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NCSL Skills Development Seminar
for Legislative Staff

July 6-9, 2005
Adam’s Mark Hotel
Denver, Colorado

State legislative staff work in a unique environment for which little formal training is available. In an effort to respond to these training needs, the National Conference of State Legislatures is offering a seminar that is tailored for legislative employees and that emphasizes the development of professional skills for entry level staff. The seminar consists of four program tracks-bill drafting, fiscal analysis, program evaluation, and research & committee staffing. Participants may enroll in only one track.

The seminar is designed for legislative employees who have less than two years' experience or for more experienced legislative staff who are moving into new job responsibilities.

Plenary Sessions (with invited faculty)

Program Tracks (with invited faculty)

In each program track, most of the time will be devoted to case material, including specific tasks, assignments and skill-building exercises. Participants may enroll in only one track.

Optional Media Training

Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Learn how to develop skills that you need to address media questions, even when the topic of discussion is sensitive or politically volatile. Find out why it's important to build a relationship with the media and how to turn media interviews into opportunities to deliver important messages about your legislature. Gene Rose, NCSL's Director of Public Affairs, will help you develop a checklist on how to handle your office's next encounter with the media.

Seminar Registration
Registration fees for the Skills Development Seminar are:

$295 Legislative Staff/Other Participants

$100 Spouse or Family Member

If you pre-register, NCSL must receive your seminar registration by June 22, 2005. Registration fees are payable in advance to NCSL or at registration. Sorry, no on-site substitutions. Cancellations made in writing and received in the NCSL Denver office by July 5, 2005 will be refunded minus a $50 processing fee. Cancellations requested after the meeting begins will not be refunded. The spouse/family member fee includes admission to the social event and Saturday continental breakfast. The $100 fee for spouse/family member must be paid in full at the time of registration.

On-Site Registration. If you are unable to mail or fax the registration form by June 22, 2005, please register on site at the Adam’s Mark Hotel.

On-Line Registration will be available in April 2005 through a link on our web site at: www.ncsl.org/programs/legismgt/skills2005.htm

Travel Information

Please make your airline and rental car arrangements through Andavo Travel, NCSL's official travel headquarters. You will receive discounts off the lowest applicable round-trip airfare, and tickets can be mailed to your home or office. Andavo Travel also maintains a 24-hour, toll-free line for changes and emergencies. Call toll free at (800) 825-3283, ext. 2 (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MDT). In Colorado or outside the continental U.S., call (303) 694-4344, ext. 2. Airline reservations should be made at least 14 days in advance.

Hotel Reservations

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Adam’s Mark Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202. Please arrange hotel accommodations by toll-free phone at 1-800-444-2326. Indicate that you are attending the NCSL Skills Development Seminar to receive a room rate of $109 single/double, plus tax. Housing is the responsibility of meeting participants. 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 June 14, 2005. After this date, reservations will be accepted at the seminar rate based on availability.

Airport-Hotel Transportation

Cab fare is $47 each way. Shuttles are available for $18 each way (see ground transportation desk on level 5 at the airport).

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit

The bill drafting track of the seminar is designed to qualify for continuing legal education (CLE) credits in those states that have mandatory CLE. Application materials will be made available at the seminar. Attendees are responsible for applying for credit through their bar associations.

Program Evaluation (CPE) Credit

The program evaluation track may qualify for Professional Education credits. Application materials will be made available at the seminar.

General Information

The Skills Development Seminar is a relaxed learning experience; casual attire is recommended throughout the seminar. The Adam's Mark is on Denver’s exciting 16^th Street Mall, and within walking distance of top restaurants, nightlife and visitor locations such as The Denver Art Museum and the State Capitol, and just minutes away from The Pepsi Center and Coors Field.

To ensure full participation and accessibility for all meeting attendees, please notify the NCSL Meetings Department at (303) 364-7700, ext. 1453, of any special accommodations you may require. Let us know by June 22, 2005.

For More Information:

• Content of program sessions: contact Bruce Feustel at bruce.feustel@ncsl.org or (303) 364-7700, ext. 1399

• Registration information: call Cherie Javadi at registration@ncsl.org or (303) 364-7700, ext. 1430.

• Additional hotel information can be found at www.adamsmark.com/denver .