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National Association of
Legislative Information Technology
2003 Professional Development Seminar
Hilton Harrisburg & Towers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
October 1-5, 2003
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The theme of this year's seminar is Managing Technology: "Not just a box of chocolates." Budgets are tighter than ever; demands for technology are constant, new gadgets, gizmos and gear overwhelm us; staff become frustrated and overwhelmed; and somehow we need it to all work together. The NALIT Professional Development Seminar will provide guidance and training to help you organize your ingredients, sift through the lumpy flour and bake the best IT confectionery treats.
This year's seminar again offers two tracks: one for technical specialists and one for managers and others interested in policy and information technology. Participants are welcome to attend the sessions that interest them in either track. Speakers for the seminar combine the knowledge of industry experts and the experience and expertise of legislative information technology staff. Special attention will be paid this year in the selection of vendors and speakers. We are committed to finding experts who not only have a firm understanding of their product but who also have an understanding of state government.
Training sessions are back this year and at NO additional cost. Instead of the separate pre-conference seminars held in previous years, in-depth training sessions will be offered on the first day of the conference. Both sessions are geared toward the technical and the management level staff. Integral to the seminar is the opportunity to exchange experiences with other legislative information technology staff in roundtable sessions and small group discussions. These sessions give participants the opportunity to share information and advice with colleagues about information technology projects. Please join us for what promises to be a stimulating learning experience and a unique opportunity to meet with colleagues from other states.
Social Events and Optional Tours
 Four sponsored dinners and events will be held this year. The first, on Friday evening, will be held at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. The Civil War Museum is the only museum in the United States that portrays the entire story of the American Civil War. Equally balanced presentations are humanistic in nature without bias to Union or Confederate causes. You will be treated to a tour of this beautiful facility, followed by dinner. Thursday evening we will take a short walk to the Whitaker Center for a reception and a complimentary IMAX movie. Friday evening features our "Taste of PA" night. Since it will be impossible for you to visit and experience our great state in its entirety, we thought we would bring some of it to you. Taste of PA night will feature culinary and cultural delights from numerous places throughout Pennsylvania. There will be cheese steaks from Philadelphia, sandwiches from Pittsburgh and desserts from Lancaster, to name a few. The event will be held in the Rotunda of our magnificent State Capitol. Our final evening will feature a dinner and tour at Hershey, Chocolate Town USA.
Optional activities on Saturday afternoon include a trip to Gettysburg, which is rich in American Civil War history. The outing is comprised of a tour of the battlefields, a walking tour of the Gettysburg cemetery, a visit to the Eisenhower Home, and a visit to the newest attraction, the Electric Map.
Those non-war buffs can enjoy the day at the Hershey Gardens and Outlets. The Hershey Garden is a botanical gem that features 23 acres filled with spectacular seasonal displays, 7,000+ breathtaking roses, an amazing outdoor Butterfly House, numerous theme gardens, and beautiful rare trees. Once you finish walking through the gardens, spend some time shopping at the Hershey Outlets. The outlets feature more than 60 brand-name stores.
Product Demonstrations/Vendor Exhibits
This year the NALIT seminar will again feature exhibits and product demonstrations, bringing you the latest in information technology products and services for legislatures. Take a leisurely look at different vendors on different days during lunch on Thursday and Friday.
Companies interested in exhibiting may contact Pam Greenberg, NCSL, (303) 364-7700, ext. 1413, e-mail: pam.greenberg@ncsl.org for an exhibitor information packet and additional information.
Local Attractions
The seminar is a relaxed learning experience, and casual attire is recommended for all seminar programs and activities. Average temperatures in the Harrisburg area in October range from lows of about 65° to highs of about 75°.
Attractions located within walking distance of the Hilton include, Riverfront Park and City Island, which offer a host of activities along the beautiful banks of the Susquehanna. Take a leisurely family stroll or bike ride and enjoy the view. Cruise the river on the Pride of the Susquehanna paddle wheeler. Or get a wetter, wilder perspective from a canoe, paddleboat or Jet Ski.
Or, exit the hotel to "soon to be famous" Second Street, and you will find the sights, sounds and smells of Harrisburg. More than 20 restaurants and clubs await your taste buds and senses.
Registration Information
Registration fees for the National Association of Legislative Information Technology Professional Development Seminar:
$275 Legislative Staff/Legislators
$150 One-day fee
$100 Spouse/Family Member
$450 All others
NCSL must receive your seminar registration by September 17. The registration fee is payable in advance to NCSL or at registration. On-site registration is available if you are unable to register by the pre-registration deadline. Confirmations will be mailed.
Spouse/Guest Registrations: The $100 spouse/guest fee includes admission to all meal functions and social events. The fee must be paid in full at registration. NCSL cannot bill for spouse/guest registration fees.
Cancellation/Refunds: All cancellations must be made in writing and may be faxed to (303) 364-7811. Cancellations received in the NCSL Denver office by September 30 will be refunded, minus a $50 processing fee. Fees cannot be refunded for registrations canceled after the conference begins. Substitutions: Substitutions require an additional processing fee of $25 and are available on prepaid registrations only until September 17. To make a substitution, (a) submit a written notice of cancellation indicating a request to transfer payment, (b) at the same time complete and submit a new registration form. Sorry, no on-site substitutions.
Registrations can be faxed to (303) 364-7811. Faxed forms will not be confirmed by phone. More information: For more information about the NALIT Professional Development Seminar program and agenda, contact Pam Greenberg, NCSL, (303) 364-7700, ext. 1413, e-mail: pam.greenberg@ncsl.org. For registration information contact NCSL's Meetings Department at (303) 364-7700, ext. 1430.
Hotel Reservations
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, One North Second St., Harrisburg, PA 17101, (800) 445-8667 or (717) 233-6000. Please arrange hotel accommodations directly with the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers by phone, and indicate that you are attending the National Conference of State Legislatures' seminar to receive a room rate of $134 single/double, plus tax. Reservations must be held by one night's room deposit (credit card guarantee is acceptable). NCSL cannot be responsible for guarantees. The deadline for making hotel reservations is September 9, 2003. After this date, reservations will be accepted at the seminar rate based on availability.
NCSL Special Discount Airfare
Please make your reservations through Andavo Travel, NCSL's official travel headquarters, to receive:
- Discounts off coach and lowest applicable round-trip airfare on US Airways;
- Access to a 24-hour toll-free phone number for changes and emergencies;
- Tickets and boarding passes mailed directly to your home or business;
- Special meals on request when applicable; and
- $150,000 flight insurance coverage.
Reservations must be made seven days in advance, but make arrangements early for the best rates. To make flight reservations, call Andavo Travel toll-free at (800) 825-3283 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time). In Colorado or outside the continental United States call (303) 694-4344, ext. 2.
Ground Transportation
The Hilton Harrisburg & Towers offers complimentary transportation from 7 am to 11 pm to and from Harrisburg International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to baggage claim where the hotel courtesy phone is located. Once you have your luggage, call the hotel and the hotel operator will instruct you where to board the shuttle. For your return to the airport from the hotel, the shuttle departs the hotel every hour on the hour. The Hilton Harrisburg & Towers is 15 to 20 minutes from the airport.
Sponsors
The National Association of Legislative Information Technology is grateful to the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2003 NALIT Professional Development Seminar.
Companies interested in sponsoring events at the National Association of Legislative Information Technology may contact Pam Greenberg, NCSL, (303) 364-7700, ext. 1413, e-mail: pam.greenberg@ncsl.org for additional information.
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