"Hope and Change" Didn't Help The Wyndham O'Hare

No doubt you've read the news at the Monster Zero message board and in the media that the Wyndham O'Hare is shutting its doors on January 1. This was to be the 2010 hotel for G-FEST. According to the article below, the cause was the rotten economy.

The Daily Herald wrote:

The suburban hotel industry took another major hit Tuesday as the Wyndham O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont prepares to close by Jan. 1.

The quick shutdown surprised the Unite Here Local 450 union, which received written notice that its 107 workers will be out of a job due to a lack of financing, said Bill Biggerstaff, secretary/treasurer for the union that represents workers at the Rosemont hotel and two others that have or will close in Arlington Heights and Oak Brook.

"Talk about a kick in the stomach," Biggerstaff said. "We had about 250 members out of work in just a blink of an eye."

The property is independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in Parsippany, N.J., said Wyndham spokeswoman Evy Apostolatos.

While this is not good news for G-FEST, it is not so bad that we are left without alternatives. We can go back to the Crowne Plaza if we choose. But we are looking at other area hotels who have facilities comparable to the Crowne Plaza or Wyndham O'Hare. I just got off the phone with J. D. and he's on top of the situation.

There's no need for panic. The show will go on. One way or another. Any announcements will be from J. D. Lees. The next issue of G-FAN will contain news about our special guest. It is going into the mails this coming week.

Final G-FEST XVI Comments

G-FEST XVI is now in the history books.

I am writing this in the terminal at Lambert St. Louis International Airport in St. Louis (naturally), Missouri. I have a two-hour layover here before I head back to Los Angeles.

This G-FEST had to be one of the smoothest ones in memory. Sure there were some snags, but they were very minor.

It was good to see the warm welcome the fans gave Kenji Sahara. I asked his translator, Yutaka Ichimura, if Mr. Sahara enjoyed himself. He said he did. According to J.D., the convention also gave inspiration to Mr. Sahara to get more active.

It was good to see old friends and meeting some new ones. It was also good to meet professionals in the industry, such as Matt Greenfield of ADV Films.

One of the nice things about attending G-FEST is being approached by fans with compliments on articles I've written. I can speak for the other contributors by saying that we do appreciate your feedback and well-wishes and we all will strive to produce articles that you will enjoy.

Of course, another nice dividend of G-FEST is actually meeting the stars, directors, special-effects directors and others connected with spfx films from Japan.

We are looking forward to the change in convention venues next year. We will be moving to the Wyndham O'Hare next year. They have an experienced convention catering staff (they originally signed us up at the Crowne Plaza) and know what our needs are. The hotel's website is here.

Additionally, according to Jeff Horne, "Within walking distance from the Wyndham is a McDonalds and the Pine Grove (a family restaurant) to the south. To the north is a Target, Panda Express, Pot Belly subs, iHop, Steak and Shake, Longhorn Steak House and other franchise eateries." That's good news! We'll no longer have to be at the mercy of the hotel's food and prices.

In the meantime, thanks to all who've made G-FEST XVI a fun event and I am looking forward to seeing you all in our new home.