Convention Insider (Conventions.net)

My wife is a huge CSI fan.  She records every episode of it so that she can make sure to watch them.  Now that the writer’s strike is over, tonight she got to see a brand new episode.  I’m not sure who is more excited about it being back on, her to watch her show or me to not have to hear about why the writer’s strike stinks.  Naturally, since I love to check out if there is a convention or trade show on a certain topics or industry I had to see what was available for crime scene investigators and where they convene.

A small world that it is, I found it right in my own back yard.  The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is holding a conference at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on February 16-21, 2009.  The annual meeting is described as:

The Academy’s annual scientific meeting is held in February at which time over 500 scientific papers, breakfast seminars, workshops, and other special events are presented. The AAFS consists of ten sections representing a wide range of forensic specialties, and the annual scientific meeting gathers these professionals who present the most current information, research, and updates in this expanding field.

I guess the time not to commit a crime in Denver will be that week in Denver in February.  Criminals beware.

In our house this week it has been Spring Break.  I myself have a love hate relationship with the idea, because I used to love having the week off to go skiing here in Colorado, but now I have all my kids underfoot as I try to work.  It has been a trying time for me, but my kids are in heaven.  Parents are not huge fans of this time of year.

For many Convention and Visitor Bureaus however, Spring Break is a very important time of the year.  Those places with beaches are truly one of the most sought after destinations.  I suppose it is a result of being inside throughout the winter everyone is looking for some fun in the sun.  Many travel destinations may be hurting somewhat this year as a result of rising gasoline prices.  Last year at Spring Break, gasoline was just over $2.00 per gallon and this year it is exploded to over $3.00 per gallon, and that will translate to some of those wanting to travel to sunny beaches to stay home and enjoy their break without breaking the bank on travel costs.  I for one won;t be spending the mortgage of gasoline.

Many conventions and visitors bureaus spend lots of their advertising budget trying to get people to spend Spring Break at their locations.  It is one of the first chances they can reach out to travelers and get them to notice their locations and amenities.  Locally here, The Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau is pushing to come and see The Denver Zoo over Spring Break.  What they don’t understand I think is the fact that it is already a zoo here in my house with all these animals at home!  Check with your own Convention and Visitors Bureau and they too may have a program they are pushing and you can find deals or ideas on how to spend your Spring Break.

[photo via margaritanitz]