Okay, I'm way out of the link here, but, if I'm understanding you correctly, there's a Pet Talk Con(vention) going on in Texas next year? Wow. You might want to check with whoever puts on any major dog shows in the area as to what hotels/motels they work with as far as "pet friendly", but be aware, most places don't like you to leave the pets in the room during the day when you're gone. Have you asked about convention rates on the rooms? I mean, geez, you get 30-40 people there and that's probably more than they'd get that weekend unless something big is going on. We used to get blocks of rooms for the science fiction cons I used to attend and had one set up as the "con suite" with sodas, snackies, etc. where everyone could gather to chat and munch all night long if they wanted to. You'd just need some coolers & ice to keep the sodas cold, maybe a coffee pot and cups, etc. Everyone that is coming could contribute a couple of dollars toward it (say $5.00/person should cover the cost of the room and most of the munchies/drinks).

Don't know if I can come since I don't know where I'll be working at the time -- I don't intend to stay at Toshiba, if I can help it. We probably won't be working much in that season, so funds would be real tight, but I'd be willing to help support a con if I can get lots of reports on how it goes.