Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents

  collectSPACE: Messages
  Autograph Shows & Signings
  Spacefest VI, May 2014, Pasadena, California (Page 1)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search


This topic is 5 pages long:   1  2  3  4  5 
next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Spacefest VI, May 2014, Pasadena, California
Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 07-03-2013 11:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Spacefest VI will be held May 8-11, 2014, at the Pasadena Civic Center in Pasadena, Calif.

AJ
Member

Posts: 511
From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States
Registered: Feb 2009

posted 07-04-2013 07:49 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for AJ   Click Here to Email AJ     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Mmm... Pasadena. Great news, thanks!

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 07-04-2013 04:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We'll all miss Starr Pass, but the numbers are in the big city. We're close to Cal Tech, JPL, Rose Bowl, Mt. Wilson

Greggy_D
Member

Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 07-04-2013 04:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
And "Thank You" for not having it Memorial Day weekend! I'll be there.

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 07-04-2013 06:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Mother's Day

ColinBurgess
Member

Posts: 2031
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 07-05-2013 12:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ColinBurgess   Click Here to Email ColinBurgess     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
For those interstate or overseas visitors unfamiliar with Pasadena, it is a delightful place, filled with plenty of interesting shops and restaurants, including even a Cheesecake Factory (if it's still there), and all within easy strolling distance of the venue.

It's quaint, relatively safe, and certainly not as "slummy" as many other California cities, with lots of nice walks and plenty of things to do. I stayed there a lot when I was with Qantas Airways, up until about ten years ago, and it was one of my favourite destinations. This is a great choice.

David C
Member

Posts: 1015
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012

posted 07-05-2013 01:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for David C     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks Colin. I'm very happy with this choice.

Blackarrow
Member

Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 07-05-2013 01:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Blackarrow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
How far/how long to Pasadena for travellers arriving by air at LAX?

This is tempting: I always wanted to visit JPL so it looks like I'd better go to Spacefest VI.

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 07-05-2013 01:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Pasadena is one of the "original" L.A basin towns, so it has an "old town" arts and shopping district which is only a couple blocks away. Paseo Colorado, a huge underground shopping mall, is across the street, though you'd never know it. Lots of restaurants within walking distance

Though there's a hotel on the grounds. It's expensive and kind of "tired." The upscale Westin is only a 9 minute walk (or free shuttle ride) away. They've offered us a $99/nightly rate, with free wi-fi.

Greggy_D
Member

Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 07-05-2013 02:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does the Westin also offer a shuttle to/from LAX?

David C
Member

Posts: 1015
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012

posted 07-05-2013 02:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for David C     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
How far/how long to Pasadena for travellers arriving by air at LAX?
Depends on time of day, but I'd work on 45 minutes.
quote:
I always wanted to visit JPL so it looks like I'd better go to Spacefest VI.
Don't think JPL are doing tours any more.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 07-05-2013 03:46 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The JPL Public Services Office offers tours free of charge for groups and individuals on an advance reservation basis.

I'm sure Spacefest will organize a group tour as one of its planned side outings...

DChudwin
Member

Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 07-05-2013 07:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DChudwin   Click Here to Email DChudwin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I am very happy that the new venue is in Pasadena and the fact that the event is not over Memorial Day.

The only downside to Pasadena is that it is about 28 driving miles from LAX.

I am looking forward to attending, especially since my son lives in LA.

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 07-05-2013 07:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Super Shuttle from LAX is $25, from Burbank airport $21.

mode1charlie
Member

Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 07-05-2013 11:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
It's in my calendar now.

albatron
Member

Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 07-08-2013 09:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for albatron   Click Here to Email albatron     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I think Burbank offers air service also but I'm saying this from memory and not from checking.

Greggy_D
Member

Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 07-08-2013 10:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Yes, I flew Southwest into Burbank two years ago. I cracked up because the luggage carousel was outside. I had never seen that before.

albatron
Member

Posts: 2732
From: Stuart, Florida
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 07-08-2013 11:31 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for albatron   Click Here to Email albatron     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Outside carousel. LOL

I just did an airport check, Bob Hope Airport (Burbank) is the closest and is serviced by American, Alaskan, JetBlue, United, US Airways, Delta, and Southwest.

Next closest is LAX serviced by every airline known to man.

Dave Clow
Member

Posts: 236
From: South Pasadena, CA 91030
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 07-08-2013 12:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dave Clow   Click Here to Email Dave Clow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Burbank's a smaller airport for sure but it's one with an unusually great history.

It preceded LAX as the regional hub. Amelia Earhart lived in nearby Toluca Lake and Burbank was her home field. It was one of the origin points for her last flight (she flew Burbank to Oakland and back as the first leg). During WW2 it was Lockheed's test field — the Skunk Works was here — and thanks to Kelly Johnson and his crew, Burbank was the cradle for some of America's most innovative aircraft, including the P-38 Lighting, the U-2, the SR-71 and Project Have Blue. Lockheed tested the F-117 at night — imagine a Warner Brothers Studios employee living in a typical 1960's ranch house next to the airport waking up every night to screaming engines and wondering what in h-ll was happening over there.

Spacefest visitors ought to find a moment to visit the Portal of the Folded Wings and the Columbia Memorial at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park near the airport. The Portal is a grave/shrine for early aviators including Bertrand Blanchard Acosta, Richard Byrd's co-pilot on their 1927 transatlantic flight; and Charles Edward Taylor, who helped design and build the first engine for the Wright Flyer.

If you can, make Burbank your first stop at Spacefest VI. It's very close to the venue and a lot more fun than LAX.

Greggy_D
Member

Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006

posted 07-08-2013 01:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Greggy_D   Click Here to Email Greggy_D     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I agree. Burbank is a nice little airport. When I departed, it literally took me about 90 seconds to go through security. Quite a change from the behemoth known as LAX. Also, I didn't use a jetway to enter/exit the 737. They rolled up the old-school steps to the doorway of the aircraft.

As an added bonus, the flight into Burbank was cheaper than LAX (obviously your mileage may vary).

I did use the Super Shuttle service mentioned above for both arrival and departure. No problems whatsoever with the service.

onesmallstep
Member

Posts: 1310
From: Staten Island, New York USA
Registered: Nov 2007

posted 07-10-2013 10:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for onesmallstep   Click Here to Email onesmallstep     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Oh, nice! A perfect reason now to go to Southern Cal to also visit shuttle Endeavour. When I went to LA many years ago, I took a side trip to Pasadena to attend an astronomy convention at the same venue where Spacefest VI will be held. They also had two actors from the TV series Star Trek Voyager.

As far as getting to/from LAX (or LA itself) to Pasadena; they have a dedicated FlyAway Bus service that stops in Union Station in LA where you can take the Gold Line light rail route to South Pasadena. Union Station also serves Amtrak and regional Metrolink commuter trains. I write all this because one of the highlights of my trip was riding a light rail line to Long Beach and taking a Metrolink train to Anaheim, being the railfan that I am. As a non-driver, it's also cheaper.

And Colin, I'm sure you'll be getting a lot of replies to your 'slummy' California cities remark!

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 08-23-2013 05:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Okay. Reservations are now being accepted at the Westin-Pasadena, the host hotel for Spacefest VI. Despite being 9 stories, there are only 350 rooms, and half of those are for our guests and staff, leaving only 175 or so. At $99/night, these will be gone soon. $240 and up regularly.

Make reservations at 800-937-8461 or or call (626) 792-2727 Fax: (626) 792-3755. You can also book online.

DChudwin
Member

Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 08-23-2013 07:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DChudwin   Click Here to Email DChudwin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Just made my reservation on-line.

The $99 rate is a great bargain for an LA area hotel of that quality. If you know you are going to Spacefest VI, don't procrastinate in making a reservation. There is no penalty if you have to cancel before May 7.

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 10-02-2013 03:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Our host hotel, the Westin, is reserving a number of rooms for us at $99 per night. They regularly go for $229 and up. The Westin is a four-star luxury hotel, which will also host a few of our events, like the banquet and VIP reception. We also get complimentary wi-fi in all guestrooms.

I've been laid up for the past few weeks, and the Europeans and Aussies that follow us on Facebook have snapped up most of the available $99 rooms. There are still some left, but if they sell out, here are some recommended alternatives:

Spacefest tickets go on sale Nov. 1.

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 10-24-2013 02:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Bobak Ferdowsi (the NASA mohawk guy) has accepted our invitation to speak at Spacefest.

xlsteve
Member

Posts: 391
From: Holbrook MA, USA
Registered: Jul 2008

posted 10-28-2013 08:28 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for xlsteve   Click Here to Email xlsteve     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
Bobak Ferdowsi (the NASA mohawk guy) has accepted our invitation to speak at Spacefest.

That's great news. This will be my first Spacefest. Really looking foward to it.

Blackarrow
Member

Posts: 3120
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002

posted 10-28-2013 04:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Blackarrow     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Why not invite cosmonaut Howard Wolowitz, who lives in the area?

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 10-29-2013 06:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
We changed our minds, and are beginning SPACEFEST VI ticket sales at 3:00 p.m. (our time, MST) Sunday, Nov. 3. There was an issue with time changes, and our IT man being here, to address any "health.gov"-type problems.

Also, the Westin has SOLD OUT of $99 rooms, except for a few on Saturday and Sunday (nights). If you ask for Friday, you will be told they are ALL gone.

stsmithva
Member

Posts: 1933
From: Fairfax, VA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007

posted 10-29-2013 06:53 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for stsmithva   Click Here to Email stsmithva     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Dave Clow:
Burbank's a smaller airport for sure but it's one with an unusually great history.
What a fascinating write-up. Thanks!

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 10-30-2013 03:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Flight Director Gerry Griffin is coming to Spacefest. That's FOUR trenchers now.

Smokeynick
New Member

Posts:
From:
Registered:

posted 10-30-2013 06:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Smokeynick   Click Here to Email Smokeynick     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Excellent news!

Smokeynick
New Member

Posts:
From:
Registered:

posted 10-31-2013 10:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Smokeynick   Click Here to Email Smokeynick     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What are the chances of getting Joe Kittinger or Felix Baumgartner to attend? A talk or a day of signing by either of these guys would be a great addition.

Steve Zarelli
Member

Posts: 731
From: Upstate New York, USA
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 11-01-2013 02:33 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Steve Zarelli   Click Here to Email Steve Zarelli     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I was planning on attending in 2014, however the Mother's Day weekend timing nixed those plans. As much as I'd like to attend, family comes first. I don't think my mother, mother-in-law, or my wife (the mother of my children) would appreciate it.

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 11-03-2013 05:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Smokeynick:
What are the chances of getting Joe Kittinger or Felix Baumgartner to attend?
Felix is too expensive ($60,000+), and an idiot (read here).

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 11-03-2013 05:44 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Tickets now on sale for SPACEFEST VI.

mode1charlie
Member

Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 11-03-2013 06:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
Felix is too expensive ($60,000+)...

I support that decision from more than one perspective, and leave it at that.

How about David Brin (he lives in San Diego) and/or Jon Lomberg?

Spacefest
Member

Posts: 1168
From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

posted 11-03-2013 06:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Spacefest   Click Here to Email Spacefest     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Working on Brin. Jon Lomberg is at odds with one of our major guests. That happens. Can't sit certain astronauts next to each other either.

Smokeynick
New Member

Posts:
From:
Registered:

posted 11-03-2013 09:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Smokeynick   Click Here to Email Smokeynick     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
Felix is too expensive ($60,000+)
I see. Well, thank God it's not $70,000.

mode1charlie
Member

Posts: 1169
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010

posted 11-03-2013 09:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mode1charlie   Click Here to Email mode1charlie     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Spacefest:
Jon Lomberg is at odds with one of our major guests.
Understand. These things happen.

Buel
Member

Posts: 649
From: UK
Registered: Mar 2012

posted 11-07-2013 01:35 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Buel   Click Here to Email Buel     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
What would be the chances of getting either Gene Kranz or even Chris Kraft?


This topic is 5 pages long:   1  2  3  4  5 

All times are CT (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts

Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a





advertisement