Philly 2009: Pre-event day

Many attendees were already in the hotel today. It did take us awhile to get the Internet connection working in our room, but did get it accomplished with the help of great tech guy Ryan.

I went downstairs and saw many old friends, joined a bunch of people in the bar area for some hellos, such as JewishGen's Warren Blatt and his wife Debra, Michael Tobias and his wife, as well as Stephanie Weiner and others.

Dinner was with Bob Wascou of Sacramento and Romanian national archivist Dr. Dorin Dobrincu, a truly charming man making his first appearance at the Jewish genealogy conference.

Many people registered tonight after 9pm and it was quite efficient: pick up the basics and bag at one station, ribbons at another, CD/syllabus at another. I gave Tracing the Tribe stickers to attendees still around the registration area.

It was great to see so many old friends!

I've just spent some time going over tomorrow's schedule and highlighted internal passport records of the Russian Empire, the JRI-Poland luncheon on cemeteries and property restitution, historical newspaper research, digital imagery for genealogy, the major opening session at 7.30pm and much more. During the day, I'm planning to access records in the Resource Room, visit the vendor room and start working in covering sessions.

Right now, though, it is time to get some sleep before tomorrow's busy day!