Editor's note: It is tradition that longtime ISBA member John W. Damisch (John the Farmer) provide his personal recap from annual meetings. Here’s his colorful take on last weekend’s 2010 Annual Meeting (click here to read his take on last year's Annual Meeting):
This year I was not going to give a critique of the ISBA Annual meeting ... but some people asked for it so this is only my personal reading.
Outside it was hot, hot, hot ... inside cool, cool, cool. George Mahoney and John O'Brien were dressed like peacocks in their best ... gorgeous clothes and frequent changes! Mark Hassakis had the best bow tie for the annual dinner.
Travel to St. L. was by American Airlines (price was $219 r.t.) plus the monorail from STL to the Hyatt Hotel ($1.75 each way). Judge Terry Brady and Paula Holderman on the plane going to - and Judge Alex White on the return.
Rooms were spacious ... good view of the Mississippi River, bridge and the Casino Queen sitting near the bridge.
Opening reception sponsored by ISBA Mutual had delicious groceries ... meat, piles of shrimp, Asian, Mexican, American, and an open bar. (only saw one person that was over served) couple hundred friends and new friends. The biggies (Mark H, officers, Board members etc) ... went out on a bus out for dinner.
At 9:30 p.m there was a reception for Mark H. on the roof of the hotel, overlooking the Arch, and under full moon, more extensive groceries and full bar.
