NFPA 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION EXPERIENCE THE SWEETNESS OF VERMONT HOSTED BY THE VERMONT PARALEGAL ORGANIZATION HILTON BURLINGTON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is it? NFPA is the “National Federation of Paralegal Associations,” and its membership base includes paralegal associations and individual sustaining members from around the United States and military paralegals based around the world. The Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO) has been a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) since January 1995. NFPA holds an annual convention, which is hosted by a local association, each year. This is the first time that the NFPA convention will be hosted in Vermont. During convention, there will be a full-day of CLE sessions for paralegals, several luncheons, one of which will highlight a former presidential candidate as our keynote speaker, networking, awards and recognitions, social events, region meetings, and the policy meeting. On Thursday, VPO will host a full-day of four CLE session tracks, NFPA workshops, an exhibitors’ reception and NFPA Board Meeting. It’s a FULL day! Friday will include NFPA Region Meetings, a networking luncheon, and our social event. NFPA is divided into five Regions, with VPO being a member of Region V. Region V Rocks! Saturday and Sunday are reserved for the policy meeting. The format of the NFPA policy meeting is similar to congressional meetings where policies affecting the paralegal members and the paralegal profession are discussed, debated and potentially implemented, such as PACE, PCCE, legislative monitoring, ethical policies, educational policies, and more. Each association in attendance is represented by a delegate(s). These delegates are provided voting rights by their respective association to discuss, debate and vote on any policy that is presented before the delegate assembly. The Policy meeting is governed by the NFPA President and Board of Directors and a Parliamentarian. Attending the NFPA Annual Convention is a great way to learn more about the paralegal profession, earn CLE credits, meet new colleagues, discuss issues and new ideas, foster friendships, and if that is not enough, get involved. And don’t forget, Burlington, and 1 surrounding towns, are great cities to visit and enjoy. We will cross our fingers for some fall colors to remain for your enjoyment. When is it? The NFPA 2016 Annual Convention will be held at the Hilton Hotel on the beautiful Burlington waterfront, in Vermont, from October 20-23, 2016. Where is it? The NFPA 2016 Annual Convention will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington, Vermont. The contact information for the Hilton is: Toll Free Phone Number: 802-658-6500 Physical Address: 60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401 Hotel Website: http://www.burlington.hilton.com Convention Rate: $189/night Tax Rate as of December 2015: 11% 2 All guest rooms at the Hilton Burlington offer the following amenities: ● Alarm clock-radio ● Cable television ● Coffeemaker ● Hair dryer ● Iron and ironing board ● Safe (in-room) ● Mini refrigerator ● In-Room Business Amenities: ● Computer dataport ● Desk ● Telephone (wired and wireless) ● High Speed Internet connectivity in all guest rooms; wireless Internet access in public areas and guest rooms. The following amenities may be available in selected guest rooms: ● Connecting rooms ● Crib ● Rollaway (complimentary) 3 Parking: Self-service garage parking is available at the hotel. There is no valet service. Special NFPA Guest Rate ● $8.00 per day including in-and-out privileges per day (discounted from regular rate) How do I get there? Closest Airports Burlington International Airport (BTV) = 4 miles http://www.burlingtonintlairport.com Plattsburgh (New York) International Airport (PBG) = 40 miles * * involves Grand Isle Ferry across Lake Champlain http://www.flyplattsburgh.com What are the transportation options to and from the airports? The Hilton Burlington does offer complimentary airport shuttle service from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Upon arrival at the airport, call the Hilton (802-658-6500) to ask for the shuttle. To use the shuttle to return to the airport, the shuttle leaves every hour (as long as there are people signed up). You can sign up for the shuttle at the front desk. Hilton Airport Shuttle (802) 658-6500 4 Taxi Cab Companies Dunwright Taxi (802) 557-2461 New England Taxi (802) 598-7254 Green Cab Vt (802) 864-2424 Route 2 Cab (802) 503-6767 Blazer Transportation Group (802) 585-2641 Francis Taxi (802) 598-1740 City Cab Vermont (802) 557-1349 Star Cab (802) 238-4135 89 Taxi (802) 383-8294 Check out the ZabCab App for taxi cabs in Burlington! What if I want to drive? Rental car companies are all conveniently located inside the Burlington International Airport terminal, on the main floor, adjacent to the baggage carousels. Rental vehicles are a short walk from the counters via a covered skywalk and are inside the parking garage—protected from rain or snow. Simply click the link or call the number listed below to make a reservation. Alamo Reservations (800) 327-9633 Avis Reservations (800) 331-1212 Dollar Reservations (Off-Site) (800) 800-4000 Enterprise Reservations (800) 325-8007 Budget Reservations (800) 527-0700 Hertz Reservations (802) 864-7409 National Reservations (802) 864-7441 Thrifty Car Rental (Off-Site) (877) 283-0898 Advantage Reservations (800) 777-5500 From Burlington International Airport: Take left out of the Airport to Airport Drive (0.4 miles). Turn right onto Williston Road/Route 2 headed West. Williston Road becomes Main Street. Continue on Main Street, past the 5 University of Vermont and follow Main Street to the bottom of the hill. Turn right onto Battery Street. The Hilton is 1.5 blocks on the right. Distance from Hotel: 4 miles Drive Time: 15 minutes Taxi Rate: $12 - $16 depending upon the number of passengers ($1 each additional passenger) From I-89: Exit 14W to Williston Road/Route 2 which becomes Main Street. Continue past the University of Vermont campus and follow Main Street to the bottom of the hill. Turn right onto Battery Street. Hotel is 1.5 blocks on right. What is the Dress Code? The dress code is business casual for the CLE and the region meetings, and formal business attire for the policy meeting. See below if you want to dress casual on Friday. What to Expect at the Convention? If you have never been to an NFPA convention, prepare for a whirlwind of activities, networking opportunities, and a fun experience. If you are coming to the Convention as a new delegate, be sure to sign up for the “First-Timers Meeting” and sign up for a Mentor to guide you through the policy meeting experience. You will leave Convention with new friends, new contacts, and hopefully some great maple syrup!! Bring at least 100 business cards for prizes, raffles, and to exchange with new colleagues. 6 What Does “Casual for a Cause” Mean? The VPO chose to support the very worthy charity, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta and its Siblings Program, during the convention. Anyone who makes a donation to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, either with their registration or at the convention, may dress casual and wear jeans on Friday to the Region Meetings. All of the donations will go to the Camp Ta-Kum-Ta Siblings Program. We are also working on other charitable fund raising activities. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta provides challenging, extraordinary experiences in a safe and loving environment for children who have or have had cancer and their families. Along with traditional camp activities squeezed into one magical week, Ta-Kum-Ta offers swimming, athletics, ropes course, arts and crafts, and once in a lifetime opportunities such as rock climbing expeditions, hot air balloon rides, formal dances and lake cruises. The Siblings Program is a long weekend offered each fall to the siblings of cancer patients, with similar activities including light-hearted fun, games, arts and crafts, field games, team building, and an opportunity to connect with other siblings of cancer patients who have experienced similar family challenges. 7 What is the Social Event Planned for Friday Night? The VPO and NFPA have planned an evening of dinner and dancing at the Sunset Ballroom. The Sunset Ballroom is one of Vermont’s most unique special events facilities located atop the Comfort Suites at 1712 Shelburne Road in South Burlington, Vermont. The Sunset Ballroom overlooks Lake Champlain and New York’s Adirondack Mountains offering the best views and Vermont sunsets from a ballroom made up of 80 percent windows and skylights, plus an outdoor patio! You will enjoy a networking dinner with door prizes, a D.J., music and dancing, and a photo booth. Bring your dancing shoes, relax and enjoy good friends, good food and good fun! We will have a bus making multiple trips to the Sunset Ballroom, as well as the Hilton shuttle, to transport you to the venue. The venue is only 4.5 miles south of the Hilton on Route 7 (Shelburne Road), but it will likely take 15-30 minutes (depending upon traffic) to get there. It is somewhat of a high traffic zone during the work commute hours. What is the Weather like and What Should I Wear? October in Burlington can be warm during the day, but cold at night. Last year at the same time, the temperatures ranged from a low of 29 degrees to a high of 70 degrees during the day. 8 Late October usually averages in the mid 50’s during the day with a low in the high 30’s. If you plan to do outdoor activities, we recommend that you bring clothing suitable for cold weather, dressing in layers, and bring a warm jacket in case of a cold front or rain. Being on the waterfront can also be very breezy so dressing in layers and the warm jacket will keep you warm.