Lower Rates and More Space Attract Ephemera 26
to Stamford Westin in 2006

The Ephemera Society of America is changing venues for its March 10-12, 2006 annual meeting and paper fair to the Westin Hotel in Stamford, CT.

A move had been under discussion for several years by the Society's Board of Directors and show promoters, due primarily to rising costs and limited space at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich, CT. The Society's multi-year contract with the Hyatt expired this year and new, more costly contract terms sought by the hotel forced the Society to consider other properties, as well as the Hyatt.

Society Board Member Stuart Kaplan, who had used the Stamford Westin for conferences, recommended the hotel, which is one exit east of Old Greenwich on I-95. Kaplan, along with John and Tina Bruno from Flamingo Promotions, the paper fair promoter, visited other area hotels and, with the approval of the Society's executive committee, began negotiations with the Westin in April.

The move, according to Society President Nic Ricketts and the Brunos, offers several advantages for both members and dealers who will visit Ephemera 26.

"From the dealers' point of view, the Westin should be a real improvement," Tina Bruno says. "The ballroom is larger than the Hyatt's, which means we'll be able to attract more dealers. We hope this will translate to more members for the Society.

"And the dealers will be happy to hear that the hotel offers free covered parking so that unloading can be done out of the weather. The parking garage connects directly with the ballroom by elevator. Parking is also free for dealers and members. The Hyatt would have begun imposing parking fees for everyone next year."

Bruno also says the Westin's lower rates will allow them to lower fees to dealers by as much as 10 percent. Room rates, at $92 a night, also are $33 less than the Hyatt proposed and $23 less than guests had been paying in recent years.

"Even thought the décor is different, the Westin has the same high-end feel as the Hyatt," Bruno says, "as well as offering their trademarked 'Heavenly Beds.'"

Other advantages for the Society, according to Ricketts, include no minimums on food or beverage sales such as those being proposed by the Hyatt.

"There are some other perquisites, as well," Ricketts says, "including niceties like free wireless Internet connections in the lobby and free high-speed wired connections in each guest room. There is 24-hour room service and the hotel management has agreed to keep the redecorated restaurant and cocktail lounge open each night until 1 a.m. They seemed very willing to work with us."

The hotel also offers free shuttle service from the Metro station a quarter mile away, and free shuttles to area restaurants for guests.

Members should keep in mind that the date for Ephemera 26 has been advanced a week from the traditional third weekend of the month to the second weekend to avoid conflicts with nearby ephemera and antique shows in New York, Atlantic City, and Boston.