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Post by TriciaF on May 15, 2005 18:52:03 GMT -5
OK guys....I am really getting ahead of myself here....but can't help it. We were told at our SC Ds conference by the keynote speaker from NDSC that next year's conference will be held in Atlanta, GA. Sooooo I am planning to be there with bells on unless something really bizarre should happen. So.....its way ahead but surely we can plan some uno get togethers at the convention. I had planned to go to the Atlanta Ds conference next year....but I am wondering if they will have it since the national will be there in the same year.
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Post by Emilysmom on May 15, 2005 19:44:31 GMT -5
That's GREAT news Tricia!!! Just a 3 hour drive for me.......so we'll be there!! I hope several Uno Masers can come!!
Susan
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Post by momofrussell on May 16, 2005 7:43:43 GMT -5
Is this the expensive yearly DS conference or the less expensive yearly conference? LOL
I have never been to a conference... but I HAVE been where conferences ARE... just sit outside from the sidelines heehee....
I would LOVE to actually go inside one LOL Might after to look into this! AND... it's close to my SIL so maybe that might just work!
A.
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Post by Emilysmom on May 16, 2005 15:38:13 GMT -5
I'm believing it is the one that is a bit less expensive. I think it is the NDSS ones that are more costly.
Let's GO!!
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Post by TriciaF on May 16, 2005 18:31:56 GMT -5
I looked at the prices for this years conference in Ca. If you are a member of the NDSC - I think $25 annually, the cost for the convention is $85 for an individual, $150 for a family. So...thats not so bad. The cheapest room however, is $109 per night and I'm sure thats before all the lovely taxes. But, with this much notice....I guess we can swing it. I am hoping we will have a really large group coming from South Carolina this go round (and UNOMAS of course!).
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Post by momofrussell on May 17, 2005 8:00:23 GMT -5
Are those rooms through NDSC? Can you get rooms by yourself? The price of this convention is WAY cheaper then the other one.... Might have to look into this... We will be selling our house next year (hopefully if all goes well) so that would be the only glitch. I don't know if I can plan a trip for next year or not... we shall see where the beginning of next year takes us! A.
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Post by TriciaF on Jan 9, 2006 6:53:54 GMT -5
It's official!!!!! Who's going? I haven't made reservations...but this is the one I have been waiting for.
"As your child grows and changes, so do your family's needs. Don't miss a chance to learn and share at our annual "family reunion". Next year's NDSC convention will be the only national DS convention in the USA and Atlanta is within a short 2 hour flight of 80% of America's population. Make your plans now to attend!
For just $109 per night for a regular room, we'll be staying at the stunning Marriott Marquis. This architectural masterpiece is known for its soaring 50 story atrium and served as the host hotel for the International Olympic Committee during the '96 Summer Games. With its wonderful guest and meeting rooms, indoor/outdoor pool and attached Peachtree Center shopping and dining options, the Marquis may be our greatest hotel experience ever!
And, as the home of Cartoon Network, you can expect that Atlanta is a great family summer vacation destination! Within a short walk of the hotel are the world's largest aquarium (with the only shark whales in captivity outside Asia), the Atlanta Children's Museum, Underground Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Studio Tours, the World of Coca-Cola and more. A short trip via car or MARTA (which has a rail station attached to the hotel) brings you to the home of the Braves, Turner Field, as well as Six Flags over Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, White Water, the newly expanded High Museum, Zoo Atlanta and its famous pandas, and, of course, world-renowned shopping, dining and so much more!
Don't miss out on the fun and fellowship. Our "reunion" wouldn't be the same without you. Plan your family's summer vacation for Atlanta today."
Anyone else thinking of going?
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Post by TriciaF on Jan 9, 2006 9:52:10 GMT -5
There's not much additional conference info on the NDSC site as yet...so I called. Here's what I heard: marriott.com/property/propertypage/atlmq?WT_Ref=mi_leftThey have blocked 450 rooms at the hotel, all are either 2 beds or a King (no suites) for $109 per nite for the dates July 19th through July 24. So, thats a great rate for that hotel with dates outside the actual conference in case people want to come earlier and do things. But, I'm sure that the nightly rate will go up with taxes, etc. Then, parking is usually $22 per day and they have a group rate of $14 per day. The conference amount is not yet set....but will be in the neighborhood of $85 for a member, $150 for a couple. There is a sibling program for ages 12 and up for about $75. There is a family dance on Friday night. On Saturday night there is an adult banquet for $37 per adult. I didn't ask, but am pretty sure there is no childcare. But, if we get a group going, either here or from SC, we may be able to find some sitters among us. I don't know if I will go alone or with the family or what...but I am plannig to go. The NDSC membership is $25 for a family and you receive 7 newsletters a year. There will be addtional info on the conference in these and if you are a member, you will automatically receive the conference registration packet. I asked about whether the MARTA (Transport) station is in the hotel or not....it is in an adjacent shopping area, maybe several blocks long...but all covered skywalk. Evidently the new aquarium is a huge, big deal....the largest in the world. www.georgiaaquarium.org/Also, if my family goes, Connor and I will have to hit the big coasters at six flags. There is a huge new one to open this year. Looks like some great group discount tickets are available, including a free second day. Also, there is a Fairfield by Marriott with an indoor pool located just 3 miles from six flags with reg. room rates of just $79 and free parking. So, I'm thinking maybe 2 nights there and then 2 nights downtown. Although, there is a shuttle from downtown to six flags that is not very pricey. Lots of options. www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/index.aspJackie..... you are the pro on NDSC conferences....jump in here and give us your wisdom .
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Post by TriciaF on Jan 9, 2006 11:34:07 GMT -5
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Post by Jackie on Jan 9, 2006 19:07:16 GMT -5
Tricia...I am thinking about this too. Originally I had planned to go to the World Congress on DS in Vancouver the end of August. But that one is very expensive, and I have absoloutely no idea who or what the World DS Congress really is anyhow.
I DO know that the NDSC puts on a powerhouse of a good conference and you are right ...I have been to a lot of them.
If anyone besides me has a child 15 or older ...they can participate in a Youth and Adult parallel conference at the same time. They have workshops that are acutally led by individuals with DS and a facilitator.
There is also a great SIBs workshop that I think kids as young as 12 can participate in...or maybe it's 10.
The main drawback is that there is no formal child care so its up to you to bring or hire a sitter if you take younger kids. We used to solve this by taking a grandparent . Many families trade off with Dad going to a workshop while mom babysits and vice versa.
It is frowned upon to take your child into a workshop ...some still do...but personally I find it distracting myself when someone does that.
Half the fun of going, though, is taking your child with DS...and sharing experiences with other parents.
I am at the point in my life where I seldom attend the workshops...LOL...preferring to sit in the bar or cafe with other parents who just want to visit and sip iced tea or wine. I have met a lot of people thru the years and do look foreward to meeting them over and over again.
I think that when Emily was younger...the NDSC conf was the "shot in the arm" that got me through the year.
I think everyone who can figure out how to go...should. Remember there are lots of ways to get scholarshipped beginning with your own local DS group.
Jackie mom to Emily 25
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Post by cmedrano99 on Jan 9, 2006 21:16:48 GMT -5
My question is... can you get the hotel rate and not attend conference itself.... well the workshops. I mean honestly.. can imagine what I can learn after have # 3 you know...
I want to go.. we can stay close by for a fraction of nothing(friends).
As for American Adventures... We LOVE IT! It is for mostly kids... but gives mom and dad chance to be a kid again too... We plan going there soon....mabey a group of us can meet up there.
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Post by momofrussell on Jan 10, 2006 10:07:52 GMT -5
Cynthia.. I know a few that are going and staying at the Marriott for the $109 price but aren't going to the conference. A.
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Post by kwisteena1021 on Jan 10, 2006 15:09:59 GMT -5
I am going....not going into the conference but will be working a booth....and I am staying at the hotel
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Post by Emilysmom on Jan 25, 2006 20:44:04 GMT -5
Ok.............I just got an individual membership, and I'll be going!!!!
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Post by Jackie on Jan 26, 2006 10:15:53 GMT -5
SUSAN we are still pondering whether or not we will go...depends on what happens in the next few months with Emily...whether she gets a job or not or goes for just volunteer work.
Emily loves the youth and adult part of the conf...has many friends there.
I seldom go to workshops anymore...not excited about hearing what I DIDNT do...LOL...but they are worth it for people who are still on the path to independence...very uplifting...got many "shots in the arm" thru the years of attending. Now I just go for the fellowship and to visit with people...LOL.
Be sure and buy banquet tickets...that is something not to miss.....Jackie
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