Here is the latest news about the New England Traditions Convention!
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March News Release: New England Traditions Mini-Convention
The second meeting of the 2008 New England Traditions Mini-Convention (NET) took place March 8, 2008. Convention Chair, Carol Kernozek, reiterated the 2008 goals to increase attendance, increase income and reduce expenses. The Registration Contest and Chapter Incentive Program will be used to increase attendance. If every chapter increases their attendance at NET by just 5 members, it will give us an 8% increase.
NECC passed the NET registration fee increase to $75.00 (late fee,$85.00)and the daily registration to $30.00(late fee, $35.00). Also, the price of the 2009 catalog will be $8.00.
Parking at RICC is the same as last year but subject to change as of July 1, 2008. Should there be an increase, it will only be $1.00 a day.
We will have room blocks in two hotels this year, The Westin and the Marriott. Attendees should be encouraged to stay in one of these hotels to support the convention.
Along with the Appreciation Drawings held at NET (for registered guests/room block/Monitor for the day), we are continuing our Registration Raffle (for individuals recruiting new attendees), Chapter Incentive Program (Chapter having the largest percentage increase of members who register) and NET Committee Incentive Program (to encourage attendance at the committee meetings). Please note that the pattern for this year’s registration contest design will be available in the Country Store.
There will be two contests during lunch (11:30-1:30 at the 5th floor lunch area) at NET. On Wednesday, the contest will be for painted clothing. On Thursday, the contest will be for painted bags. Judging will be on the most interesting use of color.
A Scavenger Hunt will be held Wednesday through Saturday. Registered guests will get new clues each day. You must attend the banquet to win the top prize of free registration for NET 2009.
Provide-A-Ride Incentive drawing will be held at the chapter level. Bring someone else to NET and save on parking. The driver will submit their name for the drawing to get their parking paid by NET.
The NET website (www.newenglandtraditions.org) has been updated and will continue to be updated as information is received.
Currently, we have an advertising promotion to put an ad into the catalog and/or program booklet for $15 for one, or $25 for both.
This year the Art Show categories of “Zhostovo” and “Other” have been changed to “Animal” and “Holiday”.
This year we have selected 63 teachers to teach 129 classes and 3 special events. Several of the teachers are new to NET including several from Canada and one from Australia.
We are starting to get vendors lined up for the Exhibit Hall. A Girl Scout program to do a decorative painting badge will take place at NET this year. The girls and their parents will get free admission to the Trade Show on Sunday. Also, there will be a red flag sale event at the show on Sunday.
CSDP did a paint-in at their last chapter meeting for the Painting for Freedom program. Chair, Kathy Cross is requesting all the other chapters to do the same. All cards done prior to NET will be on display in a display case. Everyone who paints a card before NET or at NET will get their name in the drawing for a patriotic painted table runner. Painting these cards helps chapters qualify for the SDP Chapter Achievement Award.
The motto for Volunteer’s this year is “It’s a piece of cake.” Volunteer awards from 2007 were passed out to take back to chapter member recipients. Recycled bags are needed for both the Monitor’s Station and the Country Store.
If you have any questions regarding any of the above information, please contact your chapter liaison or Carol Kernozek, NET Chair.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda McClure
Communications/Public Relations Chair
January Release: New England Traditions Mini-Convention
The first meeting of the 2008 New England Traditions Mini-Convention (NET) took place January 26, 2008. Convention Chair Carol Kernozek announced that the goal for 2008 would be to increase attendance and income, and reduce expenses as we celebrate our 10th year anniversary.
To this end, there will be a Chapter Incentive Program this year. The chapter having the largest percentage increase of members who register will receive a free one day seminar class. Specific details such as date, place, etc. to be worked out with the winning chapter.
We will have a Registration Contest for recruiting new attendees. This year, the lucky winner will be able to redecorate their bathroom with many matching hand painted items.
There will also be three Appreciation Drawings each day, (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) at NET this year. They will be for Registered Guest/Room Block/Monitor for the day. Prizes will be donated by NET Committee members.
A contest will take place on Wednesday at NET for painted clothing with the winner receiving a piece of handmade jewelry. On Thursday, there will be a contest for painted bags with the winner receiving a painted apron.
To add to the fun and festivities this year, there will be a Scavenger Hunt from Wednesday through Saturday. More details to follow…
The Class/Teachers Committee held the class selection meeting February 9th. It was reported that there is a great selection of classes and several teachers that are new to NET. Class Catalogs should be mailed out May 1st. Those who earned vouchers for free classes, etc. for volunteering for NET 2007 will receive them in their catalog mailing.
The Raffle this year will be paintings donated by past Convention Artists. Eight are already in the hands of the Raffle Committee.
The Volunteers Committee wants to remind all volunteers to fill out the pre-convention volunteer cards. Carol passed out master sheets of the cards to all chairs to be printed on white cardstock by the chairs. This will save money by only printing what we need and will also make the cards more available.
There will be a Girl Scout Troop participating in a mother/daughter program from 10:00AM to 12:00PM on Sunday. They will be getting a special Decorative Painting Badge and will receive special passes to shop at our show.
Many of the new committee chairs had ideas to share and questions to ask. They are very excited and willing to find ways to have a wonderful show while watching the budget. Please remember that all the chairs need your support to make this the best NET ever. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda McClure
Communications/Public Relations Chair