I don't need to have organized a trade show before to know that the last show in NO sucked and I've been there enough to know the convention type hotel situation. You say the city would love our money and I disagree. New Orleans is still reeling from the disaster and much of it is still unihabitable and will still be that way in 7 months.
I live in Florida and know Tampa quite well. Like I said, it woud be a good location but I still think you're going to get flack from webmasters that have to attend 2 shows in Florida during the hottest months. June in San Diego is quite comfortable, but I assure you that in Florida it's fucking hot.
The northeast is expensive? And San Diego, Vegas Miami aren't?
Faye asked for opinions and I gave mine. Not sure I see the need for an argumentative response though.