Melbourne Planning Thread

May 7, 2009 11:15 PM

We need to pick a date and time between July 17 and July 19 and a location.

Let's have at it!

We apparently have a fondness for the Workshop on Friday nights, but let's open it up a bit. Numbers might help, how many of us are interested/able to to make that weekend?

posted by goshling to Melbourne, Australia at 11:15 PM (73 comments total)

Just let me know the location and time and if I'm in town I'll join. Not sure if I'll fit in as it would be my first MF get together.
posted by michswiss at 9:31 AM on May 8, 2009

I'm in!!
posted by jonathanstrange at 3:18 PM on May 8, 2009

Some random thoughts:

If there's only handful or so of us, I guess we just pick a pub and off we go. If there's going to be proper party size numbers, we should book something - room in pub, perhaps? Any mefite brave enough and with enough space at home to host? I'd seriously consider, but space might be an issue.

Internet access? For hooking into other meetups/webcaming. London mefites had a web-based IRC thing with webcam going for their US election party last year, which was pretty awesome.
posted by goshling at 1:30 AM on May 9, 2009

I'm in!

michswiss, not fitting in means you will fit in just fine.
posted by andraste at 6:21 AM on May 9, 2009

Don't know my schedule yet for that weekend, but will keep an eye on this thread.
posted by Coaticass at 5:42 PM on May 9, 2009

I'm (so far at least) free on all 3 of those nights. I'm also very happy to go somewhere other than workshop. Because, you know, change, holiday, etc... Alternate venue options do sort of depend on likely numbers though...

Internet can be organised without too much hastle I reckon - even if it's a tubeless venue we can hook a laptop up over 3G or something.
posted by russm at 7:47 PM on May 10, 2009

Ah, we can all take turns burning through a month's 3g allowance....

Other than that... the only pubs I know with intertube access are the Dickens (which could be OK, but could be a touch sombre), and Workshop (who, rather sensibly, I suppose) turn it off at 5pm. Bastards. (Of course, if anyone fancies adding to this list, that'd be cool too.)

That said: everyone else will be asleep. We should co-ordinate with the Kiwis, so that we can laugh at them all being 2 hours drunker than we are. Also, sheep jokes. They never get old.
posted by pompomtom at 9:02 PM on May 10, 2009

I may possibly be in Sydney that weekend but if not, I'm in!
posted by liquorice at 9:35 PM on May 10, 2009

Sunday afternoon was mentioned as a possibility in the Sydney thread, which might co ordinate up with some of the overseas events.
posted by goshling at 10:57 PM on May 10, 2009

Is there a Welsh meetup? I gather sheep jokes go over well in Wales.
posted by pompomtom at 11:16 PM on May 10, 2009

Sunday arvo could well do the job - somewhere with a beergarden perhaps? I'm tempted to suggest the Retreat in Brunswick but it's not exactly central. It is a nice beergarden for a Sunday arvo though.
posted by russm at 2:04 AM on May 11, 2009

On second thoughts, beergarden requires decent weather, and I'm not quite ready to make predictions about mid-July. So scratch that.
posted by russm at 2:08 AM on May 11, 2009

What about the Order of Melbourne? Nice lounge area to, well, lounge in. Not sure about internets though.
posted by andraste at 5:59 AM on May 11, 2009

Categorically unable to attend. Now if someone would like to arrange a Bali meetup...
posted by wilful at 6:18 PM on May 11, 2009

Ah, the Retreat. I'll go there, too.
posted by bdave at 8:32 PM on May 11, 2009

Coincidentally, I share the same birthday as MeFi.
posted by bdave at 8:33 PM on May 11, 2009

wil - it's easy, plus MeFi will pay for you to have a drink on the beach... but don't tell matt that the turnout was just you...
posted by russm at 6:16 PM on May 12, 2009

I'm keen. Any day is as inconvenient as any other, so I'm easy.
posted by tim_in_oz at 2:59 PM on May 13, 2009

Sunday would be good.
posted by Coaticass at 1:03 AM on May 15, 2009

I'm in :) I'll defer to others on the venue.
posted by Merik at 8:18 AM on May 18, 2009

I'm a definite maybe for that weekend and like tim I have no particular preference for time or place.
posted by nomis at 6:31 PM on May 18, 2009

I'm planning to be there. The Retreat suits me, and The Union suits me even better, but I'll make my way to wherever it is.
posted by robcorr at 2:07 AM on May 23, 2009

Mr. bendy (a fierce lurker) and I will be in Melbourne instead of our usual San Francisco that weekend. We will be there only if we can be feted as the international people of mystery we pretend to be.
posted by bendy at 6:20 PM on May 27, 2009

I'm kind of leaning towards The Order Of Melbourne on the Sunday afternoon. I've never been there personally, so I've been thinking of doing a recon mission to check it out very soon. My mobile # is in my profile is anyone is interested in joining me.

I for one will be happy to fete the international mysterious bendies.
posted by goshling at 9:30 PM on May 27, 2009

"Fete"?

This involves drinking, yes?
posted by pompomtom at 11:49 PM on May 27, 2009

Drinking? Yes!
posted by bendy at 9:18 PM on May 28, 2009

"This involves drinking, yes?"

Well, DUH
posted by goshling at 2:15 AM on May 30, 2009

I'm keen to pop along. Sunday afternoon is a good idea.

The Order is good. It's very central and is well connected by PT. Jessamyn has actually been there as well.
posted by sien at 6:25 PM on May 31, 2009

I like the Order because it's quieter. I had a lot of trouble hearing what people were saying at the only meetup I ever went to :) Which is more about me than the venue, probably.
posted by andraste at 12:11 AM on June 1, 2009

I'm in! My posting history is incredibly thin, however I have been reading MeFi since 2001 thereabouts :D
posted by Thoth at 11:51 PM on June 1, 2009

Never been there before, but after a quick google, the Order looks like a good spot.
posted by Merik at 7:26 PM on June 2, 2009

OoM it is... lock it in!
posted by russm at 12:44 AM on June 3, 2009

I'll have just gotten back from London, so I'll be sleeping off jetlag or be there with my dancing shoes on!
posted by liquorice at 4:43 AM on June 4, 2009

I'm a lurker, but I'm in.
posted by AD_ at 5:10 AM on June 7, 2009

Rightio, I'm thinking I'll give The Order Of Melbourne a call tomorrow & let them know we'll be coming and get them to reserve an area for us. What sort of time do we fancy kicking off? Midday?
posted by goshling at 5:32 AM on June 7, 2009

Just a reminder that posting history or lack thereof doesn't matter, neither does user number, number of mefi contacts or anything else. Lurkers, banninated users*, we're not fussy, everyone is welcome!

*unless you're holden karnofksy, in which case you can piss off
posted by goshling at 6:12 AM on June 7, 2009

Oh, & since I will be reserving space at the venue, if you're definitely going to come, or go from a maybe to a yes, please update your status here so I don't reserve the area for 15 people and have 50 people turn up. Thanks all!
posted by goshling at 6:23 AM on June 7, 2009

I'd like to come. Have lurked lots and posted a bit but don't really know anyone, so I'll be the girl wandering around trying to figure out which group I'm supposed to join.
posted by Zaire at 12:55 AM on June 8, 2009

Okie dokie, JonathonStrange & I did a bit of a recon mission today. The Order Of Melbourne is not open on Sundays. We can choose a different venue for the Sunday afternoon, or switch the day/time. The Order of Melbourne has a function on The Saturday night but we could pretty much have the place to ourlseves on Saturday afternoon 2 or 3 to 9pmish or the Friday night.

Johnathonstrange suggested this place, which is utterly splendid and just the mental image of us sitting around drinking hot buttered rum punch (HURF DURF BUTTER DRINKERS) in a pink room with astro turf on the floor delights me no end.

Anyway, thoughts?
posted by goshling at 2:55 AM on June 8, 2009

Madame Brussels would be nice, as long as it's not too crowded. I hate it when it's crowded.
posted by robcorr at 6:07 AM on June 8, 2009

Never been to Madame Brussels, but it sounds charming. On the other hand, having The Order to ourselves on Saturday also appeals. Hmm, I guess everyone seemed pretty satisfied with Sunday afternoon, and it's probably the choice of day that will keep people away more so than the venue (my lack of a social life dictates that I'm free whenever, but that might not be the case for others?). And scratch Friday night - that just seems too regular and this meetup should be one of special magnificence.
posted by gooddoggy at 9:25 PM on June 8, 2009

You're all aware of the $35 per head bit and the dress code? Seems a little on the formal side. Personally I would be quite happy to trek out to Brunswick or wherever to go somewhere less formal. Still if that's what people want... also I'm not absolutely certain I can attend so perhaps I should butt out. *shutting up now*
posted by Coaticass at 10:02 PM on June 8, 2009

madame brussels is good for me too - been there a few times (friday nights mostly) and never saw a cover charge or dress code (I'd be surprised if that was a sunday arvo thing too, but sat night wouldn't be too unexpected)... and drinks were on the exey side... I spent last saturday arvo at the OoM and it was empty apart from our group and a handful of other folks, so that's an option that could work if saturday is on the cards...
posted by russm at 11:21 PM on June 9, 2009

I will be there! (Formerly known as Mr. Bendy, the fierce lurker)
posted by milkcrateman at 10:08 PM on June 10, 2009

as much as I'm a pub denzien by inclination, the thought of hot buttered rum on a sunday arvo gets more appealing the colder the weather gets.

Rounds of sandwiches, cupcakes, scones and sausage rolls. Also Madame Brussels’ secret hot and steamy home brew served in a teapot with our hot pink tea cozies Prepared for you and your guests on Saturday’s and Sunday’s during winter $35 per head

I'm assuming this is only if you buy the package. but then again, how much is Matt chipping in?
posted by russm at 3:16 AM on June 11, 2009

What will it take to move this meetup from "planning" to "scheduled"? I vote yes to whatever it is.
posted by bendy at 1:29 AM on June 12, 2009

Howdy..

If still undecided on venues, I'd suggest Horse Bazaar. http://horsebazaar.com.au/

In central Melb, not far from the station or Elizabeth st. Small enough to be cosy, has free wifi, projection screens and a suitably grungy/geeky vibe to make it the perfect location. I've had my birthday there before and the staff are friendly and more than happy to accomodate any requests.

Also.. I'm in. :)
posted by snarkle at 6:02 AM on June 16, 2009

Why doesn't this thread appear in my "recent activity" anymore? I never removed it from the feed...
posted by liquorice at 6:27 AM on June 16, 2009

I wouldn't hold my breath for too much money from Matt, I think things might have got a bit larger than he expected when he suggested $100 per group.

We chatted to the bar guy and he said there is a minimum spend of *mumblety crazy amount* to hire the back room, however we got the impression that if we just rocked up there would be no cover charge. We were there on Queen's birthday evening and it was pretty quiet, no mention of cover charge or dress code - 2 of the three of us were in jeans, so as long as they aren't busy I gather they aren't too fussed about the "rules", but I'd call the manager type person & conform with her first. The barman did say they do get people calling them saying "we're on a night out, we're bringing up 15 ppl, is that cool" and that's fine.

Having said that, as much as I love the pink decor & the astro turf & the warm drinks, I'd probably be more comfy just slouching around in a pub.

So I guess these are our options:

1. Sat afternoon at the Order Of Melbourne
2. Sun afternoon at Mme Brussels, pending confirmation of no dress code or cover charge
3. Sun afternoon at the Retreat or some other pub, such as... the Empress?
4. jonathonstrange just twittered me & said "snarkle (a mefite) suggested Horse Bazaar for the 10year bash - has wifi, cool lighting, cheaper than MBs. It's on lt lonsdale."

The Horse Bazaar website says "Sundays: open for private functions"

I'll give them a call Wed and ask if there is a minimum head count spend.
posted by goshling at 6:33 AM on June 16, 2009

Oh, there's snarkle! Hai!

liquorice, the thread disappeared from my recent activity, too, but is back now.

bendy: the status will scheduled as soon as we've got a firm YESYESYESYES on venue. I've just emailed the Horse Bazaar, so hopefully we'll have some more info & a decision ASAP.
posted by goshling at 7:26 AM on June 16, 2009

To annoy you, I'm happy with any. I <3>
Horse Bazaar is cool - weird light displays, + WiFi = handy.

I like the idea of Sunday drinks, but Saturday works for me too.

I'm in whatever.
posted by jonathanstrange at 4:59 AM on June 17, 2009

personally speaking... Retreat, Union, Empress all get a big "YES" - no need to bother with cover or dress code or any of that guff but just chill out for a pub arvo... similar-ish options closer to town and easy transport are Fitzroy's Napier, Standard or Labour in Vain... CBD (Horse Bazaar, OoM saturday?) gets a thumbs-up for being convenient to home, but that's just me... also, I'm 3G data and small laptop enabled so webcammery is possible pretty much anywhere without needing local WiFi...
posted by russm at 5:51 AM on June 17, 2009

Pretty much all the places russm approves of also get a tick from me... though, that said, I'd also favour any venue that allows us the use of power points, for abovementioned webcammery....
posted by pompomtom at 6:06 PM on June 17, 2009

Also, I think I'll check out this Horse Bazaar place for lunch. Ta people.
posted by pompomtom at 6:06 PM on June 17, 2009

Horse Bazaar haven't replied to my email & are not answering their phone. pompomtom, can you ask them what incentive they need to open on a Sunday? Is the CBD THAT dead on Sundays that places just don't open anymore?

Anyway, this is all getting a bit tedious. Horse Bazaar doesn't open til 4pm so a spur of the moment lunchtime recon with pompomtom isn't going to happen.

I've just called the Standard and asked about how much notice they need for 15 - 40 to stream in and if we can have access to power points and the dude said that should be cool.

SO, I'm officially announcing we make a date for Sunday 19 July at The Standard from 12:00 until we get bored and/or thrown out. Kitchen opens at 12.30.

If there are no objections or riots in the next 24 hours or so, I will go ahead & make it all proper & scheduled.
posted by goshling at 6:27 PM on June 17, 2009

Just got an email back from Horse Bazaar - it's a $2000 minimum spend for them to open on a Sunday, and with only 11 attending & 14 maybes, I don't think we'll consume that much beverages & munchies, even with mathowie's contribution after conversion.

So we all good with the Standard? I'll also ask again if you can check that your status here is up to date, esp if you're bringing partners/friends/offspring/whatever. The Standard don't do "reservations" as such, but they'd appreciate an estimate of numbers in case they need to bring in extra staff to keep the beer flowing & stuff.

Cheers, guys!
posted by goshling at 4:50 AM on June 18, 2009

Nice one goshling, I approve of the plan. I'm even going to update myself to definite - now that's commitment.
posted by nomis at 7:18 PM on June 20, 2009

Perfect with me!
posted by jonathanstrange at 2:16 AM on June 21, 2009

russm turns to face camera

russm: "I'm russm, and I approve this plan!"
posted by russm at 12:05 AM on June 22, 2009

Thanks for the footwork goshling, and I'm looking forward to the meetup! We're staying in LaTrobe Street at that point, just a short stumble away.
posted by bendy at 11:55 AM on June 22, 2009

I'm in. I'm living about 100k west of Melbourne now, but:
(a) It's the 10th anniversary meetup
(b) I love the Standard
(c) Bendy will be there.

Might be there by myself, might have baby_in_oz with me, might be the whole family.
posted by tim_in_oz at 3:17 AM on June 30, 2009

I'm really, very much looking forward to this.
posted by mosessis at 4:24 AM on July 14, 2009

PLEASE TAKE PICTURE!

KTHXBYE!
posted by special-k at 4:29 PM on July 14, 2009

erm pictures!
posted by special-k at 4:29 PM on July 14, 2009

ah, crap. I will certainly be late, if I make it at all. un-taken-into-account family event trumps mefi10... :(

then again, surely a couple of folks will still be kicking on come eveningtime...
posted by russm at 6:22 PM on July 17, 2009

Yeah, I'll be coming post footy. I am seeing Richmond play so that could be as soon as half time. I'm assuming there'll still be folks there later in the arvo?
posted by bdave at 10:37 PM on July 17, 2009

Knowing the way some of us can talkandtalkandtalkandtalkandtalkandtalkandtalk I think we'll be there for a while. My mobile number is still in my profile, so feel free to SMS or call. I expect there'll also be a lot of Twittering going on.

(Go Tigers!!)
posted by goshling at 1:42 AM on July 18, 2009

twittering, plus pompomtom's new qix.com video-twitter thing...
posted by russm at 1:53 AM on July 18, 2009

I have nothing else planned for the rest of the evening, even. I have my mobile listed in my profile - take it down if you think you'll be late. Then you can find the party.
posted by mosessis at 3:07 AM on July 18, 2009

Also, I'm getting really excited to meet everyone. It looks like it should be a great turn out. Yay for Sunday session!
posted by mosessis at 3:15 AM on July 18, 2009

I probably won't be able to make it anymore, but I hope you guys have lots of fun!
posted by liquorice at 5:58 PM on July 18, 2009

got stuck working :( hope it was great
posted by prettypretty at 10:42 PM on July 18, 2009

How was this? Who turned up? PICTURES?!
posted by liquorice at 7:02 AM on July 31, 2009