The Millennium Hotel. The best way to address this topic is with the cooperation of the Millennium and their General Manager. Here is the reply from the General Manager…

Dear Scotty,

Let me first begin by apologizing for the problems some of your attendee’s experienced at this year’s convention. We greatly appreciate your business and more importantly value the relationship we have enjoyed over these many years. You have my personal assurance that every effort will be made to ensure these problems do not occur in the future.

After reviewing the comments on the website this is what I found:

Mr. Bob Drawbaugh was relocated to the Adam’s Mark on Friday 8/3-/02, we paid for his room. He returned to the hotel on Saturday 9/3/02 and stayed through Monday 9/2/02 at $40.00 per night. At last count he had made 12 comments on your website.

Mr. Richard Cochran enjoyed the show but complained of slow elevators and the restaurant.

Mr. Jim Vogan commented on the service in the Park Café.

Mr. Craig A. Davidson complained of being charged $89.00 a night for his room and the service in the Park Café, our records show he was charged $79.00 per night.

Mr. Tony Palmer was relocated to the Adam’s Mark for one night, we paid for the room. He returned the next day and stayed through Monday. He also complained of slow elevators and the service in the Park Café.

Mr. Ron Page commented on slow elevators.

Mr. Frank Estes commented on check-in taking 5 minutes and the cost of local phone calls.

Mr. Dennis Detweiler stated he had made reservations for 3 rooms, we can only find a confirmation for one room, and we did give him an additional room.

Mr. Jerry Overstreet at check-in was asked if he would relocate to the Adam’s Mark at our expense, refused and stayed two nights.

Mr. Tony Prior states he should have received a $69.00 rate, his confirmed reservations was at $79.00.

Mr. Bill Plemmons commented on slow service in the Park Café.

Mr. Keith Hilton commented on the smell of cigarette smoke in his room.

Mr. Kirk P. Dighton experienced no problems with his reservation but felt the service was substandard.

Mr. Mark Durante arrived at the hotel on Saturday 8/31/02, his reservation was for Wednesday 8/28/02, we found him accommodations at another hotel.

Mr. Gary Glisson was registered into an occupied room.

Scotty, 18 of the comments on the site were from people who did not stay in the hotel or attend the convention.

One complain is one to many; I will personally follow up with an apology letter to each these guests. Please let me know if you would like me to do anything else for these people. Again we greatly appreciate our past relationship and will everything to ensure we avoid these concerns in the future.

Sincerely,
Keith Gundlefinger
General Manager

In defense of the hotel, in the opening statement the General Manager did offer his apologies and is dedicated to see that the problems we experienced this year will not happen again. In reality, he could have ended it right there but chose to comment further.

Everyone that had a room problem that came to me for help I was able to help. This did take me away from my main purpose of being on stage helping with the MC work. A special thanks to Stony Stonecipher for subbing for me many, many times while I went to the registration desk to help to help someone get his room. For those that made the statement, “I’ll never be back to the convention” please don’t lose track of why we are there in the first place. To hear the steel players and actually kind of pay homage to them for what they have contributed to the steel guitar world and in essence, are our hero’s. And to check to see what might be new in the industry by visiting the booths that set up in and outside of the main ballroom. This is what the Convention is all about. True, the hotel can be a thorn in our side but let’s accept what is and “roll with the flow”. For those of you that have never been to the convention to say, “After reading some of the problems people had I don’t think I will ever attend the Convention in St. Louis”, let me say that the positive responses have far outweighed the negative responses. And in due respect, the complaints were all about the hotel. Not me or the players or the distributors. If you choose not attend then you just might be missing what I have said all along, the International Steel Guitar Convention is a “Steel Guitar Paradise”. You might consider the number of complaints, and many of the complaints came from the same persons or from people that were not here at all, think of the couple of thousand others that have no complaints. Then the trip to St. Louis may not be so bad after all.

DeWitt “Scotty” Scott, Sr.
International Steel Guitar Convention
President

STEELRADIO.COM

I’m not going into all the work and expense it took to air the Convention live over the Internet. Nor the hours upon hours it took to prepare for the broadcast and the hours actually spent over the four days of the Convention. Check your television networks. When they air a special event of some kind they force you pay extra for that event. We charged nothing!

Tim Wallis, Rich Mounce, Davie Lee, (the voices of SteelRadio.com) and Michael Scott set everything up and at their own expense. Bill Ferguson provided all the sound from the Peavey recording board and the cable wire it took to air the Feral Swing Kats from the Jefferson rooms. Charlie Alper provided us with remote microphones that allowed us to air concerts from various distributors rooms that had music almost around the clock. And allowed us to have live interviews direct from booths such as Tommy White, Goodrich Sound and others.

All the above names and activities were under my orders. They had absolutely no control as to how much of the Convention would be broadcast. I made that decision. A couple of thousand people had paid hard earned money to make the trip to St. Louis and attend the convention. I also wanted people that could not make the Convention to be able to hear what was happening, and at no cost to them. I also felt I should not allow the radio staff to air the entire Convention. I also made the decision that when the crew would be doing interviews with the players that it would be OK to air the player that was on stage at that time as well. But keep the volume low and use the music as a background to the interview.

I did not get to hear any portion of the broadcast. When a dropout or buffering occurred, I am told that it is due mostly to the connection that was being used by the listener. We had such a huge audience that we overloaded seven servers. We had topped 500,000 hits on Friday night alone! As the servers could only give us numbers up to 500,000 I am assuming that we had the same amount listening to the convention each day. I know of several people who commented that they had many people sitting around the computer with them. We must have gone over a million listeners during the entire Convention. We also had a simulcast on US Country.com and we have no knowledge of how many hits they had. This figure is staggering in anyone’s book!

Judging from the comments I read on the forum I have three choices for next year.

1. Charge for the service of allowing the Convention to come into your homes.
2. Leave things like they are and ignore all the complaints.
3. Do not broadcast anymore.

As the negative comments far outweighed the positive comments I am leaning toward #3.

Replies have now been made on both the hotel and SteelRadio.com. I sincerely hope that my comments have been to your satisfaction.

Sincerely,

Please ask Mr. Gundlefinger (or someone else, perhaps) WHY hotels "overbook" in the first place???

Since ALL reservations must be secured with a credit card, it would seem totally unnecessary (unscrupulous?) to do this sort of thing nowadays. Hotel management should be made to realize that...even if they pay for the "alternate accomodations", they still have NOT given the customer what they promised.

A "guaranteed reservation" should be just that...unless the damn place burns down!

On the matter of the free web-cast you provided, I think it is a good service despite the problems which were experienced by some listeners.

[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 24 September 2002 at 07:33 AM.]

------------------
Doug
Dekley 12U 4k & 7p
2-Nash 400 & Quadraverb

[This message was edited by Doug Rolfe on 24 September 2002 at 07:13 AM.]

I was not at the convention this year, but in previous years I've seen a small fraction of the things you have to do to make the convention happen, and I've also seen those who know absolutely nothing about it complain.

To be sure, the service at the hotel, and the food in particular, has always been less than perfect. But life itself is also less than perfect. We put up with the inconvenience because the overall experience of the convention is so positive. (And I usually do a little shopping before the show starts and keep some fresh fruit and other edibles in my room)

The bottom line is that the convention is a wonderful thing, and I can truthfully say that some of the best moments of my life have been spent there. And I'm not alone. You have brought more happiness to more people than any other individual I can think of.

Some people have legitimate gripes about the hotel, and the hotel management really opught to address those issues. BUT YOU ARE NOT RESPONBSIBLE FOR THAT. Those who have had problems with the hotel, should take it up with the folks who run the place. Not you.

As for the steel radio.com, which I did not listen to, might I suggest another possibility? An actual broadcast, perhaps on NPR. Or perhaps a commercial station or network. I could be mistaken, but it seems that with radio's perpetual search for ratings, some station would jump at the chance to have a million listeners tuned in for 3 days. I'm sure some stations would be interested.

One of our members here, Nick Reed, owns a small radio station. Perhaps he can help set something up.

------------------
My gear: a piece of wood with some wires attached to it.

I realize it could have been worse--I could have got on one of those elevators with ol' "RetCop" or right after him!

Thank you, Scotty! You and your staff are First Class!

As for SteelRadio, I think you should consider trying to charge for the Live Radio broadcast next year and see how that works out. I believe many who cannot attend the show will be willing to pay a small fee in order to hear it.

------------------
Frank Estes - 1978 Emmons D-10 8+7 #2441D

As to the Steelradio complaints, I'd like to offer that a complaint is simply that: a complaint, not a MANDATE. Complaints have to be judged on their own merit as well as the overall scope of the project. There will always be a few who will complain because, rather than see and appreciate the benefits they do get, they look at what they feel they're NOT getting.

Specifically, I heard the complaint that performances were interrupted by the announcers doing other on-air type stuff. So someone complains because they only heard 15 minutes of Tommy White? While sitting at home on their butts in front of the computer? While other fans spent thousands of dollars to attend the event? They're incredibly fortunate that they got to hear ANY of Tommy White!

I didn't get to hear much of the radio broadcast because I was experiencing the event first hand. I didn't just listen to the guys onstage; I went around to booths, saw new products and talked to distributors, talked with other players, saw old friends, etc. That is as much of the experience of the ISGC as is the performances, IMHO. From what I saw going on with the announcers, and what I was told was broadcast, the show was a fairly good cross-section of what someone attending the event might experience.

The big thing for me is that the broadcast was free. If someone is paying for complete performances, he should receive complete performances. But otherwise... not necessarily. It's up to the producer of the broadcast to make those decisions.

I hope you don't think me presumptuous, but I urge Choice #2.

------------------
Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

[This message was edited by Herb Steiner on 24 September 2002 at 10:59 AM.]

I enjoy the ISGC very much.

I want to thank you for all you're doing for the steel community. As far as Steelradio.com: like you said, you had 500.000 hits, what's a handfull of complaints? It's a great service you're doing for all the folks worldwide who can't attend the meeting in person, so it would be possible to air the convention next year just like this year, you're doing 500.000 - 10 or so a big favour

I agree with Herb wholeheartedly-The radio broadcast was a success as it was-I got a lot of email during the show and not one was negative, due to my post on the forum just before showtime. Sounds to me like 99.99% of the folks loved it. I'd endorse #2 myself.

CU Next year!

john

------------------
Fulawka D-10 9&5
Mullen Royal Precision D-10 8 & 5
"All in all, looking back, I'd have to say the best advice anyone ever gave me was 'Hands Up, Don't Move!"
www.johnbarnold.com/pedalsteel
www.buddycage.net

http://www.nrpsmusic.com/index.html

As one who didn't make it to StL this year and who was glued to the internet all my 'non-gigging hours' that weekend, I'll offer this perspective on the steelradio.com issue. If we had known that a conscious decision had been made not to broadcast certain segments and that you had set the program and agenda for their broadcast THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN FEW, IF ANY COMPLAINTS re: what they webcasted. We really aren't EXPECTING something for nothing. I agree that a fee to listen in would be welcome, since many of us just can't get away from other commitments.

I think I speak for many when I say that we owe you BIG TIME -- more than we could ever repay. Just keep on keeping on and we steel players will be delighted at whatever you choose to bring us.

YOU DA MAN, Scotty!!!

------------------
Jim Vogan Emmons Sd10
G.D. Walker Stereo Steel Combo
Hilton volume pedal

It was a great show and a great time was had by almost all. Dealing with that large a number of people, one cannot expect to satisfy 100%.

Elevators are like ambulances. They are only slow when you need one and then all fall into that category!

One cannot expect a hotel to serve food that tastes just like you Grandma cooked it nor served as fast as a Mom would serve a hungry child.

A room at a convention is usually used only for the bathroom, a shower and a power nap. Very little time is spent there. (I said usually)

Why broadcast an entire event for free when several thousand people have paid to see the same event.

If, for some reason, I can not attend, I'd be happy to pay to hear the broadcast.

Charging for it will cut down on the number of listeners, thus improving the reliability for others.

The convention was a great time and we plan to return as often as possible.

Thanks for a GREAT convention! It was my first year, but it certainly won't be my last. I can't comment on the SteelRadio.com broadcast, since I was there in person.

I would like to comment to the persons who complained about the "slow" 5-minute registration time. Before I retired last year, I spent quite a bit of time on the road staying in hotels all over the country. I have stayed in "budget" hotels where you have to supply your own Kleenex, and I have stayed in fancy places like the Disney World Dolphin. Five minutes for registration isn't all that unusual, believe me, especially when the registrants are lined up at the desk.

With all the places to eat in the downtown area, I'm surprised that so many people complained about the hotel food service. Why didn't they walk a block or two and try some of the really good eating places? Hotel food service is notoriously mediocre, so the complainers shouldn't be surprised that the cafe wasn't 5-star rated.

The hotel is very accessible, especially from US 40. Sure, parking in the stadium garage is a little steep, but if the attendees don't want to stay in the Millennium, there are a number of other hotels within easy driving distance.

Well, that's my two cents' worth.

I remember my 1st convention 1976, I think, at St. Charles, then 1977 at the old Chase, or was it the St.Regis? I can't remember. The name of the hotel doesn't matter, what does matter is the great convention it was!

I remember you had Reece's band playing a dinner dance.

I enjoyed the comradie and meeting all the players, vendors , etc. It was great.

I enjoyed listening to the show on the radio, as of course , I couldn't be there.

For those Half to a Million listeners, the
live broadcast was important to them.

Maybe after listening, lots of them would like to be there in person in the future.

Then you would need 2 or 3 hotels to handle the crowd.

------------------
"Asleep at the steel"

I was unable to attend the convention this year. I have been there two years but hope to come again. I listened the broadcast as much as I could this year and greatly appreciated the fact that it was there. I think with as many people that were listening to hear the sound of live steel guitar the few that complained really don't have a leg to stand on. Where else could you get such a bargin.

I really hope you reconsider and air the show next year as I may not be able to make that one either.

Enjoyed getting to see you in Denver and Dallas this year.

We had a GREAT time this year and the hotel even "broke the rules" for us by bringing in a roll-away for my daughter and her friend (opps, they told me not to tell).

Please don't let a few complainers discourage your fine efforts. Your convention is my wife and I's biggest event of the year - it's our special holiday (even better than Christmas!!)We will keep coming every year no matter what!

SteelRadio.com is the greatest thing to happen to the internet for us steel guitar nutz, and I think the interviews should continue during the broadcast. I thought my friends Rich and Tim did a great job, and I know how hard they worked.

I vote for number two, keep up the great work Scotty, we appreciate it!

In 1984 I began working in the sound booth with Jim Stewart (recording) and relieving Hollis Cowart on the "live" sound. Every year this show has grown and in my opinion, has progressed to be the finest steel guitar show imaginable. Even with that, I know every year it will be better than the previous year.

After handling the video taping for a number of years, working in the sound booth and doing some work on stage, I never tire of this show. All the staff is wonderful and treat me and my crew with the utmost respect.

For the ones that complain, let me say you are wrong, in no uncertain terms. You are getting the best of the best even with hotel problems (and ALL hotels have them)and food problems (and ALL hotels have them).

I and my crew come there every year at our own expense, I furnish all the recording equipment (and previously the video equipment) at no charge because this is what I want to do. Why 2 years ago, I even purchased a new 32 chn mixer to be used primarilly at your show. Now if someone wants to gripe at the quality of the internet broadcast, let them come to me. We work tirelessly in the sound booth to provide the best recordings possible and the best radio broadcast possible in a "live" environment. This comes with no rehearsals, no scripts, no arrangements. Nothing but sit there with a set of headphones turned up louder than the room sound, and mix to the best of our ability. It's funny, I don't get any complaints from the numerous people we let tap into my recording mixer that record the entire convention at no cost.

Linda, myself and our crew sincerely appreciate your allowing us to be a part of this great event every year, and we look forward to many more.

As far as I am concerned, leave things like they are, forget about the few complaints (as you will always have them) and let's go forward.

Thank you again for starting this post and for letting us be a part of your team.

Your friend,
Bill Ferguson

------------------
http://www.steelpicker.com/pictures/Carter-Peavey.jpg

Stop worrying about what makes a steel work and concentrate on how YOU make it sound"

As someone else said, with credit cards guaranteeing the rooms there is no reason for overbooking. It seems to me that this practice can only lead to one thing - customer dissatisfaction. Is there really any doubt that the hotel is going to be full on Friday and Saturday nights during the ISGC?

PS: Skip, what about the recurring problems with your seats getting taken?

[This message was edited by Ron Page on 25 September 2002 at 01:14 PM.]

As for the service, for what we spend to stay there, it's pretty good. I know the rooms seem expensive to most, but in reality, it's at the low end of the scale. The service issues seem worse because we all wind up wanting the same thing at the same time. Food, elevators, drinks, whatever. Being a heavy tipper always gets you remembered. I always drop $2 a bag on the guy who gets me upstairs and trust me, word gets around. I couldn't walk through the lobby without someone from the bell staff asking me if I needed anything.

All told, I kind of like the place. What I hate is the hours at the little newsstand in there. Every time I needed something, they seemed to be closed!
JB

------------------
Fulawka D-10 9&5
Mullen Royal Precision D-10 8 & 5
"All in all, looking back, I'd have to say the best advice anyone ever gave me was 'Hands Up, Don't Move!"
www.johnbarnold.com/pedalsteel
www.buddycage.net

http://www.nrpsmusic.com/index.html

------------------
1985 Emmons push-pull, Session 500, Nashville400, 65 re-issue Fender Twin, Fender Tele

------------------
1985 Emmons push-pull, Session 500, Nashville400, 65 re-issue Fender Twin, Fender Tele