ATS 2003 Conference Information

[Rhys]

http://atshq.org/convention---1.jpg

To register for the ATS 2003 conference in Carlsbad, NM, visit the ATS website home page and follow the registration link:

http://atshq.org

This year's featured guests: Andrew Smith, Rick West, Brent Hendrixson

ANDREW SMITH'S PRESENTATION - ATS 2003 CONVENTION Carlsbad, NM

1) Two 90 minute or two 60 minute slide lectures based on Andrew's new Poecilotheria book, which is in preparation. He wants to develop and explore the full theme of his book, which includes -

* Poecilotheria spiders of Sri Lanka.

* Poecilotheria spiders of India.

2) Andrew will present color slides garnered from four field trips - plus additional slides by Europe's top spider photographer - Monsieur Cleton.

3) The presentation will contain original archive research information, exploring the history of the genus from the 1750s, the personalities of the scientists, the collectors, taxonomy, selective examples of behaviour and adaptation, conservation status and the local folklore and mythology, which was gathered in hundreds of interviews. Andrew will tie all of this to Britains' Imperial past.

Andrew has located, drawn and dissected all of the surviving type material in museums all over the world. Time permitting he will demonstrate and discuss the diagnostic differences between the species - This may be accomplished in a small workshop for those interested in taxonomy.



RICK WEST'S TOPICS INCLUDE:

A slide presentation with narration of unusual tarantulas and their habitats, including Cameroon "spider divination" where tribal sorcerers use live Hysterocrates spp. in their rituals.



For raffle, Rick West is donating his ERMA dissection microscope; complete with carrying case and extra optics from 2x up to 15x.

There will be an amazing array of raffle prizes, including tarantulas of many species, other inverts, complete cage setups, and much more.

Field trips will be ongoing throughout the days and nights. This is your chance to go collecting with the ATS and our celebrated guests.

Dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts from everywhere will take this opportunity to gather in Carlsbad. It's a great experience and lots of fun.

June is coming quickly....register today!

Thanks,

Rhys & everyone on the ATS staff

[Exodus]

Thank you!! I am totally stoked!!=D =D =D :} :} :}

[Philth]

I want to go but i need some one to travel with. I live in New York. Anybody interested ? My email is Philth@optonline.net

[Immortal_sin]

well, I'm disappointed in my tax return to say the least, but Shelby and I are going anyway. Can't beat the airfares right now. I'd like to know who's arriving and departing which dates? We have someone to room share with, but we'd rather fly into El Paso, since it's closer, and cheaper for us at the moment.
We could ride share if the dates and times match!

[Valael]

Anyone in the Illinois area want a travel partner? :p


Heh, I want to go, but I really don't want to go alone, I'm too shy for that -- I'd never say a word once I got there.

[Botar]

It's official. I just reserved a room for the monster and I for the conference. Now I have to go buy wine for Holley.

We're looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Botar

[Ephesians]

I'm really gonna try to go since I am off for the summer. The drive isn't too bad. From past experience, can anyone give me a budget estimation that I can aim for? Food, hotels, and such. Thanks a million.

[Botar]

Yeah, living that close, you've really got no excuse. SHD is coming all the way from Canada.

As for expenses:

Food - Only you will know your eating habits. I'd say it wouldn't be much different from your present location.

Hotel - I can't remember the exact quote I got when I made my reservations, but it was in the $50 - $60 per night range. I believe that is right around the per diem for that area too. I know you can find hotels more expensive and you could probably find something cheaper as well.

Hope to see you there.

Botar

[Immortal_sin]

food runs about the same as here in Oregon. They have a restaurant at the hotel, that is cheap, and has surprisingly good food.
There are the usual fast food joints, which most people ate at for lunch on conference days.
On Friday night, there is a BBQ and party with hissing cockroach racing, and prizes! It's hysterical and fun.
I think I'm paying $62 per night for a room with 2 queen beds, with 3 people in it.
I'm going to call the hotel directly though, and see if they will give me a conference discount. Last year, I paid $50 per night.
Lots of people have cars and rental cars, and are happy to give rides to people that don't have a car.
We rented one last year, but this year we don't have to, since Gillian is nice enough to haul us down there!
The most expensive thing is just walking into John Hoke's suite, since you can't go in there and not buy anything ;)

[Satanika]

We booked the hotel !!! :) Now we just have to get there .... lol

Well I called the hotel directly and spoke to the manager. His name is Shawn. He is very nice and helpful.

He told me that the ATS discount is $59.95 per night for either a king size bed or 2 double beds (with 2 adults).

However, the AAA discount is a whopping $58.46 per night. A bit cheaper but, hey, every dollar counts (especially when you need it to buy more bugs). ;P

Just make sure that when you call that you ask for him directly, because apparently he is the only one that can offer this discount. :D

Now we only have to figure out the air and rental car ... LOL! =D

From NY, the cheapest airfare is $323.00 per person round trip. :eek: YIKES!!!

Have not begun to call the rentals yet, that will be my next project. lol .. If anyone got any great deals from ELP airport, please let me know. THANKS! :D


Debby

[Immortal_sin]

yay!!! you guys are coming? that's GREAT!
I got a midsize car last year, and Dollar was the cheapest rate.
I think it was about $25 per day, plus tax, gas, insurance, etc.
Once you add all that up, it's more than double the original rate ...ugh
What dates will you be there? We are going the 11-18 June, figured might as well make a vacation out of it!

[Satanika]

Originally posted by Immortal_sin
yay!!! you guys are coming? that's GREAT!
I got a midsize car last year, and Dollar was the cheapest rate.
I think it was about $25 per day, plus tax, gas, insurance, etc.
Once you add all that up, it's more than double the original rate ...ugh
What dates will you be there? We are going the 11-18 June, figured might as well make a vacation out of it!

Hey Holley,

Looks that way so far ... still have to confirm air and rental. We will hopefully be there June 11-15. Since we are going WITHOUT THE KIDS, we must fly back immediately (remember Sunday is Father's Day), and then we are going to take the kids and drive on down to Orlando, Fl. for a mini Disney/Universal vacation. :D

Hey, maybe we can move the party to Disney .... LOL !! Would be lots of fun! =D

Thanks for the info on the rental ... will make a mental note ...


Debby

[Tarantula Lover]

Man, looks like i may go. I have school on the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15! So my dad want me to stay in school! If only they made it later, like june 22 or something! Oh well, have fun guys!


James ;)

[Satanika]

Oh, I almost forgot .....

When you call the manager, please make sure that you mention Arachnopets.com, and that you were referred from here. No kickbacks or anything, but it makes us looks good, which can't hurt .... :D


Thanks! :)


Debby

[Ephesians]

Well, it's official..I'm going. Got booked and everything. Just driving from Texas....no hassell with rentals. I hope I can recognize some of you guys. I'm gonna feel like an ass. lol. I'm taking a friend with me...didn't wanna drive alone. Would have been severely boring. I'll be there from the 12th-15th. Woohoo. And yes, bringing cash....good Lord. Leaving with none. Where are ya'll staying? I wish I would have known about the discout...would have saved me about 30 bucks all in all. I'll be crashing the Quality Inn...hermm...

[Satanika]

You can still call them at the Quality Inn and ask for the Manager, I think .... They should definitely still give you the discount. :)

On another note, does anyone know if El Paso is actually the closest airport to Carlsbad, or is there a closer airport? Just trying to see if we can fly into another airport without a 2 hour drive .... :?


Thanks,

Debby

[Ephesians]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure El Paso is unfortunately the closest if you are landing in Texas. I'm not sure about New Mexico. I'll call Quality Inn tonight and see what I can hook up. Is that where ya'll are staying as well, or are you crashing elsewhere?

On another note, is anyone wearing ID tags or anything of the sort in order to be recognized? Can't say I've ever been to anything like this in the past. Been on probabtion too long...lol...one tends to be confound to small areas during these periods of time. hehe.

[Satanika]

Thanks. Yeah, I was wondering if there was anything closer in New Mexico, maybe? Just grasping at straws here ... :)

When you call the hotel, make sure you speak to the manager (Shawn). We are staying at the Quality Inn. Tell him that Arachnopets.com referred you and told you about the discount.

Hmmm.... not sure about the name tag thing, as this will be our first time there. Not a bad idea though ... Maybe we can have Arachnopets name tags with our user names on them ... he he he .... ;)


Debby

[Immortal_sin]

Albuquerque is the closest airport in NM, and it's twice as far as El Paso.
There are name tags in your registration packet to wear.
We may need to put our user names on them as well ;)

[Ephesians]

Rock on. Yeah, I was thinking about putting my user name on mine. I think we should. And I know some of us have posted pics online and such..but it's always different whenever you see each other in person. If I still had my hair like I do in my Avatar, I'd be easy to spot...but it's all grown out for the most part and normal now. Just check out the "Fun Pics" thread in the Watering Hole. Botar will be easy to find...just look for Incredible Hulk's long lost sibling. I'm searching for you first, Bot...okay? lol

Anyhoo; Debbie, have you found out how far it is to the Convention from the Inn? I need to look for some maps, but I haven't had time. I figure we have a month still..but time does tend to fly when you have 4 jobs. lol. Maybe I can get into touch with you and Scott and whoever else is staying there when we arrive. Is that where you are staying as well, Holly?

[Satanika]

Holley could probably give better information than me, cause she was there before. But as far as we know, a lot of people are staying there.

Absolutely, we should all meet up. We should make up some kind of Arachnopets code or something ... he he he .... must think ...... That way we would all know that people wearing a certain something are from here. :D

We are arriving (hopefully) on June 11th and leaving super early on the 15th.


Debby

[Ephesians]

How about we each dress up like a different member of the Village People...we'd find each other with a great ease..lol. But yeah, especially if we're all staying in the same area, we should devise some way to meet up. If anyone has a cell phone I may give a choice person or persons my cell number and we a few others could do the same. Just using name tags would be kinda hard if we are out of the conference; besides...I don't wanna go around staring at everyone's breasts while I'm trying to find the arachnopets crew. lol. Not noticeably, anyway.

By the way..sorry about the mispelling of your name..lol...that was retarded.

Marcus

[Immortal_sin]

ok, I'm back.
the hotel is on the south end of town, the conference is at the college on the north side...about a 15 minute drive.
lots of people have cars, and are more than willing to drive around those who do not.
everyone I know is staying at the Quality Inn, and that is where the Thurs night get together is anyway. We are staying there from Jun 11-18. Decided to make a complete vacation out of it

[Botar]

We are staying June 11-16 at the Quality Inn also. I'll be the one with the little girl AND the tribal tattoos... had to clear that one up... didn't want you to think Shelby and Holley were Emma and I. Since I'll be traveling with the SkinHeadDave Canadian Caravan, I may even shave my head again for the trip. I'd love to get one of those killer "scorpion on the shaved head" pics.

BTW Marcus, don't worry if you're not off probation... I'll be off duty and out of my jurisdiction. I hope you can make it.

Botar

[Immortal_sin]

yes, we don't want them to confuse us...haha...
The way to tell us apart is that I don't have any tribal tattoos, but if Botar's are covered up, you'll be hard pressed to tell who is who!

[Botar]

Hence the bald head... now they'll just confuse me with Dave... or Bill... or any of the naturally bald masses who may be in attendance. Besides... NM in June? I'll be wearing tank tops guaranteed.

Botar

[tarantulakeeper]

Also, try to arrive in time for the get together/social hour Thursday night. It is outdoors between the bar and the pool at the Quality Inn. Ha,ha, the first year I quietly sat inside the bar for 20 minutes trying to figure out who the 'spider people' were. There were only a couple of cowboy types sitting at the bar and I felt really out of place. Finally I asked the waitress about spider people meeting for drinks. She said, Oh they're out on the patio and have been for a while." Boy, did I feel dumb. Wear a shirt, earring, necklace, pin, hat, anything with a spider on it and you'll be found. People usually go out night collecting after the sun sets. NO white socks! I couldn't go the first night because of my white socks and tennis shoes. (They glow in the black lights) Bad for bug collecting. John

Also, bring along deli cups cause you'll need them off and on all weekend.

[Ephesians]

LOL Botar. Nah, I got off probably two days ago. It feels soooo good. I almost always wear all black...so that's on the plus...but I have almost all white sox...go figure. I'll get some black ones. Not that I will EVER wear shorts...but just in case I do. I have toothpick legs so no one can laugh. I'll probably try to find a spider t or something to wear on the first night. I'll have my car, so someone can ride from the hotel with me if they need to. That's never a problem. I need to find out how early we need to live Thurs. morning cause we are arriving on the 12th and leaving on the 15th.

[Botar]

Looking forward to seeing you there. Don't worry about being teased about your legs... I have a feeling with this crew we'll all be in the "hot seat" at one time or another. You might as well give them your legs right off the bat.

And BTW, congrats on being off probation. Walking paper is not an easy thing to do.

Botar

[skinheaddave]

Do you think getting a scorpion tattoo on the back of my head would be a bit much as a means of IDing me? ;)

Botar: If you shave your head for the trip, Kug does too. Bill is already one step ahead of the lot of ya.

Cheers,
Dave

[Ephesians]

So how does the night-collecting work? Does the entire group go out in a huge mob or do we break off into groups; and do we need to pick up a black light? I was wandering about that earlier and forgot to mention it. Also, is anyone bringing their own hisser?

marcus

[Immortal_sin]

people go out in groups. Sometimes a bunch of cars will follow each other to a place, then we all just get out and walk around. Some people have blacklights, and some of us just have flashlights. You don't want to stand in one spot too long, the harvester ants will crawl up your pants and bite the crap out of you (I know, believe me!).
Usually there are people going out every night. It's all rather informal.
A couple times, just standing around at the hotel, a mature male tarantula would just walk out from the bushes...it was really cool!
Some people bring their own hissers for the race, or you can purchase or rent one really cheap!

[Botar]

Originally posted by skinheaddave
Do you think getting a scorpion tattoo on the back of my head would be a bit much as a means of IDing me? ;)

Botar: If you shave your head for the trip, Kug does too. Bill is already one step ahead of the lot of ya.

Cheers,
Dave

I like the scorpion idea, but I doubt you'd like it too much. Besides, you'll be easy to spot. You'll be the one with the Canadian accent in the group of bald guys... get your razor ready Kug!

Botar

[Kugellager]

I will NOT be shaving my head for this occasion. I am weird enough looking as it is...I do however currently have a ghotee and will prob still have it in a month. Just look for the Tall thin dude with a ghotee a severly wind blown hair...

Why don't we just put a pic of our avatars on our name tags? Hell noone who doesn't already know what I look like would never guess that I'm the bald evil-clown dude.

John
];')

[skinheaddave]

Originally posted by Kugellager
I will NOT be shaving my head for this occasion.

Spoil-sport.

Cheers,
Dave

[Ephesians]

Why don't we just put a pic of our avatars on our name tags? Hell noone who doesn't already know what I look like would never guess that I'm the bald evil-clown dude.

Good idea, or if not the avatar, you could wear a clown suit, Dave could bust in comic book style, Debbie can just waltz on in with blood streaking down her face and I'll just pop up wearing my P. irminia on my forehead.
:D

[skinheaddave]

Originally posted by Ephesians
Dave could bust in comic book style,

I could do that...

Cheers,
Dave

[Satanika]

Originally posted by Ephesians
Debbie can just waltz on in with blood streaking down her face

Hmmmm ..... not a bad idea ... I guess I could do that too .... ;)


Debby

[Kugellager]

I would love to do the evil-clown thing but it takes 4+ hours to get that stuff put on and the friend of mine who made the foam rubber facial prosthesis to do it.

John
];'E

[Ephesians]

Okay, well we have Dave and Debbie covered; John's would be too complicated and I don't think my P. irminia would be all that cooperative. LOL...well I guess we're still thinking. I think whoever suggested the arachno-apparel was on to something.

In Him,
Marcus

[Kugellager]

Yeah ...like no one else could possibly think of wearing arachnid related apparel to the ATS ;)

John
];')

[Immortal_sin]

LOL Kug...you're right!
EVERYONE had arachnid related apparel on...that's how we knew we were in the right place :)
I still like the idea of putting our user names on our name tags.
You get a name tag in your packet, so it's easy.

[Satanika]

Finally, I caved and just booked the airfare.

WHEW! We are all set now .... well at least for this trip. LOL

No to go book the Disney one .....

Calgon take me away =D

I can't wait to meet everyone. This is going to be great, I can just feel it. I am sooo excited. Krystal, where are you? LOL


Debby

[Botar]

I've got an idea. We could all change our appearance to look like normal "corporate America". I'm sure we'd stick out like a sore thumb then.

Botar

[Immortal_sin]

Originally posted by Botar
I've got an idea. We could all change our appearance to look like normal "corporate America". I'm sure we'd stick out like a sore thumb then.

Botar

hmmm, what does that actually look like?! :eek: =D
nobody will have problems recognizing me, since I'll have a small child that will probably be asking to hold all the bugs that everyone has:)

[Immortal_sin]

here....we should all post pics in this thread too...that will help. Make it a RECENT one though :)

[Ephesians]

That'll work. I'll post one when I get home; I'm at work right now. I have another question...should anyone keep count. lol. Does anyone have the address where the conference will be held, so I can look up a map? Thanks.

[Exodus]

I, The amazing ben, will be attending the ATS conference, I will try to attach a pic soon.

ALOHA,
The amazing ben

[Immortal_sin]

and what, precisely, makes you so amazing?! :eek:

[Ephesians]

Oh yeah, here's my pic I promised like 4 years ago...it sucks..but what do you expect at 1 in the morning. Long day...hat hair...blah blah blah

[Exodus]

Yo. Since I cannot find a "recent" picture of myself...YET!! I will tell you that I never wear shorts, will most likely have a dark T-shirt, Blue, Black, etc. I am 5'2. I will be hanging with me Pa, who is about 6'3. He wears...Umm...He wears...Uhhh... Lets just leave it at that, I cant figure out a description for his wardrobe.

Aloha,

The amazing Ben


P.S Holly, what makes me so amazing is The Lord our God.

[Exodus]

Well here I am.

Note: I Is taller now

[skinheaddave]

Wow, lovely patterns, Ben. Who's the kid holding you?

Cheers,
Dave

[Exodus]

I think the kid is one of my neighbors... Not really sure.:}