We spend all year preparing for the Cranky Network Awards presented by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport behind the scenes, but a weekly post on what we’re doing seems like completely absurd overkill. Heck, even a monthly post seems insane. But as I get ready for a trip out there to do some planning work, it seemed like a good time to pull back the curtain on what’s in store.

An Earlier Date and a New Hotel But the Same Schedule

As invitees know, we’ve moved this year’s program up a week to make it an easier travel schedule for those heading to Rio soon after for an industry conference. Hopefully all of you network folks have February 19 blocked off on your calendar.

We also be in a new hotel this year, the Courtyard Phoenix Downtown. I know, I know… a Courtyard? But trust us, this is not a regular Courtyard.

You’re going to love it, especially since it’s even closer to the event venue, and it’s right next door to the afterparty spot.

I think we can all agree that the biggest concern about this date shift is… will there be spring training games played the next day? Though it hasn’t been officially announced, we’re feeling good that there will be games for those who want to sneak one in before you head back. We know where your priorities lie.

The Cranky Confab Returns

Last year we tried something new. Instead of starting with the cocktail reception and dinner, we began at lunch with the Cranky Confab discussion. In this off-the-record panel chat we covered two topics: Aircraft Manufacturers and the US-México market. And now we’re doing it again.

No, no, we aren’t doing the same topics again. The discussion about aircraft manufacturers is always timely, so that may come back, but we will have at least one different topic in the mix. So if you’re coming, make sure to get there in the morning. You won’t want to miss this.

The Cocktail Reception Continues

Don’t worry. Just because we have the Cranky Confab doesn’t mean we won’t have the always-important cocktail reception to kick of the evening. This year’s reception, presented by Visit Phoenix, Arizona Office of Tourism, and Experience Scottsdale will be ready to start the night off right.

Last year, the official cocktail of the city of Phoenix was service, the aptly-named “The Phoenix.” Do you have any favorite local drinks? Let us know, and we’ll see what we can do. (Note: Cactus Cooler does not count as a local drink.)

An Afterparty Hotspot

I mentioned that this year’s afterparty would be right next door to the host hotel. But what I didn’t mention is that Bitter & Twisted has been named of the top bars in the entire US. It has also received two pins from the Pinnacle Guide, which is trying to do for bars what the Michelin Guide does for restaurants. Here’s what a far more-crowded event than ours looks like on the inside.

This may very well be our best afterparty venue yet, a place where all the winners can celebrate. (And ITA can cry in its negroni….)

The Forecast Breakfast presented by Tampa International Airport is Back

I had a network exec tell me last year that the forecast breakfast alone made it worth the trip. Is it so great because of the mugs that the good people of TPA handed out in previous years? Well, yes, but also I have to begrudingly give my partner-in-crime some credit. Courtney Miller takes the, ahem, Visual Approach and walks through reams of slides but not to bore you. He wants to get the discussion flowing with some really fascinating charts. And flow it shall.

Now With More Privacy

One last update for you. We used to livestream the awards. Then we cut it down to just putting out a short summary video. Now? Video cameras are gone. This event has always been about the airlines and making sure their network teams can have a good time. We don’t need video for that, but be warned… I’m pretty sure everyone still has video capabilities on their phones. Maybe I’ll put together a horribly-photoshopped summary. Or maybe we’ll just enjoy ourselves in the moment and not worry about anyone who isn’t there. Who knew that was a still a possibility in today’s world?

It just means that you will want to be there even more than you did before, if that’s possible. We’re pretty restrictive on who we’ll let attend, but one sure-fire way is to, of course, consider a sponsorship. If you’d like to learn more about that, email cna-sponsor@crankyflier.com.