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BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:04 am
by Mel Lindauer
THE CONFERENCE IS SOLD OUT. OUR BLOCK OF ROOMS AT THE HOTEL IS SOLD OUT, TOO, BUT IF YOU'RE ALREADY REGISTERED, YOU CAN PUT YOUR NAME ON THE HOTEL'S WAITING LIST IN CASE THEY GET ANY ROOM CANCELLATIONS.

Hello Everyone:

We are pleased to announce that our 2013 National Bogleheads Conference (Bogleheads® 12) will be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with check-in starting at 2PM on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. The meeting will end around noon on Friday, October 18, 2013.


Our special guest for Bogleheads® 12 is our friend and mentor, Jack Bogle (health permitting). Jack plans to attend specifically to meet with his Bogleheads®, so this is a unique and rare opportunity. Other investing authorities expected to attend and participate as panel members in the Q&A with the Experts are authors Christine Benz, Bill Bernstein, Rick Ferri, Mel Lindauer, Mike Piper, Allan Roth, Bill Schultheis, and our own “Queen” Laura Dogu.

[Edited to add on 7-15-13] A new and exciting addition to the panel this year will be the recently-retired Chief Investment Officer of Vanguard, Gus Sauter.

We'll start with check-in followed by a wine and cheese reception with Jack Bogle on Wednesday afternoon. After breakfast on Thursday morning, we’ll meet with Jack Bogle again for a presentation and an extended Q&A session. After lunch, there will be book signings and personal discussions with Jack and our authors and experts. Then on Thursday evening, we’ll visit Vanguard. After breakfast on Friday, we’ll have our Q&A session with the Panel of Experts.

The registration fee for this meeting is US$245 per person. This non-refundable and non-transferable fee covers the wine and cheese reception on Wednesday, breakfast, lunch, break snacks, and evening meal on Thursday, breakfast on Friday, and the meeting room rental and audio equipment that we need for the various functions.

Registration is now open. Space is limited. We suggest that you make your reservation early by sending in your registration fee right away to ensure getting one of the available spots. In previous years, we’ve sold out and we expect to do so again this year. There will be no wait list, so if you want to join us, you’ll need to act promptly.

To make your reservation for the Conference, please send an email with your Boglehead® login name, your real name, and your contact email address to: BogleheadsConference@gmail.com. Please include the words “BH12 registration form request” in the subject line.

Once your payment is received, you will be advised on the procedure for reserving a room as well as Airport to hotel transportation options. Our preferred Conference hotel discounted rate is $132 per night single and $147 per night double (both plus 8% tax). The hotel only holds a limited number of rooms for us at this special rate, so be sure to make your reservations as soon as you receive the hotel booking information. Our block of hotel rooms sold out quickly last year, and those who registered later had to find other accommodations. This special room rate is available for three days prior to, and three days after our event for those who want to spend additional time visiting the historic Philadelphia area.

We look forward to another exciting event.

Mel Lindauer, Paul Globerson, Gail Cox and Mel Turner (aka TOM, “The Other Mel”).

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:23 pm
by TF Hutch
Where do I send the registration check?

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:27 pm
by VictoriaF
TF Hutch wrote:Where do I send the registration check?
Please send an email request to BogleheadsConference@gmail.com and the organizers will respond with the registration form and instructions.

Victoria

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 01, 2013 11:32 pm
by TF Hutch
email request sent.
Thank you.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2013 2:15 pm
by Mel Lindauer
VictoriaF wrote:
TF Hutch wrote:Where do I send the registration check?
Please send an email request to BogleheadsConference@gmail.com and the organizers will respond with the registration form and instructions.

Victoria
Thank you for handling that, Victoria. I just edited my post and bolded that part of the announcement to make it stand out. Hopefully that will help draw attention to the instructions for registering.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 1:47 pm
by Mel Lindauer
If the early response is any indication, it looks like another early sellout is shaping up.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 5:32 pm
by SC Hoosier
Mel Lindauer wrote:If the early response is any indication, it looks like another early sellout is shaping up.
Mel,

Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC seats 17,000 and I would think is often available as the Gamecocks basketball team isn't doing much this year. :D It's a nice place, I can say from attending a game there. What do you think?

SC Hoosier

PS. Just curious. What has been the number of people attending the last few years? What is your capacity this year? Hopefully I will be able to come someday.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 6:24 am
by VictoriaF
SC Hoosier wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:If the early response is any indication, it looks like another early sellout is shaping up.
Mel,

Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC seats 17,000 and I would think is often available as the Gamecocks basketball team isn't doing much this year. :D It's a nice place, I can say from attending a game there. What do you think?

SC Hoosier
Hi SC Hoosier,

The location is chosen for Jack's convenience. But apart from that, there is a point where a group becomes too large. With the current planning, we have ample opportunity to interact with prominent Bogleheads and with each other. If you want to discuss Mel's ponytail, BH12 is your chance. In Colonial Life Arena you would need binoculars and a megaphone.

Victoria

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 7:34 am
by SC Hoosier
VictoriaF wrote:
SC Hoosier wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:If the early response is any indication, it looks like another early sellout is shaping up.
Mel,

Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC seats 17,000 and I would think is often available as the Gamecocks basketball team isn't doing much this year. :D It's a nice place, I can say from attending a game there. What do you think?

SC Hoosier
Hi SC Hoosier,

The location is chosen for Jack's convenience. But apart from that, there is a point where a group becomes too large. With the current planning, we have ample opportunity to interact with prominent Bogleheads and with each other. If you want to discuss Mel's ponytail, BH12 is your chance. In Colonial Life Arena you would need binoculars and a megaphone.

Victoria
Good point. I was making a lame attempt at humor.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 11:21 am
by VictoriaF
SC Hoosier wrote:I was making a lame attempt at humor.
We are even.

Victoria

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 6:35 pm
by Mel Lindauer
VictoriaF wrote:
SC Hoosier wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:If the early response is any indication, it looks like another early sellout is shaping up.
Mel,

Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC seats 17,000 and I would think is often available as the Gamecocks basketball team isn't doing much this year. :D It's a nice place, I can say from attending a game there. What do you think?

SC Hoosier
Hi SC Hoosier,

The location is chosen for Jack's convenience. But apart from that, there is a point where a group becomes too large. With the current planning, we have ample opportunity to interact with prominent Bogleheads and with each other. If you want to discuss Mel's ponytail, BH12 is your chance. In Colonial Life Arena you would need binoculars and a megaphone.

Victoria
Hi SC Hoosier:

If we wanted to do so, we could probably promote the event and fill your stadium. However, as Victoria correctly pointed out, we've purposely tried to keep the number of attendees at a level where it feels more intimate and attendees get a change to "smooze" with Jack and the other Expert Panel members, as well as other attendees who they'd like to meet. We had 20+ at the first event, perhaps 40 or so at the second, and we continued to add another 10-20 or so additional for each event, each time trying to determine if we were getting too crowded. We're now at 200 and feel that we've probably reached our optimum number. We've already had more than 100 registration requests, so it looks like another early sellout, since we won't be adding any additional spots.

Thanks for the offer, though! :D

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 7:29 pm
by jwillis77373
Looks like a fine event.

Please keep the board posted with the registration progress.

I mean the count down of open seats left.

I would like to attend, but parting with the sum of the registration fee is just a tad bit painful. Perhaps perspective will overcome my reluctance later.

Keeping perspective though I encourage people to look at the real bargain in getting to meet the 'real deal' - Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri, Laura Dogu and Christine Benz. These are awesome people to communicate with online and must be incredible people in person. I'm pretty sure these people will continue to be famous in the latter half of this century. Imagine meeting Benjamin Graham, Maynard Keynes.. Buffet or Elvis.

I live just a little too far South to pay the registration and make the trip, but if they ever have one in the Southwest.. I'm all the way there.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:29 pm
by Fallible
jwillis77373 wrote:Looks like a fine event.

Please keep the board posted with the registration progress.

I mean the count down of open seats left.

I would like to attend, but parting with the sum of the registration fee is just a tad bit painful. Perhaps perspective will overcome my reluctance later.

Keeping perspective though I encourage people to look at the real bargain in getting to meet the 'real deal' - Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri, Laura Dogu and Christine Benz. These are awesome people to communicate with online and must be incredible people in person. I'm pretty sure these people will continue to be famous in the latter half of this century. Imagine meeting Benjamin Graham, Maynard Keynes.. Buffet or Elvis....
They are awesome, along with Mel L., Bill Bernstein, Allan Roth, Bill Schultheis, etc., etc. At my first conference last year, I sat in on a great session headed by Rick Ferri and as if that wasn't awesome enough, another prominent Boglehead (and BH Advisor) David Grabiner also joined in. The expertise is everywhere and I plan to be back this year.

P.S. Elvis?

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:08 pm
by Mel Lindauer
jwillis77373 wrote:Looks like a fine event.

Please keep the board posted with the registration progress.

I mean the count down of open seats left.

I would like to attend, but parting with the sum of the registration fee is just a tad bit painful. Perhaps perspective will overcome my reluctance later.

Keeping perspective though I encourage people to look at the real bargain in getting to meet the 'real deal' - Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri, Laura Dogu and Christine Benz. These are awesome people to communicate with online and must be incredible people in person. I'm pretty sure these people will continue to be famous in the latter half of this century. Imagine meeting Benjamin Graham, Maynard Keynes.. Buffet or Elvis.

I live just a little too far South to pay the registration and make the trip, but if they ever have one in the Southwest.. I'm all the way there.
Because of Jack's health issues, we try to stay in the NY, DC and Philly areas to make it easier for him to attend. In prior years, we did move the event around the country. Previous events have been held in Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas (yes, LV), DC, San Diego and Dallas. Because of Jack's health, I don't see us heading back down south any time soon, so you'll just have to see if you can make it up north if you want to attend.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:39 pm
by jwillis77373
Mel,

I completely understand the situation.

And I'm for anything that keeps Jack with us for as long as possible, he's a real treasure trove of ideas wrapped up in an entertaining package.

I was serious though about keeping some general track of how long seats are still available. Because if I can afford it, I will book the event, the hotel and and the flight. It's just a little too early to predict for me. The economy being what it is and my industry.. never know that far out if I'll be among the still employed or otherwise.

Thanks to all who organize these events.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:44 pm
by jwillis77373
P.S. Elvis

.. oh that ..

I didn't mean to compare Christine to Elvis.. or Rick to Keynes.

I really have no idea what Christine's taste in music is like.

Elvis was just someone famous that came to mind..

Or Rick's preference for economics theory.. :?

I can see I'm digging a hole here.. and I think I'll just back away and let it be.

.. uh.. yeah .. let it be.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 9:58 pm
by Gatehouse
I could have my early-booking completed this week, but in order to do that I must book the tickets on time between Singapore Changi Airport and Philadelphia

International Airport.

In terms of price to content wise, it is reasonable fair and square.

Anyway, I want to pay attribute to moderator for making this conference happen.

And Wish Jack well.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 6:33 am
by Mel Lindauer
Gatehouse wrote:I could have my early-booking completed this week, but in order to do that I must book the tickets on time between Singapore Changi Airport and Philadelphia

International Airport.

In terms of price to content wise, it is reasonable fair and square.

Anyway, I want to pay attribute to moderator for making this conference happen.

And Wish Jack well.
Hopefully some of those Bogleheads who've attended previous events will chime in and let you know whether they feel they got their money's worth.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 1:57 pm
by Mel Lindauer
Gatehouse wrote:I could have my early-booking completed this week, but in order to do that I must book the tickets on time between Singapore Changi Airport and Philadelphia

International Airport.

In terms of price to content wise, it is reasonable fair and square.

Anyway, I want to pay attribute to moderator for making this conference happen.

And Wish Jack well.
I should have mentioned that we had a Boglehead who attended last year's event fly in from his home in Taiwan. He's still talking about how much he enjoyed meeting Jack Bogle and all the other authors in attendence. In fact, he's now become the leader of the Taiwan Bogleheads Local Chapter. You can read more about Kelvin here: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 7#p1533027

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 1:50 pm
by ABQ4804
I strongly encourage anyone who can attend, to participate in person. I attended last year and decided to make this my annual financial check-up session every year, if possible. I even wrote it into our Investment Policy Statement (IPS)!

It was amazing being in a group of like-minded individuals who pay attention to their finances and investments, rather than my colleagues and family who seem to pay no attention. We had ample time to converse with a broad variety of Bogleheads from across the US; even if we were just commenting on a speaker's point, the other Boglehead understood our comment! Also echo someone else's comment on the generosity of the authors and financial buffs, mixing with us and giving feedback, either standing around at the buffets or sitting at small groups. I came home with notes and tips to consider and implement - as you can tell it was a very RICH experience for me!

Boglehead Conference -- Unforgettable experience.

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 2:12 pm
by Taylor Larimore
Hopefully some of those Bogleheads who've attended previous events will chime in and let you know whether they feel they got their money's worth.
Pat and I attended the first and many subsequent Boglehead Conferences until our health intervened.

I never heard of anyone attending who was disappointed.

Pat and I consider a Boglehead Conference an invaluable experience that will never be forgotten.

Best wishes.
Taylor

Re: Boglehead Conference -- Unforgettable experience.

Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 5:58 pm
by Mel Lindauer
Taylor Larimore wrote:
Hopefully some of those Bogleheads who've attended previous events will chime in and let you know whether they feel they got their money's worth.
Pat and I attended the first and many subsequent Boglehead Conferences until our health intervened.

I never heard of anyone attending who was disappointed.

Pat and I consider a Boglehead Conference an invaluable experience that will never be forgotten.

Best wishes.
Taylor
Seems like it was only yesterday when you and I were planning our first event, Taylor. What a truly memorable event that was. And now, here we are, getting prepared for our 12th event.

My very best to you and Pat.

Mel

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 6:21 pm
by Mel Lindauer
alisa4804 wrote:I strongly encourage anyone who can attend, to participate in person. I attended last year and decided to make this my annual financial check-up session every year, if possible. I even wrote it into our Investment Policy Statement (IPS)!

It was amazing being in a group of like-minded individuals who pay attention to their finances and investments, rather than my colleagues and family who seem to pay no attention. We had ample time to converse with a broad variety of Bogleheads from across the US; even if we were just commenting on a speaker's point, the other Boglehead understood our comment! Also echo someone else's comment on the generosity of the authors and financial buffs, mixing with us and giving feedback, either standing around at the buffets or sitting at small groups. I came home with notes and tips to consider and implement - as you can tell it was a very RICH experience for me!
Thanks for sharing your Bogleheads 11 experience with those who didn't attend, alisa. Hopefully that will motivate others who haven't yet attended one of our events to get registered for Bogleheads 12 before we're sold out.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sat Mar 16, 2013 4:30 pm
by Mel Lindauer
jwillis77373 wrote:Looks like a fine event.

Please keep the board posted with the registration progress.

I mean the count down of open seats left.

I would like to attend, but parting with the sum of the registration fee is just a tad bit painful. Perhaps perspective will overcome my reluctance later.

Keeping perspective though I encourage people to look at the real bargain in getting to meet the 'real deal' - Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri, Laura Dogu and Christine Benz. These are awesome people to communicate with online and must be incredible people in person. I'm pretty sure these people will continue to be famous in the latter half of this century. Imagine meeting Benjamin Graham, Maynard Keynes.. Buffet or Elvis.

I live just a little too far South to pay the registration and make the trip, but if they ever have one in the Southwest.. I'm all the way there.
As requested, here's the first update report. It's now been two weeks since I made the announcement, and we already have 102 paid and 26 additional registration requests that we're waiting for the return of the registration forms. Some of those additioanl registration requests may well be from couples, so that 26 could represent 30 or more additional folks. We have no way of knowing that until the paperwork is returned.

So, bottom line, since we only have 200 spots, it looks like we're well on our way to another early sellout.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:12 pm
by Mel Lindauer
Good news, everyone. Bogleheads author and blogger, Mike Piper (Oblivious Investor), will be joining the Experts Panel this year. In addition, Mike will also be leading a session on Social Security and tax issues.

I've added Mike's name to the announcement. More on this when the agenda is finalized.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:27 pm
by Taylor Larimore
Mel:
Our special guest for Bogleheads® 12 is our friend and mentor, Jack Bogle (health permitting). Jack plans to attend specifically to meet with his Bogleheads®, so this is a unique and rare opportunity. Other investing authorities expected to attend and participate as panel members in the Q&A with the Experts are authors Christine Benz, Bill Bernstein, Rick Ferri, Mel Lindauer, Mike Piper, Allan Roth, Bill Schultheis, and our own “Queen” Laura Dogu.
This is the most informed and selfless Panel of Experts ever assembled of which I am aware.

Thank you and best wishes.
Taylor

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:32 pm
by jjbiv
Mel Lindauer wrote:Good news, everyone. Bogleheads author and blogger, Mike Piper (Olivious Investor), will be joining the Experts Panel this year. In addition, Mike will also be leading a breakout session on Social Security and tax issues.

I've added Mike's name to the announcement. More on this when the agenda is finalized.
Breakout sessions will be an excellent addition to an already informative and inspiring Bogleheads event!

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 11:30 pm
by jwillis77373
Mel Lindauer wrote:
jwillis77373 wrote:Looks like a fine event.

Please keep the board posted with the registration progress.

I mean the count down of open seats left.

I would like to attend, but parting with the sum of the registration fee is just a tad bit painful. Perhaps perspective will overcome my reluctance later.

Keeping perspective though I encourage people to look at the real bargain in getting to meet the 'real deal' - Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri, Laura Dogu and Christine Benz. These are awesome people to communicate with online and must be incredible people in person. I'm pretty sure these people will continue to be famous in the latter half of this century. Imagine meeting Benjamin Graham, Maynard Keynes.. Buffet or Elvis.

I live just a little too far South to pay the registration and make the trip, but if they ever have one in the Southwest.. I'm all the way there.
As requested, here's the first update report. It's now been two weeks since I made the announcement, and we already have 102 paid and 26 additional registration requests that we're waiting for the return of the registration forms. Some of those additioanl registration requests may well be from couples, so that 26 could represent 30 or more additional folks. We have no way of knowing that until the paperwork is returned.

So, bottom line, since we only have 200 spots, it looks like we're well on our way to another early sellout.
Thanks Mel,

I do appreciate it.

Doesn't look like I'll be able to attend but glad to hear it will be another sellout. Perhaps Sellouts will become the norm from now on.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 7:32 am
by VictoriaF
jwillis77373 wrote:Perhaps Sellouts will become the norm from now on.
I don't think "sellout" is the right word here. Nobody is selling BH12. It is an opportunity to get together with Jack, other people we know from online communications and previous events, and meet new like-minded people. No one is making profit from these meetings, and the volunteers put tremendous effort into running flawless events.

A meeting can be financially advantageous for the attendees, and you can't know in advance if you may stumble on some information that you have not considered before but that can make a tangible difference in your financial state. I attended my first meeting in 2007, and a discussion with Bill Bernstein has made that kind of difference to me. That discussion could not have happened on line. Either in 2008 or 2009, I had a similar experience after a private conversation with Mel. In 2011 and 2012, I came to the meetings with some specific questions to Grabiner, and he has very graciously answered them, plus given me some new ideas.

Victoria

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 10:05 am
by Norris
I sent in a check on Monday for DW and me. She's not into investing, doesn't have a Boglehead username, but would like to attend nonetheless. I have been wanting to attend a meeting for several years and am very much looking forward to Bogleheads 12. I'm hoping we are not too late to obtain one of the block of rooms in the hotel.

I'm sure this event requires countless hours on the part of dedicated and selfless volunteers, lest it would not come to fruition. I don't know if help is needed before, during, and/or after the conference but, if so, we are willing to contribute.

Norris

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 12:08 pm
by ObliviousInvestor
Mel Lindauer wrote:Good news, everyone. Bogleheads author and blogger, Mike Piper (Olivious Investor), will be joining the Experts Panel this year. In addition, Mike will also be leading a session on Social Security and tax issues.
Thank you for inviting me to participate again.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 7:09 pm
by Mel Lindauer
Taylor Larimore wrote:Mel:
Our special guest for Bogleheads® 12 is our friend and mentor, Jack Bogle (health permitting). Jack plans to attend specifically to meet with his Bogleheads®, so this is a unique and rare opportunity. Other investing authorities expected to attend and participate as panel members in the Q&A with the Experts are authors Christine Benz, Bill Bernstein, Rick Ferri, Mel Lindauer, Mike Piper, Allan Roth, Bill Schultheis, and our own “Queen” Laura Dogu.
This is the most informed and selfless Panel of Experts ever assembled of which I am aware.

Thank you and best wishes.
Taylor
Hi Taylor:

Look at what you helped get started! We'd love to have you back on the Experts Panel again, but I understand that health issues don't allow it.

That is, indeed, an esteemed and selfless group of authors/experts. And what folks need to know is that each and every one of them pays their own way to the Conference (full price), just like everyone else. The only guest who doesn't pay is Jack Bogle.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 1:12 pm
by Mel Lindauer
jwillis77373 wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:
jwillis77373 wrote:Looks like a fine event.

Please keep the board posted with the registration progress.

I mean the count down of open seats left.

I would like to attend, but parting with the sum of the registration fee is just a tad bit painful. Perhaps perspective will overcome my reluctance later.

Keeping perspective though I encourage people to look at the real bargain in getting to meet the 'real deal' - Jack Bogle, Rick Ferri, Laura Dogu and Christine Benz. These are awesome people to communicate with online and must be incredible people in person. I'm pretty sure these people will continue to be famous in the latter half of this century. Imagine meeting Benjamin Graham, Maynard Keynes.. Buffet or Elvis.

I live just a little too far South to pay the registration and make the trip, but if they ever have one in the Southwest.. I'm all the way there.
As requested, here's the first update report. It's now been two weeks since I made the announcement, and we already have 102 paid and 26 additional registration requests that we're waiting for the return of the registration forms. Some of those additioanl registration requests may well be from couples, so that 26 could represent 30 or more additional folks. We have no way of knowing that until the paperwork is returned.

So, bottom line, since we only have 200 spots, it looks like we're well on our way to another early sellout.
Thanks Mel,

I do appreciate it.

Doesn't look like I'll be able to attend but glad to hear it will be another sellout. Perhaps Sellouts will become the norm from now on.
Perhaps you'll be able to make it next year.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:28 pm
by Mel Lindauer
VictoriaF wrote:
jwillis77373 wrote:Perhaps Sellouts will become the norm from now on.
I don't think "sellout" is the right word here. Nobody is selling BH12. It is an opportunity to get together with Jack, other people we know from online communications and previous events, and meet new like-minded people. No one is making profit from these meetings, and the volunteers put tremendous effort into running flawless events.

A meeting can be financially advantageous for the attendees, and you can't know in advance if you may stumble on some information that you have not considered before but that can make a tangible difference in your financial state. I attended my first meeting in 2007, and a discussion with Bill Bernstein has made that kind of difference to me. That discussion could not have happened on line. Either in 2008 or 2009, I had a similar experience after a private conversation with Mel. In 2011 and 2012, I came to the meetings with some specific questions to Grabiner, and he has very graciously answered them, plus given me some new ideas.

Victoria
Excellent points, Victoria. Looking forward to seeing you again in October.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Tue Mar 26, 2013 12:19 pm
by Mel Lindauer
Norris wrote:I sent in a check on Monday for DW and me. She's not into investing, doesn't have a Boglehead username, but would like to attend nonetheless. I have been wanting to attend a meeting for several years and am very much looking forward to Bogleheads 12. I'm hoping we are not too late to obtain one of the block of rooms in the hotel.

I'm sure this event requires countless hours on the part of dedicated and selfless volunteers, lest it would not come to fruition. I don't know if help is needed before, during, and/or after the conference but, if so, we are willing to contribute.

Norris
I checked the records, Norris and your check arrived. You should have gotten your confirmation email by now. See you both in Oct.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2013 12:20 pm
by Mel Lindauer
ObliviousInvestor wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:Good news, everyone. Bogleheads author and blogger, Mike Piper (Olivious Investor), will be joining the Experts Panel this year. In addition, Mike will also be leading a session on Social Security and tax issues.
Thank you for inviting me to participate again.
Hi Mike:

You were a great addition to our Experts Panel last year, and I'm happy that you've agreed to join us again this year. See you in October!

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 8:19 am
by Norris
Mel Lindauer wrote:
Norris wrote:I sent in a check on Monday for DW and me. She's not into investing, doesn't have a Boglehead username, but would like to attend nonetheless. I have been wanting to attend a meeting for several years and am very much looking forward to Bogleheads 12. I'm hoping we are not too late to obtain one of the block of rooms in the hotel.

I'm sure this event requires countless hours on the part of dedicated and selfless volunteers, lest it would not come to fruition. I don't know if help is needed before, during, and/or after the conference but, if so, we are willing to contribute.

Norris
I checked the records, Norris and your check arrived. You should have gotten your confirmation email by now. See you both in Oct.
Thanks, Mel. I did receive the confirmation, reserved a room, and we are very much looking forward to Bogleheads 12!

Norris

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2013 3:01 pm
by Mel Lindauer
Norris wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:
Norris wrote:I sent in a check on Monday for DW and me. She's not into investing, doesn't have a Boglehead username, but would like to attend nonetheless. I have been wanting to attend a meeting for several years and am very much looking forward to Bogleheads 12. I'm hoping we are not too late to obtain one of the block of rooms in the hotel.

I'm sure this event requires countless hours on the part of dedicated and selfless volunteers, lest it would not come to fruition. I don't know if help is needed before, during, and/or after the conference but, if so, we are willing to contribute.

Norris
I checked the records, Norris and your check arrived. You should have gotten your confirmation email by now. See you both in Oct.
Thanks, Mel. I did receive the confirmation, reserved a room, and we are very much looking forward to Bogleheads 12!

Norris
Sounds like you're all set, Norris. See you in October!

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:45 pm
by Mel Lindauer
UPDATE: We already have registration requests for 174 of the 200 available seats, so if you plan to attend, you probably need to get your registration request and paperwork in before all the spots are gone.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 7:21 pm
by dandan14
Any spots left?

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 10:02 pm
by Mel Lindauer
dandan14 wrote:Any spots left?
If you act promptly, you'll probably get in.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Fri May 10, 2013 9:37 pm
by jjbiv
Has the possibility of adding breakout sessions around certain topics to the Bogleheads conference ever been considered? At other conferences which I have attended, I've found these sessions to be very useful and informative venues for sharing knowledge. Thank you to the organizers for coordinating this wonderful event.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Sat May 11, 2013 11:23 am
by Mel Lindauer
jjbiv wrote:Has the possibility of adding breakout sessions around certain topics to the Bogleheads conference ever been considered? At other conferences which I have attended, I've found these sessions to be very useful and informative venues for sharing knowledge. Thank you to the organizers for coordinating this wonderful event.
Last year we had a breakout session during the book signing, and it was well received, so we plan to do the same thing again this year with perhaps two breakout sessions.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 9:55 am
by VictoriaF
Mel Lindauer wrote:
jjbiv wrote:Has the possibility of adding breakout sessions around certain topics to the Bogleheads conference ever been considered? At other conferences which I have attended, I've found these sessions to be very useful and informative venues for sharing knowledge. Thank you to the organizers for coordinating this wonderful event.
Last year we had a breakout session during the book signing, and it was well received, so we plan to do the same thing again this year with perhaps two breakout sessions.
Hi Mel,

Breakout sessions usually run in parallel, and participants can attend only one of them. Are you planning something like that, or we will have two consecutive sessions that would be in parallel with book signing but not with each other?

Victoria

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 8:07 pm
by steve.s
Any spots available?

Are books available for purchase onsite or do we need to purchase elsewhere and bring along?

Thanks

Steve

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 12:32 am
by poppa23
Have you though about filming the sessions and selling the tapes. When I go to a convention in my business that what is done...Its very helpful..

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 10:42 am
by Mel Lindauer
VictoriaF wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:
jjbiv wrote:Has the possibility of adding breakout sessions around certain topics to the Bogleheads conference ever been considered? At other conferences which I have attended, I've found these sessions to be very useful and informative venues for sharing knowledge. Thank you to the organizers for coordinating this wonderful event.
Last year we had a breakout session during the book signing, and it was well received, so we plan to do the same thing again this year with perhaps two breakout sessions.
Hi Mel,

Breakout sessions usually run in parallel, and participants can attend only one of them. Are you planning something like that, or we will have two consecutive sessions that would be in parallel with book signing but not with each other?

Victoria
Hi Victoria:

They will be informal but interesting chat/discussion sessions on a number of topics rather than formal presentations and they will run in parallel. We simply don't have the time or space to handle it any other way.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 8:01 pm
by Mel Lindauer
steve.s wrote:Any spots available?

Are books available for purchase onsite or do we need to purchase elsewhere and bring along?

Thanks

Steve
Yes, Steve, there are still some spots available if you act promptly. We've had more requests for registration forms than we have spots, but some of those folks still haven't returned their paperwork and check, so they're not registered until they're paid. And some of those who requested registration forms may not send them in due to schedule conflicts, illness, etc.

As for the books, we don't have books for sale onsite, so you can either bring your books along or purchase them in a Philly-area bookstore.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 8:27 pm
by SGM
Mel, I will be attending. Can I buy my brother a ticket? He expressed an interest recently but has not been on the web site. I think he would benefit greatly from hearing the speakers and talking to other Bogleheads.

Re: BOGLEHEADS 12 ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted: Thu May 30, 2013 10:10 pm
by Mel Lindauer
SGM wrote:Mel, I will be attending. Can I buy my brother a ticket? He expressed an interest recently but has not been on the web site. I think he would benefit greatly from hearing the speakers and talking to other Bogleheads.
Sure you can. Just print out two registration forms (you did request the form, didn't you?) and send them both in with one or two checks and you'll be set. Sounds like you're looking out for your brother which is always nice to see.

Look forward to seeing you both in Philly in October.