The Reason For Merpalooza 2012 Location CHange (PLEASE RESPOND)

[mermanjr]

Stephanie Sims (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?495-Stephanie-Sims)
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Junior MemberPod of The South (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?58-Pod-of-the-South)http://mernetwork.com/index/image.php?u=495&dateline=1341425938 (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?495-Stephanie-Sims)Join DateDec 2011LocationFloridaPosts19



HELLO MER FRIENDS AND ATTENTION ALL MERPALOOZA 2012 GUESTS

On Tuesday, July 24, 2012, after a sudden phone request by our meeting coordinator at International Palms Resort (old event site) to come in to the International Palms to finalize details on layout, etc., we had a meeting with the newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing there, Marshall Thompson mthompson@internationalpalms.com. Hold on to that email - you may want to use it. After keeping us there overnight asking us details and pulling up info he had researched on Mermaiding, the nest morning he informed our representatives that he was NOT interested in having MerPalooza 2012 at the facility, even though it had been long contracted and paid, because, in his opinion, EVERYONE associated with this hobby was quote "fruity", new age treehuggers and he felt we might offend other hotel guests with our mere presence.

Let me say that the prior Sales Manager we originally contracted with was the BEST and was more than friendly, willing to make the ONE pool there exclusive to us for the evening and the next morning, etc. That gentleman left the resort suddenly...so that is why the need for the new contact to review the details and speak to us. Doesn't matter, the new person, Marshall, was not going to honor our agreement or treat any of us honorably.

We were told that the event was not what they wanted to support also for the reason that "THOSE MERMAID PEOPLE" support gay and lesbian rights... and that is not something he can tolerate and did NOT want “THOSE” type of people at his facility, to such an extent that many reservations were not being kept or accepted for more than a week... We know of one group that lived in Orlando, and went in person and the resort would not take their money...And this was about a WEEK before Marshall called us.

LET ME SAY that MerPalooza is a family friendly event, both by day and night. But yes, we support PEOPLE. All people.

For those of you who know me, I think you might agree that I am an extremely soft spoken and professional person...This man yelled at me and insulted all of us with his "darkness" and hate. As a whole, everyone involved in MerPalooza 2012 was insulted, offended and it was felt that the event site must be moved IMMEDIATELY and that is exactly what has been done. We feared if we tried to stay with the original plan, our guests would NOT have been treated well.

We have friends at the Wyndham Orlando and at the thought of hearing what we went through, they opened their doors and a block of rooms for us, effective Thursday, and they listened. WOW it sure does feel nice to be welcomed by a facility that WANTS us there. I WANT and DEMAND that our guests be treated royally, and the Wyndham can do that. They are familiar with being welcoming to military, social, ethnic, niche groups and they are FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY. The place is gorgeous, so much of a step up - Photos added to the web site by tomorrow evening... and it's only half a mile down the road from the original location.

This move, we felt, was the only way we can protect our guests to be sure that none of you were exposed to this bigotry and his bias.

If you have a reservation at this facility, PLEASE cancel ASAP!!! You're still in your allotted time and the Wyndham promises to make the switch easy. For those who have not made reservations, please do so ASAP, as rooms will book fast here!!! We look forward to an INCREDIBLE event at our new facility, Wyndham Orlando Resort, 407-355-3612 . The room rate is still $79.00 and the management, staff and all of us look forward to making MerPalooza 2012 an event to remember. When booking your reservations, please remember to mention the group name, MerPalooza, to get our block rate.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 813-716-6767 or 813-892-5502 .
Also, see MerPalooza.com for all updated information.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on August 11th!!







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Today, 05:31 AM
#17 (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2526-Anyone-want-to-share-a-room-at-Orlando-s-Merpalooza&p=32945&viewfull=1#post32945)
Stephanie Sims (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?495-Stephanie-Sims)
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Junior MemberPod of The South (http://mernetwork.com/index/forumdisplay.php?58-Pod-of-the-South)http://mernetwork.com/index/image.php?u=495&dateline=1341425938 (http://mernetwork.com/index/member.php?495-Stephanie-Sims)Join DateDec 2011LocationFloridaPosts19



http://mernetwork.com/index/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by onelilmermaid http://mernetwork.com/index/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?p=32892#post32892)
So the deal for the hotel block is no good at the Palms anymore? What if you have already booked your stay?



&&The good news is that we called so far about half of the folks who had booked rooms ... and it's my mission to call the rest by the end of the night tomorrow, No, the Palms, if you read above...is not the place to stay if you can at all help it. I only know of one person who is stuck there, as her room stay was packaged in with her airline tickets. The new spot is less than half a mile form the old one. I do PROFUSELY apologize for any inconvenience, but if you read above, you will see why there was a very real need. In addition to you, the guests, major media is coming to this event. We could not be in a situation where we did not get represented properly or treated well. This is definitely a step up.






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[AniaR]

that is insane!!! I'll post this on the mernetwork page and tail flip to try and get the word out!

[MermanJV]

WOW, Screw those losers. :/

[Thalassa]

1) How rude to assume we all support the same causes! We have a wide variety of belief systems and causes we support.

2) Even if some mers support a certain cause, how stupid is it to refuse their patronage as a business? That even makes me angry, and I don't support the cause! Really bad business move on their part.

[Moonflower]

Damn, I was just there a few weeks ago for Orlando Anime Day, and a few weeks before that for Florida Anime Experience! I had no idea (and am going to pass this along to the people in charge of those cons) this bigot is now in charge! How very dare he!

[Moonflower]

I passed this along to the Orlando Sentinel. Not sure if they will deem it newsworthy, but the word has to be spread. This city is very gay friendly, and how very dare anyone treat us this way! Especially since this is not a "gay" event! Yes, gay people will be in attendance, as I'm sure will many in the LGBT community, but it is NO ONE'S place to refuse ANYONE service for their sexual preferences!! I'm so mad right now...

I've also passed this along to:
Orlando Anime Day (which recently held an event there)
Florida Anime Experience (which recently held an event there)
Gay Orbitz travel site (which advertises it has reviews of LGBT friendly hotels)
The Center here in Orlando, which is an LGBT community center.

If I can think of anyone else to contact, I will. This is a big issue for me. I may not be gay, but I sure as hell love my gay friends and cannot stand to see people being treated this way!

[AniaR]

I think we should write angry emails to the guy

[Moonflower]

I think we should write angry emails to the guy
Unfortunately, with people like this, he's not going to do anything more than delete our messages... I think we should contact the owners of the Palms, or at least the manager in change of the property.

[Spindrift]

I think we should make sure that he really did say those things first, before we do anything rash. Not saying that what Stephanie says isn't reputable, but it's possible things can get misconstrued when both sides get emotional about a particular subject.

... but it's also possible that I'm too distrusting at times.

[Merman Dan]

It's too bad that Greensboro, NC is landlocked three hours inland because hosting such an event would be perfect here.

We have the Greensboro Aquatic Center, (http://www.greensboroaquaticcenter.com) which one can use for public events like birthday parties and the like. Nearby is the Natural Science Center (http://www.natsci.org) with the Carolina SciQuarium (http://www.natsci.org/attractions/sciquarium/index.shtml) opening in early 2013.

A short drive away you'll fine Triad Reef Critters (http://www.triadreefcritters.com), where the proprietor might teach you everything you need to know about saltwater aquariums. Or perhaps Greensboro Scuba (http://www.greensboroscuba.com) might be willing to introduce newcomers to the sport.

[Kanti]

Wow do we live in the stone age or something? It's so aggravating to see people who are such
straight up assholes about things! And honestly, it's that guy's loss because I'm sure the mermaid
event is going to be a big thing, even for the guests who don't know it's happening.
I'm postive kids are going to want a piece of that and that guests will definitely take pictures and have
stories for their friends.

This guy's a real class act. Like Moonflower said, it would do us better to find out who HIS manager is
and let them know they have an intolerant asshole dealing with their external affairs.

[Rain]

Talk about being professional. Not only did this guy offend many people, he just lost a lot of business. No one has to be a manager or anything like that to be able to see that this guy isn't fit for the job. I hope he realizes one day how much of a jack a** he is.

[Aquatarian]

I just submitted this to a couple gay interest newsites...


Orlando Mermaid Convention Denied Venue for Being Too "Fruity"

This is a case of outright discrimination. I am a member of the "mer-community", a group of people who all share a love for the sea and mermaids/mermen. One way we express this passion is by dressing in fully swimmable tails, swimming in them, and at times preforming in them. Some of the more well known "mermaids" are Hannah Fraser, Linden Wolbert, The Mertailor, and Mermaid Melissa. We are a community that welcomes all races, religions, ages, nationalities, and of course sexual orientations.


There were plans recently made to hold "Merpalooza" (a mermaid lovers convention) at the International Palms Resort in Orlando, FL. It had been contracted and already paid for. However, due to a recent sales managment change, the event had to be reviewed by the new Manager. After being given a run through of the "mer-community", "mermaiding", and the plans for events at the convention by those in charge of putting it on, the new Manager, Marshall Thompson, said he would not permit the event " for the reason that
THOSE MERMAID PEOPLE
support gay and lesbian rights... and that is not something he can tolerate and did NOT want THOSE type of people at his facility".


Merpalooza is not a gay exclusive event. It is all inclusive. So this man, despite his intention, is choosing to discriminate against gay AND straight people (not to mention kids) who just happen to share a common interest. All because the common interests we share are not completely gender binary. Below are links to (1) the Merpalooza Website and (2) the hotels website, and (3) a letter from the event Coordinator of Merpalooza explaining the location change of the event. The letter includes the email of Marshall Thompson, as well as further details of what occurred with him.


1) http://34783478.wix.com/merpaloozaconvention

2) http://www.internationalpalmsorlando.com

3) http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?2658-The-Reason-For-Merpalooza-2012-Location-CHange-(PLEASE-RESPOND)


If someone could pass this on via towleroad, email, or another form of media (another gay interests newsite) or at least get the word out that this hotel is NOT gay friendly (or even ally friendly) it would be much appreciated. Thank you.


I doubt it'll be posted but it's worth a try to get business away from the hotel.

P.S. Please excuse the explanation on the community, I just wanted to give a condensed blurb on what we are about and I decided to give a few big names out so they could research the community further.

[Mermaid Gosalyn]

Well, he certainly has made a major mistake, if only in turning such a wonderful business opportunity away. I hope the Palms realizes the kind of man they now have working for them and replaces him quickly!

[Mermaid Aurora]

wow thats terrible. he lost out big time...

[Arella]

The thing is couldn't they get into a lot of legal trouble for this (I mean the blatant discrimination)?

[Angel the Little Merman]

To those who bought their tickets in advance, they'll still be good right? Despite of the location change.

[mermanjr]

Yes they are, but we Encourage all mer's to purchase there TICKETS for the event online so they have them for the event because they will sell out fast

[Mermaid Dottie]

If there is one thing that drives me entirely UP THE WALL, it's hatefulness. I bet this guy eats at chick-fil-a and hates the Muppets. Jerk.
I'm going to spread this around. Since when is the hotel "his" facility?
By the way MR Marshall; I'm proud to be a fruity, new-age treehugger. And I bet your funeral will look like Scrooge's compared to my brother's.
Did I mention my brother was a drag empress? The first Miss Gay Utah, plus SO many other titles.
Bad Form, Marshall. Bad form.

[Moonflower]

Did I mention my brother was a drag empress? The first Miss Gay Utah, plus SO many other titles.

Random side note to the thread story (because I'm so tempted to go over there right now and give that Marshall a piece of my mind!) - I "squee'd". LOL Please tell your brother I love him and to never change! ^_^

[Stephanie Sims]

I think we should make sure that he really did say those things first, before we do anything rash. Not saying that what Stephanie says isn't reputable, but it's possible things can get misconstrued when both sides get emotional about a particular subject.

... but it's also possible that I'm too distrusting at times.

With one hundred percent respect for any skepticism anyone may have, please allow me to assure you that I have been in business for years and, as the trademark owner of the word/event name Gasparilla (for one thing), I would NEVER do anything that may put myself into a situation where I could be sued and possibly lose my trademark. For those of you that may not know, Gasparilla is Tampa's big festival of Pirates and I do their pageant and some other events, as well as work with the city and the tourism board for purposes of them using the name. If I did not have proof in writing and on voice recorder...Yes, I recorded the conversation...I would not have exposed this. I realized I might be up for possible scrutiny. **I think this man IS the owner, or possibly one member of an ownership group that owns the Palms, as it is not a big chain hotel...It's a matter of public record that it's owned by a private owner/oenership group. So I feel he has no one he really needs to answer to... *I intend to sue him after the event, and big time. I just NEEDED to let everyone know how they perceived - correction - how he perceived us. I knew, based on what he was saying that our event was not going to get support there...and I COULD not find out the hard way that media wouldn't be welcome/other guests might intrude on our special night, etc. :)

[Mermaid Dottie]

Random side note to the thread story (because I'm so tempted to go over there right now and give that Marshall a piece of my mind!) - I "squee'd". LOL Please tell your brother I love him and to never change! ^_^
I doubt he ever will, sweetie. He's performing on Heaven's stage, now, ever since he was the victim of a hate crime in January. I really appreciate that, though, and I'm sure he does, too.
This is him. (https://www.facebook.com/slapafrog69)

[Moonflower]

I doubt he ever will, sweetie. He's performing on Heaven's stage, now, ever since he was the victim of a hate crime in January. I really appreciate that, though, and I'm sure he does, too.
This is him. (https://www.facebook.com/slapafrog69)

I'm so sorry! He was beautiful! <3 *hugs*

[Moonflower]

I showed this story to a friend of mine who works for a local company (a/v supplies for events) that worked with the Palms. They (her company) just pulled out of a multi-million dollar contract with the Palms because of their bigotry.

[MermanJesse]

Check out this!

http://www.stylecoven.com/post/28595853255/style-coven-exclusive-merpalooza-2012-mermaid?og=1&fb_action_ids=10151077578455842&fb_action_types=tumblr-feed%3Apost&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

[AniaR]

great article, read the comments in the comments section! Looks like they're already losing a lot of business over it

[Danimer]

If this is really true, alert the media - locally and otherwise. It's an interesting story and could actually result in greater public awareness of the event.

[Stephanie Sims]

If this is really true, alert the media - locally and otherwise. It's an interesting story and could actually result in greater public awareness of the event.
Any support we can get, anyone who DOES want to alert the media...Please feel free. *My main focus is on the event, but AFYTER, i do intend to go forward with action against this guy and the old location...We are going to have a great event! I probably won't be on again until it's over..So looking forward to meeting many of you!! Steph

[Danimer]

Have forwarded the story to several reporters, local and otherwise. If you hear from them, it might be worthwhile to give them a few minutes of your time, as it could result in great coverage for the event (which I wish I could attend!). This is a good contender for "weird news" journalists, but don't discriminate against them - one of them helped start my career! :)

[Merman_Shawn]

I'd like to say I'm surprised, but Florida has always been against gay rights. Of course there is a thriving gay community there, but it is sadly under-represented in the political arena. The fact the local government won't support them, makes these bigots feel justified in discriminating.
I won't be making it this year, but I really feel for you all. Best wishes!

[Spindrift]

With one hundred percent respect for any skepticism anyone may have, please allow me to assure you that I have been in business for years and, as the trademark owner of the word/event name Gasparilla (for one thing), I would NEVER do anything that may put myself into a situation where I could be sued and possibly lose my trademark. For those of you that may not know, Gasparilla is Tampa's big festival of Pirates and I do their pageant and some other events, as well as work with the city and the tourism board for purposes of them using the name. If I did not have proof in writing and on voice recorder...Yes, I recorded toohe conversation...I would not have exposed this. I realized I might be up for possible scrutiny. **I think this man IS the owner, or possibly one member of an ownership group that owns the Palms, as it is not a big chain hotel...It's a matter of public record that it's owned by a private owner/oenership group. So I feel he has no one he really needs to answer to... *I intend to sue him after the event, and big time. I just NEEDED to let everyone know how they perceived - correction - how he perceived us. I knew, based on what he was saying that our event was not going to get support there...and I COULD not find out the hard way that media wouldn't be welcome/other guests might intrude on our special night, etc. :)

Sorry, missed this. Thank you for your insight and clarification, Stephanie. It is both unfortunate and unprofessional that people act this way and think it is fine to do so. If you (directing this to people like Mr. Marshall Thompson) don't agree with your job or you can't do it right, quit, and save everyone the time and resources to deal with your incompetence. Stephanie, I'm looking forward to see how the event will go! :)