2008 NEA ESP Conference

 March 7-9, 2008
(pre-conference workshops March 5-7)
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel
700 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
(410)385-3000 or (800)228-9290

 Register On-line - It's Easy!  (Deadline Friday, Feb. 1)

The ESP National Conference is a great opportunity for ESP members to develop new skills and learn more about relevant, important issues. Training sessions and workshops will empower ESP members with the skills and information they need to assist with closing the achievement gap, organizing, building stronger locals, promoting membership recruitment, enhancing professional development and student achievement, and establishing strong internal and external relationships. Conference participants are challenged to share their learning and information with members in their state and local associations.

We encourage all participants to attend the session, “Where the National Health Care Reform Debate Will Take NEA, Its Affiliates, and Members: A Dialogue to Shape NEA's Health Reform Strategy,” that will be offered on Friday, March7, from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Here are the conference details:

• ESP President's/Leader's Workshop
• Family-School-Community Workshop
• ESP Staff Workshop
• Diversity Workshop
• Emerging Leaders Workshop
• NCESP Meeting
• Conference Schedule
• Reimbursements
• Registration
• Lodging
• Airport Transportation

Pre-Conference Activities

Pregistratration is required for each of the optional pro-conference workshops. Register early -- they are open until they are filled. Review the details carefully and ensure that you have adequate funding and time to commit to one of the following pre-conference workshops.

President's/Leader's Workshop

Limited to the first 160 local Association Presidents and leaders who register.

This one-and-one-half day workshop, open to local association presidents and leaders, will focus on skill building in decision-making, leadership, styles, and assertiveness styles. It is on Wednesday, March 5, 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided on Thursday only. NEA will pay transportation only for one ESP member and one ESP Local President nominated by the state president. The two nominees are responsible for all other expenses, including the registration fee. You must pre-register to attend this workshop.

Family-School-Community Workshop

Limited to the first 30 conference attendees who register.

This two-day workshop will be held on Thursday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Friday, March 7, 8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. NEA members often provide the vital link between students and communities. This workshop will focus on how to create links between family, school, and community, and will prepare members for taking the message to their communities. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided both days.You must pre-register to attend this workshop.

Staff Workshop

Limited to the first 60 staffers who register.

This one-day workshop will be held on Thursday, March 6, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This session will focus on new trends and organizing opportunities useful in enhancing membership growth at the state and local levels. Continental breakfast and lunch is provided. You must pre-register to attend this workshop.

Diversity Workshop

Each session is limited to 40 participants per session.

Two one-day workshops for members and staff will be offered -- one on Thursday, March 6, and one on Friday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. When we effectively address the diversity that exists among education professionals and students, we can create a better learning environment for students. This workshop is relevant to the everyday experience of a broad range of education support professionals. You must pre-register to attend this workshop.

Emerging Leaders Workshop

Limited to two members from each state recommended for funding by their State President, and/or other participants who wish to attend at their own expense.

This two-day workshop is open to two members from each state with less than five years of experience, who have not held a leadership position in the Association. The workshop will focus on providing potential leaders with training to assist them in preparing for leadership roles in their state and local associations. It will be held on Thursday, March 6, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Friday, March 7, 8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m. NEA will pay all expenses related to this training. Hotel reservations for Emerging Leaders are made based on double occupancy. State Presidents must send a nomination letter and registration form for each participant. You must pre-register to attend this workshop.

National Council for ESP Meeting

Come join us at the National Council for Education Support Professionals (NCESP) General Membership Meeting, Friday morning, March 7, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. (Stay tuned for details.)

Reimbursements

ESP President and Member

NEA will pay transportation only to the conference for one ESP member and one ESP Local President recommended by the state Affiliate President. The two nominees are responsible for all other expenses, including the registration fee.

Emerging Leaders

NEA will pay all conference expenses (including registration, accommodation, and transportation) for two ESP members designated as “Emerging Leaders” by the state Affiliate President. The ESP Quality Office will arrange to have all designees' hotel expenses direct billed to NEA, and all reservations are based on double occupancy.

Registration

The conference registration fee of $150 includes continental breakfast and lunch Friday and Saturday. It also includes a reception, dinner and entertainment on Friday, and brunch on Sunday. You can now register on-line for the ESP Conference. If you have access to the web and have an e-mail address, we encourage you to take advantage of our on-line registration. This new process has streamlined registration and is very easy to use.

 Register On-line - It's Easy!  (Deadline Friday, Feb. 1)

If you do not have your own E-mail account, or cannot use the on-line registration for some other reason, you may obtain a paper registration form by E-mailing or calling Dina Simon (202-822-7130)

The deadline to request a refund of registration fees is February 18, 2007.

Lodging

Hotel reservations should be made directly with the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront by calling (800) 228-9290 or (410) 385-3000. When reserving, reference NEA Education Support Professionals (ESP) National Conference to receive the special conference rate of $169.00 plus tax for single/double occupancy. If you require special services, please communicate your needs when making your reservations. Contact the hotel for more information. The hotel reservations deadline is February 1, 2008.

NEA will make hotel reservations for Emerging Leaders based on double occupancy.

Airport Transportation

Please make your flight arrangements using your preferred travel agency. Baltimore International airport is approximately 15 minutes from the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Maps, driving directions, hotel parking, and airport transportation information are available on the hotel Web site.

Go to the Conference Schedule.

If you have any questions, call (202-822-7130) or E-mail the Education Support Professionals Quality Program office.