Tony,

Got your e-mail. YES! We plan to attend! My wife and I are already clearing the calendar.

John

Its true I don't post very much at all on here and most of you don't even know who I am, but I would love to come and Monterey is just a short trip for me. Is it all right for us to bring other people? Friends and family?

Wow that's right near my place. I'll definitely be there!

I think the convention is a great idea -- especially since it will be in Monterey. I look forward to interdigitating carpal pads with everybody.

Dr. Gilly and 32 other yeses - many with family and friends! Everyone is welcome! Room size is the only limit on participation!

Warning: boring logistical stuff ahead! To make sure we reserve a large enough room, I'm going to have to start asking about real numbers attending, and who wants to attend all the science and aquarium talks. Soon, we'll have reservations or registration up. This will help keep the room currently reserved at the Monterey Convention Center.

Melissa

Where's that Regal-footed Right-Honourable Sir Dr Ummmm..... stand in all of this? Surely if we can make it over from NZ then this chappy can make it from Canada!
Yeah!

So...When do the events unfold or am I jumping too far ahead? We've been looking at flying out the 4th and returning on the 8th. Priceline seems to have some reasonable fares, if you don't care when you fly...Do I hold off on booking a room?

We're still checking booking options with the various Monterey hotels currently bidding, so hold off a little longer. Definitely consider Southwest Airlines from either BWI or (I believe) Newark to San Jose.

wow im incredibly jealous! but not jealous enough to fly over from australia...sorry guys lol...would it be possible to have video and pictures and a log and stuff for all the out of towners? thatd be cool

I think the convention is a great idea -- especially since it will be in Monterey. I look forward to interdigitating carpal pads with everybody.

Hey there Dr. Gilly. Fancy seeing you here. I'm in Santa Cruz now but I'm happy to drive an hour for this. Perhaps we can all lobby the aquarium for a squid exhibit.

-Jared

Some random thoughts to share:

-- I hope to speak with Melissa today to set the framework for some of these logistics (and also, importantly, the weekend agenda)...

-- I did take some time a week ago to play with some t-shirt designs... it should say "TONMO.com Cephalopod Convention I -- Monterey Bay, CA -- August 5-7, 2005" and carry some cool ceph image. I might want to open up a separate poll to gauge interest. Getting t-shirts designed and produced obviously requires an up-front fee, I don't want to be going home with a bunch of XXX-Large or XXX-Small t-shirts that are of no use to me. If anyone wants to assist in the project, I'm all ears.

-- I'll be launching a dedicated page containing details about the event, should be easier to keep track of the latest news that way -- this thread will be good (and will grow large) for general discussion about it. In fact, I think I'll set up a dedicated sub-forum for the convention as well (it'll be a sub-forum of The Octopus' Den). [EDIT: no need for the dedicated page given the new sub-forum.]

-- I'd like to get our Chat room up and running so we can perhaps have a laptop and a Chat event with those who can't make it.

-- Lots of digital pics and videos; will set up a devoted area in the Gallery for the pics.

-- For those asking about "next time", being on the East coast, I will be a big proponent of having it somewhere such as the NJ Aquarium or better, the Baltimore Aquarium. (Maybe they'll take us more seriously after this event :wink:)

air tickets cost a lot from HK to US....So, I was thinking of staying a bit longer...thoughts anyone?

Hi Eric

The area is lovely and there is a lot to do. You could visit Big Sur and see the kelp forest and the otters in residence there.

Melissa

uh.. where is monterey bay, I might make it..

My major problem is that I'm in Australia and it's a long way from Monterey by foot...

Cheers, KRin

Huzzah! Just as my family decides that we'll be going to Monteray during the Summer, one way or another, I'll be there! Now, who will be supplying nametags?

I live in Northern California (7 hours north of Monterey though), but I *was* hoping to take a vacation to southern CA sometime in Aug.! My kids & I loved our last visit to MBA, and they impressed the staff with the ceph facts they knew because of TONMO... to meet Steve O'Shea would just be far out & right on. 8-) :oshea: :squidaut:

Well I wish I could be more definite! If it matches up w/ the sched. of the family & I can get it off work, it's a very distinct possibility!

--Bill

You know, when I first read that the convention would be in Monterrey Bay I was thinking that it would be awfully cold and wet and the quality of the lectures might not be so great since it's so hard to speak clearly underwater. But now that they've released the white shark into the bay, maybe this gives us all another chance to see her, up close and personal.

I think I will probably go, but I'm not sure yet. Just started a new job and I've got a lot of things to catch up on over the summer. The release of the white shark is a real motivation killer too.

if anyone's making hotel reservations already, tell me which hotwl u guys are staying at! (Sorry if my spelling is a bit shrot since one of my fingers is swollen from a cut..

Will most certainly try.

:sad: I just don't think I will be able to afford it, it's so far to travel for me and my wages have just dropped by £3500 pa. I really would love to have been there and met you all. Maybe next year, unless I win the lottery in the meantime. Very sorry.

I'm going to try to make it -- I live in long-driving distance, but I've been wanting to see what's new at MBA for quite some time; I used to be a member, but I wasn't getting up enough to keep that up.

SCUBA is quite fun there, altho the water is COLD-- I haven't dived right at the pier, but nearby at "Monestary Beach" (or something like that) my experience was that it was kinda surgey and there was a lot of kelp to contend with, but there were lots of nifty critters in the kelp and reefs.

Another good place for marine bio nuts is a bit further up the coast, but (I think) worth a few hours excursion: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12305999_12328451,00.html

It has wonderful tide-pool critters. I've only seen octopi there once or twice, but still, pretty neat. I seem to remember some good tidepools near Carmel that might be closer but I don't know exactly where they are.

Stanford University has a marine science lab near Monterey, but it appears the grad student I knew there has long since moved on.

Anyway, I really hope I'll get to meet all you cephalophiles in August....

SCUBA is quite fun there, altho the water is COLD-- I haven't dived right at the pier, but nearby at "Monestary Beach" (or something like that) my experience was that it was kinda surgey and there was a lot of kelp to contend with, but there were lots of nifty critters in the kelp and reefs.



Monastery Beach can be extremely dangerous to dive, a friend of mine resqued a shark attack victim there about 12 years ago. On local dive maps there is even a little great white icon there, he even has a name that I can't remember offhand. And the surge is nothing compared to the waves you have to contend with getting in and out of the water. Because of the slope of the beach there, and the depth of the canyon just a few hundred feet offshore, waves crest and break in as little as 10ft., which means that shorediving Monastery Beach is like surfing Teahupo'o on bad days. :shock: I've been thrown a number of times, and nearly lost gear as well.

That being said, it's my favorite place to dive in Monterey. Diving by the breakwater/Coast Guard pier reminds me of the cattle boats in FL. Not my idea of a good time, but it is safer.

I'd really, really love to come. it sure sounds great.

but unfortunately there is an entire ocean between me and monterey.
and I just checked the sock under my bed and it told me not to bother. just can't afford it right now.

maybe next time.

U mean an ocean and a continent!

Monastery Beach can be extremely dangerous to dive, a friend of mine resqued a shark attack victim there about 12 years ago. On local dive maps there is even a little great white icon there, he even has a name that I can't remember offhand. And the surge is nothing compared to the waves you have to contend with getting in and out of the water. Because of the slope of the beach there, and the depth of the canyon just a few hundred feet offshore, waves crest and break in as little as 10ft., which means that shorediving Monastery Beach is like surfing Teahupo'o on bad days. :shock: I've been thrown a number of times, and nearly lost gear as well.

That being said, it's my favorite place to dive in Monterey. Diving by the breakwater/Coast Guard pier reminds me of the cattle boats in FL. Not my idea of a good time, but it is safer.

yikes! the guy who arranged to meet there for a dive said it was "a beach where a lot of beginner SCUBA classes meet," so it was rougher than I was expecting, but it sounds like we got off pretty easy, from what you're saying!
I guess the theory is to weed out the "weak" beginner divers with the sharks... "That which does not kill you makes you stronger..."

Unfortunately, I haven't been diving in years, and it's likely I need a, uh, roomier wetsuit.... :snorkel:

If all the cool kids are coming, I'll be there. I want a pic taken with me and Steve in my "Ban Bottom Trawling!" t-shirt.

Octomatt

wow sounds like a fun dive...lol wish i could come...hang on...wish i could dive!!!

i cant guys, sorry :cry: monteray bay is on the completely different side of thte us :sad: why did this country have to be so large :cry:

My Dad said we should rent an MG and cruise down highway 1. 8-)

Exactly what hotel(s) will we be staying at?

I decided to save money on lodgings so I have some left over for filet mignon, activities, and cephalopod souvenirs! Rebecca and I have gotten rooms at the Downtown Monterey Travelodge a few blocks from the conference center. The rates for a single queen-sized bed are $65.00/nightly (not including tax). Go to :

www.monterey.com

and click on motels. A number of listings that were not part of the hotel group-rate package will be viewable. As for the hotels, we're still reviewing group rates. The average seems to be around $160.00 per night for two people, but if a block of eighteen rooms can be filled, the Monterey Hilton is offering a rate of $120.00 per night, which is quite good. August will be nearly the busiest time of the year for tourism, as it is one of the warmest along this windy coastline. If not networking with others for the hotel deal, my advice is to get on this now. At least secure reservations!

Erich

120 is so expensive!

Chrono, I'm not sure who's coming out with their folks, but have you and Squidman thought about splitting a room to cut down on the prices? This is what a lot of people do when going to conventions...

maybe I should ask Squidman.....wonder is he online...

My dad and I are both coming, so we will be sharing a room. Sorry, Chrono!

Darn!

Unfortunately money and time are always a problem. Anyone coming to CIAC in Hobart 2006?

I would, if someone promises a TONMOcon Asia! :grin:

To me, Asia = Hong Kong. Besides, it'll will be fun with Hk's Disney Land and a huge a** aquarium with one other auqairum commited to sharks.

It is official. I now have tickets to San Jose from Chicago...






YESSSS!! I AM COMING! And the tickets are dirt-cheap, too!
YEE-HAAAAA!
:party: :band: :cheers: :lol:

Coolness!!!! What an event this is going to be!!!!!

Unfortunately money and time are always a problem. Anyone coming to CIAC in Hobart 2006?

I will be making every effort! After all 'tis just across the ditch! (& I quite like Hobart!)

J

Originally Posted by rvangeld
Unfortunately money and time are always a problem. Anyone coming to CIAC in Hobart 2006?

Whats CIAC??


Well Tonmocon is a strong possibility at the mo..... stayin with girlfriends mates in san fran or sittin on a beach in thailand are bein weighed up as we speak...... 8-)

Only thing is, all this time seetin up a tank an then runnin off half way round the word for two weeks is a bit mad!!!

Does anyone know if its poss to dive with GPO's in Montery Bay??

Scouse,

Certainly you can dive with GPOs in Monterey Bay - that is, if you can find them! They're found from the Gulf of Alaska all the way South to Baja!

erich orser wrote:-
Scouse,

Certainly you can dive with GPOs in Monterey Bay - that is, if you can find them! They're found from the Gulf of Alaska all the way South to Baja!

:lol: :lol: :lol:
I thought it was a bit of a daft question 5 mins after postin especially since theres a few big fishes that might fancy a bit of diver over there!!

Only thought of it from the J Coustau (spellin!?!?) Octopus & Squid Book looked cool :lol:

The fastest way to find GPO's in that area is to dress up like a seal, tie a chunk of pork to your leg, and go swimming in the bay.
Trust me.

:)

Seriously, it would be fantastic if you could make it...I have a feeling this is going to be a great event ! Maybe even Neil Diamond !!!

really...

Hi all!

I'm basically a lurker, but think cephs are cool and am especially interested in following the latest on archi. Plus I've been wanting to visit the Monterey Bay aquarium for years! So this'd be perfecto!

Shepmoon
Minneapolis

Welcome, Shepmoon!

An update - this is not certain yet, but it looks like Friday afternoon's (August 5) fun will start shortly after 1 pm. Please keep this in mind when you make your travel plans!

We expect to get the last details on time and places in order this week, so more news will come.

Melissa

:hmm: ware is this and can I get fish and supplys there?

Monterey is in California and has a lot of marine research happening. There is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which won't sell fish, their research institute where they make underwater equipment to monitor the ocean, and the local high school has an oceanography department. It's very close to Berkeley, where there is more marine bio research.

But you could probably find a local fish store closer to home.

Melissa

CIAC is the Cephalopod International Advisory Council. Huge meeting of science people talking about squid, octopus, cuttlefish and nautalis.
Hope to see you there Jean. I've put my name down already.

oh...

An update from our friends at MBARI:

Note that closed-toe shoes are required for the MBARI tour - no sandals. The ship decks and laboratories are often crowded with heavy gear.

Shoot...and I was going to wear my red high heels too... :hmm:

Arrr.... how dare they! :arr:

I guess ill have to pack shoes....

Shoot...and I was going to wear my red high heels too... :hmm:

Like in the classic Crass song?

Like in the classic Crass song?

Yes!

Does a peg-leg count as 'open-toed'? :roll:

:mrgreen:
I'm all for a Baltimore Cephcon someday.. or an aquarium trip for that matter?.. locals? anyone?
-Paul
(I would LOVE a Tonmocon T-shirt tho.. count on me for one XL)

So, how many people are we expecting to be there?

It's looking like I'll be hitting the aquarium on friday, going to the lectures on Saturday, and leaving Saturday night. I have to be at a wedding in Orange County on Sunday morning. I'm waiting to hear from two other members of my party before I sign up, so I doubt I'm going to get to do the MBARI tour, but that's okay.

So, it's been stated that this will be at the Monterrey Convention Center. Is this place also known as the Monterey Conference Center, at One Portola Plaza? It looks like tonmocon is not on their online event calender. If I ended up in the wrong place and had to ask where the discussions on giant tentacled monsters of the deep and sacrifices to the Great Old Ones were taking place, I might create an atmosphere of uneasiness.

Yes, this is at the Monterey Conference Center, at One Portola Plaza.

Oh, ok..I'd better write that down...

So, how many people are we expecting to be there?

It's looking like I'll be hitting the aquarium on friday, going to the lectures on Saturday, and leaving Saturday night. I have to be at a wedding in Orange County on Sunday morning. I'm waiting to hear from two other members of my party before I sign up, so I doubt I'm going to get to do the MBARI tour, but that's okay.

Purple Tentacle, you may be able to do both if you go to the aquarium in the morning and take the second tour of MBARI.

Melissa

So...the 3pm one should be more crowded if I'm correct.

Hi Eric

Yes, at this time the 3 pm is more crowded. I hope we'll have two crowded tours!

Melissa

Oh, and do you know which tour will Squidman be taking?

Hate to do this but i must change my 'maybe' to a 'no'.... just cant justify spending the cash in the middle of a job hunt....

:sad: That's a tough loss for TONMOcon. We'll miss you there.

Which means that we have to take loads of pics and post them online so that it can be shared around the world with everyone who couldn't attend.

Is there a cost for the event if so please let us in on prices. Will food be provided ofcourse at a cost. Is there any specials as far as hotels go or are we on our own. I plan to attend with 2 kids and my handicable husband so I need this info prior to the even.

Here's the registration form; it contains the info you're seeking (price does not include food -- we'll need to fend for ourselves during a lunch break). The revised agenda will be posted very soon -- hope to see you there! (assuming you're not actually who your username claims you are) :smile:

Hello devilseedchild

Children are welcome but not free. Adults pay $30 and under 18s pay $20. How old are your children?

The conference center handled bids on group rates, but most of the bids came from outside Monterey or were not different from the hotel packages with aquarium tickets included. I reserved a room at a chain hotel on Thursday.

Friday afternoon there is a tour of the MBARI facility, outside Monterey at Moss Landing. This is a real treat, but everyone must wear shoes that protect their feet - no sandles around the heavy equipment! 1 pm.

Saturday is at the convention center, followed by the aquarium on Sunday. Aquarium entry and food are separate. We did not try to include aquarium entry because some attendees are members who do not pay admission to go to the aquarium and many hotels have arrangements with the aquarium to include aquarium admission with the hotel package. Everyone with TONMO will be able to pay group rates at the aquarium, which is just under $20 for adults and a few dollars less for seniors and students.

Melissa