REMINDER - World Federation Conference

REMINDER - World Federation Conference Melbourne 7-10 October 2010. Members are reminded that discounted early-bird rates close on 31 May 2010 for both the conference and the wildlife and winery tour. Please book ASAP, as there can be problems with overseas card payments needing a week or so to be authorized (our experience is that sometimes the issuing bank declines payment). http://www.dwdv.org.au/WF2010/WF2010Delegates.html.

Please note that all delegates, including those few with complimentary registrations such as WF Board members, must still purchase a ticket for the Winery and Wildlife tour. It is not complimentary. This will be a terrific day especially for international delegates who haven't had the chance to explore a bit of Australia yet, and the whole day is just $100 (early bird) from door to door, representing outstanding value. We have worked very hard to keep costs down yet provide a thoroughly enjoyable and unique experience. If you are travelling with your spouse, who is not attending the conference itself but who would like to pat kangaroos in friendly company (yes, us!), remember to buy them a ticket for the tour.

It is strongly suggested delegates check with their travel agent or local Australian embassy or consulate about Australian visa requirements for their visit.

It can take considerable time for people coming from outside Australia to negotiate Australian baggage claim, immigration and customs, as well as transfer to the hotel. These delegates might choose to arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday 6 October, which will allow them to attend the Wednesday welcome cocktail party at 1730 hrs and participate in the whole day's program on Thursday 7 October. We now anticipate a session of short presentations by delegates commencing 0900 hrs on Thursday (not previously shown in the program.)

Also please remember that accommodation at the hotel where the conference will be held is limited, so you would be well advised to book there as well. http://www.rydges.com/meetingsandbusiness/cwp/corp_bookings.asp?master code=DWDVCWP We have negotiated special rates for delegates that include one free breakfast per room per day and free Internet use."

Cut-off for abstract submissions and trade table requests: WF members who are interested in presenting short papers to the conference should submit abstracts by May 31st. The conference committee will assess submitted abstracts and advise whether they have been accepted or declined, by June 30th. The cut-off date for requesting trade tables is May 31st.

Delegates attending: All WF members are most welcome and encouraged to attend the conference, and all but WF Board need to buy a delegate ticket. Member societies may send as many delegates to the conference as they wish. There is no limit. There are only two particular restrictions to participation in order to make proceedings efficient in the limited time we have together. They are: (a) each society will be granted a limit of two SPEAKING delegates in sessions of official constitutional business in which there is debate with motions and votes, and (b) during votes, only ONE delegate from each member society may vote. To vote, the member society must be a current, paid-up member of the WF at the time of voting. In sessions other than official motion and voting business, any member/delegate may speak, with the usual courtesy permission rules led by the session chair. Even during the limits of two speakers and one voter per member society, as many members of each society may attend sessions involving motions and voting. Societies will be asked to nominate who their two speakers are and their one voter is."