Annual Meeting Registration Is Live!

The 2009 Annual Meeting Registration information is live. Click here to visit registration.

In order to support our sustainability efforts, there is not a registration "book" this year but rather a link to every piece of information you will need to plan your Annual Meeting experience. (Please note: There will still be a Program Book at the Annual Meeting as usual). Additionally, the live registration form is also available to secure your attendance at the Annual Meeting. The "earlybird" deadline for registration is October 30, 2009.

We look forward to seeing you in Jacksonville!

Speaker Showcase Application Available

The Annual Meeting Planning Team welcomes speakers and booking agents to apply for the chance to be showcased at the 2009 Annual Meeting. To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click here. The Speaker Showcase will take place on Monday, December 7 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The Speaker Showcase is scheduled during the Exhibit Hall Reception to maximize attendance. In maintaining our green initiatives, we are asking that you include a brief description and audio-visual materials in electronic format. Materials must be submitted by Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

There is no application fee. Rather upon acceptance of the presentation, you and/or your booking agent must be an AFA Associate member. If chosen, you must register to attend and exhibit (you or your booking agent) at the Annual Meeting as well.

If you have questions regarding the Speaker Showcase, please contact Marlena Martinez, Onsite Arrangements Committee member.

Tuesday General Session Announced

Dr. Bernard Franklin.
We are pleased to announce that the AFA Annual Meeting General Session on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 will feature Dr. Bernard Franklin, International President of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and President of Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Franklin has had a long career in both business and the field of higher education. He served as Executive Director of Kauffman Scholars, a $70 million 20 year initiative funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City. Dr. Franklin serves on the boards of a number of philanthropic organizations including Partnership for Children, City Mission Visionaries, Urban Youth Leadership, and the Higher M-Pact Foundation. At 24, Dr. Franklin was the youngest appointed member of the Kansas State Board of Regents, where he also became the youngest elected Chair of the Board at 28. Dr. Franklin is a graduate of Kansas State University and currently serves as a member of the K-State Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Dr. Franklin will speak at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 to the attendees of the Annual Meeting. Likewise, he will also facilitate an educational program immediately following his General Session. This General Session is funded by a grant to the AFA Foundation from Delta Upsilon International Fraternity.

Educational Program Handouts Available

Did you know that the handouts from the Annual Meeting are posted on the AFA website for members to use as a resource? Click here to view handouts from the 2008 Annual Meeting. This tradition will continue following the 2009 Annual Meeting.

Please note: You must log in as a member to view the handouts.

Wellness Opportunity in Jacksonville

As professionals, we often talk about balance and wellness. Part of Caring for Our Community means that we need to take care of ourselves, too. We are pleased that Colleen Coffey, an Association member who is certified to teach Pilates, will share her talents with us at the Annual Meeting. On Monday and Wednesday at 6:45 a.m., Group Pilates will be offered to anyone who is inclined to participate. On Tuesday at 6:45 a.m. Colleen will lead participants in a walk along the beautiful Riverfront that is parallel to our hotel. There is no need to sign up in advance. The time and location of these opportunities will be published in the Program Book.

For those who may prefer their own individual wellness opportunities, the anticipated nice weather and the location of the hotel will provide access to running or walking paths for your use. As usual, the hotel does have a workout area and a pool.