CONFERENCE UPDATES - FAQS - 9/10/07

Mon Sep 10 15:16:46 EDT 2007

- SAN FRANCISCO PATTERN: A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: READ BEFORE BOOKING
- SAN FRANCISCO HILTON HOTEL RESERVATIONS!!!
- UNITED AIRLINE DISCOUNTS
- AVIS DISCOUNTS   
- EXHIBIT APPLICATIONS
- INFO ON VOLUNTEERS, ROOMMATES, ETC is not yet ready.
- BEST SF TOURIST WEBSITES
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- SAN FRANCISCO PATTERN: A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS: READ BEFORE BOOKING

It's very important that before you plan your trip and make reservations
that you make note of the change in our conference pattern.  In order to fit
into the San Francisco Hilton at these incredible rates we've moved
everything forward by one day.  Which means the conference begins on WED
night (July 2) rather than Thurs night (as in all prior years). The general
conference and exhibits will close on SAT night (July 5) rather than Sun
night.  We will have a banquet Sat night and post-conference Institutes on
Sunday. 

- PRE AND POST CONFERENCE TRAINING INSTITUTES: It's hard to plan your travel
until you know which training institutes will be when. About half of the
Institutes are already scheduled and posted on the program-at-a glance. More
to come soon.  Check to get an idea of what to expect:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/program.html

This year all the multi-day Institutes (the three day and two day trainings)
will all be scheduled PRE-Conference. That means the THREE-DAY trainings,
like PREP, FAMILY WELLNESS, MASTERING THE MAGIC OF LOVE, BRINGING BABY HOME,
etc will begin on MON (June 30) and will meet on Mon, Tues & Wed. The
TWO-DAY Institutes like COUPLE COMMUNICATION, FOCCUS, 8 HABITS, COMPASSION
BOOT CAMP, ACTIVE RELATIONSHIPS, NACFLM will begin on Tues and meet on Tues
and Wed. 

ALL the ONE-DAY Institutes (PREPARE/ENRICH, ULTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, STEPPING
TOGETHER, MARRIAGE FRIENDLY THERAPY, etc) will be scheduled POST-Conference
on Sunday July 6.  

****PRESENTERS: IF you think your institute should be listed OR if your
institute is listed and you think it shouldn't be, please contact me
immediately.  diane at smartmarriages.com

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- SAN FRANCISCO HILTON HOTEL RESERVATIONS!!!

I know many of you are antsy about making your hotel reservations.  Maybe
with good reason.  I've spent months looking for overflow space and it's
beginning to look like a joke to try to match our $115 single/double SF
Hilton rate.  I had offers this week for $235 a night.
OY! 

Starting today you can call 800-445-8667 and make your reservation. Let me
know if there are any glitches so I can correct things.  Be sure you ask for
the Smart Marriages rates - check hotel details BEFORE you call:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/hotel.html

Sometime this week I expect we'll have the Hilton On-line reservation form
posted which will be especially convenient for foreign attendees.

There is no rush - my guess is the Hilton won't sell out until January. I'll
let you know if it starts looking urgent. And it is best if you wait until
you know when you want to arrive and depart - wait until the Institute
schedule is firm and you've also firmed up any pre and post conference
vacation plans. If you do want to reserve now, PLEASE be sure you understand
the change in conference pattern BEFORE you book hotel or travel.  Check web
for details on conference program, Exhibits, institutes, hotel, travel, car
rentals. 

Also realize that your credit card will be charged for one night's deposit
WHEN you make your reservation.  This is a good thing.  In case of
overbooking, you'll have proof of purchase/guarantee on your credit card
statement.  But, best to wait till you're sure of your reservations BEFORE
booking. 

###########################
- UNITED AIRLINE DISCOUNTS

Very good news - this year United Airlines has extended our dates of travel
to a week prior to and a week following the conference.  They say this is
because they get so many requests for extensions when a conference is held
in San Francisco - people want to come early or stay over to see the sites.
In the past we could only get three days pre/post, so this is a very nice
bonus! Conference discounts will be good for travel from June 23 - July 13.
AND, for first time United has extended the conference discounts to foreign
flights.  I urge you to book early because we are meeting over the July 4th
holidays and discount seats will be limited.  You can book on-line or at
800-521-4041- no penalty for booking by phone.  PLEASE read the details
before calling at: http://www.smartmarriages.com/travel.html

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- AVIS DISCOUNTS   
Avis discounts are also good for rentals a week before and a week after the
conference.  Plenty of time to take side trips to wine country, Yosemite, to
the redwoods, up and down the coast, Lake Tahoe, etc - all within an easy
drive.  Avis discount info at: http://www.smartmarriages.com/travel.html

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- EXHIBIT APPLICATIONS
As anyone who has attended Smart Marriages can tell you, the Exhibits really
are the heart and soul of the conference - a conference unto themselves.
Exhibit space will be ideally located in SF, but will be limited.  Apply
early. 
Exhibit applications and information are now available at:
http://www.smartmarriages.com/exhibits.html

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- INFO ON VOLUNTEERS, ROOMMATES, ETC is not yet ready.

############################
- BEST SF TOURIST WEBSITES
If you'd like to recommend your favorite or unique "things to do in SF"
websites, send them and I'll share them.  Or, if you'd like to write up your
recommendations for your own favorites in SF or side trips, send those. - d

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12th Annual Smart Marriages® Conference, Hilton San Francisco Hotel,
July 2 - 5, 2008  
Pre-Conference Training Institutes June 30-July 2
Post-Conference Training Institutes July 6

Details: http://www.smartmarriages.com/conferencedetails.html

List your program and resources on the Directory of Classes at
http://www.smartmarriages.com

Order conference audio & video CD/DVD/MP3s: 800-241-7785 or
http://www.iPlaybackSmartMarriages.com

Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couples Education, LLC (CMFCE)
Diane Sollee, Director
5310 Belt Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015-1961
http://www.smartmarriages.com
202-362-3332