Guinness Believer Gatherings

[xjasons]

I was wondering if anyone attended any of the Guinness Believer events in the Fall of 2003. I am planning on attending this spring in Denver at the ESPNZone. I wanted to know if it realy was free Guinness and food. Basically is it as good as advertised?

If you have not heard of this yet, here is the link:
http://www.believerrsvp.com

These are the markets and the dates:
Atlanta 3/23-3/24, 3/26, 3/31-4/2, 4/6-4/8
Chicago 4/27-4/29, 5/4-5/6, 5/11-5/13
Denver 3/30-4/1, 4/6-4/9, 4/12, 4/14
New York 5/11-5-13, 5/17-5/20, 5/26-5/27
Philadelphia 3/25-3/26, 3/29-4/1, 4/5, 4/7
Washington DC 4/13-4/15, 4/19-4/23, 4/28

[steveh]

I attended one in Chicago - though I can't recall for sure whether it was in 2003.

Quick answers - yes, and yes. Free Guinness (and Harp, and Bass), and free food. While the food was very good, there wasn't huge amounts, but how can you complain with free beer?

The event was mostly a sales push to get people to understand, try, and enjoy Guinness more - in a pep-ralley sort of manner. For my friend and me, it was preaching to the choir!

If you have an evening free, I'd recommend the event. You give up your e-mail address in turn for free beer, a pint (imperial) glass, and an exclusive t-shirt. Besides, who wouldn't mind e-mail news and offers from Guinness?

S.

[xjasons]

I am attending a session in Denver and feel much better about the decision thanks to your timely response.

[steveh]

XJ - How was the Guinness Believer event for you? My friend and I are signed up for tonight's Chicago session and we're wondering if it's going to be as good as last year, or disappointing in comparison.

S.

[chazwicke]

I am signed up for the DC event tomorrow. I'm not sure I'll make it down there for that though.

[Richard English]

Well, I'll be in Chicago on the 29th. but what my hosts have in store for me I don't know. It will certainly be beer-related, that's for sure!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Richard English
Well, I'll be in Chicago on the 29th. but what my hosts have in store for me I don't know. It will certainly be beer-related, that's for sure!

Even while you're supposed to be working? ;)

Chaz, where are they holding the DC Guinness event? The Chi event is at ESPN Zone. :P Lat year it was in a nice, out of the way art gallery - very quaint (easy to park, too).

S.

[Richard English]

I'm only working until 1730! I assumed this event continued into the evening!

[steveh]

Originally posted by Richard English
I'm only working until 1730! I assumed this event continued into the evening!

Well, the event is from 1730 to 2130, but I think there are other plans with your host company for that evening. Though it can't hurt to suggest! ;)

S.

[MeridianFC]

(ring.....ring.....ring......click)

Hello?

Yes this is MeridianFC calling from Washington, DC is this Chicagoland?

Yes.

You'd best lock up all your beer and look out for a Steve and/or a Richard. They'll certainly drink all your stores if you're not vigilant.

Thank you Sir, thank you very much. The beer drinkers of greater Chicagoland thank you.

[Richard English]

Don't leave the 'phone just yet I'm hoping to pay a visit to Goose Island...

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
Even while you're supposed to be working? ;)

Chaz, where are they holding the DC Guinness event? The Chi event is at ESPN Zone. :P Lat year it was in a nice, out of the way art gallery - very quaint (easy to park, too).

S.

I think it is at ESPN Zone too. about 6:00 If I recall. It has been a while since i reserved. I tried checking the sight and it confirms that i reserved but will not let me look at the details.

[studentofbeer]

Originally posted by Richard English
Don't leave the 'phone just yet I'm hoping to pay a visit to Goose Island...

if you do stop by goose island, especially on a weekday let me know as i think it'd be fun to meet up with some of you.

edit: or anywhere else in chicago for that matter.

[Richard English]

If I get to Goose Island it won't be until the Sunday as they don't do tours on the other days I'm free.

The rest of the itinerary is in the hands of my hosts!

[chazwicke]

Please say hello to your hosts from me. They have not posted recently.

[steveh]

April 27, 2004 Guinness Believer Event - Chicago - ESPN Zone.

All in comparison to last year's event:

Venue: Ehh. I'm not a huge fan of sports bars.
Food: Pretty good chicken strips. Some pasta, lots of salad (?)
Crowd: Smaller and less into it than last year.
Hype: MC didn't seem as enthusiastic, and the pitch wasn't as extensive, but did we really want that anyway?

Duration: Definitely a shorter event than last year.
Freebies: Much fewer than last year - same (pretty nice) T, and a Guinness bottle opener - no glass as last year.

Guinness - Free and flowing.
Conclusion: Not a bad little thank-you party for Guinness drinkers, though my friend and I bowed out after the pitch and headed to a great Irish pub for another pint and some live Irish music - much more enjoyable.

S.

[studentofbeer]

eh, sounds decent enough. i think i signed up for may 13, so ill probably give it a whirl.

[fretlessman71]

And why didn't I hear about this a month ago, when I could have done something about it? :(

[chazwicke]

Fret, you can take my place at the DC ESPN tonight as I don't think I'm going to make it. Just hop a plane.......