Hello all,
Those of us involved with the planning of the next annual GNSI conference
are very excited to be hosting it.  We are sure that participants will love
our region, as it is not short on natural sources of inspiration.   Most of
you have already heard it will be at The Evergreen State College in Olympia,
WA, July 10-16th, 2011.

A great planning team has already started to form and the work is getting
well under way, but we need you to get involved, too, as we have some key
positions yet to be filled.  As the plans come together, additional help is
needed to handle the reins in specific areas:

Co-Chair or Vice-Chair:  Minimum: January through March, I need support from
another “commander” while I’m on “maternity leave” for the birth of my
second child, due early February.  I will need the person involved prior to
my leave for a smooth transition—the earlier the better.  During that time,
I will need help with the facilitation of discussions and tasks, ensuring
the deadlines are being met and team members have the information and
support they need, writing newsletter articles, and identifying and filling
in gaps wherever they pop up.  I hope to stay involved, but need to have a
“second in command” as a backup. This can be someone already on the team or
an additional person to the team.

Registration and Housing (includes a stipend) – Ensure that the registration
form includes all necessary information and choices, receive individual
registrations and payments, submit confirmations/receipts to participants,
oversee housing and registration details for individual participants such as
room assignments, meals, and relay important information to/from campus
coordinators, and with our own conference leaders.

Programs Coordinator(s) (1 - 2 people) – Oversee the scheduling of events
and presenters, traditional and digital workshops, keynote speaker, and core
conference presentations; ensure presentation rooms have adequate space and
necessary equipment for each presentation or workshop.

Auction and Banquet Coordinator – Solicit auction items for the annual
fundraiser and oversee the event details such as location, catering,
receiving donations, logging items and pricing bids, finding an auctioneer,
etc. Coordinate annual banquet details (location, catering, and entertainment).

Transportation Coordinator: work with the events coordinators to ensure
transportation needs are fulfilled for off-campus activities. Work with
registration coordinator to handle carpools and ride-shares for arrivals and
departures the week of the conference and for people with special needs.

To help the communication effort I have set up a Google Group and calendar
for conference coordinators and key volunteers.  

There are many benefits to becoming a conference planner, such as reduced or
waved conference registration fee, professional skills building, increased
exposure for your work, free conference gear, friendships, and more!  Please
let me know if you are interested in joining our team and helping the effort!

Sincerely, 
Audrey A. Miles Cherney
GNSI-NW President, 2011 Conference Chair
(360) 379-4743 (Pacific Time)
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