Convention FAQ
QUESTIONS
How
do I register?
How
much does the convention cost?
The
does the convention price include any food?
How
do I get to the hotel once I get into town?
Does
the hotel have free parking?
Does
the hotel have wireless internet?
How
do we propose resolutions?
What
are the workshops?
Can
my chapter (or another organization I work with) have a table at the
convention?
Where
is the convention being held?
Where
am I supposed to sleep?
Are
special accommodations being made for accessibility?
Can
I stay at a nearby hotel or campground?
What
else is there to do in Portland, Maine?
Who
is speaking/performing at the convention?
I
have a question that is not on this list - who do I contact?
ANSWERS
How
do I register?
Members of VFP can register here.
Members of MFSO can register
here. Registration for IVAW is available here.
How
much
does the convention cost?
The
convention costs
$200. However, if you register after August 1, the price goes up to
$225 and after August 15 it goes up to $250. IVAW and MFSO prices
differ. There are options for attending only one or two days, or
specific events.
The does the convention price include
any food?
Full convention registration includes two food
events. One is a
Friday night Lobster Bake and the other is the Saturday night Banquet.
All other meals are on your own. The hotel has the "Port of Call"
restaraunt and lounge, but the Holiday Inn is located in downtown
Portland and there are plenty of places to eat within
walking
distance. Many of which are small, independent places.
How
do I get to the Hotel once I get to
town?
The 2010 National Convention is quickly approaching and some of you have several questions regarding transportation upon arriving in Portland. The Holiday Inn by the Bay Hotel has courtesy vans available for transportation to and from Portland International Airport, Amtrak Train Station, and Bus Terminals.
All you need to do to upon arriving in Portland to secure a spot on the hotel shuttle is make sure you have your luggage in hand. Call the Holiday Inn by the Bay Hotel at 207-775-2311 or toll free at 1-800-345-5050 and tell them that you need to be picked up. They will ask you for your last name and hotel room confirmation number, and let you know when the next available courtesy van will arrive to pick you up.
The hotel does have free parking for it's guests and convention attendees.
Does the hotel have wireless internet?
Yes! We know that is important for our members and wouldn't have it without wireless!
How do we propose resolutions?
You and/or your chapter can propose
resolutions here. The deadline is July 8, 2009.
What are the workshops?
The workshop deadline is passed. We will
soon have the workshops
posted here.
Can my chapter (or another organization I
work with) have a table at the convention?
Of course! Prices vary depending on if you
are a VFP chapter,
ally organization, or a vendor. Learn more about
reserving
a table. Tables must be reserved by Thursday, August 12th.
Where is the convention being held?
The convention is being held at the Holiday Inn - By the Bay in
Portland, Maine.
Where am I supposed to sleep?
Convention
attendees are encouraged to stay at the Holiday Inn - By the Bay. However, we realize the
need for alternative housing. If you need alternative
housing, you can learn more here. When you register there are
also a few different options for staying with local homes, getting a
roommate at the hotel, or possible financial assistance.
Are special accommodations being made
for accessibility?
Absolutely! The Holiday Inn, along
with bus and boat transportation, is completely accessible. If you
have any accessibility needs, please contact Betsy at 314-725-6005 to
make sure are set to accommodate you.
Can I stay at a nearby hotel or
campground?
People can stay wherever they feel
comfortable. View a list of hotels
and campgrounds nearby.
What
else is there to do in Portland, Maine?
There is a lot to do around the Portland, Maine
area. Check out their Visitors
website for more details and coupons!
Who
is speaking/performing at the
convention?
So far, the speakers include:
Jerry Genesio
Maja Kazazic
David Cobb
Chris Hedges
Rep. Bob Filner, Chair/House Veterans Affairs Committee
Geoff Millard, IVAW
Michael Brennan, Progressive Educator/Portland, Maine
I
have a question that is not on this list
- who do I contact?
Please call the national office at
314-725-6005
