56th CONVENTION | HOTEL | TRANSPORTATION | FITNESS STROLL
WELCOME DINNER | TOURS | MEALS
REGISTRATION DEADLINES | CONVENTION SCHEDULE
CONVENTION SPONSORS | CONVENTION PACKET

WELCOME EVERYONE!

As chairman of the 2008 National Convention, and your Northeast Regional Director, I am delighted to welcome you to Hartford, Connecticut.  I’m sure these five days will be full of learning and fun for all of you.

Each convention is a little different and that makes them interesting and fun!  Yet, there are some aspects that never change and that makes them worthwhile.  For example, expect new ideas and tools for practical use when you return to your home chapters.  There will also be lots of networking time to meet members from other Mended Hearts chapters, to share experiences and compare methods.
 
And then there’s Hartford. I’ll admit some bias here, but I think it’s safe to say we have a beautiful city that’s filled with history.  To really experience it, we have scheduled a variety of tours – geared for all ages -- that will take you back in time and you’ll discover the heart of New England. We hope you will stay an extra day, too!  On Thursday, May 29th, there’s a day tour of Mystic Seaport offered. It is an internationally known maritime historic seaport. 

There are excellent restaurants in the area.  For your leisure time, we have a beautiful  park to stroll through, and a local free shuttle available.  We know you will take something back home with you that you have enjoyed and learned.  Why, we even have entertainment that will keep you “rockin’ down memory lane”!

We’re having fun planning for you and I have received great support from other Northeast chapters who have stepped up to the plate and jumped right in to make this a great event.
Our host Chapter 9 was ready to start planning as soon as we received the word it was a “go”.

We are eagerly anticipating your arrival.  So, book your room, arrange your travel, wear your comfortable shoes, and join us in “Bringing Heart to Hartford.”  You’ll be happy and amazed at what you will find…and be ready to have some fun!


Warm regards,

Priscilla Soucy
Convention Chairman

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CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 24, 2008
12:00 p.m. –  5:00 p.m.
Registration / Exhibits
3:00 p.m. –  4:30 p.m.
First-Timer Orientation / Buddy Assignments
3:00 p.m. –  4:00 p.m.
Worship Service - Jewish
4:00 p.m. –  5:30 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
6:00 p.m. –  6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m. –  9:00 p.m.
Welcome Dinner
“An Exciting Journey:  Advances in Cardiovascular Research and Treatment”  – Kathryn Taubert, Ph.D
A dynamic and highly respected leader in the field of cardiovascular science, Dr. Taubert is Senior Scientist and Special Assistant to the Chief Science Officer at the American Heart Association.  She will provide attendees with an overview of some of the latest-breaking and innovative progress in cardiovascular science that is not only saving lives, but significantly improving the quality of those lives.

Evening’s Entertainment:  In Harmony, a vocal group specializing in music from the 1950s.  In the spirit of the evening, participants are encouraged to wear their favorite 50s styles and enjoy some good ol’ rock ‘n roll, 50s style! Poodle skirts, bobby sox, pony tails and duck tails welcome!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
7:00 a.m. –   7:30 a.m.
Fitness Stroll
Water Aerobics
8:30 a.m. –   5:00 p.m.
Exhibits
8:45 a.m. –  10:00 a.m.
Regional Meetings
10:00 a.m. –  11:30 a.m.
Break & Exhibits
10:15 a.m. –  10:45 p.m.
Worship Service - Catholic
Worship Service - Protestant
11:30 a.m. –    1:30 p.m.
Annual Luncheon
“Letting Go of What’s Holding You Back” – Wayne Sotile, Ph.D.
The diagnosis of heart disease creates a ‘new normal’ for patients and their loved ones. For more than 30 years, Dr. Sotile has explored the secrets of families who thrive in the wake of unexpected coping challenges.  His cutting-edge research will effectively come into play as he teaches how to let go of what’s holding you back from thriving – and how we can help heart patients and their families do the same.
1:30 p.m.  –  1:45 p.m.
Break
1:45 p.m.  –  3:15 p.m.
Chapter Visiting Workshops
  • Fine Tuning our Strengths: Understanding the Definitions of Visiting and Clarifying HIPAA Regulations - Pris Daetwyler, National Visiting Committee Chairman; Dennis Ragan, Chapter 135 Visiting Chairman,  Gus Littlefield, Southern Regional Director ; Charles Christmas, Past National President
    Learn about newly approved definitions for the visiting program, designed to make tracking and reporting visits easier and clearer. Find out the latest on how HIPAA and state privacy laws impact the chapter, and steps to assure regulations are met while still providing support to the heart patients in your hospital and your chapter. Learn how a chapter has dealt with multiple HIPAA issues and resolved them successfully.
  • Caregiving: Stronger and Wiser: Lessons Learned from the Journey - Sue Borum, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Zulma Meneses, Chapter 296, Jim Forman, Chapter 61 and Harry Eckert, Chapter 120
    Enlighten your visitor perspective with a group of veteran caregivers who share their well-earned wisdom on how to thrive while caring for heart disease patients. Learn how to communicate hope to others -- including extended family members, stress reduction tips, understanding medical jargon and where to find caregiver resources.
3:15 p.m.  –    5:00 p.m.
Afternoon on Own
3:30 p.m.
Tours: City of Hartford (on motorcoach); Foxwoods Casino; Blue Back Square
Evening on Own
Monday, May 26, 2008
7:00 a.m.  –    7:30 a.m.
Fitness Stroll
Water Aerobics
8:30 a.m.  –   5:00 p.m.
Exhibits
8:30 a.m.  –  10:00 a.m.
Chapter Visiting Workshops (repeat from Sunday pm)
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Break & Exhibits
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting
12:15 p.m. –  6:00 p.m.
Tours: Mark Twain/Harriet B. Stowe Homes; Basketball Hall of Fame; Old Wethersfield
7:30 p.m.  –   9:30 p.m.
Executive Committee Host Meet & Greet
All meeting participants are warmly invited to this casual, come-and-go favorite – a new convention tradition!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
7:00 a.m.  –   7:30 a.m.
Fitness Stroll
Water Aerobics
8:30 a.m.  –  5:00 p.m.
Exhibits
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Chapter Variety Workshops
  • Home is Where the Heart (and Testing!) Is - Justine Couvares, Raytel Cardiac Services Self testing has been around for quite awhile for glucose monitoring, and now tools are available to self-test coumadin levels. Learn more about this new technology, its advantages and updates on Medicare coverage.
  • Nourishing Healthy Hearts: Giving Yourself a Little TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) - Janet Long, MSN, ACNP, FAHA, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association
    Tap the knowledge of this distinguished cardiology nurse practitioner to learn more on the atherosclerotic process, the relationship of nutritional components to heart disease, lipid disorders, hypertension, and  therapeutic lifestyle changes recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel. Translating guidance from the experts into practical daily lifestyle choices will be the order of the day(s)!

  • Heart2Heart: An AHA Pilot Program - Dennis Milne, Vice President, American Stroke Association, Doug Steingraber, Mid-Atlantic ARD
    This innovative pilot program from AHA is designed to recruit volunteers to assist those with lifestyle changes to make, heart patients and caregivers -- in finding valuable information and resources, particularly through the vast AHA website. Community resources, including Mended Hearts, will be featured.  Volunteers are encouraged to develop personal web pages sharing their experiences and inviting those seeking information to contact them.
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Chapter Variety Workshops (repeat)
12:00 p.m. –  1:45 p.m.
Luncheon
"Patient Advocacy Power:  Tackling Chronic Disease Through Prevention – Intervention – Innovation" - Jill Dolgin, Pharm. D.
This engaging discussion will review how a three-pronged approach to managing chronic disease in America, fueled by efforts of patient advocacy leaders, can make a difference in providing sound solutions to rising costs and other challenges with health care in our country.
1:45 p.m. –  2:00 p.m.
Break
2:00 p.m. –  3:30 p.m.
General Session
  • "The Rhythm of Life: CPR Anytime” - David Hiltz, Northeast Community Strategies Manager, Emergency Cardiovascular Programs, American Heart Association
    Each year, cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac arrest claim the lives of 325,000 Americans before they reach a hospital.  At-risk patients are more likely to suffer cardiac arrest and almost 80 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home.  Participants will learn the value of CPR education for family members and caregivers of at-risk patients as well as learn CPR using CPR Anytime.

  • Officer Training and Roundtables - Wayne Lawson, Midwest Regional Director; Sonja Carlburg, Midwest ARD; Jana Stewart, Central Regional Director; Jack Hanahan, Midwest ARD; Connie Butler, Midwest ARD; Lillian Bornack, Midwest ARD; George Dunkelberg, Midwest ARD
    Officer training is a critical issue for many chapters. Whether you are a new or veteran chapter officer, you’ll find valuable information from this distinguished panel as well as from other peers in this highly interactive workshop. From officer descriptions, to loads of real-life examples, this session promises the goods on chapter management. All attendees will participate in a “mock chapter meeting” designed to find solutions for the toughest meeting challenges!
3:30 p.m. –  3:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 p.m.  –  5:15 p.m.
General Session (repeat)


Evening on Own
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
7:00 a.m. –  7:30 a.m.
Fitness Stroll
Water Aerobics
8:30 a.m. –  1:30 p.m.
Exhibits
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Chapter Management Workshops
  • Moving Forward – Advocacy and Mended Hearts - Clarissa Garcia, Director of Grassroots Advocacy Department, Office of Grassroots Advocacy; Bob Scott, National Advocacy Chairman
    Paired for success, new Mended Hearts National Advocacy Chairman Bob Scott joins with AHA Advocacy staff to discuss the latest joint efforts between MHI and AHA to further legislative support for heart disease research and other initiatives. Clarissa Garcia will outline the structure of the AHA Advocacy department, and Bob Scott will unveil the 2008 National Mended Hearts Advocacy Plan.

  • Online Basics 101: Untangling the Web, PowerPoint and Other Mysteries - Rita Callens, MHI Field Services Director
    Back by popular demand, this session will focus on answering members’ questions on how to use the Mended Hearts Web site, how to use other heart-related sites and how to build a PowerPoint presentation, among other helpful topics.

  • Leadership and Followership: How do  Follower Styles Affect Your Chapter? - Jodi Lemacks, National Program Coordinator, Mended Little Hearts
    Good leaders need good followers. According to Robert Kelley, there are five categories of followers: alienated followers, conformists, pragmatists, passive followers, and exemplary followers.  It is important to understand all of these types of followers within the group so that as leaders, we can work to shift those alienated followers, conformists, pragmatists, and passive followers to exemplary followers --  and by having exemplary followers, accomplish much more in our chapters.
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Chapter Management Workshops
12:00 p.m. –  1:30 p.m.
Luncheon
“US Against Athero - Fighting Atherosclerosis with Knowledge”
Atherosclerosis – the progressive buildup of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries – is the leading cause of coronary heart disease, which afflicts 1.2 million Americans every year and is a leading cause of stroke, which affects over 700,000 Americans annually.  To combat the devastating impact of this often silent killer, a nationwide awareness campaign -- to include Mended Hearts – has been launched. This session will review critical information about the disease and what can – and is – being done to curtail its impact. 
1:45 p.m. -  5:30 p.m.
Tours
1:45 p.m. -  3:15 p.m.
Newsletter Workshop
  • Newsletters: Heart of Service - Sandy Briggs, National Newsletter Chairman
    Learn the secret to making that personal “heartfelt” connection to readers. Chapter newsletters can be a powerful recruitment tool through articles that really “speak from the heart”. As heart survivors and caregivers, we need to be open to the lives of those that we touch through our chapter newsletters. Come learn the story of how one young man made a difference in his world. Learn how to find these stories and how to ensure your newsletter has an even bigger impact on your readers.
1:45 p.m. -  3:15 p.m.
ARD Meeting
6:00 p.m. -  6:30 p.m.
Farewell Reception
6:30 p.m. -  9:30 p.m.
Farewell/Awards Dinner
Join us for this special evening as Mended Hearts recognizes its own with special presentations and celebrations to highlight a year of phenomenal achievement and accomplishments!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
a.m.
Depart Hartford for Home
10:00 am - 6:00 p.m.
Optional Tour of Mystic, CT

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CONVENTION

MHI 56th Annual Convention: Bringing Heart to Hartford!
The Northeast Region invites you to its charming city, Hartford, CT. Rich with history -- and you won’t want to miss the beauty of New England in the spring! 

Hotel Reservations: Hilton Hartford has notified us that rooms are filling up fast. All hotel reservations must be made before Friday, May 2, 2008, to obtain the rate of $107 + tax and service charge, based on availability. After May 2, the room rate will increase to $159 + tax plus service charge and are based on availability. So if you haven’t made your hotel reservation, do so immediately!

Please contact the hotel directly regarding your hotel accommodations. The additional per-person rate over double occupancy is $10 per person. For those who wish to come into town early or stay later, the group rate will apply May 21 through June 1, 2008 based on availability.  For reservations, call the hotel toll free at 1-800-HILTONS. Be sure to request the group rate for the Mended Hearts Convention. 

Hilton Hartford
315 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT   06103-1186
Reservations:  1-800-HILTONS
Hotel Telephone #:  1-860-728-5151
Hotel Fax #:  1-860-240-7247

Online Reservations:  www.hilton.com then select the Hilton Hartford
Check in time:  3:00 p.m.
Check out time:  12:00 noon

Hotel Parking: The Hilton Hartford offers secured parking attached directly to the hotel in the Hilton section of the Church Street garage.  The Mended Hearts negotiated parking rate is $15 per day.

Convention Registration:  Registrations must be received no later than May 16, 2008.  Please return registration forms to the National Office.  

Early Bird Registration:  Early Bird package price if received by National by April 4, 2008 offers a $15 discount.  Discount does not apply to A la carte package price.  (See Convention Fee Schedule on registration form).

Late Convention Registration:  The National Office will process registrations received prior to May 2, 2008.  Registrations received after May 2nd will be forwarded to the Convention Committee for onsite registration.  A late fee of $25.00 will be applied at that time.

Transportation To and From Airport/Hotel: Because we heard from a number of you who are arriving in Hartford on Friday, May 23, we have added transportation to and from Bradley Airport to the Hartford Hilton from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., at no cost – no reservations required. Look for the motor coach outside of the baggage claim area of Terminals A and Terminal B. There will be a sign on the window that says, “Mended Hearts Annual Convention to Hilton Hartford.” On Saturday, May 24, a motor coach will pick up on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Transportation will also be available for departures on Thursday, May 29, on the hour from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with drop offs at Bradley Airport Terminal A and Terminal B.

Ground Transportation: For those interested in getting around downtown Hartford, the Hartford Star Shuttle is a free downtown shuttle operating approximately every12 minutes. It stops directly at the hotel and is available Monday through Friday beginning at 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Saturday from 3:00PM to 11:00 PM.  It does not operate on Sundays or Holidays. Along the route there are restaurants and nightlife locations, cultural heritage sites and landmarks.

Meals:  The hotel is being provided with American Heart Association guidelines for meal preparations and will offer healthy options when possible.  You may sign up for the Farewell Dinner seating preferences at the registration table upon check-in.

Attire:  Business casual attire is perfect for the annual convention events.  Be sure to remember comfortable walking shoes for walking Bushnell Park and any tours you’ve purchased.  Dress for spring weather during the day and a light jacket or sweater is recommended in the evening.  A light sweater might come in handy indoors as air temperatures may vary.  Bring your sunglasses and light back packs for carrying bottled water or medications.  MOST IMPORTANT – REMEMBER YOUR CAMERA!

Weather: During the later month of May and early June, temperatures in Hartford range from daytime highs to mid-70s and evening lows in the upper 50s.  The most precipitation on average occurs in May, so be sure and bring an umbrella and light rain gear.  As air temperatures may vary indoors, you might wish to pack a lighter sweater.

Scooters:  Scooters will be available to rent at the Marriott Riverwalk.  In order to give the vendor an estimated head count, please be sure to indicate scooter needs on your registration form…under the “medical conditions” section.

Fitness Stroll:  Join fellow MHI members for this organized walk Sunday through Wednesday.  Bushnell Park is only four (4) blocks from Hilton Hartford.
 
Water Aerobics:  Back by popular demand, water aerobics will be offered each morning for a fresh way to start your day.  Session will be held in the hotel’s  indoor pool each morning.

Medical Screenings:  Blood pressure checks and health screenings will be available at no charge on Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Scooters: Scooters will be available to rent at the Hilton Hartford.  In order to give the vendor an estimated head count, please be sure to indicate scooter needs on your registration form…under the “Special Requests” section.

You won’t want to miss New England in the spring!

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EVENTS

Convention Overview and Planned Activities

We’ll be "Bringing Heart to Hartford,” literally, as the 56th Annual Convention hosted by the Northeast Region promises a program of stimulating, productive, and dynamic sessions mixed with more than a little fun!  Along with some exciting medical presentations, plan to participate in outstanding programs designed to help you tackle current issues and prepare you for future chapter challenges.  In addition to ever-popular sessions on strengthening visiting programs and chapters, new this year will be a workshop featuring roundtable discussions for chapter officers, a mock chapter meeting, panel presentations featuring caregivers and another on visiting.   We’ll have a session devoted to managing chapter matters related to HIPAA, more information about navigating (and untangling) the Web, and the premiere of a new concept, “Birds of a Feather” whereby topics of interest to members are discussed in small group settings.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to refresh your perspective and return to your chapter with new ideas and useful information.  Below are a few of the highlights you can expect.

Saturday, May 24, 2008
  • Welcome Dinner
    An evening where new friends meet and old friends get reacquainted.   Local entertainment for your enjoyment is being planned.   This year the coveted Harken Award will also be presented – this prestigious award is given every two years.
  • Buddy / First Timers
    Is this your first time to attend a MHI Conference?  Allow us to pair you with a veteran MHI member who will introduce you to the MHI ropes.  Seasoned MHI members are encouraged to become a “buddy” to a first-time attendee.  Buddies and first timers will sit together during the opening and closing dinners to share the week’s experiences.   
  • Exhibits
    Sponsors and others will be on hand to discuss their latest products and services. 
Sunday, May 25 – Wednesday, May 28, 2008
  • Workshops
    Gain hands-on experience with potential solutions for your chapter and fellow heart patient members.  These workshops are led by experienced fellow members and outside experts who will provide you with firsthand knowledge and best practice solutions. 
  • Regional Meetings
    Hosted by Regional Directors, chapters will meet by region for a brief overview of National and Regional goals.  These workshops allow time for questions and comments and are an excellent forum for learning more about your region and what your regional director has planned for the coming year.   
  • Medical Updates – Throughout Convention
    Leading medical professionals will present the latest information regarding heart disease treatment and prevention.   Presentations will be held during meal functions, Sunday, May 25th through Wednesday, May 28th.
  • “Birds-of-a-Feather”
    Scheduled breaks and free time will allow you to meet other members from chapters across the country in an informal setting.  Table signs will direct participants to a designated area for impromptu small group discussions.
  • Fitness Stroll and Water Aerobics
    Early risers meet each morning to start the day with a light stroll in Bushnell Park or water aerobics in the hotel’s state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool.  Enjoy the end of the day in the hotel’s hot tub!
  • Meet ’N Greet Reception
    Hosted by the Executive Committee, meet (or greet or both!) the National officers in an open house, in a casual setting with light refreshments.
  • Tours
    In what has become a convention favorite tradition, lots of optional tours will be available.  Just a few include trips to Foxwood Casino, Basketball Hall of Fame, Mark Twain – Harriet Beecher Stowe Home, Old Wethersfield Tour (oldest town in Connecticut), and Amistad Sites-Farmington, Connecticut.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
  • Awards Dinner
    An evening of kudos to the crème de la crème of the MHI membership.  This event is considered by many the “Academy Awards” of MHI.  Chapters and leaders will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their local community both in education and leadership.  The dinner will close the week’s activities.

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TOURS

See tour sign-up form for dates and times.
  • HARTFORD CITY TOUR - Highlights of this tour include begin at the Old State House (1796).  Drive by’s include the ancient burial grounds, Wadsworth Art Museum, Bushnell Park,  State Capitol, State Library and Museum, Travelers Tower,  Legislative Office Building (LOB), and the Mark Twain House.
  • MYSTIC SEAPORT - An internationally recognized maritime museum, is located along the beautiful Mystic River. More than museum buildings, it is a village of historic tall ships, New England homes and shops.  Step back in time and experience 19th century living through crafts and trades and the people who bring them to life.
  • BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME - Founded by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the Basketball Hall of Fame first opened its doors in February 1968 in Springfield, MA as a memorial to Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball.  On the Hall of Fame court, you can test your shooting or jumping ability.  The Hall of Fame contains memorabilia honoring all segments of the game: men, women, professional, collegiate, scholastic, amateur, international, Olympic, referees, and trainers.
  • FOXWOODS RESORT CASINO - Experience gaming as it is meant to be...in its natural state.  Watch the sun set over the rolling hills nestled in Southeastern Connecticut.  Imagine the excitement of hundreds of table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud and an assortment of novelty games. 
  • MARK TWAIN TOUR - Step back into The Gilded Age by visiting The Mark Twain House that Samuel Langhorne Clemens had built in 1874 and lived in with his family until 1891. Here he wrote seven major works (including Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper, Life on the Mississippi, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court.
  • THE HARRIET BEECHER STOWE HOUSE - Built in 1871, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House was the last residence of Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose Uncle Tom’s Cabin, American Woman’s Home, and other writings made her one of the most successful authors of the 19th-century.  Mrs. Stowe lived here from 1873 until her death in 1896.    
  • COLONIAL TOUR WETHERSFIELD, CT - No visit to Connecticut would be complete with out a visit to the 18th Century town of Old Wethersfield, the most “ancient" town in Connecticut, where America's early heritage is preserved in nearly 150 homes built before 1850.   Old Wethersfield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the state's largest Historic District .
  • AMISTAD SITES - Following the trial in February 1841, the Africans of the Amistad were sent to Farmington to live while funds were raised privately for their return to their homeland. We will also see the school where the Africans attended classes and several more historic sites. In November 1841, thirty-seven surviving Africans left Farmington and sailed towards their homeland in Africa, now known as Sierra Leone, as free individuals.
  • BLUEBACK SQUARE-WEST HARTFORD CENTER - Shop till you drop at CHICO’S-TALBOT’S etc.  and some of the finest stores in the area.  Both shopping areas are located within a two block walking area of each other.  Shuttle service will be provided.

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2008 Mended Hearts Convention Sponsors

Bristol Myers-Squibb
sanofi-aventis
GlaxoSmithKline
AstraZeneca
Lilly
Raytel Cardiac Services
American Heart Assocation Food Certification Program
Cord Blood Registry
St. Jude Medical Foundation

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CONVENTION PACKETS WILL BE MAILED WEEK OF MARCH 3RD.
Click HERE to download the CONVENTION PACKET.

If you do not want the entire conference packet, but individual forms:
Click HERE to download the CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM.
Click HERE to download the BUDDY REGISTRATION FORM.
Click HERE to download the TOUR SIGNUP FORM
Click HERE to download the CONVENTION WEARABLES ORDER FORM

All information is in .PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.