I agree that Provisional dates would only cause more problems, rather than solve anything, and I was hoping Towers might have shared with you guys their plans for next year. (Wishful thinking, but as seen by other European Parks, they are already planning for next year)
To get the discussion going, I am thinking of something like the following meets for Towers next year.
Feb Half Term - 1 Day (Which ever weekend is not on Valentines Day)
Opening Day - 1 Day
18th April/19th April - 2 Day - Accommodation in the Lodges
Scarefest Weekend - 2 Days - Accommodation at Towers
Fireworks -1 Day
I have just focused on Towers meets, and there is gaps where you could fit mini meets in, but as a basis, I think this covers the main events at Towers and allows plenty of gaps for meets at other parks and European adventures.
Feb Half Term is a tricky one, as I have a feeling Saturday 14th will be the first day, but as it is also Valentines Day, it makes it difficult for those in a relationship to attend, so maybe having it as the final Sunday (22nd) would make it easier for more people to attend.
Opening day I am suggesting as a one day meet, as I expect a lot of people to want to book the lodges when they open a month later. Assuming they do not get delayed.
Scarefest is always a popular one, and I think having accommodation on site makes it better. Its easier to get changed in to costumes, people spend less time off park, and it avoids a 30 minute drive after the park closes back to the hotel. I know I managed to get a Sun Discounted room this year, as have others, so with a little forward planning it is possible to get accommodation on site cheaper than normal, and with the Lodges still been refresh, I can see this been a popular choice. Wishful thinking again, but with the increased accommodation, hopefully the prices will not be as silly as they are this year for Scarefest.
I think for the the 2 day meets with overnight accommodation, it would make sense to start the planning threads at the start of the year. This gives people plenty of time to sort themselves in to groups, and help people save up for a room. Saving £50 (And additional costs) for a space in a room is a lot easier over 6 months than trying to find it in 1 week. I know its a little extra work for the mods, but it gets it out of the way, and is one less thing to worry about later
Let the discussions begin
Ian