Some of you may have noticed that the rates posted on Mandalay Bay's website for 9/24 and 9/25 have dropped like a rock over the past few days. As of today, the regular rate is $129/$129. Our group's contract rate is $159/$159. I've been told a group that reserved 1000 rooms cancelled in the last few days, which is why the rate is so low for our dates. (If you look at 9/22, 9/23, 9/26 and 9/27, you'll see they are still $329/$309/$169/$189.)

So, in an effort to make things right, everyone who books under the WestPac group will be upgraded to THEhotel, Mandalay's luxury tower. The rooms are all suites with parlors and 1-1/2 baths, wireless internet and in-room fax/printers. See photos at http://www.mandalaybay.com/pictures/thehotel/.

Also, for anyone who has booked additional nights (9/22, 9/23, 9/26 or 9/27), the hotel will honor our conference rate of $159.

Also, I've asked for discounted tickets to see the 7:30 Mamma Mia show on Monday.