Good chance I'll be going this year ...

[PeterD]

Hey all!

Since Los Angeles is relatively close to me, there's really no excuse not to go this year's road rally. Sounds like an interesting weekend loaded with information and opportunities!

Question: What method do people typically use to have a "person of importance" listen to their material on the spot? Their taxi or soundcloud page? An mp3 player? Curious ...

Also, is it advisable to stay in the same hotel that the Rally is being held or nearby?

Has anyone had an experience that made the whole trip worthwhile?

Thanks for your comments!!

[richmstudios]

is it advisable to stay in the same hotel that the Rally is being held or nearby?

Definitely stay at the Rally hotel. You'll be super busy during the daytime events and having your room nearby is ultra convenient. Most importantly is the ease you'll have networking and meeting with your fellow TAXI members and forum friends in the lobby after the day's events have concluded. The meeting area around the hotel bar is a real hot spot in the evenings and you won't want to miss this.

Glad to hear to seriously considering making it out this year - you will NOT regret it. Enjoy and hope to see you there.

Rich

[PeterD]

Sounds GREAT Rich!!

Say, would you be able to tell me what kind of money I should set aside for this (minus transportation fees)? Rally Admission is complementary with a Taxi membership? Do most people stay over Sunday night too?

Thank you!!

[kclements]

Hey all!
Since Los Angeles is relatively close to me, there's really no excuse not to go this year's road rally. Sounds like an interesting weekend loaded with information and opportunities!

That's an understatement! The Rally is fantastic!

Question: What method do people typically use to have a "person of importance" listen to their material on the spot? Their taxi or soundcloud page? An mp3 player? Curious ...

I think Cds are best. Bring a couple to toss in the listening panel boxes, and all of the drive by mentors and scheduled mentors have CD players too, so you want to have one with your best stuff for them to listen to. I usually bring around 7 CDs - sometimes two different CDs depending on if I want to highlight Orchestral and something else...

Make sure you label both the CD and the Envelope with your name, email, phone and track listing. And come prepared with the track(s) you would like the mentor to listen to and some questions to ask.

An iPod/iPhone/MP3 player is nice for the lounge area to get feedback from other members, but I wouldn't count on it for "people of interest" listening.

Also, is it advisable to stay in the same hotel that the Rally is being held or nearby?

Huge Yes.

Has anyone had an experience that made the whole trip worthwhile? :

I think many people will agree that it is life changing. That my sound hyperbolic, but at least for me - it has been. The contacts, information, networking, and most importantly, the friends I have made at the Rally have done more to move me forward with my writing than any other thing I can think of. Seriously, it's that good.

Hope to see you there.

Cheers -
kc

[rdance]

what kc and rich said...amen! last year was my first rally...so many new connections and friends, so educational and inspirational, so much insight into how the tv/film music industry actually works, on and on and on...

[PeterD]

Excellent!!

Thank you again for the notes Kyle and Richard!!

Awesome! Don't want to wish my life away, but I can't wait!

[coachdebra]

Sounds GREAT Rich!!

Say, would you be able to tell me what kind of money I should set aside for this (minus transportation fees)? Rally Admission is complementary with a Taxi membership? Do most people stay over Sunday night too?

Thank you!!

Admission is included in your Membership. If you eat in the hotel, you'll spend between $15-$30/meal without alcohol.

Last year they had sandwiches and breakfast snacks for a lot less and that was AWESOME - hope they do that again.

There's cheap food within a block or too, including Denny's, Subway and my personal fave - the Internet Cafe which has Mexican and Greek food.

And yes, I highly recommend hanging out Sunday night. First, some of the most awesome partying, networking and happiness happens in the lobby. Second, you don't want to drive back to San Jose completely exhausted. And I promise you will be completely exhausted - but in a good way!

If you don't want to stay in the hotel, though I recommend it, there's a La Quintas across the street and all the standard airport hotels to the West.

Hope that helps!

Debra

[PeterD]

Thank you Debra!!

I'm actually going to book a flight the next time SW runs their "Wanna get away?" special. I think it's something like $60 to LA from San Jose (which is a LOT cheaper than a few tanks of gas and SO much quicker!!)

I'm toying with the idea of another hotel though. Good to know about the others being nearby, but networking in the lobby, elevator, and bar definitely has some value. Just trying to justify the extra night's stay ...

Hoping there's no need for a car though. What you mentioned seems walkable.

I'm sure it'll be great time and worth getting exhausted,

[coachdebra]

Thank you Debra!!

I'm actually going to book a flight the next time SW runs their "Wanna get away?" special. I think it's something like $60 to LA from San Jose (which is a LOT cheaper than a few tanks of gas and SO much quicker!!)

I'm toying with the idea of another hotel though. Good to know about the others being nearby, but networking in the lobby, elevator, and bar definitely has some value. Just trying to justify the extra night's stay ...

Hoping there's no need for a car though. What you mentioned seems walkable.

I'm sure it'll be great time and worth getting exhausted,

When I lived in the bay area, it ended up being equal travel time because of the 1.5 hour pre flight requirement at the airport. And gas was a lot cheaper then! You will also pay for parking, and if you intend to do nothing else in LA except the conference, you don't need a car. But if you're staying at another hotel - don't forget to figure in taxi fare both ways.