The National Conference trip to Washington DC is just around the corner. For those of you going, you should be prepared for a very cold weather. We’ve heard from a few people that you will definitely need a scarf, gloves, etc…

If you’re going and you have any midterms/homework due during that period, then you must make arrangements with your professors to make up for the missed assignments. During the meeting tomorrow we will be passing out a “letter of excuse” signed by our Advisor, that will make the process simpler and quicker. If you can’t make it to the meeting, then contact me at rlope007@ucr.edu. I can email you the scanned and signed letter for you to print out.

You may have already received the “SHPE Conference 2009 – Confirmation Email & EZ Pass” email regarding conference/lodging/banquet registration and transportation. I have already followed the simple 8 steps provided to make sure everything is ready to go for the trip.

We will be having a conference meeting sometime next week (most likely Monday or Tuesday to talk about more details). I will go over the steps quickly to give you an idea of what you should be doing very soon.

1. Verify all the information provided in your application including airplane flight, contact information, etc..  is correct and updated.
2. Rules of behavior (www.shpe.org/docs/rules.html)  must be read. They’re the same from last year, but this time we sign them when we register in person at the Convention Center (last year we filled them out ahead of time, but this is not the case for this year’s conference)
3. Print your EZ Pass ahead of time (in your email inbox, we all have a unique ID number). I already printed two copies just in case i lose one. A lot of good information is provided there in that one-page pass.
4. Upload your resume as soon as possible! Update it, double check it, and make sure it looks professional.
5. They offer transportation discounts, but if you arrive at Reagan Airport, then you can simply take the bus for about two dollars. If you arrive outside of the city, then the train is the best option to get to downtown DC.
6. The Luncheon & Gala Banquets are online already. I purchased mine – it was 25 dollars and takes very little time (about three minutes if you have a credit/debit card on hand) Here is the link: http://neptune.shpe.org/shpe2009/gala-reg There is only a few spots available. Hurry up and purchase the student member rate, otherwise you’ll have to buy the general admission one for 75 dollars. * Gala Banquet is the closing event for the conference. This is where we’re hoping President Obama will speak. The food is very good and definitely a great event to experience.
7. Prepare for the fair. Read companies information ahead of time to make a good impression.
8. Any questions? I can help, or you can simply contact the membership department at membership@shpe.org or dial 323-725-3970.

- Roberto Lopez

SHPE President