 2008 Conference: Big Plans!
James Woodard
Conference and Publications Coordinator
James Woodard Consulting
When I've not been navigating the deep muddy ruts of my road and enjoying the other charms of mud season, I've been working with the VAEYC Executive Board on some of the big preliminary details for the 2008 Conference. Holy cow, wait until you hear what we have in store....
First of all, I want to once again thank those of you who took the time to fill out the online conference evaluation last fall – close to 150! The feedback we got from this evaluation is definitely shaping this year's event.
It seems like it's always difficult to find the perfect "spot" in Vermont to hold large events. Southern Vermont wants it south and Northern Vermont wants it north. We were exceptionally pleased with our experience with the Killington Grand this past fall, and this seemed like a great compromise for people around the area. We're talking with Killington about doing the conference there again in the future, but not in 2008. To respond to the feedback of our conference attendees, we're going to rotate the location around the state year-to-year.
 This year, we're very excited to be bringing the 36th Annual Early Childhood Conference to the Dudley H. Davis Center at the University of Vermont in Burlington. If you've never been to the Davis Center, well then hang onto your hollyhocks, this place will knock your socks off! When Laurel Bongiorno and I visited the facility, it was really only moments into our tour when we looked at each other and said, "Oh yes. Yes."
"But wait," you're saying, "Where will I stay overnight?!" I am pleased to announce that we have negotiated the same fabulous conference-attendee overnight rate of $99/night at the Sheraton Burlington. This rate is available to all conference attendees, regardless of VAEYC membership, so perhaps you'll consider coming to more than one day this year?
Another piece of feedback we receive every year is about the days of the week we pick. For every person who loves the Friday/Saturday format, there's a corresponding person who wishes that we would host the conference on Thursday/Friday. "We already work all week," said one survey respondent last year, "Please don't make us give up a Saturday, too."
What to do, what to do? The Saturday offerings have been an intentional mainstay of our conference, since many home providers simply can't get away on a weekday. So...
This year's conference is being held on Thursday, October 23rd and Friday, October 24th for full-day programming. We're also offering a half-day program on Saturday, October 25th. You can register for one, two, or all three days' programming... or just one of the three.
The Sheraton Burlington will be a major partner in conference events. When you arrive at the conference Thursday or Friday, you'll park at the Sheraton and take a 3-minute complimentary shuttle bus ride over to the Davis Center (shuttles will be available all day, for your convenience). If you stay overnight, you'll have all of the amenities of the Sheraton at your disposal. Saturday's conference programming will be held at the Sheraton, not at the Davis Center.
We're currently recruiting presenters for this year's conference and getting started on all the logistics. If you have thoughts, requests, questions, or concerns about the conference, drop me a line! I'm always interested in your feedback.
I'll be giving you details about the conference in every upcoming issue of eConnections, so keep an eye out! Until then, keep out of the mud, enjoy the spring, and I'll look forward to seeing you in the fall!
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