After nearly 5 years of hearing about this conference I finally made the decision to attend this years event, and I can say that it was well worth the 2 1/2 hour flight to Chicago's Midway airport, and the one hour drive to the hotel.  Having only experience from one other TG event I was very pleased with how well organize this event is, but of course this was the 25th year so organizers have had lots of experience putting such an event together.  Now I really don't attend these functions for the workshops and seminars, my primary reason to attend is for the socialization that goes on throughout the day and evening.  For me these events are a way to meet new friends and stay in touch with old friends and of course these events provide me with the opportunity to dress up or down for as long as I want.  The highlights of this years event for me was the lunch on Saturday and hearing the guest speaker Susan Stanton share some of her recent experiences with coming out as a TS.  Susan lives and worked in Largo, Florida and being a resident of the Tampa Bay area I was all to familiar with some of her story through media reports, however this was an opportunity to see and hear Susan in person.  I actually avoided introducing myself to her as I felt she had enough people in her face and to me she appeared to be somewhat overwhelmed with her current "Celebrity" status.  Her situation is much different than others who have begun their transition other than the fact that that because of her job the local media found it to be news worthy and thus what might have been a quiet transition eventually became quite public at least in this area.  Anyway what's done is done and like others who have gone before and those who will follow I hope for the best.  The Saturday banquet was especially something to remember with limousine service and a red carpet complete with paparazzi.  The meal was enjoyable as was the fireworks display and the live entertainment.  Later that evening many drifted back to the hotel bar or other places and as with all fun times the weekend ended with the reality of packing my bags and taking a taxi to the airport for the 2 1/2 flight back home.    

Next is Fantasy Fest 2007 Key West