Ya’ know, Fred said the same thing on the shuttle back to the airport. I think you guys are just touting the party line ;).
Honestly, I’d like to survive Philly before worrying about 2014, but I understanding the people who can’t make it next year. I was in that same boat a couple years ago before attending Seattle for my first.
Denny or Drew, would you mind posting some info on how a site is chosen and what criteria it has to meet to even be considered. Just curious when the process starts and what is involved.
The process starts a couple years in advance of a conference when a local club puts together a “bid” (non financial) to have the conference at their location. They submit info on their ability to pull off final round judging, suitable locations, and volunteer resources available other things. There’s an online Google doc describing the process, but I don’t have the link available on my iPad. If someone doesn’t post it, I will later.
Here’s the basic document:
http://ahaclubs.homebrewersassociation.org/NHCplanningguide
Usually two folks spearhead the bidding process, build a consortium of nutty individuals to handle different efforts and then work with Gary and Kate at the AHA to really put the polish on something. For instance, the conference in SD was put together by folks from at least 4 different clubs from SD to LA. Lots of time and energy.
Big problems for the conference right now is our growth is impacting locations we can go to. Does your area have a hotel complex that can host 2000-2500 people?
There are changes that coming down the pike where more of the mundane tasks will be handled by a core group from year to year that works with the local group to ensure a smooth conference. For instance, this year was the first time we had a paid Beer Services team to handle moving kegs in and out of the cellar and deliveries to where the kegs were needed. This was by far and away the biggest change that needed to happen because man, cellar sucks and it’s a huge burden to ask a couple of local folks to give up their shot at the conference to do that task.
Thanks Denny and Drew.
The thing I worry about it this event is becoming so big that only a handful of cities in the US can really support that many people for an event. When you also take into account that of the cities that can host an event like this, how many of them are “craft beer-centric”? Seattle and San Diego were great because they are great beer cities and have the support from multiple homebrew clubs. I’m sure Utah won’t be in the mix for awhile 
There’s so many tasks that come into play when organizing a conference that will accomodate 2500 people for several days. Each city and state have their own local laws that pertain. I know that the AHA has become more and more involved with Pro-brewers night, as it’s just easier for them to do in most cases. It’s a balancing act that Gary and company have learned so well.
As Drew has pointed out the AHA’s growth as well as the popularity of NHC have comlicated matters with regards to accomodationing the amount of folks necessary to meet the demand. It’s becoming more and more difficult to host a conference without moving up to the next size venue which then poses a whole new set of issues and concerns not to mention cost.
2000-3000+
Proximity of hotels is also a consideration. 2 to 3000 homebrewers, essentially an unlimited supply of beer, drink up then “Drive” to your hotel room? I don’t think so.
and as Drew said
That’s definitely an issue we’ve discussed, Mike. I wish I could say we have a good answer, but at this point we’re searching for a solution. There’s been talk of multiple conferences spread around the country, but that’s completely unworkable from a staff power and cost standpoint.
Hmm, throw you in the river? N’awlins would be a rockin’ NHC location
How many clubs are in the area? How many volunteers could they get? Have they ever run a first round comp for the AHA to see they’re able to do the second round? Many BJCP judges in the area?
I heard NHC 2014 was going to be in Volcano Village, Hawaii.
Fine with me! You’re the organizing committee! 
Aw, c’mon. Don’t ruin my fun with practicality 
Think Cajun food, Acme Oyster House, Central Grocery, open container, Bourbon St, and the list goes on and on and on…
It’s been 16 years since there was a NHC in NOLA. That was hands down the best one I’ve been to.
If NHC 2014 is in NOLA I’ll swim through the Panama Canal to get there if I have to!
Hey, I’m in!
I heard rumors of Grand Rapids, MI. Also heard Atlanta. There were lots of folks saying different places.
Portland has a great beer scene. But, with it just at Seattle, that may be many years off.
It is a case of who has submitted viable bids. Two are submitted next door and in subsequent years then that is where they are likely to be.
Given a choice they will move around as best as they can. No one is favoring one part of the country over another.
The Conference and Competition have been growing like crazy. That limits the hotel to a conference hotel with big rooms, or an attached conference center (like Oakland). In 2002 there were 247 that attended. In 2012 there were ~1850, and that was limited by the hotel size. Gary Glass said they are looking at 2500 for Philly, and that or more after Philly. This limits where it can be, and it will be limited more in the future.
Interesting to look at where the conference has been, attendance, and NHC entries.
http://www.ahaconference.org/conference-information/past-conferences/
sign me up! 8)