Last year, we had a case of “It’d Be Perfect If I Could Just Afford Both Conventions”. Out at the usual Dublin venue of the last few years, the Ohio Valley Filk Festival was held the last weekend in October. The following weekend, the Deep in History Conference, with all kinds of great Catholic history speakers, was held at the same hotel. Had I only been able to afford both, all would have been perfect.
This year, they have chosen to hold them the same weekend. Which, again, would be convenient enough if one could afford it — and also had a car. For OVFF’s hotel has changed names again yet remains in its place, while they have decided to hold Deep in History over at the big Hilton over at Easton’s mall complex (where Ohayocon’s been held). Both hotels are right off 270, though.
Now, I am one who feels that daytime programming is totally unnecessary for a filk convention and thus best avoided. The organizers of Deep in History don’t program stuff at night. I could veg all day while learning about Catholicism’s history in the colonial Americas, and then sing science fiction songs into the wee hours. Also, Mass, prayer, and religious fellowship would not be difficult to find, but rather, just a short drive away and part of the programming schedule. It would be perfect!
Alas, I am as carless as ever.
However, for people who are going to the Deep in History Conference, I will say that while I did not actually stay at the Hilton during Ohayocon, I did have a very enjoyable stay at the Marriott Residence Inn that’s about two minimall blocks away. (The Hilton’s huge, but Ohayocon wasn’t the only thing going on in Columbus on Ohayocon weekend that year. I decided to attend late. You do the math.) There are other (cheaper) hotels and motels which are fairly close to the Easton complex, too, just so you know. So though it usually is a lot better to stay where the conference is, for convenience’ sake and ease of hanging out with attendees, don’t let hotel room cost be the factor to keep you away.
