, Sheraton $105.45, Hilton $131.10.
Many players play the full 9-day schedule. If staying 9 nights, costs are:
Hyatt $860, Sheraton $950, Hilton $1180.
Big edge to Chicago hotels, especially Hyatt.
COMMISSION TO USCF:
Hyatt $8.90 per night, estimated 1200 room nights, $10,680 to USCF.
Others, no commission.
Big edge to Hyatt.
ROOM NIGHTS REQUIRED TO AVOID RENT:
Sheraton 1000, Hyatt 1040, Hilton 1215.
Sheraton and Hyatt are both virtually risk free. With Hilton there is
significant risk, especially since the higher rate could mean fewer room nights.
REQUIRED FOOD FUNCTION REVENUE:
Sheraton 0, Hyatt $2200, Hilton $5000.
Some risk at Hilton.
COMP/REDUCED PRICE ROOMS (assume 1200 room nights, comp rooms used 9 nights):
Hilton 1 per 50 plus 2 comp suites and 10 rooms at 50% off= 42 nights comp, 10
rooms at $65/night including tax.
Hyatt 1 per 40 plus 1 comp suite= 39 nights comp. No reduced price rooms but
the Chicago area has a huge number of qualified TDs, no non-Chicago TDs are
needed, so not much need for staff rooms.
Sheraton 1 per 50= 24 nights comp, same comment as above.
Hilton would have edge but with all Chicago TDs, maybe not. Sheraton is
inferior here.
SIZE OF LARGEST ROOM:
Hilton 11,334 sq ft, Sheraton 9,432 sq ft, Hyatt 7,500 sq ft.
Edge to Hilton, with Hyatt weakest.
YEARS SINCE US OPEN LAST IN AREA:
Chicago 12, Cherry Hill 4.
Big edge to Chicago.
NUMBER OF RECENT US OPENS IN REGION:
Last 5 years Last 10 years Last 15 years
Midwest: 0 1 3
Northeast: 2 3 4
Big edge to Chicago.
OVERALL:
It's nice to have as many players as possible in the main room, but not crucial,
as the US Amateur Team East has shown by its great success despite being split
up into many rooms. The Hyatt main room will hold most US Open players,
especially before the merge. Other factors overwhelmingly favor the Hyatt.
I hold two tournaments each year at the Hyatt. I don't see this as a conflict
of interest, rather it may be this helped me get a better offer for USCF. I
have long experience working with the people at the Hyatt and find them very
cooperative. There are not likely to be unpleasant surprises at this hotel.
My intention is to sign the Hyatt contract by Wednesday, but I await your
comments.
Bill
Subj: More on Hyatt Regency Oak Brook
Date: 11/22/2004
To: Beatchess,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Chessdon,
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
CC:
res1yb6k@verizon.net,
Chessoffice
Note that there are some errors in the Program of Events. Refences to "Banguet
Rnds 10" table setup should be ignored, this will be changed to regular chess
setups with 6x30 tables. The number given for "Attendance" is usually wrong,
sometimes too small and sometimes too large.
The Regency Ballroom, 75 x 100 with excellent lighting, will be the main
tournament room. At the Chicago Open this room has been comfortably set up for
340 with two demo boards. For the US Open, let's assume four demo Boards and
320.
The second largest room is the Oak Brook Ballroom, 40 x 80 with OK lighting, on
the same floor but a pretty long walk away. This has acceptably held up to 180
players in the past, 9 rows of 5 tables, but let's assume the more comfortable 9
rows of 4, or 144 players.
One flight down by a short escalator from the Regency is the lower level,
including the Hunt, York and Kent Rooms, each 58 x 25. Each holds 72 players
comfortably and is very well lighted. These rooms are an easy walk from the
Regency, quicker than the Oak Brook Room.
The above rooms total 680 players capacity, more than we are likely to attract.
At the Chicago Open, we have drawn over 800 several times and have put 36 more
in Oak Brook and used many of the 24 person downstairs rooms for play, and there
have been no space problems.
Also on the lower level is the Essex Room, 57 x 45. It's the first room at the
bottom of the escalator and is thus conveniently located, and ideal for B & E
sales, which it has long been its function at the Chicago Open.
There are six smaller rooms on the lower level as well- Cermak, Ogden, Windsor,
Camden, Butterfield, and Harger. Each is 18 x 25 and well lighted, seating 24
players for chess. These are good rooms for most workshops as well as lectures,
skittles, side events, etc. Larger workshops and Denker/Polgar can go in Hunt,
York, Kent or Oak Brook, which won't be needed for US Open play during the day
as Regency should be sufficient for the alternate schedules.
Across from the Oak Brook is the Spring Room, listed at 38 x 60 and well
lighted, but somewhat odd shaped. It holds about 100 for chess but I figure it
as a skittles room and a banquet room.
The County Boardroom, 17 x 22, is a skittles room close to the Regency, holding
20 people. Next to it are the State Boardroom, 15 x 22 and Executive Boardroom,
15 x 26. The Boardrooms have fixed tables which limits their usefulness for
skittles but they still have some value in this regard. They are also good for
EB meetings or other small meetings.
The Coat Room close to the Regency is not shown on any diagrams, but I have
found it extremely valuable at the Chicago Open as its location and structure
make it a perfect TD room. A Director or two can sit at the window handling
questions or registration, while two other TDs can do pairings in the rear of
the room.
The Delegates Meeting should probably be in Regency, though Oak Brook might be
adequate. The tables would remain in tournament setup but the chairs would need
to be reset. This sort of thing has been done at many other US Opens.
There is also another room, the Executive Training Center, 37 x 46, that I don't
think we need. It's one flight down, but you need to go further than the Oak
Brook room to get there.
The room rate of $89 with a 10% commission is a great deal, especially for a
hotel of the quality of a Hyatt Regency. Compare to the previous five years,
assuming 1200 room nights:
Room rate USCF commission
2001 $94 0
2002 $99 0
2003 $89 0
2004 $90 0
2005 $99 0
2006 $89 $10,680
Also, I believe the requirement of only 1040 room nights to avoid rent is lower
than any of the 2001-2005 events. And the tournament did have to pay rent in
2003, if not other times.
Parking is free, and there is a 100-store shopping center across the street.
One slight drawback is that a cab ride is needed to get to the nearest train
station for sightseeing in downtown Chicago.
Bill
Subj: RE: 2006 US Open summary
Date: 11/22/2004 11:48:39 PM Eastern Standard Time
From:
Randy.Bauer@iowa.gov
To:
Chessoffice@aol.com,
Beatchess@aol.com,
timothyhanke@comcast.net,
stephenshutt@yahoo.com,
bradyfm@msn.com,
Chessdon@aol.com,
elizabethshaughnessy@hotmail.com
CC:
res1yb6k@verizon.net
Sent from the Internet (Details)
This looks like a reasonable analysis to me; if others disagree, please provide
similar side by side comparisons.
I agree that the New Jersey association has been a loyal supporter, and I
greatly appreciate it. At the same time, we need to keep working to improve the
bottom line, and so far, Chicago seems to provide a better opportunity in 2006.
Randy Bauer