OpenAir Conditioner
An Annual Winter Gathering in Madison, WI
The Conditioner is the members-only winter gathering started in 2007 to respond to requests for another opportunity beyond “The Classic” to get together. We choose to host it at our favorite winter party venue, the luxurious Governor’s Club executive level at the Madison Concourse Hotel & Governors Club – one of the most prestigious venues in the Capital City. The event starts Friday, we have a special guest presentation on Saturday morning, a short driving tour route with check-point stops to the Saturday “Big Reveal” Luncheon, where we announce the 2026 OAC Classic XX August destination. Saturday evening there’s more time to party, explore Madison, and relax.
Don’t delay! Room reservations are due January 10, 2026, and event registration is due by January 17th.
Guest Speakers: Jim Ross and Shellee Graham
This year we’re especially delighted that attendees will “get some real kicks” hearing and talking with Jim Ross and Shellee Graham. They’re two of the nation’s most knowledgeable, personally experienced, well-traveled, and widely published, writer-photographer-cruisers of “the American Mother Road.”
Route 66 is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2026 and Jim and Shellee have been traveling and discovering the best ways to get the most out “motoring west!” for more than 30 years. They have driven and explored virtually every teepee motel, wayside diner, snake and scorpion ranch, cowboy chuck wagon, alien landing spot, hot coffee café, and beautiful bend in the road from Chicago to LA. Their new book “Route 66 -100 Years” was just released last June and has been named One of the Top Ten Travel Books of 2025 by the Smithsonian!
Headquarter Hotel: Madison Concourse & Governors Club
The OAC Members special block rate is $215/night (plus taxes & fees) – double occupancy, king suite or double queen – including key-card access to the Governor’s Club with full club amenities as noted, parking in the hotel garage, and access to OAC room and special Saturday program.
Make hotel room reservations by noon on January 10.
Reserve by phone at 1-800-356-8293 and ask for the “OpenAir Conditioner Room Block” or online.