We Want Answers!
- Q: "Why Tampa?"
A: Because, despite what all the travel propaganda says, Florida is more than just Disney World, Spring Break, and alligators. Tampa is a thriving metropolitan center, and its entertainment heart is historic Ybor City, which, much like New Orleans' French Quarter, features an abundance of Spanish architecture and fun and funky shops, eateries, and club venues. However, unlike its more famous relative, Ybor has not been crowded out and overrun by tourists, and boasts a fresh breeze off of Tampa Bay.
For those of you with art in mind, two world-class museums are here - The Henry B. Plant Museum, and the Salvador Dali Museum is right across Tampa Bay, nestled in St. Petersburg.
Want something more lively than art? The Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and Busch Gardens are all within fifteen minutes of the hotel.
You're liable to catch a glimpse of the onion domes of the University of Tampa, one of several striking buildings that dot the Tampa landscape. And, with St. Petersburg right across the bay, it's almost like being in Mother Russia, without all that pesky Siberia lurking nearby.
- Q: "Florida, in May? Are you nuts?"
A: Actually, daytime highs are usually around 80 degrees. Everything, and we mean everything, in Florida is air-conditioned. Your time spent out in the daystar without air conditioning will be minimal.
- Q: "How will we get around?"
A: Ybor City is entirely walkable. The Hyatt Regency is near to the Teco Streetcar, which runs from near the hotel (approximately 200 yards) the short distance to Ybor (ten minutes one way). Cost is $1.50 per ride or $3.00 for a 24-hour pass. The streetcar runs until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. A shuttle swift between the Hyatt and the Centro Asturiano is also planned (approximately five to ten minutes' drive).
For those that choose to drive, parking can be found for $8.00 a day in city garages. Please note that a surcharge is applied if you enter the garage after 10pm or leave before 5am. The Hyatt has parking available.
- Q: "How much will this cost me?"
A: The exact cost for C:12 cannot be given at this time. Rest assured that we are cheap bastards (socialism may be great for the people, but it's hell on the pocketbook) and will haggle and bargain to get you the best value for your Convergence dollar. Tampa is an inexpensive city on the whole, and drinks in the clubs rarely run over $5.00. Cover for most clubs likewise runs $6.00 or less (and we will attempt to negotiate discount or free admission for laminate-holders for those attendees who want to see the local nightlife). Ybor City has a plethora of cheap dining options, running the gamut from local Cuban restaurants to typical chains.
- Q: "Where are we going to crash?"
A: We will bunk in opulent decadence at the Hyatt Regency, but for the Proletariat-friendly sum of $120 per night, regardless of how many komrades bed down together. For those with plans for expansion, suites will be available, ranging from $199 to $395 per night.
- Q: "Will events be open to the public?"
A: All nighttime C:12 events will be the exclusive domain of the attendees. No laminate, no love. During the day, events like the Vendors' Bazaar and the various tours will be open to the public.
- Q: "But what about the children?"
A: Tampa is extremely friendly for those under 21. Clubs are 18 and up. Daytime events will be, for the most part, all-ages.