NLPES & RACSS Joint Fall Training Conference The Legislature of the Future-Challenges and Opportunities September 8 - 11, 2000 Omni Austin Hotel Austin, Texas Hosted by the Texas State Auditor's Office and the Sunset Advisory Commission Sponsored by the National Legislative Program Evaluation Society and the Research and Committee Staff Section

This year's Fall Conference, jointly sponsored by NLPES and RACSS, focuses on The Legislature of the Future-Challenges and Opportunities. Plenary sessions and workshops alike look at the ways in which legislatures will change in the future and how staff must be flexible and adapt to those changes. Speakers include nationally-known experts in adapting to change, using new technology and keeping up-to-date in policy issues.

In addition to several excellent plenary sessions, the conference also features three workshop tracks: New Work Demands, Changing Technology, and Emerging Policy Issues. Participants are welcome to attend the sessions that interest them in any of the tracks.

Please join us for what promises to be a stimulating learning experience, a unique opportunity to meet with your colleagues from other states, and a warm Texas welcome from our host state staff.
 

CPE and CLE Credit

Several programs may qualify for Contractor Performance Evaluator (CPE) or Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. Application materials will be made available for those sessions. Attendees are responsible for applying for credit through their state bar or auditing organization.
 
 

Capitol Drawing

Special thanks to the Texas State Library and Archives and the Texas State Preservation Board for the historical drawing of the Texas State Capitol, which was used for the cover of our conference brochure.
 
 

Friday, Sept. 8, 2000

10:00 - 12:00	Tour of the Texas State Capitol (optional)
2:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Registration
1:30 - 2:45 p.m.	Welcoming Remarks and Opening Plenary: Future Gazing
	Speaker: Dr. Peter Bishop Executive Director Institute for Futures Research Houston, Texas
3:00 - 5:30 p.m.	Plenary: Driving Forces: The NCSL Study Looking at the Future
	Speaker:  Dr. Max Arinder Director, Joint PEER Committee Mississippi
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.	Evening Reception "Tastes of Texas" and Poster Session Co-hosted by the LBJ School of Public Affairs

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2000

Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000

Monday, Sept. 11, 2000

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.	Continental Breakfast
8:45- 10:00 a.m.	Program Tracks New Work Demands:  Auditing Agencies that Don’t Work:  Controlling the Costs of Conflict Changing Technology:  Evaluating the Morphing Program Emerging Policy Issues:  Public Education
10:00 - 10:20 a.m.	Break
10:20 - 11:30 a.m.	Closing Session: Make It Happen-Selling Change to Your Organization
	Speaker:  Dr. John Daly Communications Professor University of Texas at Austin

Friday Night: Tastes of Texas Reception and Poster Session Mosey your way on down to the Omni Atrium Friday evenin’ for the Tastes of Texas Reception.  Clean your palates and sharpen your taste buds for a lively reception of Texas food and drinks.  Take a gander at the different posters where you can see the how to’s and how do’s of your fellow partners from north of the border.  This fun-filled night will surely make y’all say “Yee-Haw!”

Poster Session
During the Friday night reception, staff are invited to share information about their state legislature and staff offices, during a "Poster Session.”  Tell us about your office, legislature, current projects, staff organization, and interesting things about your job. And it’s a great time to trade state pins, so bring a handful!!
 

Saturday Optional Social Events

Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels

 Schlitterbahn is a unique waterpark located in New Braunfels, Texas. It has waterslides for all ages set in a natural river-type environment. There is no charge for parking, inner tubes, life vests or bodyboards. Guests may bring food and beverages into the park, as long as there is no alcohol or glass containers. For your safety, all ice chests and picnic supplies will be checked upon entry. They accept all major credit cards. 
Website: http://www.schlitterbahn.com/
Distance: Approximately 45 miles south of Austin. 
Cost: An adult’s half-day pass is $17.84 (entering after 2:00 p.m./park closes at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday). A child’s pass $14.69 for a half-day. Children under 3 are admitted free of charge. Participants would have to share in the cost of the passenger rental van and gas for round-trip. 
Time Commitment: Approximately 9 hours. This includes the 2 1/2-hour travel round trip, 5 hours at the water park, and a stop at a restaurant for dinner (depending on participants’ majority decision). 
Transportation: Passenger vans may be rented at state rates ($70 for a 15-passenger van). 

San Marcos Outlet Mall Shopping Trip

 With amazing discounts, up to 70% off retail, the prices at the Tanger Outlet Center and Prime Outlet - San Marcos , are hard to resist. With over 150 different stores like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok Factory Direct, Oneida, Pfaltzgraff, etc… to choose from, there's something for everyone. 
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday 
Website: http://www.tangeroutlet.com/centers/centmain.html
Distance: Approximately 35 miles south of Austin. 
Cost: Participants are responsible for all shopping expenditures and meals. Participants would have to share in the cost of the passenger van rental and gas for round-trip. 
Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours. This includes the 2-hour travel round trip, shopping/dinner (depending on participants’ majority decision). 
Transportation: Passenger vans may be rented at state rates ($70 for a 15-passenger van). 

Downtown San Antonio and the River Walk

 Depart Omni Hotel: 1:30 p.m.
Arrive River Walk: 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Depart River Walk: 8:00 p.m.
Arrive Hotel: 9:30 - 10:00 p.m. 
Attractions: If you park at the River Center Mall, the following attractions are within walking distance:

• IMAX Theatre - Is located in the River Center Mall
• The Alamo - is 1 block from the River Center Mall
• Institute of Texan Cultures at the HemisFair Plaza
• River Walk cruise - tickets can be purchased along the River Walk 
• Planet Hollywood
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Restaurants - there is a great selection of restaurants along the River Walk 

Wild Basin Tour/Zilker Park/Barton Springs Swimming

 We will arrange a walking tour for a group of 12 or more for the “Native Plant” tour through the Wild Basin. Afterwards, visit Zilker Park, the Botanical Gardens and then cool off in the swimming area at Barton Springs. 
Zilker Park is considered "Austin's most loved park." For the swimmer, Zilker Park offers Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with a year-round average temperature of 68 degrees. The sports enthusiast will enjoy the sand volleyball courts and wide open baseball, football, soccer and rugby fields. The 351-acre park is home to the Zilker Botanical Gardens, which includes the Taniguchi Oriental Garden and the Austin Area Garden Center. Enjoy a ride on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train or paddling a canoe down Barton Creek. The park also includes a large multi-age playscape, hike and bike trails and large full-service picnic areas. 
Website: http://bevo3.bus.utexas.edu/mpa.orientation/austinoutdoors.htm
Cost: Wild Basin tour costs $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children. Botanical Gardens offers free admission. Barton Springs Swimming Pool fees ($2.50 per adult) are collected after 9 a.m. during the summer only. If a van were leased, participants would have to share in the cost of the rental van and gas for round-trip. There is a fee for parking at Zilker Park on weekends. 
Time Commitment: The tour lasts an hour and a half, a walk through the Botanical Gardens and swimming time based on participants’ preferences. 
Transportation: Passenger vans may be rented at state rates ($70 for a 15-passenger van). 

Golf Outing

Georgetown Country Club:
The San Gabriel River runs through this par 70 golf course. Even though this course is short in length, it offers a challenge with narrow fairways, multiple hazards, and small greens. 
Cost: $45.00 - includes green fees, cart, and lunch. If a rental van were necessary, participants would have to share in the cost of the passenger van rental and gas for round-trip. 
Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours 
Transportation: Depending on the number of participants we may have local transportation provided free of charge. However, if more participants then expected sign up, passenger vans may be rented at state rates ($70 for a 15-passenger van). 
 

Sunday Night: Lone Star Evenin' on the Lake

Our hosts invite ya'll to come on down in your swimsuits and cowboy boots and join us for some good ole' Texas-style fun. We've booked a private room at the famous Carlos'n Charlie's on Lake Travis. Enjoy some sizzling fajitas with your fellow NLPES and RACSS partners. Plan to kick up your heels with country and western tunes from a classic Texas performer, Alvin Crow. With his fiddle in hand, he covers all the country classics, and throws in a couple of Buddy Holly rockers for good measure.
 

The seminar is a relaxed learning experience and casual attire is recommended for all seminar programs and activities. Fall temperatures in Austin can soar to the 90s during the day, with evening lows in the 70s. Austin offers a wealth of social and recreational activities. Learn more about Austin at http://www.austin360.com/acvb/ (Austin Convention Bureau) or http://www.cityspin.com/austin/overview/facts.htm (City Spin).

Registration Fees

Registration fees for the seminar are:
$265 Legislative staff/Legislators
$325 All others
$95 Spouse/Guest

NCSL must receive your seminar registration by August 30, 2000, and you will receive a confirmation letter by mail. If you are unable to meet the pre-registration deadline, please register on-site at the hotel. Sorry, no on-site substitutions. Registration fees are payable in advance to NCSL or at registration. Cancellations made in writing and received in the NCSL Denver office postmarked by Sept. 7, 2000 will be refunded, minus a $50 processing fee. The $95 spouse/guest fee includes admission to all scheduled events and meals.

Hotel Reservations

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, 700 San Jacinto at 8th Street, Austin, Texas 78701.  Please arrange accommodations directly with the Omni Austin Hotel by calling (512) 476-3700, and indicate that you are attending the NCSL conference to receive a room rate of $109 single/double, plus 15% tax.  Reservations must be held by one night’s room deposit (credit card guarantee is acceptable).  The deadline for making hotel reservations is August 18, 2000.  After that date, reservations will be accepted at the seminar rate based on availability. 

The Omni Austin Hotel is already completely booked for Thursday night, September 7, though rooms are still available during our conference dates of September 8 – 11. For attendees who plan to arrive in Austin early and need accommodations for Thursday night only, the following options are available:

Inter-Continental Stephen F. Austin Hotel
Tel: (512) 457 8800 or (800) 327 0200
One block from the Omni, this newly remodeled hotel offers a $129 single/double, plus 15% tax or Thursday, September 7. You must make your reservations by August 18 and indicate that you are attending the "NCSL Conference" to ensure you receive their conference rate. 

Governor's Inn Bed and Breakfast
(800) 871-8908
This set of bed and breakfast inns are located in the central-Austin area, convenient to the University of Texas campus and downtown area. They are offering conference attendees a price of $95.00 for a room Thursday evening, plus full breakfast on Friday morning. Again, you must make your reservations by August 18 and indicate that you are attending the "NCSL Conference" to ensure you receive their conference rate. 

NCSL Discount Airfare

Please make your flight reservations through Corporate Travel Services, NCSL's official travel headquarters, by calling (800) 825-3283, or in Colorado, (303) 694-4344, ext. 2. You'll receive discounts on the lowest applicable round-trip airfare. Corporate Travel maintains a 24-hour, toll-free line for changes and emergencies.
 

Ground Transportation/Aitport

The Omni Austin Hotel Downtown offers airport shuttle service provided through the Super Shuttle, for $9 one way.  Cab service is also available, with fares approximately $15.  The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is located eight miles from downtown Austin.  More information on the airport, car rentals and local transportation is available at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/newairport/.
 

For More Information

For more information on the conference, call NCSL’s Seminars Department at (303) 364-7700, or email:

• General program:  Heather Plush  (heather.plush@ncsl.org)
• Registration:  Donna Wood  (donna.wood@ncsl.org)
• NLPES contact:  Bob Boerner at (bob.boerner@ncsl.org)
• RACSS contact:  Jeanne Mejeur at (jeanne.mejeur@ncsl.org)

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