On extremely short notice, I will fly out there Weds thru Fri, if Trump's America will still let me in. I don't have my work schedule yet, but if someone is there and interested in a spontaneous meetup, let me know.
I highly recommend the radisson blu aqua hotel downtown. Bestest, most comfortable hotel bed ever. I may have stolen the pillowcases.
Thanks for your responses, everyone! I'm afraid I was too optimistic -- now that I do have my schedule I see they'll keep me busy all the time, including both evenings. Sorry. But if this visit goes well, I will probably be back once or twice a year; I will be in touch then. Sorry, @Quest, I would have loved to meet you; but I hope to catch you next time.
If you have a chance eat at Gibson's Steak House or Hugo's Frog Bar. Right next to each other and they're the same company. Fantastic food. If pizza is on the menu the Lou Malnati's is the place. Have fun!
...bit if you ever want the best pizza in the USA, visit Frank Pepe's in New Haven, Connecticut. Game over.
Generally, I eke out a marginal living on the fringes of the service economy. It's more fun than it sounds.