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| Probably taken in Scottsdale, AZ in July |
A friendly word of advice for you all: if you are asked to travel to Scottsdale, AZ for a conference in July, FIND ANY POSSIBLE REASON TO GET OUT OF IT. You cannot make it because your cat passed away or maybe you have set aside that week to finally mop your floors or get your annual physical. Make anything up. Do not go. Almost anything is better than the consistent 110+ degree days that is Scottsdale in July. Any conference organizer who chooses Scottsdale in July for an event is a sadist and possibly an underearthling spawned from the devil himself.
You may have guessed by now that I found myself in Scottsdale, Arizona in the middle of July, and I was not a happy camper. I was unprepared for the heat of Arizona from the moment I got off the plane and entered the airbridge. I paused for a moment thinking "I could turn back and get right back on this plane to fly to a new destination - Alaska if I'm lucky. Maybe the flight attendants won't notice if I squeeze into an overhead bin. I'll deal with my boss wondering why I didn't show up later." But I heard a low growl from the fudge pudge behind me wondering why I was failing to shuffle my way forward so off I went. He was probably the conference organizer.
The marketed purpose of the conference is to bring architects and engineers together to learn and share experiences about a 3D modeling tool widely used in the building industry. The reality is that the conference was one big schmooze and booze fest. When you're dealing with mostly introverted, nerdy engineer/artsy architect type middle aged white men, alcohol is a must. Drinking began around 4-ish each evening with happy hour and ended way too late usually with folks jumping in the pool or passing out on the golf course. Most of the next day is spent gossiping about the previous night's shenanigans (Did you hear about the lady who sprained her knee dancing too hard? Or what about those crazy hooligans who were using the handicap pool chair as a diving board?).
I kept myself in check and snuck away before anyone convinced me to go for a night swim. Go ahead and call me a debbie-downer, but there is just something about the idea of being in a bikini with a bunch of drunks that I do business with that does not appeal to me.
My final assessment of the conference: B
Pros: Well organized. Positive event for networking. Open bar events.
Cons: Felt like I had been sent to hell. Too many drunk men - had to dodge one who went in for a make out.
The hotel: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Rating: 4.5 stars
Pros: Room was clean. Had a great view of the golf course and surrounding mountains. The pools were refreshing.
Cons: The lobby smelled like a hospital. I purchased the most expensive latte I have ever had ($8).
