57th CONVENTION | HOTEL | TRANSPORTATION | GETTING AROUND AIRPORT
FITNESS / WATER AEROBICS | WELCOME DINNER | TOURS | TOUR ONLINE REGISTRATION | MEALS
REGISTRATION DEADLINES | CONVENTION ONLINE REGISTRATION | CONVENTION SCHEDULE
CONVENTION SPONSORS | CONVENTION PACKET

Come to Orlando in June 2009!

The Mended Hearts 57th National Convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, from June 6-10, 2009. As Southern Regional Director and Convention Chairman, I look forward to having you join us for a fun-filled and educational experience.

The Orlando location promises to be ideal for this event. The hotel and meeting facilities are spacious and convenient to dining and recreational areas. Universal Studios is just across the street. Many of you know of the many attractions in the area for the whole family and the weather should be delightful. There will be a plentiful list of things to do, and I doubt that you could visit them all.

Outside Orlando, Central Florida offers other attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center and air-boating on the St. Johns River.

The Convention itself will be filled with the learning and exchange of ideas that have been the hallmark of these events. You will meet new and old friends from around the country and share the camaraderie of being with fellow Mended Hearts and their caregivers.

The Orlando Chapter #296, and many other Florida chapters in the area, look forward to welcoming you. Please make your plans to attend as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed!

Sincerely,

Gordon "Gus" Littlefield, Chairman
2009 National Mended Hearts Convention

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MHI 57th Annual Convention: Building Our Future On A Strong Foundation!
The Southern Region invites you to join the magic land of Orlando, Florida, where you will feel the excitement and energy the moment you arrive. Magic, smiles, memories, education and engaging speakers are sure to make an event to remember! It is sincerely hoped that this information will be helpful to you in planning your trip to the Mended Heart's 57th Annual Convention. 

Hotel Reservations: Please contact the hotel directly regarding your hotel accommodations. The Mended Hearts-negotiated hotel convention sleeping room rate is $110.00 + 6.5% tax, for a single/double/triple/quad room. For those who wish to come into town early or stay later, the group rate will apply June 3 through June 13, 2009 based on availability.

For reservations, call the hotel toll free at 1-800-222-TREE or 407-351-1000. Be sure to request a room in the "NORTH TOWER" and the group rate for the Mended Hearts Convention.

Hotel Parking: The Doubletree Orlando offers secured parking. The Mended Hearts negotiated self-parking rate is $5 per day.

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Transportation Options: The Doubletree Hotel does not provide transportation to and from the airport; however the following are options to consider:

• Yellow Cab (407)-422-2222: Cab fare from Orlando International Airport to Doubletree Orlando at the Entrance to Universal is approximately $31 one way
• Mears Motor Shuttle Airport Transportationn (407) 423-5566: Valid Dates are between June 1st, 2009 - June 12th, 2009. Mears Motor Shuttle operates shared ride van and motor coach shuttle service from the Orlando International Airport to local hotels. Mears is offering a discount to Mended Hearts members (adult round trip is $25 versus Cab fares @ $60 +.)
  
  Instructions:
  • For questions and or phone reservations, please call toll free number at 1-800-759-5219 (if calling from central Florida, please dial (407) 423-5566). Be sure to refer to priority code: 352169504
  • After you've made your reservation, Mears will provide you with a discount coupon - rate and discount below.
  • Upon your arrival at Orlando International Airport, proceed to one of the Mears Motor Shuttle ticket counters and present this coupon to the Mears Counter Attendant.
  • After redeeming your coupon for a round trip ticket, please present your ticket to the Mears "Starter" located on level one at the curb.
  • The starter will then direct you to a designated shuttle servicing the hotel. Shuttles run 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, departing the curb approximately every 30 minutes providing shuttle service between the airport and your hotel.
  • One day prior to your departure, be sure to make a return reservation by calling the reservation number listed above. Plan to allow three hours prior to your flight time for your transfer to the airport. Wait time is to be expected and those times will vary based on date, time of day and business volume.

  To order transportation coupons online, cut and paste the following link to your web browser. https://www.hello-usa.com/tickets/mhc09.

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Getting Around the Orlando Airport: If you are flying into Orlando, and are unfamiliar with the terminal facility, click here to find helpful information in finding your way around the airport.

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. At the special awards dinner and induction of new officers, June 10th, it is suggested that gentlemen wear a sports coat and ladies wear a dress or business pants suit. Weather permitting, the 'Meet & Greet' will be an outdoor event with a tropical theme. Men wear your favorite tropical shirt and ladies may wear their flower-printed sundresses or Muu Muu's.

Be sure to remember comfortable walking shoes for walking any tours you've purchased. A light sweater might come in handy indoors as air temperatures may vary in meeting rooms. Bring your sunglasses and light backpacks for carrying bottled water or medications. MOST IMPORTANT - REMEMBER YOUR CAMERA!

Weather: June temperatures in Orlando average in the low 80s to highs in low 90s. Evening lows in the lower 70s. The most precipitation on average occurs in June and July, so be sure tp bring an umbrella and light rain gear.

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EVENTS

"Building Our Future on a Strong Foundation" is the timely theme of the 57th Mended Hearts Annual Convention. With a newly elected national board of directors, transition of leadership in the regions and chapters, and ever-evolving changes in health care and program delivery, Mended Hearts finds itself once again at a critical crossroads. Join fellow members as we take a good look at how we can make the most of the strong foundation that made us the nation's largest community-based heart patient organization while also building a future that is most meaningful to the heart patients of today and tomorrow.

As with previous conventions, you can expect top-notch presentations from leading medical and content experts on topics important to you, your chapters and the heart patients you serve. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking, meeting old friends and new, sharing successes and learned lessons, picking up lots of helpful 'how-tos', and certainly time to experience the magic of our host city, Orlando!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

• Welcome Dinner/ "Zap the Gap"
  An exciting evening is planned for this traditional gathering of Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts leaders from around the country. As Mended Hearts strives to reach heart patients of all ages, you won't want to miss keynote speaker and "generational humorist" Meagan Johnson. She promises practical guidance (with a hilarious spin) on how to effectively communicate with -- and make the most of -- multi-generational relationships.
  

• Buddy / First Timers
  Is this your first time to attend a MHI Conference? Have you attended before? Allow us to pair veteran MHI members/attendees who will introduce newcomers 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. 
  

• Workshops/General Sessions
  Gain hands-on experience with potential solutions for your chapter and fellow heart patient members. Nine workshops and two general sessions (all presented twice) are led by experienced fellow members and outside experts who will provide you with firsthand knowledge and best practice solutions. Topics planned thus far include those on visiting, newsletters, officer training/board management, chapter development and conflict resolution, how to most effectively use Power Point in presentations, caregiver empowerment, and stress reduction techniques, among others. As with last year, advance registration for workshops/general sessions isn't required. 
  

• 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 during meal functions. Here’s a brief summary of those you can expect:
  • Sunday, June 7: "Cutting -Edge Treatments for Heart Patients: A Cardiothoracic Surgeon’s View” – Dr. Kathy Magliato, one of the nation’s leading heart experts, and one of a few female cardiothoracic surgeons in the world, will share highlights of the latest developments currently used in treating heart disease. From robotic surgery to gene therapy to the latest in transplant surgical techniques, Dr. Magliato will cover the wide array of medical advances available in treating patients today…and tomorrow.
  • Monday, June 8: “Hearts in Harmony” – Bob Arnot, M.D., lead medical correspondent for Google Health and author of the book “Seven Steps to Stop a Heart Attack,” will share highlights of his unprecedented effort planned for Mended Hearts members and the heart patient community that targets the mind, body and soul aspects of recovering from a heart event.
  • Tuesday, June 9: “I Heart Flu Shots III” – For the third consecutive year, Mended Hearts will sponsor this important awareness effort in Fall 2009/Spring 2010. A leading health expert will present the latest information underscoring the importance of heart patients and their caregivers getting the flu shot. Resources for Mended Hearts chapters will be premiered.
  • Wednesday, June 10: “US Against Athero” – A medical expert will share latest information about atherosclerosis, the progressive buildup of plaque in the inner walls of arteries and a leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke. The presentation will include information about managing atherosclerosis and cholesterol, including risk factor education, healthy lifestyle tips and questions to ask your doctor. An update on the “US Against Athero’ campaign, and how chapters can participate, will be included.
    

• Fitness Stroll and Water Aerobics
  Early risers meet each morning to start the day with a light stroll or water aerobics in the hotel's swimming pool.
  

• Meet & Greet Reception
  Hosted by the Executive Committee, meet the National officers, in a casual setting with light refreshments. This will be outdoors in the hotel's beautiful courtyard. Men - wear your favorite tropical shirt and ladies may wear their flower-printed sundresses or Muu Muu's.
  

• Tours
  In what has become a convention favorite tradition, lots of optional tours will be available. Just a few include trips to:
  • Winter Park Cultural Tour
  • Private chocolate class
  • Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens
  • Orlando City Tour
  • Kennedy Space Center
    

• 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.
  
  This year we will install the 2009-2011 National Board of Directors.

A more detailed convention schedule will be posted soon!

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TOURS

See tour sign-up form for dates and times. You can also register online for the tours.

• Winter Park Cultural Tour: Downtown Winter Park's charm is magnified in its details: hidden gardens and side streets that are home to unique stores and shady parks. Take a scenic boat tour that cruises through three of the city's lakes followed by a docent-guided tour of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, housing the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world. Experience why this elegant little college town north of Orlando is known as "Little Europe". Includes: Transportation, Guided Scenic Boat Tour, Museum Tour with Docent and Leisure time.

• Chocolate Class: Enjoy an afternoon of fun as our deluxe vehicles transfer you to your private chocolate class. You can mold and create your own chocolate delights, including thousands of shape molds and fruits. One full pound of your own handmade chocolates will be yours to take home! Includes: Transportation and Chocolate Class with Supplies.

• Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show: Since 1980, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show has been providing an exciting and intellectually stimulating form of entertainment in Orlando. Tonight you will enjoy reserved seats at the mystery dinner show provided by Sleuths' cast which has traveled through Europe, the United States and Puerto Rico. Includes: Transportation, Mystery Show with dinner and unlimited beer, wine and soda.

• Harry P. Leu Gardens: Harry P. Leu Gardens features: Miles of paved scenic walkways that take you through garden settings, including America's largest Camellia collection outside California and the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a house museum dating from the 1880's, Palm garden, and a bamboo garden! Includes: Transportation and Guided Tour of Leu Gardens. 
  

• Orlando City Tour: Orlando City Tour includes a two-hour guided tour aboard deluxe vehicles as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the best-kept secrets in Orlando. Includes: Transportation and Guide.

• Kennedy Space Center: Worlds apart from Orlando's theme parks, Kennedy Space Center is NASA's Launch headquarters. Tour the launch and landing facilities, experience live shows and jaw-dropping encounters with massive rockets as well as have the opportunity to meet a real member of NASA's Astronaut Corps. Lunch is on your own at your choice of facilities on site at the Space Center. Includes: Transportation and Admission to Kennedy Space Center.

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2009 Mended Hearts Convention Sponsors

CONVENTION PACKETS WILL BE MAILED WEEK OF MARCH 16TH.
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