On Thursday, a good spot to meet to chat, and perhaps even sit while doing so, is directly across the street from the Convention Center, at Peabody's, around 5:00 p.m. If you enter the far-right side of the hotel lobby coming from the street... walk through the archway to the back area there, past a mini-bar or two usually set up on the right as you enter the main area with the fountain centered on the left. Back right, there are several, sizeable round tables(3-4) situated in that area.
It's close enough to see folks, but offers a slightly quieter area to converse and tipple. I'll be in that area, around 4:30-5.p.m. or so, and should be able to secure a table and will place a small GCA sign on the center of the table. I suggest that interested GCAers make a stop there, beginning around 5p.m. or so on Thursday.
While many, such as Matt and Simon have dinner plans later that night, it would give all a chance to at least meet and set up anything that might be planned for Friday or Saturday. I look forward to meeting and sharing war stories with our fellow GCA addicts!
Cheers,
Kris