11/19/03

LOGISTICS

When and where will the convention be held?
The ACTE Annual Convention and Career Tech Expo will be held in Orlando, Florida, December 11-14, 2003. The Convention and Career Tech Expo will be housed in the new expansion of the Orange County Convention Center located at 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819.

Is there a shuttle service from Orlando International Airport to the hotels?
Yes. Mears is the only shuttle transportation located at the airport. The fare is approximately $14 per person one-way and $24 round trip to all ACTE hotels. The Mears desk is located outside the baggage claim area on the A and B sides of the terminal.

What is the cost of a taxi from the airport to downtown hotels?
The cost is between $29-34 to all ACTE hotels.

Are there any discounts for renting a car?
Yes. ACTE has negotiated special convention rates with Avis. Reservations can be made by your travel agent or you can call 1-800-331-1600 and provide AWD# J991598. You may also go to the Travel Information section on the 2003 Convention home page.

Do we have an official airline?
Yes, not one, but two: Delta # 195990A and United #556X2. Please give the agent these codes when making your reservations. You may contact Delta by calling 1-800-241-6760 and United at 1-800-521-4041. Both carriers offer a 5% discount, but if you book 60 days out you get an additional 5% off applicable fares.

Are there any group tours?
ACTE will not be offering tour information. You should contact the Concierge desk in your hotel for tour information, or go to the Orlando web site at www.orlandomeetinginfo.com/acte/.  

Will there be a shuttle bus service from my hotel to the convention center?
Yes. ACTE has contracted with a shuttle service which will travel between hotels every 15-20 minutes. A tentative schedule will be included with your registration credentials.


HOUSING

Which hotels is ACTE using in Orlando?
All hotels are listed on the housing form in the April issue of Techniques Magazine and on our web site at www.acteonline.org under "Convention and Education”.

Why should I stay in one of the hotels listed in the ACTE housing block?
We are bound by the contract we sign with the hotels to fill so many rooms. If we are unable to fulfill our commitment then we have to pay substantial penalties. Additionally, if we fail to pick up a majority of our block it affects our history, which makes us less attractive to potential host cities. All of these consequences hurt the health of the association, and ultimately you-the attendee.

How do I make a hotel reservation?
You can make your reservations on-line by going to our web site at www.acteonline.org under “Convention and Education". You may call the ACTE Orlando Housing Bureau toll free at 1-866-870-2419 inside the U.S., or outside the U.S. please call 1-407-541-4264 to make reservations. You can FAX your request to 1-407-370-5015, or mail to ACTE Orlando Housing Bureau, 6700 Forum Drive, Orlando, FL 32821.

What is the deadline for making hotel reservations?
November 11, 2003

What do I need to do to make changes in my reservation?
All changes or cancellations through November 11, 2003 should be made in writing to the ACTE Orlando Housing Bureau; after December 1, 2003, make all changes directly with the hotel.

Will the Orlando Housing Bureau accept Purchase Orders?
No

Does XYZ Hotel have a babysitter service and gym?
You will need to contact the hotel directly for that information.

Can I get a refund from the hotel if I have to cancel my reservation?
A deposit becomes non-refundable if your reservation is not canceled within 7 days prior to your arrival date.

What are the headquarter hotels for each division?
There are no official headquarter hotels for each division. The Peabody is the main headquarter hotel. This is where the President's Reception and Region Networking Social will be held.


PROGRAM INFORMATION

What programs are being offered at this year’s convention?
Check our web site at www.acteonline.org for updates.

When is the Opening General Session?
Thursday, December 11th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

When is the Closing General Session?
Sunday, December 14th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Who are the general session speakers?
Our Opening General Session will feature Fred Grandy as our keynote speaker. Friday morning’s General Session will feature Neil Howe. Joe Clark will speak during General Session on Saturday and the Closing General Session on Sunday will feature Jack Canfield.

When is the Assembly of Delegates?
Saturday, December 13th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Will professional development units be offered at convention?
All attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance documenting session hours for professional development purposes at the conclusion of the convention. The certificate will be worth 22.5 lecture hours. Only one certificate will be provided per attendee.

Certificates of Attendance will be available at the ACTE Information Booth which will be located in pre-function area on the concourse level of the Orange County Convention Center.


REGISTRATION

Can I register on-line?
No, the on-line registration is closed at this time but you could register on-site.  

How can I check on the status of my registration form?
Call ACTE Member Services Department at (703) 683-3111 and give your name or ID # and they can check the database.

Can I register using a Purchase Order?
Yes, but payment must be received on all pre-registrations before you can pick up convention materials on-site.

When will registration be open at the convention?

• Wednesday, December 10th from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 11th from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 12th from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13th from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Do I still have to register if I am a presenter?
Yes. We have a one-day registration if you are only coming in for the day of your presentation. This allows you to attend other sessions and tour the Expo.

Can I get a refund if I have to cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be in writing and postmarked, faxed or e-mailed to ACTE by December 1, 2003. A $50 cancellation fee is charged on all refunds. Badge credentials must accompany all refund requests. No refunds will be made after December 1, 2003.


CAREER TECH EXPO

What are the Expo hours?

• Thursday, December 11th from 11:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 12th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 13th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Are there one-day Expo passes?
Yes. $75 each.

Who do I contact about the Career Tech Expo?
Please contact Brandon Hensley, Exhibit Sales Manager, by phone at (703) 683-9332, or by e-mail at bhensley@acteonline.org.