Portland Salsa Congress-A hit or Bust?

Usually when one thinks of salsa congresses, they think "big events with big names kept in a well known hotel and close to a major airport-right? One can expect from a three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) non stop Salsa workshops, performances and dancing until the early hours of the dawn; enough to meet any Salsaholic desire.

I recently attended the Portland Salsa Congress. Although I haven't been to as many conferences as some of my other colleagues, I have enough (Chicago, Seattle, Salt Lake City) to know, that all the previous descriptors the Portland Salsa Congress was not with the exception of the big names. The fact that the only thing the Portland Salsa Congress had going on, was the big names, does not necessarily make it a bad thing, though. On the contrary, this was just as much of a positive for the event, than negative.

Yes, the Portland Salsa Congress the greatest weakness, the small location, the Tiffany-Center. Since there is only one main hall, it means that there is only one area to dance in, practice, practice and lessons. Whereas in the larger conferences there are multiple rooms so that all of this could occur at the same time. On top of that there was no air conditioning-so it was sometimes a bit cramped.

But if you choose to look at the glass half full, you will realize that the Tiffany Center, is an older, picturesque and "charming" building with hardwood floors. I compare it with the century Ballroom in Seattle, or the Ballroom Willowbrook in greater Chicagoland area. Big enough for a few hundred people.

This location promoted a more intimate and friendlier generally positive experience. During the event I had the privilege of organizing the performers before they went on stage. And you know what? For the most part, these stars of the event were approachable, you know man. And as the Congress the more down to earth progressed, just like you or me, they were.

As the Portland Salsa Congress was wrapping up I started to get that feeling when you realize you that something good is about to end. Having spent a whole 3 days non-stop dancing and to me that it is probably going to be a while before I get to see some of these people-get was I'm going to miss these guys? (Well I get it-I will stop with the Mummy; p).

So for those of you who didn't attend, missed your a relatively small Congress, with good music, great performance and a good amount of Salsa dancing (that's for the PDX-area). But in the middle of the presences of internationally renowned Albert Torres, Christian & Liz lira, John & Liz of Salsamania, and finally, Eli & yen that brought the House down, believe it or not, you have a missed chance to interact with some of the best, friendliest, Salseros around.