Join Us to Learn about the New Ford’s Theatre Experience

Tuesday, July 1, 1:00–5:00pm (Room 150 AB)

ALL EDUCATORS WELCOME

Come to one or all sessions * Light snacks provided * Drawings for exciting prizes after each session

Tour NEA Headquarters

July 2, 2008
10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Have you ever...

• Experienced your national headquarters up close and personal?
• Walked the "Gallery of NEA Presidents?"
• Stood in President Reg Weaver’s, Vice-President Dennis Van Roekel’s, or Secretary-Treasurer Lily Eskelsen’s office?
• Seen where your Board of Directors meets?
• Been in NEA Broadcast Services studio where NEA's videos are produced?
• Enjoyed our beautiful atrium?

Take a Tour—See All This and More!

• Tours will last approximately 45 minutes—please wear comfortable shoes.
• Buses will depart from the convention center on L St. behind NEA Shuttle Route 11 starting at 10:00 am and will leave every 45 minutes.
• The last bus will depart the convention center at 3:15 pm.
• The last bus will return to the convention center around 4:30 pm.
• Walk-ups are welcome—come to 1201 16^th Street, NW

BE SURE TO WEAR YOUR DELEGATE BADGE FOR IDENTIFICATION

Join Us to Learn about the New Ford’s Theatre Experience

Tuesday, July 1, 1:00–5:00 p.m. (Room 150 AB)

ALL EDUCATORS WELCOME

Come to one or all sessions * Light snacks provided * Drawings for exciting prizes after each session

Travel Arrangements

Take an additional 2%–7% percent off restricted airline fares to Washington, D.C., by using the airline codes listed below, when you purchase your airline ticket at least 30 days prior to departure.  The discounts are available by making arrangements directly through the airlines or through a travel agent.

While Delta no longer offers meetings discounts, you may include NEA’s Sky Bonus number to help us earn free tickets while you continue to earn your personal frequent flyer miles.

If you book your travel at www.united.com, you will receive a 5% percent discount off the lowest applicable fare, regardless of when you make your reservation. Discounts apply on United Airlines, United Express, TED, and United code share flights (UA*) operated by US Airways and US Airways Express. After you link to www.united.com, enter your origin and destination, travel dates, and your promotion code number, 552TN. Flights that qualify for the discount will be clearly identified with a green star symbol, which means that the itinerary is "electronic certificate eligible." When you select an electronic eligible flight, United will automatically calculate and present your discounted fare.

When making air reservations, keep in mind:

• Travelers should research all airlines, not just those listed above.
• Meeting discounts do not apply to already discounted airfares available only on the Internet.
• Airfares change constantly and are subject to availability.
• The lowest fares are subject to restrictions and penalties.  Make sure you understand them.
• Airfares are never guaranteed until permission is given to issue tickets.

Car Rental Information For NEA

NEA has arranged special convention rates for NEA members with these official suppliers for your car rental needs:

Click on the logo to be directed to the Hertz NEA Annual Meeting car rental page.

Pre-Conference Training on Indoor Environmental Quality and School Safety

• School Safety & Crisis Response
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Registration for Both

School Safety & Crisis Response

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Is your school prepared to respond to a school shooting, flood, fire or tornado? Does your school have a living crisis response plan? Do they conduct active drills quarterly? Is your local association ready?

The NEA Health Information Network (NEA HIN) is offering a School Safety & Crisis Response training on June 29 as part of the 2008 Pre-Annual Meeting activities in Washington, DC (location to be determined). Conference sessions will be delivered by local, state and national experts in the fields of emergency management and crisis response. Experienced NEA member advocates and state association staff from all across the country will also share their experiences and offer strategies at the local level.

Conference Highlights:

• This highly interactive session will premiere the new NEA and NEA HIN School Crisis Guide, now an on-line, interactive tool designed for your use.
• Participants will learn the components of a crisis response plan including your Association's role in the development of the plan and the essential elements of communication during a crisis.
• Through scenario activities attendees will learn how a school district should respond to a crisis both immediately and in the long-term.
• Participants will also learn about several NEA affiliates that have active crisis response teams and how they these teams can assist during a crisis.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Monday, June 30, 2008

Do you or your students experience headaches, dizziness, or respiratory infections while in school? Does your health improve when you are on vacation or away from school for extended periods of time? Is your principal or superintendent unsupportive of addressing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) problems in your school? Is student achievement and staff performance being affected by poor IEQ?

Through a 2007 RA NBI (#9) NEA HIN is offering an IEQ training on June 30 as part of the 2008 Pre-Annual Meeting activities in Washington, DC (location to be determined). The interactive training entitled, “Environmentally Healthy Schools: Protecting Occupants, Improving Performance”, will feature experts in the fields of school IEQ, industrial hygiene and environmental health from government agencies and national organizations. Experienced NEA member advocates and state association staff from all across the country will also share their experiences and offer strategies in solving IEQ problems at the local level.

Conference Highlights:

• IEQ Basics- causes of poor IEQ, health effects, testing for IEQ, IEQ and its relation to staff and student productivity and performance.
• Common IEQ Contaminants and hot topics: mold, pests and pesticides, diesel exhaust, chemicals, carpet/flooring, fiberglass, green cleaning, etc.
• Organizing around IEQ Issues (health and safety committees, health surveys, school walkthroughs).

Registration for Both Trainings

• Participants can register via fax or email. Registration forms can be found at www.neahin.org. Registration opens Tuesday, April 1st.
• Participation is limited to the first 100 pre-registered members (delegates and non-delegates).
• The trainings will take place from 8:45-5:00 (locations to be determined). Draft agendas will be made available at later date at www.neahin.org.
• There is no registration fee. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
• Transportation costs to and from the meeting sites and lodging are at the expense of the attendee (buses will not be running).

Questions?

If you have questions, contact Jennie Young, NEA HIN Senior Project Coordinator at 202-822-7481 or send an e-mail.

Pre-Convention Events

• Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women
• NCUEA Summer Conference
• NEA Retirement and Health Benefits Forum
• NEA-Retired Annual Meeting
• Student Leadership Conference
• Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner
• Uniserv Referral Center
• Pre-Conference Training on Indoor Environmental Quality and School Safety
• NCHE Conference

The 23rd Annual Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women

The Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women will be held at the Hilton Washington Hotel, in Washington DC, on June 28 and 29, 2008, prior to the NEA Representative Assembly (RA). Participation in the Joint Conference is limited to 800 pre-registered members who are delegates to the 2008 RA and 100 pre-registered members who are non-delegates. Delegate status will be verified. As in previous years, there will be no on-site registration.

Registration materials will be mailed by the last week in March. The early registration fee for both delegates and non-delegates is $110.00 if postmarked by May 5, 2008. Registration after May 5, 2008 will be $135.00. RA delegates attending the Joint Conference will receive a two-night stay (double occupancy) at the Hilton Washington Hotel for the nights of June 27 and 28. Non-delegate members must pay for their own room, and payment must be received with the registration form. No one will be able to call the hotel directly to make reservations. ALL reservations must be made through NEA Human and Civil Rights.

The Annual NEA Student Leadership Conference

Conference participants will stay at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel. Student members will learn more about the Association and get ready to recruit new members in the Fall.

Plan for the following events:

• June 26th - Opening session, Awards Dinner and keynote (6 pm - 9:30 pm)
• June 27th - Outreach to Teach (6 am - 4:30 pm)
• June 28th - General and Breakout Sessions, Voting (all day)
• June 29th – Breakout Sessions and conference wrap up (8:00 am -11:30 pm)

The 42nd Annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner

The 2008 Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner will be held on July 2, 2008 at the Washington DC Convention Center in the Grand Ballroom.

This dinner represents the National Education Association - American Teachers Association merger and honors our colleagues' achievements, celebrates all our multicultural roots, introduces us to the leaders of the human rights struggle, and recharges us for the struggle ahead.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until May 19, 2008, or until sold out. This year, the cost is $65.00 per ticket or $650 per table of 10. No tickets will be mailed. Tickets will be distributed at the Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women on June 28-29 for individuals and states (scheduled at the Hilton Washington Hotel), at the meeting of convention coordinators for states, at the Awards Dinner ticket booth at the Washington DC Convention Center on June 30, July 1 and until noon on July 2 only, and at the "will call" desk at the Washington DC Convention Center Grand Ballroom.  If you have not received a registration packet/ticket order form, for more information, please call NEA Human and Civil Rights at (202) 822-7709.

NEA-Retired 2008 Annual Meeting

The 2008 NEA-Retired Annual Meeting will mark the 25^th Anniversary of NEA-Retired. NEA-Retired will celebrate this milestone with a special reception on Friday June 27^th and honor those who help make NEA-Retired what it is today. The Annual Meeting will be held June 27-29, 2008 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel located at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C., 20004, (202) 393-2000 or 1-(800) 228-9290. The hotel is located adjacent to the National Theatre, two blocks from the White House, four blocks from the National Mall, and a 10 minute ride from the Washington Convention Center.

The first general session will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27th and the last session will conclude the Sunday evening, June 29th. There will also be an orientation for new delegates and a review of election procedures at 2:00 p.m. on Friday June 27^th. This year’s Annual Meeting Theme is NEA-Retired: "Celebrating 25 Years of Dedicated Service in the NEA Family." Members and delegates wishing to participate in the NEA Student Program "Outreach to Teach" Project should arrive by Thursday June 26^th.

Official delegates to the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting with full voting rights for all elections are those NEA-Retired members elected from their State Association as delegates to the NEA RA. However, all NEA-Retired members and pre-Retired Subscribers are welcome and encouraged to attend the meeting (as non-delegates), as well as attend the informational workshops that will be conducted. Non-delegates are not eligible to vote for NEA-Retired officers but may vote on NEA-Retired New Business.

During the two and one-half day Annual Meeting, awards will be given for Membership Growth, Best Newsletters, Best Websites, NEA-Retired Distinguished Service Award, and the NEA-Retired/Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Award to worthy NEA Student members. There will be also an equal opportunity for all NEA RA attendees to win the 2008 NEA-Retired T-shirt Quilt. Be sure to stop by the NEA-Retired booth at the RA. Remember, donations go to support Children and Public Education!

The NEA-Retired Annual Banquet will be held Saturday evening, June 28th. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 pm and dinner will begin at 7:00 p.m. The dinner will be followed by a live auction benefiting NEA's Fund for Children and Public Education. The Jazz combo Steve Wolf & Swing Speak has been confirmed as the evening’s entertainment. The cost of the Annual Meeting banquet is $65 per person. You may purchase a banquet online when you register for the annual meeting. Banquet tickets will not be sold onsite. Tickets must be picked up at the Annual Meeting registration desk during conference registration times, which will be made available at another date. If you have questions, you may contact NEA-Retired at (202) 822-7149. NEA-Retired will also invite NEA Student members to an Intergenerational Dance after the Banquet. So plan to stay and party until midnight.

Annual Meeting registration is an online process at www.nea.org/retired, and information can be found in "This Active Life" magazine’s March and May 2008 issues. The Annual Meeting registration deadline is June 4, 2008. For further information on NEA-Retired activities, contact NEA-Retired, Constituent Relations, 1201 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C., 20036 or (202) 822-7149. A confirmed agenda will be emailed to all online registration attendees after details are finalized.

Uniserv Referral Center

As a service to our state and local affiliates, NEA will maintain the UniServ Referral Center prior to the 2008 Representative Assembly. The Center will be located in room 208 A/B of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and will provide the following services to both members and state affiliates:

• Sessions will be offered in creating effective resumes, completing applications accurately, and developing excellent interviewing skills.
• Information sessions on the Affirmative Action Intern and Pre-Employment Development Programs will be offered.
• State and local representatives will be able to meet with interested members to further explore employment opportunities.

Applicant Profile Forms will be available for individuals interested in applying for UniServ staff employment. The Referral Center will be open on Tuesday, July 1 through Thursday, July 3, at which time applications will be accepted.  Operating hours are as follows:

• Tuesday, July 1:         9 am – 5 pm
• Wednesday, July 2:    9 am – 5 pm
• Thursday, July 3:        9 am – 11 am

A schedule of presentations and sessions will be posted daily in the Referral Center.  The Referral Center staff will provide space for the daily sessions as well as for discussions between interested members and state affiliates. State and local affiliates may use the Referral Center for conducting interviews for employment vacancies during the Referral Center's operating hours.

The Referral Center will close promptly at the start of the Representative Assembly. NEA will coordinate the collection and distribution of Applicant Profile Forms; however, NEA accepts no liability and offers no assurance of employment.

National Council for Higher Education

The Representative Assembly meetings of the NCHE will meet at the following dates and times:

• Tuesday    July 1    4-5:45 PM
• Thursday  July 3    9:30-10:45 AM
• Friday       July 4    Lunch break
• Saturday   July 5    Lunch break
• Sunday      July 6    Lunch break

All NCHE members and higher education delegates are welcome. On-site NCHE memberships are available. The July 1^st & 3rd meetings are critical. We are looking forward to seeing all higher education NEA delegates.Questions should be addressed to NCHE@nea.org.

Tips to Avoid Travel Hassles

Many airlines require travelers to cancel nonrefundable tickets prior to ticketed departure. Even if the weather is bad and you suspect your flight is cancelled, be sure to call Garber, (800) 816-8747, or the airline to cancel your reservation. Otherwise, you may forfeit the ticket.

Flying standby may entail a fee. Check your airline’s policies. Some airlines permit you to use kiosks for standby flights.

Be alert to code sharing. Now that many airlines have formed alliances, read your travel itinerary carefully to note when flights ticketed by one airline are actually operated by another airline. This can make check-in confusing if you're caught unaware!

Don't leave for the airport without re-confirming your flight. Why get there early if the flight is delayed or cancelled.

Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.

To ensure both you and your bag will be accepted for your scheduled departure, arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before flight departure if you are not checking bags, and 90 minutes if you are checking bags. (For international travel, arrive 120 minutes before departure.) Do not pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Visit www.TSATravelTips.us for a complete list.

At most airports, a boarding pass and government-issued photo ID are required to pass through security. You can obtain the boarding pass from the airline's ticket counter at the airport, at curbside check-in, at the airline's self-service ticket kiosk in the airport lobby, or from your airline's website.

Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal and may set off the alarm on the metal detector and result in a pat-down inspection.

Wear footwear that is easily removable. You are not required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. However, many types of footwear require additional screening.

Do not put film in your checked baggage to avoid damage by screening equipment.

Consider putting personal items in clear plastic bags to reduce chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.

Avoid over-packing your bag to make it easier for the TSA screener to reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection.

Do not pack or bring wrapped gifts to the security check-point. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to departure.

TSA’s new protocols require all passengers to remove outer coats and jackets for X-ray before proceeding through the metal detectors. Included are suit and sport coats, athletic warm-up jackets and blazers. However, if a sport coat or blazer is being worn as the outermost garment – not being worn over a blouse or sweater, for example – it does not have to be removed.

Travelers who set off the walk-through magnetometer are automatically pulled aside, and a screener waves a hand-held metal detector over the body. Even if passengers don't set off the metal detector, the TSA warns that passengers may be pulled aside at random for screening. Screeners are required to communicate their actions to the passenger prior to conducting the inspection. TSA policy is that screeners are to use the back of the hand when screening sensitive body areas, which include the breasts (females only), genitals, and buttocks. For non-sensitive areas, including other parts of the torso, screeners are required to use the front of the hand. Screeners are required to offer private screening to passengers who are subject to additional screening. If you are not offered private screening you have the option to request a private screening location. Screeners of the same gender as the passenger will conduct the additional screening (except in extraordinary circumstances).

TSA will investigate all reports of inappropriate conduct and, if warranted, take disciplinary action. If a passenger believes the screening was done inappropriately, he or she should immediately ask to talk to a screening supervisor. A passenger may also obtain a feedback form, which is available at all checkpoints. Alternatively, passengers may call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at (866) 289-9673 or via E-mail (TSA ContactCenter@dhs.gov). Members of the traveling public who believe they have been unlawfully discriminated against by a TSA employee may contact the External Compliance Division in the Office of Civil Rights.

This office can be reached by sending an E-mail to TSA OCR-External Compliance
(TSA.OCR-ExternalCompliance@DHS.gov) or by calling the Office of Civil Rights toll free at 1-877-EEO-4-TSA (1-877-336-4872) or (866) 536-9679 (TTY).

Camp NEA, for Kids 6 months–16 Years

Washington, D.C. Convention Center, July 1-6, 2008

Once again, ACCENT on Children's Arrangements, Inc. , is partnering with NEA to provide an on-site children's camp in Washington, DC. The 2008 Annual Meeting will be an opportunity for kids from 6 months–16 years of age to experience the diversity and history unique to Washington D.C. and surrounding area.

Children will enjoy Camp NEA and Club NEA located at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center . ACCENT is a 16-year-old national company with staff trained to supervise and entertain children. They create age-appropriate, curriculum-enriched environments with hands-on activities and attention to health and safety.

Safety and Security

The trained supervisors are CPR & Pediatric First Aid certified. ACCENT's staff are teachers, professional children's program providers, or mothers who enjoy working with children and have completed ACCENT's training program. Employee references are thoroughly checked. To insure children have the best care, the staff-to-child ratios (on-site) are as follows:

Entertainment and Education

With activities like arts and crafts, active games, movies, and much more, children won't want to leave! ACCENT's goal is to entertain children in a safe environment so that adults can attend the Annual Meeting meeting with peace of mind.

Registration/How to Insure a Spot

Register on line by visiting www.accentoca.com/campnea08.

Or, print out the following forms and mail them in:

• Print the registration form ( 24k, 1p) for June 26–30 (pre-conference).
• Print the registration form ( 32k, 1p) for July 1-6.
• Print the Release and Waiver ( 12k, 1p)

Fill out forms and mail to:

Camp NEA/ACCENT on Children’s Arrangements, Inc.
615 Baronne St., Suite 303
New Orleans , LA 70113

Or fax to: (504) 524-1229.

Spaces are limited—complete and send in your registration early!

Questions?

Contact ACCENT at (504) 524-0188 or by e-mail. Visit ACCENT's Web site at www.accentoca.com.

Emergency Information

Emergency contact and medical information must be submitted on-line. We are no longer using paper forms.

Enter your emergency contact and medical information here.

We will NOT accept paper forms by mail or fax.

First-time users need to register. Information is saved and can be updated thereafter using the logon you create. Your e-mail address is required (it will be designated as your unique username).

If you do not have an e-mail address, use firstname.lastname@nomail (substituting your first and last name), however, you will not be able to receive e-mail confirmation of your registration and changes.  

If anyone does not have access to the internet, we are asking state coordinators to help us by entering information for these attendees. If you entered your information last year, please update any changes now. If there are no changes, you must still re-submit your data, to let us know that you are attending and that your information is still valid.

If there are problems or questions that cannot be resolved by your state coordinator, contact Sean McCoy at 202-822-7603 or smccoy@nea.org.

New Requirement for 2008

To better serve delegates requesting physically challenged services, we now require delegates to register by June 1, 2008 through the online site, www.regonline.com/pcform2008.

Delegate Registration for Physically Challenged Delegates

All delegates who qualify for Physically Challenged Services must register for the R.A. at Delegate Registration. (This is a change from past years when registration took place in the Physically Challenged office.)

To qualify for Physically Challenged Services, a delegate must present at Delegate Registration one of the following (even if the same documentation was sent to NEA to request special services):

• A signed letter from your physician on his/her letterhead indicating the need for Physically Challenged Services.
• A signed physician's prescription form indicating the need for Physically Challenged Services.
• A state-issued vehicle registration card with Physically Challenged endorsement.

Upon registration, delegates must make a choice for the remainder of the Representative Assembly concerning voting options:

• voting in specially designated area closer to the RA floor, or
• voting in the regular voting area.

Any injuries sustained at the Annual Meeting should be reported to Emergency Medical Services. If an on-site injury requires special services or voting location, Emergency Medical Area personnel will provide documentation which the delegate needs to present to personnel in the Physically Challenged office (for services) and at the Delegate Registration (to change voting location).

Transportation for Physically Challenged Delegates

To receive special transportation services, delegates who qualify for Physically Challenged Services must fill out the online Physically Challenged Delegates Request Form through RegOnline and submit it no later than June 1, 2008.

Transportation is provided for official Annual Meeting events only and does not include airport transfers.

Transportation is limited to qualifying delegates only (not friends, family, and guests). If a companion is required to assist a delegate, a physician's note is required.

All transportation requests require advance notice and will be coordinated with other delegates' requests.

Never assume service will be provided without confirmation from the Physically Challenged Office. If you have not received a call from NEA by June 1st, please call Sean McCoy, (202) 822-7603.

If you have requested transportation service for an official Annual Meeting event (Resolutions Committee, for example) which occurs prior to July 1st, make sure you confirm this with Sean McCoy, (202) 822-7603, by June 1st.

To request transportation to the convention center starting July 1st, call the Physically Challenged office. (The phone number will be printed on NEA Shuttle Bus Brochures and signs available in hotel lobbies.) Because transportation needs to be coordinated with fellow delegates, allow a half-hour for variance either way from the time you request pick-ups.

Transportation on the first two days prior to the Representative Assembly (July 1st and 2nd) will follow the 'llbus schedule used for motor coaches. Last pick-up from hotel will be at 3:30 p.m. and last return to hotel will be at 6:00 p.m.

Once the Representative Assembly starts on July 3rd, transportation will mimic the bus schedule used for motor coaches. However, a physically challenged vehicle will be available at the convention center for delegates who need to return to their hotels before the Representative Assembly ends. The departures will be every hour on the half-hour.

After registering at the Physically Challenged office, delegates will be asked to submit a daily schedule. While you may request a particular pick-up time, don't assume you'll get the specific time you request. Pick-up times need to be coordinated. Call the Physically Challenged Office to confirm your time.

If you have a mobile phone, give the phone number to the Physically Challenged office to make communication easier.

Important note: If changes need to be made, the NEA Transportation Coordinator will phone you at your hotel or leave a message for you at your hotel. Always check with your hotel for messages.

Delegates will also be given a special transportation pass to show the driver that they are entitled to the service. If companions are necessary to assist Physically Challenged Delegates, they too will be issued a pass.

If you need to change your pick-up time, inform the NEA Transportation Coordinator, not the bus driver or another delegate. Because each pick-up affects another pick-up, it's important that delegates give notice of changes. Bus drivers are instructed to wait no more than five minutes past the appointed pick-up time. If bus drivers wait more than five minutes, the entire schedule is thrown off. If you miss your scheduled pick-up call the Physically Challenge Office.

Good communication is the key to good service. Be sure you understand exactly where the bus will meet you.

Please be on time, and keep schedule changes to a minimum.

RA Seating Options for Physically Challenged Delegates

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: Physically Challenged delegates have an option to be seated with their state delegations or in the Physically Challenged designated area. To guarantee seating with your state delegation, you must submit your request via the online Physically Challenged Delegates Request Form by June 1, 2008.

NEA will make every effort to arrange floor seating if notified by June 1st.

While it may not appear complicated, RA seating is a challenge combining skills in art, science, and politics. Once you make your seating decision, please stay with the decision.

Wheelchairs, Electric Scooters, and Medical Supplies

Physically Challenged delegates who own their own chairs are expected to bring their own equipment.  NEA rents several wheelchairs for people who need a chair to navigate the convention center, but are not regular users of wheelchairs.

Motorized wheelchairs or electric scooters can be rented, at the delegate's expense, by contacting Jennifer Turcan, Scootaround Inc., toll-free at (888) 441-7575 ext. 260, by fax at (204) 478-1172, by email at info@scootaround.com, or through their website at www.scootaround.com/rentals/n/nea. (Please note that the NEA/Scootaround rental page is presently under construction. You should check back periodically as information is updated frequently.)

Oxygen tanks are also available by contacting ScootAround, Inc. Medical appointments for dialysis and other ongoing treatment can be arranged with advanced notice.

Airport Transportation

NEA does not arrange for, or pay for, airport transportation. This transfer is the responsibility of the delegates. Super Shuttle provides wheelchair accessible vehicles that must be reserved at least 24 hours ahead of time.

Tentative Annual Meeting Event Schedule

(As of 6/23/08)

Washington, D.C. Attractions

Important note: When exploring D.C., keep in mind that the city's design was centered around the U.S. Capitol. Streets emanating from there divide the city into quadrants: Northeast (NE), Northwest (NW), Southeast (SE), and Southwest (SW). Before setting out, be sure the street address you seek has a quadrant designation.

Most of Washington's attractions fall into seven major geographic clusters, below. Except for the National Mall/Smithsonian cluster—containing the capital's most popular attractions—these sections are each doable in a day.

More Washington, D.C. Attractions

	More D.C. Attractions   Arlington National Cemetery Holocaust Museum Kennedy Center Lincoln Theatre National Air and Space Museum National Arboretum National Cathedral National Zoo Smithsonian Institution Tours/Shopping Historic Tours Pentagon City Shops at Georgetown Union Station Washington Walks The White House Restaurants Buca di Beppo The Cheesecake Factory Clyde's Equinox Legal Sea Foods Maggiano's Little Italy Old Ebbitt Grill The Palm (DC) Sweet Georgia Brown
Welcome to the nation's capital, a place where there is something for everyone. This city is full of history, arts, entertainment, parks, art galleries and museums, just to name a few. Click map to enlarge      Map of the parking lots around the Convention Center For over 90 years, Union Station has welcomed people to the most important city in the world. This magnificent building has even played host to 17 Presidents and numerous foreign dignitaries. Union Station is also the most exciting and dynamic shopping destination in the country. The quality and diversity of its stores have made it the choice of Presidents as well as millions of busy commuters and tourists each year. Six Flags America, Maryland's only theme park and the DC Metro's closest theme park, features more than 100 rides, shows and attractions. From world-class roller coasters Batwing and Superman - Ride of Steel to the family-oriented Tea Cups and Carousel, adventure awaits thrill-seekers of all ages. Hollywood-style stunt shows and musical reviews keep guests entertained while little ones expereince the thrill of meeting Bugs Bunny and friends. Ride a wave at Paradise Island Water Park, indulge in delicious culinary delights and make a day of it! B. Smith's at Union Station offers a combination of Cajun, Creole and Southern cuisine. Located in Washington, DC's Historic Union Station, B. Smith's grand Beaux Arts style dining room complete with 30-foot ceilings, period chandeliers and turn of the century elegance, is a national landmark and has been referred to as one of the most beautiful dining rooms in America. DC Coast Restaurant is a re-birth of a classical Beaux Arts style that has recently surfaced and surprised historians throughout the city. It offers beautiful architectural details in and around which the restaurant is designed. Come aboard Odyssey and take pleasure in a two or three hour escape to the signature elegance and total entertainment experience only a true luxury cruising vessel can provide. Creative appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared fresh onboard, daily. Award-winning wines. Dancing to live music. And unmatched views of the nation's greatest monuments drifting past your table. It's where many of today's stars were born and continue to shine. The World Famous Improv Comedy Showcase in Washington DC has been the career launching pad for dozens of the familiar faces of television and film.

A Brief History of Washington, D.C.

Andrew Ellicott

In 1790, a survey of the land for the District of Columbia was undertaken by Andrew Ellicott with the help of Benjamin Banneker, a free Black man from Maryland who was a self-taught mathematician and astronomer. (Banneker later went on to become an advisor to President Thomas Jefferson.) Forty boundary stones, laid at one-mile intervals, established the boundaries based on Banneker's celestial calculations.

Benjamin Banneker

The Potomac River was known to Native Americans as the Co-hon-ho-roo-ta. The first English explorers called it "Elizabeth."

The Residence Bill of July 16, 1790, established a site along the Potomac to be the capital. This federal district was first called the Territory of Columbia, and the federal city, the City of Washington. The name changed to the District of Columbia in 1793.

Little Known Facts About Washington D.C.

State Coordinators