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The National Association of Legislative Information Technology (NALIT) Professional Development Seminar serves as the only forum for the legislative information technology professional. This year’s meeting, located in Rapid City, South Dakota, features in-depth training, informative sessions and great networking opportunities. The NALIT seminar offers the opportunity to see the many “Great Faces and Great Places” that will be in South Dakota this fall.

This year’s seminar again offers two tracks: one for technical specialists and one for managers and others interested in policy and management issues related to legislative information technology. Participants can 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. The NALIT seminar also will offer a one-day extra training session, at no additional charge, on Wednesday, October 5, in addition to the regular seminar schedule of management and technical track sessions. 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 AREA ATTRACTIONS

Rapid City is close to some of the most intriguing and beautiful attractions in America: Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the beautiful Black Hills.

For our opening reception on Wednesday, October 6, we’ll visit the Journey Museum, which tells the complete story of the Western Great Plains from the perspective of the Lakota people, the pioneers who shaped its past, and the scientists who now study it. On Thursday evening, we’ll board buses to Deadwood, where the entire city has been designated a national historic landmark. We’ll start with a reception, then allow you time to have dinner on your own and explore the attractions.

Our closing event on Saturday evening, October 8, will begin at the Crazy Horse Memorial with an authentic Native American dinner. There will be time to explore the memorial’s museums and sculptor’s studio, then we’ll head to Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. At dusk, we’ll watch the lighting of the gigantic sculpture of four great American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The seminar is a relaxed learning experience and casual attire is recommended for all seminar programs and activities. The average high temperature in Rapid City is 63 with a low of 35. There is a chance of snowfall or winds, so bring a warm coat.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration fees for the National Association of Legislative Information Technology Professional Development Seminar:
(Note:  A misprint in the printed seminar brochure contained incorrect registration fees for the seminar.  The correct fees appear below.  We regret the error.)

$325	Legislative staff/Legislators
$150	Daily fee
$125	Spouse/Guest
$450	All others

NCSL must receive your seminar registration by September 21. 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.

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 postmarked or faxed by October 4 will be refunded, minus a $50 processing fee. Fees cannot be refunded for registrations cancelled after the conference begins.

Substitutions: Substitutions are available on prepaid registrations only until September 21. Sorry, no on-site substitutions.

Register online or by fax: Online registration is available, or 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) 856-1430 or at registration@ncsl.org.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn Hotel, 505 North Fifth Street, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, (800) 465-4329 or (605) 348-4000. Please arrange hotel accommodations directly with the Holiday Inn by phone, and indicate that you are attending the NALIT/National Conference of State Legislatures seminar to receive a room rate of $84 single or double occupancy for a standard or king room, or $94 single or double occupancy for a king executive room, plus tax. Reservations must be held by one night’s room deposit (credit card guarantee is acceptable). NCSL cannot be responsible for guarantees. Make your reservations early--the deadline for hotel reservations is September 14, 2005, but the hotel could sell out before that date.  After this date, reservations may be accepted at the seminar rate based on availability.

NCSL TRAVEL SERVICES

Please make your reservations through Andavo Travel, NCSL’s official travel headquarters, to receive:

•  Lowest applicable round-trip airfare,
•  Access to a 24-hour toll-free phone number for changes and emergencies,
•  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, ext. 2 (7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain time). In Colorado or outside the continental United States, call (303) 694-4344, ext. 2.

The Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn offers complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the Rapid City Regional Airport and within a five-mile radius of the hotel.

SPONSORS

The National Association of Legislative Information Technology is grateful to the following generous sponsors of the 2005 NALIT Professional Development Seminar:

Propylon
NCSI/NetComm Solutions
West
Xcential
International Roll-Call Corp.
Gateway
ISYS Search Software
Hood, Nies, & Dardis, P.C.
May, Adam, Gerdes & Thompson LLP

EXHIBITORS

Visit our exhibitors on Thursday, October 5, noon to 1 p.m.

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SPONSORSHIPS/EXHIBITING OPPORTUNITIES

Organizations and businesses participating in the NALIT Professional Development Seminar may contribute to the meeting by exhibiting or sponsoring seminar events.  Exhibits allow you to bring you the latest in information technology products and services to legislatures. Exhibits will be held during an extended lunch hour on Thursday, October 6. 

Sponsorship of events or general support of the conference brings you recognition through meeting materials, onsite signage, and throught the distribution of materials at the seminar.

Contact Pam Greenberg, NCSL Liaison to NALIT at pam.greenberg@ncsl.org, 303-364-7700 ext. 1413, for more information about exhibits or sponsoring. 

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