UPDATED August 11, 2005

Logistical Information for Reporters at NCSL’s 2005 Annual Meeting

SEATTLE – If you’re covering the nation’s largest annual gathering of state legislators and policy experts, you’ll want some advance logistical information to guide you through the five-day, 150-session information extravaganza. Below, you’ll find out how to register, where to find the press room and when press conferences will take place.

Who:

7,000 state legislators, policy experts, advocates, government leaders and reporters

What:

“Strong States, Strong Nation” 2005 National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Meeting

When:

August 16-20, 2005

Where:

The Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle, WA 98101-2350

Registration

Reporters who plan to cover any aspect of the 2005 NCSL “Strong States, Strong Nation” Annual Meeting must register and obtain a badge from NCSL staff at the main registration desk or in the press room. An NCSL-issued badge must be worn at all times for admittance to NCSL-sponsored events.

Advance registration is closed, but you can get a badge on site. The registration desk and the press room open on Tuesday, August 16 at 8 a.m. If you have already registered, but have not received credentials in the mail, pick them up at the main registration desk before covering any events. Reporters must present a press ID to claim their credentials or to register. There is no fee for credentialed journalists to register for the meeting.

Press Room

The press room will be located on the third floor of the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in room 310. The phone number to the press room is 206-219-4652.

Hours of operation will be:

Monday, Aug. 15 2-5 p.m.

Tuesday, August 16 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wednesday, August 17 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Thursday, August 18 8 a.m. – 5 p.m

Friday, August 19 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, August 20 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The Press Room will provide the following amenities:

Computers and printers;
Internet access;
Data lines for dial-up access to intranets;
Power sources for laptops, cell phone chargers and other electronic equipment; and
Coffee & sodas.

Press Conferences

The release of several reports of national significance are planned during the week of Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise noted, press conferences will be held in NCSL’s Press Conference Room, 305, down the hall from the press room. The tentative agenda includes:

Strong States, Strong Nation: Changing Trends in Federalism

Tues., Aug. 16, 12:30 p.m.

State Budget and Tax Actions

Wed., Aug. 17, 12:30 p.m.

Medicaid Task Force Recommendations

Fri., Aug. 19, TBA

For more information about Annual Meeting, including a searchable program agenda, go to www.ncsl.org/programs/press/2005/home.htm.

NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.

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Contacts

Gene Rose
Public Affairs Director
303-364-7700

Bill Wyatt
Public Affairs Manager
202-624-8667

Nicole Moore
Media Specialist
303-364-7700

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