Overview

As the 4th largest city in the U.S. and home to astronaut training and NASA's Mission Control, Houston, Texas is a leader in business, entertainment, the arts, and more. From professional sports to outdoor fun to an out-of-this-world space experience and incredible dining - it's all here! Stroll the beaches of Galveston or challenge yourself on one of the many golf courses. SpaceCity offers everything from breathtaking museum exhibits to vibrant downtown entertainment. Explore the wonder of space or spend the day shopping to your heart's content. Visit and you'll understand why it's a city of infinite possibilities.

Houston.pm is a group of people who use Perl in the Houston area. Some of us use Perl in our jobs (officially or unofficially), while others just like to play with the language. We have all level of members from complete novices to very experienced Perl programmers working in Perl daily and more than willing to share their expertise. We believe that we have the resources and facilities to host a successful YAPC and hope that you will feel the same.

Proposed Dates

We have discussed various options for the proposed dates. In keeping with the past, we are considering three days during either the week of June 18th - 22nd or June 25th - 29th. We've also considered, if possible, continuing the new tradition of adding the two-day Perl classes to the conference, possibly placing the classes at the beginning of the conference rather than the end. This would allow for the conference to be June 20th - 22nd, avoiding possible conflicts of interest with Uri's anniversary and the birthday of Jim Brandt's triplets.

Facilities

Location

We have considered and researched three venue possibilities within Houston. They are Rice University, the University of Houston Downtown, and the University of Houston. [MAP - http://brazosvalley.pm.org/yapc/venuemap.html]

Rice University

Rice University is having a brief moratorium on decisions on Summer 2007 programs and conference requests. They are in the process of forming new policies regarding summer programs in general, which would affect what services and spaces would be available during the summer to groups outside Rice, including the availability of dorm space for non-Rice sponsored conferences. They plan to make a decision and have the policies finished by late September. Therefore, their information is not included in this bid proposal.

University of Houston - Downtown

UHD's dynamic campus is located in the north end of downtown Houston, easily accessed from all major freeways. From UHD, it's a quick ride on MetroRail to the heart of downtown for entertainment, ball games, dining, and clubs.

The venue possibility is the One Main Building, an 11-story building that houses the university's bookstore, copy center, computer lab, dining services, and various classrooms and meeting rooms. They have a variety of facilities available including two lecture halls each with a capacity of 150, three special events rooms capable of holding 100 people each, and an auditorium that has a total capacity of 450. Each room offers full multimedia capabilities. Wireless Internet access is available in all floors of the building.

The Community Relations and Conference Services page (http://www.uhd.edu/about/reservations/) contains links to rooms and floor plans, as well as various other information about the conference facilities.

Maps and directions can be found at http://www.uhd.edu/about/map.htm

One issue with the University of Houston Downtown campus is that they do not have housing. They have agreements with some of the surrounding hotels, which will be an option if the UHD campus is further considered. No additional information about UHD has been included in this bid.

University of Houston

The University of Houston provides conference facilities within the University Center (http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/), a four-level facility with numerous meeting rooms, a game room (can be rented by the hour), and various food venues. There is a large ballroom with a capacity for 600 attendees (expandable up to 1200), a room capable of holding 280 people, and another room with a capacity for 100. The center also maintains various other meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 40 to 75 people. A map of the facility is available at http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/about%20us/print_map_uc.html. The university also provides a photo tour available at http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/reservations/tour/uc_tour.html

 |--------------------------------------------| 
 |         Room            | Capacity | Price | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Houston and 1 perimeter |      900 |  1625 | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Houston                 |      600 |  1305 | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Cougar Den              |      280 |   475 | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Mediterranean           |      100 |   235 | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Bluebonnet              |       75 |   130 | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Lone Star               |       60 |   120 | 
 |--------------------------------------------| 
 | Palo Duro               |       14 |    60 | (storage/terminal room?) 
 |--------------------------------------------|

Pricing will be lower if getting sponsorship from the university is an option.

Internet Access

Wireless Internet connectivity is available throughout the University Center. In addition, wireless connectivity is available in most academic buildings on campus.

Also (if possible), as Joey Kelly mentioned on the YAPC::NA 2006 Chicago wiki (http://yapcchicago.org/wiki/index.cgi):

".... I officially volunteer to be the network admin for yapc next year, wherever it's held. I do this stuff for a living, and promise to liase with the venue networking staff well in advance, provide a Linux server for DHCP/DNS/whatever, set up the wireless, provide tech support for attendees, work with the local PM group, and generally be the responsible party when things go down."

Cost/Affordability

We plan on keeping the registration fee at $100 for the 2007 YAPC. We hope to follow a similar approach as the 2006 YAPC in offering an early registration discount.

Low Cost Experience

Assuming that an attendee takes advantage of the low-cost approach to experiencing YAPC, they would stay in a double room in the dorms and choose the on-campus dining option.

 |-----------------------------|
 | Expense            |  Cost  |
 |-----------------------------|
 | Conference         |    100 |
 |-----------------------------|
 | Day 1 meals        |  20.45 |
 |-----------------------------|
 | Day 2 meals        |  12.20 |
 |-----------------------------|
 | Day 3 meals        |  12.20 |
 |-----------------------------|
 | 3-night dorm stay  |     45 |
 |-----------------------------|
 | Linen package      |     15 |
 |-----------------------------|
 | Total minus travel | 204.85 |
 |-----------------------------|

Attendee Cost

Depending on the various options for snacks and drinks, the cost per attendee will be around $60.

 |---------------------------|
 | Expense          |  Cost  |
 |---------------------------|
 | Snacks (3-days)  |     32 |
 | Sundae Bar       |      3 |
 | Auction Dinner   |     20 |
 | T-shirt          |      5 |
 | Total            |     60 |
 |---------------------------|

Conference Budget

With the registration fee set at $100 and the cost per attendee at $60, the amount per attendee left over to cover conference expenses is $40.

 |-----------------------|
 | Attendees | Available |
 |-----------------------|
 | 250       |     10000 |
 |-----------------------|
 | 300       |     12000 |
 |-----------------------|
 | 350       |     14000 |
 |-----------------------|
 | 400       |     16000 |
 |-----------------------|
 | 450       |     18000 |
 |-----------------------|

To cover the expenses of speakers and volunteers, we have included their registration fee as an expense. This removes their left over balance of $40 from the budget and covers their attendee costs. They still count towards a head count and partake of the same snacks and amenities as the typical attendee. If registration fee was waived for 50 people, the speaker/volunteer expenses would be $5000.

If the attendance was lower than 300, we would only need the Cougar Den, Mediterranean, and Bluebonnet rooms, putting the room total at $2520. Adding in Audiovisual costs and other expenses, such as clean up and staff, puts the total for less than 300 people around $3500. $3500 (facilities) + $5000 (speaker expense), brings the total to $8500, $1500 under the $10000 budget for 250 attendees (showing that a $90 early registration discount would certainly be viable).

For attendance greater than 400, we would utilize the Houston room (including its specific charges, as well as the rooms mentioned earlier. This would set the facility expenses (rooms + A/V + etc) to around $8415 and $5000 for speaker expenses, bringing the total to $13415, again, under budget.

The University Center room pricing is structured in a way that provides different pricing depending on who is renting the room. Prices are lower for university sponsored groups, department sponsored groups, and student organizations. One way to reduce room costs might be to work with the university or a UH department to have them provide the rooms at the discounted rates.

Audio/Visual and Equipment

The full list of pricing for audio/visual equipment can be found at http://www.uh.edu/ucaf/reservations/files/Fee_Schedule.pdf (2nd page).

 |--------------------------------------------------| 
 |              Equipment                  | Charge | 
 |--------------------------------------------------| 
 | Computer Projection Unit/LCD projector  |     75 | 
 |--------------------------------------------------| 
 | Internet Connection                     |   free | 
 |--------------------------------------------------| 
 | Sign Stands                             |   free | 
 |--------------------------------------------------| 
 | Wireless Microphones - Handheld         |     40 | 
 |--------------------------------------------------| 
 | Wireless Microphones - Lapel            |     40 | 
 |--------------------------------------------------|

The university recommends that an Audiovisual Operator be utilized. Some of the A/V equipment requires the assistance of a UH Audiovisual Operator, such as the rear screen projection unit, sound system, and lighting in the Houston room. An Audiovisual Operator is available for $20/hr. Add one hour for setup and one hour for breakdown. The use of wireless handheld and lapel microphones also require an Audiovisual Operator.

Other Fees and Services

The normal operating hours for the facility are 8:00am to 5:00pm (administrative offices). If the facility needs to be opened early or closed late, there is a $30/hr. fee associated. To avoid this, the conference schedule can run from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Depending on needs, an Electrician can be provided at a rate of $30/hr.

Houston Room specific charges:

Accommodations

Moody Towers is the largest complex of the residence halls and accommodates more than 1,100 students. The two 18-story buildings are joined by a main lobby, the Commons. The majority of the rooms house two occupants, while single occupant rooms are available. Most floors have a lounge with a television. Each floor shares a community bathroom with showers. The first floor is wheelchair accessible and has a slightly modified bathroom. The Towers provide a laundry facility, computer lab, health club, cafeteria, and convenience store. Floor plans and more information are available at http://www.housing.uh.edu/moodytowers.html.

The first floor is designed for guests with disabilities. ADA doors, bathroom stalls, and showers are available. Wheelchair bound guests may use the laundry room on the North Tower ground floor.

 Doubles:  $15 per person per night (no linen provided)
 Singles:  $28 per person per night (no linen provided)
 Linen Package:  $15.00 (includes sheets, blanket, pillow, bath towel, and wash cloth)

Dining location map: http://www.campusdish.com/NR/rdonlyres/92D2F42D-66BE-47D9-B6E6-37E36D5DC179/0/UH_Dining_Map_Lores.jpg

Shuttle routes: http://www.uh.edu/parking/pts_shuttle_schedule.html

Food Service/Catering

Dining

There are several dining options available on campus. A declining balance card (Cougar Cash) can be purchased and used at any of the convenience stores, retail and residential on campus facilities. In the retail locations, visitors can enjoy brands like Wendy's, Java City, Starbucks, Smoothie King, Kim Son, AFC Sushi, Chick-Fil-A, Grill Works, Pizza Hut, Montagues, Taco Bell and Subway.

The residential restaurant, RFoC which stands for "real food on campus" is an all-you-care-to-eat facility located in Moody Towers and Oberholtzer Hall. There are seven stations available in the facility, the grill, deli, comfort zone, pizza station, international zone, salad bar and a desert bar. The door rate for the residential restaurant is $5.00 for breakfast, $6.00 for lunch and $7.00 for dinner. A meal can be purchased at the door with cash, credit, or Cougar Cash.

Catering

Linen will be provided for all tables in the rooms that will be used for food and beverage service. Should the need arise for linen on other tables, including guest tables, these can be provided at an additional charge.

 Tablecloths   $ 3.00/each
 Skirting      $20.00/each
 Napkins       $ 0.30/each

China and glassware are included in the current pricing of all meals held within the University Center. Services provided outside of the facility will be accompanied by paperware. If china and glassware are preferred for use at a remote location, these can be provided at an additional charge of $1.75 per person.

The average price of a UH catered dinner for the TPF auction is between $10 and $25. Adjustments to menus can be made to accommodate special dietary needs.

Internet Access

Internet connectivity is available in Moody Towers via wireless and wired connections. Wireless service can be accessed in the lobby area of Moody Towers. In addition, wireless connectivity is available in the dining rooms, the OB Ballroom, and most academic buildings on campus.

Alternative Accommodations

Transportation

Getting to Houston

Once You're Here

Easy to get around, Houston offers an excellent light rail and city bus system in the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the second largest taxicab fleet in the country.

METRO

Whether a passenger chooses to ride the bus, rail or both, they will be able to get on board using METRO's standard fare items.

METRORail Fares, one way

 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | Fare Type:    |  Adult  | Discount |   Youth    |
 |               |         |          | (age 5-11) |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | Cash:         |    $  1 |   $  .40 |     $  .25 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | Day Pass:     |    $  2 |   $  .80 |     $  .50 | 
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | 7 Day Pass:   |    $  9 |   $ 4.50 |     $ 2.70 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | 30 Day Pass:  |    $ 35 |   $15.00 |     $ 9.00 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | 365 Day Pass: |    $315 |   $52.00 |     $52.00 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 | 10 Tokens($8) | 1 Token |        - |          - |
 |-------------------------------------------------|

METROLift Pass

All METRO buses and trains are 100% accessible for people with disabilities and feature lifts, ramps and enlarged destination signs. For those who cannot use our accessible buses or trains, METRO offers METROLift, a curb-to-curb, shared ride service using vans and sedans. METROLift eligibility requires physician approval and an in-person evaluation conducted at METRO. For more information, call 713-225-0119.

Express, Park & Ride Service

This service falls into four zones, with fares based on the distance a bus must travel from a Park & Ride lot to its final destination. Zone 1 includes lots within a distance of up to 11 miles and all Express routes. Zone 2 lots are from 11 up to 16 miles; Zone 3 lots are from 16 up to 21 miles; and Zone 4 lots are 21 miles or greater.

With eight Express and 25 Park & Ride bus routes, METRO can get you to work and home again quickly and reliably for as little as $1.50 one-way! You may use your 30-Day Pass, 365-Day Pass, Stored Value Card or cash.

Express, Park & Ride Fares, one way **

 |-------------------------------------------------|
 |Adult        | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 |Cash         |  $1.50 |  $2.50 |  $3.00 |  $3.50 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 |30-Day Pass  |  $  50 |  $  78 |  $  94 |  $ 110 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|
 |365-Day Pass |  $ 459 |  $ 702 |  $ 846 |  $ 990 |
 |-------------------------------------------------|

**During peak hours, 5 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m.; non-peak fare for all services is $1

Trolley Service

In the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the fare is $1 one-way and may be paid with exact change (bill or coins), any METRO time-activated pass, a valid Stored Value Card, a TMC pass, tokens or a valid transfer. Trolleys cannot issue transfers.

Tourist Attractions

From the Third Ward to Chinatown in the Southwest, Houston is known for fabulous dining and great Houston attractions. You can enjoy fine dining in the very posh area of River Oaks, tantalizing Texas barbecue downtown, and even some fresh seafood from the Kemah Boardwalk on Galveston Bay. From live music venues of local talent, to the sophisticated ambience of the symphony or ballet, Houston has something for everyone.

Since you're in the place that broadcast man's first step on the moon, you may want to pay a visit to Space Center Houston (http://www.spacecenter.org/), where you'll be whisked into outer space through simulations and films. Once back on earth, you can hop on the tram to the complex's NASA/Johnson Space Center to watch astronauts and engineers at work and in training.