CNMC 2009 starts off with a flustered Fr. Roderick
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: July 1, 2009
It seems he was a little confused about what he had to do. Thank goodness our Master of Ceremonies, the very serious Mac Barron, was able to step in and take over.
Here are some highlights of the morning.
Mac Barron was an awesome host
the audience was so engaged
the youngest participants
Capt Jeff and the SWAGsters
On the U meets in the Catholic Spotlight
The Catholic Hack table
Aren't these two the cutest? Ever? Sarah Bauer and Chris Sansone.
These are just some highlights from the morning. Unfortunately for me, I heard most of the conference from just outside the main hall. I was wandering around making sure stuff was secure and things were running smoothly. Don’t feel sorry for me. I can watch the addresses from the links at SQPN.com, but in the meantime I was able to enjoy a different aspect of the conference, like getting to talk to some really cool people. This last picture of Sarah was taken just a few moments after she autographed her CD for my daughter, Christy, who remains bitter about not going to the CNMC. [next year for sure, Christy]
so maybe staying out so late wasn’t smart
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
Some of the Board was meeting at 6:45 AM to go over to the Skyroom to set up. It was definitely an early morning. We were in the lobby on time, but decided that maybe grabbing some breakfast in the hotel would be a good idea.
Note the fork in David’s pocket. Breakfast was a bit rushed, and our fearless leader had a lot to keep up with. At least he’s a good sport. What a calm guy in the midst of chaos.
The vendors and sponsors were already at the Skyroom setting up. I really liked the way they were layed out. I think people really enjoyed going to see what was going on.
There’s Bill Moyer. And then Guadalupe Radio.
Our guys trying to figure out how to put togehter the SQPN backdrop. I think there might have been a call to Greg Willits at some point.
And finally, the incomparable, Linda “The Forger” Nielsen, running some magic to make sure all the numbers were crunched right. She’s smiling. That’s a good thing, right?
After the party
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
Most folks hit the Riverwalk after the Meet-N-Greet. The night was still young, and most people just kind of ambled away to the river to keep talking and getting to know each other.
Some of us, however, had more pressing things on our minds, like getting some real dinner. While we pretended to eat the hors d’ouevres (and they were very tasty), having had a light lunch, and then “hosting” the meet-n-greet and trying to make sure we touched base with everyone, sitting down to eat was an enticing thought.
Father Roderick, however, distractable as ever, disappeared and we had to chase him down! We finally threatened to leave him behind, and that motivated him. It’s a good thing he runs marathons.
more Meet-N-Greet
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
What was really funny was watching the level of geekiness as people got comfortable. One thing I noted, if Dr. Paul was anywhere in the vicinity, it was like watching a bunch of pre-teen boys. It didn’t help that he was wearing his KC ball cap. Anyway, out would come the iPhone, and the guys would gather around and watch videos. Silly boys.
When I called him on it, I turned around to find that Fr. Seraphim was equally tied to the technology, only, sometimes you still have to do things OldSchool, and he had to pull out an ACTUAL PAPER! I know. Shocking.
Patrick Madrid even got into the game when he went to join the ustream audience. The laptop ustreaming became an entity, too!
And of course, our hosts, Chris, Helen, and Nicholas from The Catholic Company.
the much anticipated Meet-N-Greet
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
Our friends at The Catholic Company hosted this year’s Meet-N-Greet, and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast! Everyone was having a good time, and the conversation was hysterical.
Participant #1: Hi, I’m Bob.
Participant #2: Good to meet you. I’m Barb.
empty and awkward small talk
Barb: Oh my goodness, you’re Bicycle Bob! ! !
Bob: And you’re BarbInNebraska! ! !
animated and engaged conversation
It went like that all night!
My husband was watching on ustream and I got a text message shortly after this…”I saw you drinking that margarita.” Busted!
Remember the Alamo!
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
We went to the Alamo to film the last piece for the CNMC opener. Of course, I used the opportunity for a little tourist action, and had Inge take this picture of me to prove I was there, but the real attraction was the people watching. Check out the bride in bright blue Crocs!
Of course, it was entertaining to watch Mac and Katherine filming. The shaved ice vendors were pretty put out. Ha! I don’t know why; they made some money.
And Stephanie and I got to watch Jude!
The Alamo guard was a little agitated, and was watching the filming with a little trepidation. You’d think people never took video at the Alamo. Of course, chances are people didn’t take video of themselves running around! Ha!
last minute filming
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
I accompanied Mac to a drugstore to get a knee brace. He had to film the last segment of a short film to open the CNMC, so I teased him about making a pilgrimage to CVS in the middle of the lovely Riverwalk. Everyone else was enjoying their beers or margaritas in the shade. My question is, what is a CVS doing in the middle of this awesome tourist a-trap-tion?
then…some real business
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
The board meeting was ustreamed, but I understand Fr. Roderick drowned out the discussion with country music. That’s a good thing, because y’all know how scandalous Mac can get.
Really, what is the obsession with country music, Father?
getting down to business…sort of
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
We had an impromptu lunch before the board meeting, and invited the folks hanging around in the lobby to join us for some sandwiches. We had a good time getting to know each other, and reconnecting with friends from last year.
Finally at the hotel!
Posted by: Maria Johnson on: June 29, 2009
It seems like a whole new batch of people arrived at the same time, and it was great fun to just start going up to people previously recognizable only as avatars. Here are Reid Hjelmaas from MyCatholicVoice, along with Pat and Nick Padley from In Between Sundays, and Steve Nelson from On the U. Lisa Henley, CatholicMom, was so giddy with joy! We spent the weekend taking the same picture and trading out so we could be in the shots, too. What a sweetheart!
Of course, it wouldn’t be a geekfest without podcasting. Everyone was connected at all times. Father Roderick, Inge Loots, Jeff Young -the Catholic Foodie, and Stephanie Weaks. They saw us and brought out the ustream!
Search
- Pat Gohn: Among Women #14 mentions my participation and recommends certain Ustream talks to listen to on SQPN. Also my blog, Write in Between has mentions th
- Shelly Kelly: That officer may have been trying to decide whether you were filming "for fun" or if he needed to ask to see your city permit! The Alamo does not all
- Jamie McAdams: It sounds like everyone had a great time. I wasn't there but it sounds like there was a lot to learn and that didn't stop me from blogging about it.
Categories
- CNMC 2009 (2)
- CNMC Prep (8)
- Meet-N-Greet (3)
