I understand that it's a busy event and the AHA wants to do it for a reasonable price. But, if the location doesn't matter, they could have it in BFE rather than a major city, and save a ton of cash. If location (and the beer scene) really doesn't matter, then why bother with Seattle, or San Diego, or any place that people would want to actually visit? Bellevue is a nice enough place and they are aggressively building and marketing themselves where they can, but it isn't the beer Mecca that Seattle is. And combining an event that involves drinking with a drive across the lake doesn't seem too smart. But mostly, I'm just disappointed to hear the conference would be in Seattle and then find out it isn't.
Having said that, thanks to WAHA for getting some events in place. Hopefully people can enjoy the East Side and Seattle.