The Mid-Atlantic Regional Group

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

63rd NATIONAL CONVENTION

Phoenix, Arizona

AUGUST 12-16, 2008

 

Note: From the MargBVA Webmaster:  (TOP)  in quotes means "Back to Top"  link and will return you to top of index. (TOP) will follow each item addressed.

 

Information on Phoenix

 

BVA National Convention Draft Agenda

 

Exhibit Hall

 

National President's Reception

 

Opening Business Meeting

 

Casino Shuttle

 

Visit Sedona - Day Tour

 

BVA Forum: Special Presentations

 

Father Thomas J. Carroll Memorial Luncheon

 

American Legion Post 41 Fiesta

 

BVA Closing Business Meeting

 

BVA Forum

 

BVA Reception and Awards Banquet

 

CONVENTION PRE-REGISTRATION

 

HOW TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THE CONVENTION

 

INFORMATION ON THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL

 

PARKING

 

DOG RUN

 

HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

 

REFUND POLICY - BVA PRE-REGISTRATION

 

REFUND POLICY - HOTEL

 

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING PHOENIX, ARIZONA INCLUDES AIRLINE INFORMATION

 

IMPORTANT  DATES  TO  REMEMBER!!!

 

Conference Coordinator

 

Registration Form in Word Format.    THIS FORM and FULL PAYMENT must be returned and postmarked by July 31st  , 2008  to be eligible for the PRE-REGISTRATION DISCOUNT.

 

Hotel Registration  Online Reservation

 

 

We hope that the advanced notice and this electronic format will be helpful to you. The print copy of this document and attachments will be delivered in May.

 

This is an electronic copy of the pre-registration packet for the 63rd BVA National Convention. The 63rd National Convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Phoenix, Arizona, during the period of August 12-16th, 2008.   The print version that is sent to all Members of BVA includes the Official BVA National Headquarters Proxy Form. The form is the last page of this package. Pre-registration is highly recommended. This and all registration forms will be available electronically and can also be downloaded and printed from the BVA website. http://www.bva.org/convention

 

INFORMATION ON PHOENIX

The Northern Arizona Regional Group has been working to make sure that the 63rd National Convention is successful and enjoyable for all who attend. Phoenix is a vibrant city with so much to do. It is the 5th largest metropolitan area in the United States and includes the Cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, and others. There are a myriad of things to do in Phoenix. It was recently the location for the Super Bowl XLII and is the home of several sports teams.  There are many restaurants, shopping options, museums, and parks around the hotel.  The staff at the hotel concierge desk will be able to tell you about local attraction that fit your interests.  Additionally, the Regional Group has submitted a summary of area attractions that is too long to include in this package. It can be printed off the BVA website or mailed to you upon request.  You may want to come in a day or two early, or stay a day or to after the events just so that you can enjoy all that Phoenix has to offer.

 

Convention activities will include the typical business meetings, three great presentations on Friday, as well as receptions and banquets.  Please note that you must be Pre-registered with the convention to participate in any of these activities as space will  fill up. The next 4 pages include the draft agenda and some of the highlights of the 2008 BVA Convention Agenda. The Exhibit Hall will be full of new exhibitors this year. The day trip to Sedona is sure to be a memorable experience for all. Pre-registered attendees will be guaranteed space and a pre-registration bag.

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BVA National Convention Draft Agenda

 

Monday, August 11th

10:00am - 5:00pm Registration Desk Open

1:00pm - 7:00pm Exhibits Open for all to visit

3:00pm - 4:00pm Class: Care of your guide dog while in Phoenix

5:30pm - 6:30pm Wine/Cheese Reception in Exhibit Hall

 

Tuesday, August 12th

10:00am - 6:00pm Registration Desk and Exhibits Open

10:30am - 5:00pm BVA Auxiliary Silent Auction

3:15pm - 3:45pm Rules Committee Meeting (Invitation Only)

4:00pm - 4:30pm Credentials Meeting (Invitation Only)

4:00pm - 5:00pm Class: Care of your guide dog while in Phoenix

7:00pm - 9:00pm President's Reception

 

Wednesday, August 13th

8:00am - 4:00pm Registration Desk and Exhibits Open

9:00am - 5:00pm Exhibit Hall Open for all to visit (Last day)

8:00am - 11:45am BVA Opening Business Session - VA Secretary

9:30am - 12:00pm Auxiliary Meeting Open for all to visit

12:00pm -1:00pm Box Lunch in the Exhibit Hall: $5 - Sponsored by EVAS

3:00pm - 5:00pm Bylaws and Resolutions Meeting

 

Thursday, August 14th

8:30am - 5:00pm Sedona Day Tour: $35.00 per person

 

Friday, August 15th

8:30am - 9:00am BVA Forum Opening remark

9:00am - 9:45am Presentation I

9:45am - 10:30am Presentation II

10:45am - 11:30pm Presentation III

12:30pm - 2:30pm Father Carroll Luncheon and guest speaker

3:00pm - 4:30pm District Caucuses

6:00pm - 9:30pm American Legion Post 41 Fiesta: $10 per person

 

Saturday, August 16th

8:30am - 12:00pm BVA Closing Business Meeting; Adoptions of Bylaws

and Resolutions, Election of Officers, Convention City Site Selection

1:15pm - 1:45pm Legislative Update

2:00pm - 3:00pm  Field Service Forum

3:00pm - 4:00pm Leadership Training (invitation to all RG Officers)

6:00pm - 7:00pm Awards Reception

7:00pm - 9:30pm Awards Banquet

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Exhibit Hall: Opens at 1:00pm on Monday, August 11th, - Wednesday 5:00pm See the schedule for detailed hours.  Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about new services and get hands-on experience with devices and technologies that have been developed to aid the blind and visually impaired.  Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is sponsoring a Wine & Cheese event Monday night and EVAS is subsidizing a Boxed Lunch in the exhibit area on Wednesday between 12:00pm -1:00pm. $5.00 per person pre registration required.  There will be approximately 40 exhibitors in all.

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National President's Reception: Tuesday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

This time-honored tradition includes an opportunity to meet the National President and other National Officers. This is a time to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. Sponsored by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind.

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Opening Business Meeting: Wednesday, 8:00am - 11:30am

The Secretary of the Veterans Affairs James B. Peake, M.D. or a representative to from the Department of Veterans Affairs, will address our convention. Following the welcome, the BVA will start the business meeting.

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Casino Shuttle: Transportation will be available through the hotel concierge.

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Visit Sedona - Day Tour: Thursday, 8:00am - 5:00pm $35.00 Per Person

The Northern Arizona Regional Group has organized a day trip that will take participants to experience the stunning, high country beauty of Northern Arizona to discover the softer side of Arizona by traveling 3,000 feet from the desert floor to cooler climes where we will visit Montezuma Castle, a five-story, twenty room cliff dwelling carved into the side of the mountain by the Sinagua Indians more than 800 years ago. Today there is a visitor center with a small museum and a short paved nature trail leading past the ruins, and through gardens with good examples of cacti and other local plants. Since 1951, visitors have not been permitted to climb up to the ruins due to their unstable condition so there is not much to do other than take a few photographs. However, the site is still definitely worth a visit. As we near Sedona, towering, vibrant red rock formations form one of the most captivating horizons ever witnessed. The town of Sedona is nestled between these monumental formations and is the state's second most visited attraction. Here, awesome natural beauty is paired with small town charm as visitors stroll walkways in search of art, artifacts, and keepsakes of their visit to this inspired place. Take in the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon, where spirited waters flow at the foot of dense evergreen forests. It's a red rock rendezvous that will leave every guest breathless.  A boxed lunch will be provided. Montezuma Castle is part of the national park system so bring your park pass if you already have one.

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BVA Forum: Special Presentations: Friday, 8:30am - 11:30am.

Again this year, we have made arrangements for three presentations. Please note that the Legislative Update and Field Service Forum regularly scheduled for Friday morning have been moved to Saturday afternoon. These informative sessions are open to all pre-registered convention attendees and VA Employees.

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Presentation I: Developing Technology, 9:00am - 9:45am

Wicab, Inc. has developed an assistive device that provides visual information to individuals who are blind. The BrainPort vision device enables perception of visual information using the tongue and camera system as a paired substitute for the eye. Visual information is collected from the head mounted camera and translated into electrical patterns displayed on the surface of the tongue. Users describe it as pictures drawn on their tongue with effervescing champagne bubbles.  Users rapidly form a spatial reference, mapping cutaneous information on the tongue to their environment, perceiving aspects of shape, size, location and motion.  The goal is to transition this technology from laboratory to the real world, providing independence in areas such as employment, education, and safe travel for those who are blind.

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Presentation II: Retinal Research, 9:45am - 10:30am

Mark S. Humayun, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Doheny Eye Center.  Dr. Humayun's Clinical Specialties are Vitreoretinal Surgery and the Medical Retina.  His research includes Retinal Prosthetic Device for Retinal Degenerative Diseases, Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, Oxygen Imaging and Delivery for Diabetic Retinopathy and Drug Delivery for Ocular Diseases.

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Presentation III: CAP, 10:45am - 11:30pm

The Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) is the centrally funded program that provides assistive technology and accommodations for individuals with disabilities and wounded Service members (WSM) throughout the Federal Government. CAP also provides needs assessments, assistive technology, and training to our nation's wounded service members throughout all phases of recovery and the transition to employment. CAP services and assistive technology are available to individuals with visual, hearing, dexterity, cognitive, and communication disabilities at no cost to the individual or the agency.

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Father Thomas J. Carroll Memorial Luncheon: Friday, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm.

Guest speaker Major General Gale S. Pollock (Retires as of July 3rd 2008) is currently assigned as both the Chief of the Army Nurse Corps and the Deputy Surgeon General for Force Management.  Major General Pollock's past military assignments include MEDCOM Commander; Acting Surgeon General; Deputy Surgeon General; Commanding General, Tripler Army Medical Center, Pacific Regional Medical Command and United States Army Pacific Surgeon and Lead Agent, TRICARE Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii; Special Assistant to the Surgeon General for Information Management and Health Policy; Commander, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Ga.; Commander, U.S. Army Medical Activity, Fort Drum, N.Y.; Staff Officer, Strategic Initiatives Command Group for the Army Surgeon General; Department of Defense Healthcare Advisor to the Congressional Commission on Service Members and Veterans Transition Assistance.  General Pollock has taken a special interest in the Eye Trauma Center of Excellence, an initiative that is being led by the BVA National Headquarters.

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American Legion Post 41 Fiesta: Friday, 6:00pm - 8:00pm $10.00 Per Person

The Tony F. Soza-Ray Martinez American Legion Post 41, also known as "Thunderbird Post 41" from its historic early days, is known as the "Most Friendliest Post in the West."  In keeping with this tradition, they have extended an invitation to all BVA Convention attendees to join them for some traditional southwest food. They have a Cash Only Bar. Pre-Registration for this off-site activity and dinner is required. Transportation will be provided. Shuttle service starts at 5:30pm with return shuttle starting at 9:00pm.

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BVA Closing Business Meeting: Saturday, 8:30am - 12:00pm

Adoption of Bylaws and Resolutions, Election of Officers, Convention City Site Selection.

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BVA Forum: Saturday, 1:15pm - 4:00pm

Legislative Update: presented by Tom Zampieri BVA Directors of Government Relations, Field Service Forum: presented by the BVA Field Service Officers and Leadership Training: presented by Sam Huhn, District 3 Director. It is highly recommended that all Regional Group Officers plan to attend.

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BVA Reception and Awards Banquet: Saturday, 6:00 - 9:30 pm

Presentations of the Golden Gavel, Silver Gavel, David L. Schnair, Major General Melvin J. Mass  Achievement and Irving Diener Awards.  The BVA Sweepstakes winners will also be announced. To request your sweepstakes tickets, call BVA Headquarters at 1 800 669-7079. The deadline is July 31st.

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CONVENTION PRE-REGISTRATION

Registration deadline is July 31st, 2008.  If you pre-register for the Convention, you will not have to wait at the BVA Registration Desk at the hotel to register. Your packet, including your name badge, meal tickets, optional activity tickets, and convention program, will be ready and waiting for you.

 

All convention registrations received by June 15th, 2008 will be entered into a drawing with the first prize consisting of one complimentary standard room for 5 nights during the 63rd National Convention. You must be registered for the convention and have a hotel reservation to qualify. The Hyatt Regency will provide BVA with a list of all attendees registered under the BVA room block. Board of Directors and BVA employees are not eligible to participate in this drawing. The winner will be notified on August 1st.

 

If you pre-register by July 31st, the registration fee is $90.00 for each adult, and $55.00 for each child (3-12 years old).  IMPORTANT: On-site registration will be $100.00 per adult and $65.00 per child.

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HOW TO PRE-REGISTER FOR THE CONVENTION

Registration Form in Word Format.    THIS FORM and FULL PAYMENT must be returned and postmarked by July 31st  , 2008  to be eligible for the PRE-REGISTRATION DISCOUNT.

Complete the enclosed pre-registration form for the 63rd National Convention. Be sure to let us know which of the events and food functions you will be attending. This year we are requesting RSVPs in addition to the basic registration so that we have sufficient seating and transportation for all events and meetings.  Please let us know if you need accommodations for a wheelchair or guide dogs.  Mail the completed form and send full payment in the self-addressed return envelope provided in this package.  BVA will accept payment in the form of a check, money order, or VISA, Discover, and Master Cards.   Make your hotel reservation by calling the Hyatt Regency Phoenix directly at (800) 233-1234, using the web page set up for the convention http://www.bva.org/convention  , or by completing the Hotel Reservation Form and sending payment to the address provided on the form.

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INFORMATION ON THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL

The Hyatt Regency in Phoenix is centrally located in downtown Phoenix. It is about 15 minutes from the airport.  The Hyatt has four dining facilities on site: Compass Restaurant, Networks Bar & Grill, Terrace Café, and Einstein Bros. Café.   Hotel reservations are secured by calling toll free Reservations (800) 233-1234, or via the BVA website http://www.bva.org/convention . In order to receive the best rate, let them know you are with the Blinded Veterans Association. Participants are urged to reserve rooms as far in advance as possible with July 5th, 2008 being the final date to receive the $94.00 per night room rate. Please note: If our room block is filled prior to the July 5th date, the hotel may charge the prevailing rate, which is currently $149 per night, and will increase as we get closer to the date of the event.  So register early to guarantee the BVA rate.

Please go to BVA Convention, Hotel registration or click on Online Reservation before July 5th, 2008 to receive discount room rate.

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PARKING: The garage or parking Deck has a clearance of 6 ft 3 inches and is adjacent to the hotel but not connected.  Overnight Self Parking - $16.00 with in-out privileges, charged to your room.  Overnight Valet Parking - $23.00 per 24 hours with in- out privileges.   Short Term Valet Parking - $12 for the first hour +$1 each additional hour, up to $23.00 maximum charge.

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DOG RUN: Will be located on the third floor Garden Court, which is a shaded roof deck. Directions to access this area will be provided at check-in. Dog shoes are recommended for all guide dogs due to the extreme heat on the sidewalk and streets. We will be providing shoes for all who pre- registrar with a guide dog.  On Tuesday from 4:00-5:00 pm there will be an information sessions on how to care for your guide dog while in Phoenix. Staying hydrated is important.

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HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

The hotel prefers that you call in your reservation.  If you choose to mail it in, please mail the hotel reservation form to the address on the HOTEL FORM.  DO NOT MAIL THE HOTEL RESERVATION FORM TO BVA!!!!

 

All reservations must be received at the hotel before July 5th, 2008 and mailed reservations may be rejected if incomplete.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Register early to confirm the room rate. The Hyatt Regency accepts American Express, Diners Card, Master Card, Visa and Discover Credit cards; checks, or cashier's checks.  When using a credit card, you are advised that the first night's stay with tax is automatically placed on the credit card, even if you have made your reservations early.  Please note that all attendees must identify their reservation with the "BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION" at the time reservations are made to acquire the hotel's $94.00 single/double rate.

 

Check-in is 3:00pm - Check-out is 12:00pm. Guest rooms may not be available before check-in time but every effort will be made to accommodate early arrivals.

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REFUND POLICY - BVA PRE-REGISTRATION

If you pre-register for the Convention and then cannot attend for any reason, full refunds will be given if you notify the National Office before Friday, August 1st, 2008.  Refunds will not be given after August 1st, 2008.

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REFUND POLICY - HOTEL

If you have reserved your hotel room, and then cannot attend for any reason, please notify the hotel immediately. BVA does not have any jurisdiction over the hotel refund policy or if the hotel will offer the $94 room rate after the cut off date.

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ARRIVING AND DEPARTING PHOENIX, ARIZONA

The Hyatt Regency is located 4.3 miles- about 12 minutes, from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Airport code PHX). The hotel does not offer a shuttle. Visit the BVA web site for coupons and updates on transportation Info.

 

Attendees traveling alone: SuperShuttle is recommended for individuals traveling alone. A $10.00 per person special fare for Blinded Veterans Association National Convention is being offered to convention attendees. You may also print a coupon off of the BVA convention web page.  To book online go to:   www.supershuttle.com  and enter your discount code: MAX9F

 

Attendees traveling with companion(s):  Three Taxi companies service the airport: AAA Cab (602) 437-4000, Allstate (602) 275-8888 and Discount (602) 266-1110.  All are available from the cab stand at the airport. They offer a flat rate of $16.00 per trip.  1-4 people flat rate. Price subject to change.

 

Service for People with Disabilities: Lift-equipped service is available for passengers who use wheelchairs at no additional charge on SuperShuttle. Passengers wishing this service may call (602) 244-9000, 1 (800) 331-3565 outside Arizona, (602) 243- 7786/TDD) for reservations.

 

AIRLINE INFORMATION

To provide the lowest possible airfare available to the BVA's 63rd National Convention attendees, BVA suggests you call Southwest.  NOTE: Many airlines no longer offer group discounts and now charge a $10-20 fee for reservations made by phone.  Most websites do not charge when booking travel online.

 

Southwest Airlines: (800) 435-9792 or go to www.southwest.com.

No file number exists for Southwest.  Although this carrier no longer offers travel contracts for large groups, the rates are very competitive and discounts are frequently available.  At the time of this documents creation, they also offer a Senior fare of $176.00 - one way from any location in the continental US.

 

American Airlines: (800) 433-1790 or go to www.AA.com.

Promotion Code A8988AR.  Receive the option of either the zone fare or a 5% discount off the lowest applicable published air fare.  Reservations must be made more than 30 days prior to travel.

 

Frontier Airlines: (800) 432-1359 or go to www.frontierairlines.com.

From the Frontier Airlines website select "more search options" Meeting ID 3W3Y3F. 10% off all published round trip tickets.

 

Continental: (800) 525-0280 or go to http://www.continental.com.

 

Delta/ Skywest Airlines: (800) 221-1212 or go to http://www.delta-air.com.

 

JetBlue Airways: (800) 538-2583 or go to www.jetblue.com.

 

Midwest Airlines: (800) 452-2022 or go to www.midwestairlines.com.

 

Northwest Airlines: (800) 225-2525 or go to www.nwa.com.

 

US Airways: (800) 428-4322 or go to http://www.usairways.com.

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IMPORTANT  DATES  TO  REMEMBER!!!

 

JUNE 15th, 2008:

Is the deadline if you would like to be entered into a drawing to win complimentary hotel accommodations during the convention. If you send in your Pre-registration form and make your hotel reservation by June 15th, your name will automatically be entered into the drawing that will be held August, 1st 2008.

 

JUNE 15th, 2008:

Is the deadline for Regional Groups to Submit Convention Program Ads.

 

JULY 5th, 2008:

Is the deadline for receipt of hotel reservation to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The hotel may not extend the negotiated room rate of $94.00 + 12.27% tax if the reservation is received after the 5th, or if the room block is full, so register early.  We recommend registering over the phone or via the web site.   http://www.bva.org/convention

 

JULY 23rd, 2008:

Is the deadline for receipt of the completed OFFICIAL PROXY for non attending members. (Proxy Form included in this convention package) Is the deadline for receipt of the completed Regional Group Delegate Credential Form.  (Delegate form NOT included in this convention package) The official National Headquarters Proxy Form and Credential Form, shall be the only forms recognized at the National Convention.

 

July 31st, 2008:

Is the deadline for mailing in pre-registration fees to BVA National Headquarters. After July 31st, Registration fee is $100.00

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A. M. Christina Hitchcock

Conference Coordinator

Blinded Veterans Association

477 H Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

 

1(800)669 7079

(202) 371 8880

(202) 371 8258 Fax

 

 

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