As you may know, Brenda Brenda_M recently conducted a poll to select the location for the EX 8 gathering. (This is an annual informal gathering of anyone from EX who would like to meet some of the friends you have met here. I can tell you that it is an amazing experience and I hope that many of you will consider attending.) Virginia Beach, Virginia was selected for our spring gathering.
We thought we would be able to attend during the weekend that the “Beach Music Cruise In” was taking place. We were given the dates of May 15-17 for that event. We contacted the hotel we have used for two previous reunions and we were in the process of reserving a block of rooms. Unfortunately, we have just learned that the folks who are planning the “Beach Music Cruise In” have changed the date to May 8- 10. Sadly, the hotel we are using does not have the block of rooms we would need for that weekend. We have had good feedback on that hotel - especially since it offers the option of staying across the street for a lower rate, which many of our attendees like. Also, the weekend of May 8-10 is Mother’s Day weekend and we felt that might be a conflict for many. Choosing a weekend earlier than that means taking a bigger chance of cool weather. After the weekend of May 15-17, we would run into Memorial Day and much higher rates.
SO, our little planning committee (Brenda Brenda_M, Jackie JACKIE1-25-15, Laura Michwoman, and myself Strudel) have made the decision to stick with the May 15-17 weekend. We are sorry that means we will miss the beach music - but, we know there will be plenty of fun things to do! We hope you agree! And, we hope that you will consider attending! So, please mark your calendars for MAY 15 - 17, 2020!
The hotel has changed names. It is now called - Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Virginia Beach - Location - 2809 Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
The rates given to us by the group sales person, Amy are listed below. You will also see the directions on how to book your room below. PLEASE, reserve your room as soon as possible. Rooms fill up fast at the beach in the spring. Amy has saved a block of rooms of both types for us....and she will hold those open for a while. These should be refundable rooms. Also, many folks often pair up to share rooms. So, please feel free to do that. Or, you can discuss it on the site in order to find someone to room with. Of course also feel free to book your room through any other method - using any site or discount you may have. Or, you may choose to stay at another hotel. Sometimes folks who live in the area - drive in from home each day.
Once you have booked your room, please make a comment on EX - or send a private message to me (Kathy - Strudel ) - so that we can keep a list of attendees. Some people come for the weekend, others stay longer. Quite often folks start coming in on Thursday and stay until Monday. It is all up to you!
RATES for weekend of May 15-17 -
Ramada Plaza - Oceanfront rooms Friday and Saturday - $159.00 and $139 for Sunday – Thursday
Ramada - Non-Oceanfront - Across the street - Friday and Saturday - $119 and $109 for Sunday - Thursday
Amy, the group sales person at the hotel has confirmed our block of rooms. Since they have changed brands, the oceanfront hotel is now called the Ramada Plaza and the non-oceanfront building is just called the Ramada. The reservation phone number for both hotels is (757-428-5370). Tell the hotel that you are part of the “Become An EX” group. If you would like an oceanfront room - ask for the Ramada Plaza and ask for the Ramada if they want non-oceanfront. Unfortunately, breakfast is no longer complimentary, but will be available for purchase from the ala cart menu in Shoreline Grill. As in previous years, we will use the Shoreline Grill as a gathering place. We will also communicate by text once we get there, as we have in the past.
The committee will be working on sharing information and ideas on activities while we are there. Folks are always free to do some things on their own. Things are very informal. We usually plan a big group activity on Saturday morning and then another on Saturday evening. Any ideas on activities - please let us know! Thanks! Kathy
PS - Be sure to visit and follow the group - EX Weekend 2020 - Virginia Beach
