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Friday , November 21st , 2008

2008 Government Affairs Conferences - US Chamber of Commerce

Save the Date!

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Government Affairs Conferences

June 4-6, 2008
Las Vegas, NV
Bellagio Hotel and Casio

June 11-13, 2008
Orlando, FL
Portofino Bay Hotel

Dear Friends,

In just a couple months, our Government Affairs Conferences will be here. We wanted to share with you in more detail information on the venues for the conferences in Las Vegas and Orlando, including events and entertainment you can enjoy. Also, do not miss the up-to-date information on our expanded scholarship opportunities. Do not hesitate; register for the conference TODAY!

www.uschamber.com/governmentaffairs

June is a great time to visit either of the locations for our conferences. Las Vegas: June 4-6 and Orlando: June 11-13 are ideal for fun in the sun, top of the line shopping and 5 star entertainment. Some highlights to see when the conference is not in session: In Las Vegas, look forward to the amazing Bellagio Hotel, its famous fountains, shopping at Planet Hollywood or Caesars, catch a glimpse of Elvis, or go see a performance of Cirque du Soleil or Elton John. Not to be outdone, Orlando attendees will be experiencing life Mediterranean-style at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios with shopping at City Walk, along with live entertainment such as the Blue Man Group or a stand up comedy act at Bonkers Comedy Club.

We have negotiated extremely generous room pricing for conference attendees. The room block includes a room rate of $199 per night + tax at either location and is for the following dates:

Bellagio Hotel: check-in June 4th, check-out June 6th

Portofino Bay Hotel: check-in June 11th at 4:00pm, check-out June 13th at 11:00am.

Bellagio Hotel

When the Bellagio opened in 1998, it was the most expensive hotel ever built at $1.6 billion, and its iconic look defines the modern view of Las Vegas. Home to a permanent production show of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil and the elaborate Fountains of Bellagio, the Bellagio offers second-to none amenities and a wide range of entertainment options. On site there are 5 outdoor pools, 4 whirlpools and a full service spa and salon. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, your options during a stay at the Bellagio are unlimited.

Las Vegas Hot Links

The Bellagio Hotel and attractions

Official Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority website

Exciting Las Vegas Entertainment

Portofino Bay Hotel

Inspired by the famed Italian village of Portofino, The Portofino Bay Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond Award Winner located within walking distance to the Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks, along with the City Walk entertainment complex. On site there are three themed pools, a full service Spa and fitness center, and access to the area’s finest golf courses. For the kids – Campo Portofino has supervised children’s activities. As a perk, guests are able to enjoy Universal Express ride access - the ability to bypass the regular attraction lines simply by showing your room key.

Orlando Hot Links

Portofino Bay Hotel

Universal Studios, Orlando

Exciting Nightlife at Universal CityWalk®

Scholarships available now!

Are you looking to create an effective government affairs program but do not think you have the means to attend a conference in 2008? We have a solution. The U.S. Chamber is again offering scholarships for local chambers of commerce to attend our conferences. This year, scholarship recipients can apply for $500 scholarships towards their registration fees, travel and lodging costs at either conference in Las Vegas or Orlando.

Last year, 35 scholarships were distributed to attending chambers. To accommodate the changes made in the program, we are growing our scholarship program by 66 percent for the 2008 conferences!

By allowing more local chambers in key districts to create or grow their government affairs operations, together, we can further a pro-business message, while providing attendees with a value-added service to your membership. Additionally, the June Conference dates will afford you more time to implement your new messaging strategies and advocacy tools in advance of an absolutely crucial election. You will leave with the national best practices you will need to effectively shift the political and legislative landscape – from Pennsylvania Avenue to Main Street.

Apply here

Please make sure you fax in your completed application to Carolyn Melton at (972) 404-9130 by April 11th to ensure consideration. Applicants will be contacted soon after to confirm their status. We strongly encourage applicants to make travel plans and register in advance to ensure availability and best fares.

Scholarships

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives to offer a new joint scholarship to this year's Great Lakes/Midwest Government Affairs Conference. The U.S. Chamber will put forward $250, which will be matched by IACCE . Combined, the $500 in scholarship money will cover registration as well as two nights of accommodations in Chicago.

Thanks to this partnership, we are able to offer more professional development opportunities to more people. In addition to this one joint scholarship, the U.S. Chamber will continue to offer stand alone scholarships directly for the conference.

This year's conference promises to offer excellent network opportunities with chambers that are actively building their public policy and government affairs programming. Last year over 70 chamber professionals from across 12 states participated in the three day conference.

*For more information, please contact IACCE President, Elizabeth Kerns at 217-522-5512 x 223 or via e-mail at Liz@iacce.org .

To view current plans for the next scheduled Learn from the Masters or Fall Conference, please click on the conference selection to the left. If you are looking for past conference materials OR photos, please select " Past Conferences & Photos ."