June 27-July 1, 2012
Marriott City Center
30 South 7th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Here are some frequently asked questions about attending the annual SABR Convention:
Do I have to be a SABR member to attend the convention?
SABR events are open to all baseball fans, not just members. Come check it out and see for yourself why we’re “baseball’s best-kept secret.” But we do encourage you to join at SABR.org/join. Members get discounted registration for all of our events throughout the year, not to mention three high-quality research publications, access to great online research resources like the complete Sporting News archives, new books in our Digital Library collection, and of course, the opportunity to be part of an international community of passionate baseball fans — which is what makes the SABR convention so much fun!
What is the Ross Adell First-Timers Welcome Reception?
Ross Adell, a SABR member for almost 25 years before he died of cancer in 2006 at the tender age of 50, loved a good party. He enjoyed making new friends and introducing them to kindred baseball spirits. That’s what the SABR convention is all about. For those of you attending your first convention, we know it can be a bit daunting. But we want you to feel welcome and Ross would, too. So come join us at the Ross Adell First-Timers Welcome Reception — everyone is welcome, not just first-timers. We’ll talk baseball and help show you how to get the most out of your SABR convention experience.
At SABR 42, the Ross Adell First-Timers Welcome Reception will be held from 8:00-10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27 in the Minnesota Room on the 6th floor of the Marriott City Center.
Where is my baseball game ticket?
Did you look in your pocket? In your wallet? Just kidding …
Because SABR members from throughout the country and the world come to the SABR convention to meet old friends and make new acquaintances, we have found that the best way to get SABR members to sit in their assigned seats at the ballpark is to create a chit system.
When you signed in at the SABR registration desk, you were given a sheet with your badge and other convention events you paid for. One portion of that sheet notes how many and what kind of Twins game tickets you paid for. If you do not care with whom you sit, you should turn your chit into your game ticket right away. But if you want to sit with a new friend who is arriving at a different time than you, wait to turn your chits in at the same time, thereby getting tickets next to one another. You must turn your Friday night game chit into a game ticket no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
What about autographs?
Many of our guests in the past have been kind enough to stick around after their talk to sign autographs. There is never any guarantee of autographs made by anyone and the key is to remember to respect the player or panelist as well as your fellow members. Many conventioneers use their convention program as an impromptu autograph book.
How do I enter the trivia contest?
Show up for the preliminaries and follow the directions given to you. The preliminaries are a written test. There are separate tests for the Individual competition and the Team competition, and you must decide before hand in which competition you will participate. The top four teams will compete in the semifinals, with the Individual and Team Finals taking place on Saturday evening.
How do regulars enjoy the convention?
Hang out. While the formal affairs are usually wonderful, make sure you spend plenty of time wandering around, listening and talking to people. The informal gabfests are always the most fun and the most interesting; sitting in your room looking at your goody bag is a drag. Attend as many presentations as possible. It is amazing what people have discovered. Taking the time to get out of the hotel to see the city is also a great way to recharge your batteries during a fun-filled weekend.
Is there a dress code?
The SABR convention is an eclectic, mostly casual affair and has no dress code. For research presentations, panels, and general scouting of the convention, wear something comfortable (shorts, jeans, slacks, polo shirts, T-shirts), whatever you are most comfortable in. At the Awards Luncheon, you will find members dressed from a suit and tie down to t-shirt and shorts, although the majority of members at the food functions wear either “dress-casual” or suit and tie.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
SABR members are a friendly bunch — no, really! — and are always willing to help a baseball fan in need. Look for the local Minnesota chapter members wearing the bright red volunteer shirts and they can help you find the presentation rooms or the vendors room … or a good nearby restaurant for dinner, whatever you’re looking for. You can also ask a staff member or volunteer at the registration desk for help. Or better yet, just flag down any SABR member who looks like they know something about baseball … you might make a new friend, and that’s the best part about attending any SABR convention.
For complete information on SABR 42, including registration and schedule, visit SABR.org/convention.
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