The Mystery of Mobile

Alabama map Every once in awhile, you get pleasantly surprised. Sometimes you learn something new, run across something undiscovered... perhaps you find yourself in the right place at the right time. Take, for example, the fact that Mardi Gras originated in Mobile, Alabama. That's right. The birthplace of one of the biggest celebrations in the world. And, Mardi Gras continues in its home town, where a less-crowded party with "mystic societies" and floats, a total focus on fun for all ages, and some flesh (after all it is Fat Tuesday!) alchemize into sublime surprise.

Sometimes you just have to see for yourself. Mobile is a city with rich artifacts and royal accommodations. Deep in the heart of the South, Mobile is a city that simultaneously wears honor for history and excitement for the present and future. If you haven't guessed by now, Mobile is the site of the 1999 SouthEast SAS Users Group (SESUG) Conference. Beginning October 31, 1999, we will celebrate our 7th Annual conference in the tradition of America's first party city!

Mardi Gras mask

Oak-lined streets, graceful mansions, and a bustling port city, Mobile is a great location for SESUG. The Adam's Mark Riverview Hotel provides a spectacular view of Mobile Bay, the new convention center, and a newly revitalized historic downtown.

Other area attractions include the annual Azalea Trail Run, the USS Alabama battleship, Fort Conde and nearby Bellingrath Gardens. The beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast are easily accessible, so surf 'n' sand adventures abound as popular weekend getaways for residents and guests, alike.

SESUG '99 begins on Sunday, October 31, with some great Weekend Workshops. That evening, we will celebrate in Mobile-madness-style, SESUG's first-ever Halloween party. We promise several surprises that you won't want to miss. If you can't make it to SESUG until Monday morning, we have scheduled the Official Opening session for 11:00 a.m. and the first formal sessions at 1:00 p.m. See you there!