Good to know; thanks for the details. I have to agree with Josh that the other games and activities were pretty darn fun (and, as someone who missed the bowling and only has my perception of what it might be like to go on, I think they’re probably cooler than the bowling. Not that I wouldn’t do the bowling, but I could live without it…)
I’m not saying we shouldn’t do a LUG dinner, we definitely should. Just saying that dinner + Art of the Brick would comprise most of the evening. If we get out there early enough Thursday, it shouldn’t be hard to spend a few hours at the exhibit and still get to the convention hall to set up (and we have until Saturday morning – the first public session – to finish the setup, so no worries there.)
While our opinions on the awesomeness of bowling may differ, I definitely agree with Chris that $30 (daytime rate 9:30-5) to see the sculptures is a bit steep. It’s too late for Paula, but if we got 15 or more we could get a group rate. The 5-7:30PM rate is $20 instead of $30, which is one argument for going in the evening. If BFL hooks us up with freebies, I’m definitely there, and I’m probably in if we go as a group whenever that may be, but I’m only about 70% excited for the exhibit the more I think about it.
Keep in mind, it’s at least a half hour drive to the Franklin Institute from the convention hall, plus parking expenses are likely to be incurred. Public transit is possible, but probably a hassle and time commitment from so far out. Not trying to be Debbie Downer, just pointing out some things to ponder as we make decisions.
Bottom line: push Chris and Chad for the freebies and go from there. 😀