You have
heard a great deal about the cruise and now the time is
right to start looking at the details to make the cruise
into a convention.
You will
note that the Newsletter format has changed. That is because
we now have a talented Newsletter Editor, Chris Janda, who
will be covering more highlights and information about the
convention. You can look forward to valuable and fun items
from a variety of committees to keep you informed.
The
Convention Committee members generated a great deal of
enthusiasm at our first full committee meeting. They had
many thought-provoking questions and presented numerous
ideas and suggestions to create an educational and fun
convention for the members of POWERtalk
International. Cruise line queries were
handled by Christine More, owner of the Burnaby Cruiseship
centers.
We were
honoured to have in attendance the Div. I Vice President,
Joan Frank, International Parliamentarian, Irene Laidley,
President of the Pacific Northwest Region, Gerry Redmond and
President of Lewis and Clark Region, Dawn Ratliff.
Look
for more to come as we surf toward a new and exciting
experience
Doris
Ginther
Coordinator,
Convention 2009
UPDATED INFORMATION
The
November 1, 2007, Booking Deadline has passed
yet there is still time.
Thanks to those who
booked by November 1. Those who booked on time will be
receiving a bonus - watch for it later - along with the fact
that the choice of their cabins and prices are secured.
If you have not
forwarded your cruise booking form,
you still have time
to book a cabin at the convention price.We suggest you do so as soon as possible.For those of you who indicated that you have guests
attending, this is a reminder to forward their booking form
also. They are required to book now.
Don’t wait another
minute.Get your
registrations in without further delay.Booking forms and
newsletters are found on the website:
www.powertalkinternational.com.Look under Resources/Convention/2009.
This particular cruise
is always fully booked, so once the cruise line opens
reservations to the public you can be sure there will be no
cabins available for those who delay. The cruise line has
confirmed there will be no last-minute fare reductions or
discount coupons offered for either ITC members or the
general public.
Because each
passenger is charged individually according to the room
size, there are no advantages to multiple people sharing a
room. The cabins (approx. 12.5’
x 14’
[4m x 4.3 m] without furniture or beds) are small and the
bathrooms are generally large enough for only one person at
a time.
TRAVEL VISA REQUIREMENTS:
The 2009
Catch the Wave
Pre-Convention and Convention activities will embark from Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada. Upon reaching Alaska, if you choose to
take a short excursion, you may need a visa to get back on the
ship.
Who will need a travel visa to enter
Canada? Members and
guests from the following countries will need visas to enter Canada.
South
America South Africa Malawi
Jamaica Zimbabwe
For more information go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Who needs a travel visa to enter the
USA? If the purpose of
your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism,
amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical
treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature,
then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for
your travel. If the purpose of your planned travel is to consult
with business associates, travel for an educational, professional or
business convention, or conference on specific dates, then a
business (B-1) visitor visa would be the appropriate type of visa
for your travel.
The USA has a Visa Waiver
Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of
certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or
business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa, if
certain requirements are met. Under the VWP, time spent in Canada,
Mexico, and adjacent islands counts towards the maximum of 90 days
stay allowed under the program. Applicants for visitor visas, or
visa waivers should generally apply at the American Embassy or
Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.
Citizens of the following countries may qualify for the visa waiver
program:
Do It Your Way… If you go to ITC conventions purely for the parties, STOP
reading right here! If, on the other hand, you attend conventions
for the purpose of learning new things and increasing your skills
(in addition to the parties, of course!) and if you want to ensure
you get what you want from the 2009 Convention, you may be just the
person we need.
International
conventions showcase the highest level of training our organization
has to offer. To meet this challenge, the chair of the program
committee for the 2009 POWERtalk Convention,
Catch the Wave, is looking for committee members to
plan an educational component that meets or exceeds members’
expectations. Convention is not the time to rehash the basics we
all learn in our first years with ITC - Convention is a time to move
beyond basics to building skills and taking learning to a whole new
level.
Join the program committee and be part of
creating an exciting, dynamic, and stimulating training experience.
Contact Lyn Policha, program committee chair, at
lindelu@shaw.ca.
Taking the Best of the Best… The program committee for
the 2009 POWERtalk Convention,
Catch the Wave, is looking for dynamic plenary
speakers with expertise in the areas of communication, leadership,
coaching and/or organization. Potential candidates should be aware
that the opportunity will take place during a week long luxury
cruise to Alaska, and that, in addition to their plenary
presentation, we will be asking them to conduct a follow-up workshop
on the same topic. Because of our budget constraints, we will be
asking potential speakers to underwrite at least part of their own
expenses. In return, we will provide them with the opportunity to
sell any books, tapes or videos they may have created on their
topic.
If you know anyone
who might be appropriate, please send their name and contact
information to the program committee chair, Lyn Policha, at lindelu@shaw.ca.
If you feel you are in a position to make initial contact with the
individual, let us know that as well. We look forward to hearing
from you.
Dear
Members,
