National Tropical Weather Conference 2020

[wxman57]

I received an email from Alex Garcia today about next spring's National Tropical Weather Conference. It's my favorite conference each year. Interesting speakers and a good location on South Padre Island. New hotel this year. The Courtyard by Marriott is opening in December, right next to the Hilton Garden Inn (previous conference hotel).

Dates: Wednesday, April 1st to Sunday, April 5th

New Hotel - Courtyard by Marriott:
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/brosp-courtyard-south-padre-island/

Some of the confirmed speakers and other info from Alex:

• We have developed our first list of presenters for the conference
Ken Graham
Jaime Rhome
Dr. Phil Klotzbach
Mark Sudduth
Jim Edds
Josh Morgerman
Neil Frank
Tim Heller
Liz McCartney/Zack Rosenburg
Craig Setzer - Miami TV
Chris Darden - MIC Birmingham
Dr. Hal Needham
Dr. Brain K. Haus - University of Miami

• We are looking to bring another aircraft, perhaps a NOAA Hurricane Hunter, G4 jet and perhaps a Coast Guard rescue helicopter

We are open to your ideas and suggestions for sponsors, exhibitors and presenters. Let’s plan on a call about mid-October.

[tropicwatch]

Who can attend this conference?

[wxman57]

Who can attend this conference?

Anyone who pays the registration fee and travel expenses. I think the hotel was around $120/night last year, but I'm not sure about the discount rate on the new hotel. The organizers really take care of all attendees. Best conference I've ever attended.

[toad strangler]

wow what a lineup

[chaser1]

I've kicked around the idea of attending for years now. Above and beyond the educational interest was the idea of meeting other S2K folks there as well seems like a fun endeavor. For me at least (and perhaps others unable to write-off the trip expenses) the trip would probably be a significant expense. I've flown quite a bit and try to fly low cost airlines such as Frontier or Allegient (followed by other discount airlines Jet Blue, Spirit, or Southwest). There's a couple airports closer to S. Padre Island but seems that the chance of flying R/T from Florida for as little as $100-$150 would involve flights to San Antonio/Austin or Houston. Even still...... with the cost of car rental, food and hotel it seems that a four or five night stay would be around a $1,000. If there were a way to wing it on a smaller budget, I'd certainly kick the idea around.