“Light Inside the Dark” – Empower!

Convention 2004

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Topics

Convention Site

Hotel Inn West Functions and Group Booking Policies/Procedures

Pre-Registration/Registration Fees

On Site Restaurant

Local Attractions

Convention Schedule

CONVENTION SITE

Dates: November 12 - 14, 2004
Rate: $45 plus 10% tax ($4.50) total each night = $49.50
Holiday Inn (On the waterway)
101 Outlet Blvd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Direct 843-236-1000

All hotel reservations for guaranteed rate due by

8 November 2004

Hotel - $49.50 per night (this rate also include taxes)

NOTE: Each additional occupant per room add $10.00

Located at the gateway to Myrtle Beach and South Carolina's Grand Strand, Holiday Inn West overlooks the beautiful Intercostals Waterway. We're just minutes from the blue Atlantic Ocean and convenient to all the many area attractions.

Enjoy the Fantasy Harbour entertainment complex is adjacent to the Holiday Inn, including Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Broadway at the Beach is just minutes away. There you will find plenty of shopping, plus restaurants, nightlife, Ripley's Aquarium, Spirit of the Dance, and IMAX Theater.

Over 100 championship golf courses are available in the greater Myrtle Beach area, and we have a staff dedicated to coordinating the very best golf vacation possible.

We have over 5,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space, and a fantastic staff to make your next meeting or convention a huge success.

HOLIDAY INN WEST

FUNCTIONS & GROUP BOOKING POLICIES & PROCEDURES

1. ROOM RENTAL FEES: Our schedule of room rental fees is predicted upon factors pertaining to your groups program (ex. sleeping rooms contracted and catering requirements). Standard meeting room rental charges are $200 per section per day. Should the group’s agenda change, the Hotel has the right to renegotiate room rental. Established times and programs are followed per this agreement. The patron is responsible for abiding by these schedules as the Hotel may have commitments for function space prior to or following the arranged program.

FUNCTION ROOM ASSIGNMENTS: Function rooms are assigned in accordance with anticipated attendance. Reduction in attendance may necessitate reassignments to a more suitable function room at the hotel’s discretion.
FOOD & BEVERAGE REQUIREMENTS: The Hotel reserves the right to inspect and control all private parties, meetings, receptions, etc. being held on premises. All food and beverage requirements for any event must be supplied by the Hotel Catering Department pursuant to a separate Banquet Event Order. Menu prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges. The catering office requires 50% payment made by three (3) months prior to the function/event. Estimated balance is due three (3) weeks prior. Final guaranteed number of guests is due three (3) working days prior to event or original numbers will apply. Functions occurring Monday and Tuesday must have attendance figures submitted by the preceding Thursday at 12:00 pm noon. This guarantee is considered a financial commitment. Once given, the guarantee is not subject to reduction and charges will be made accordingly. The hotel will prepare to serve five (5%) percent above the guaranteed number. ANY EXTRA FOOD LEFTOVER BY YOUR GROUP MAY NOT BE TAKEN OFF THE PROPERTY. Menu selection, room assignments, and all other arrangements must be received two (2) weeks prior to the function.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: The Holiday Inn West as a licensee is responsible for the administration of the sales and service of alcoholic beverages in accordance with the South Carolina ABC Commission’s regulations.
TAX & GRATUITY: Food and Beverage are subject to an 18% service charge. Food and beverage, gratuity, room rental, and audiovisual equipment are subject to a state sales tax. The applicable South Carolina state sales tax of 7.5% will be added to the banquet check. By state law, South Carolina state sales tax will be added to the total cost of the function, including the service charge.
CANCELLATION: Group food and beverage functions are subject to a cancellation fee in the event of cancellation less than ninety (90) days prior to the first function date. Liquidated damages will be based at 50% of lost revenue occurring from the cancelled food and beverage event(s). Cancellations received within fourteen (14) days of the first function date will be subject to a 75% liquidated damages fee.
CHANGES IN SET: Any changes in room set without appropriate notice of 24 hours before the start of the corresponding event will be subject to an additional fee of up to but not exceeding the contracted meeting room rental rate. In the event that meeting room rental has been waived, a fee of up to 50% of the established meeting room rate will apply. These changes will be posted to the Master Account.
SECURITY: The Hotel may request that the customer obtain and pay for bonded security personnel when valuable merchandise or exhibits are displayed or held overnight in the Hotel. Security personnel may be provided at the expense of the patron. All outside security guards provided by the patron shall be subject to the prior approval of hotel management and must show proof of possession of liability insurance.
PERMITS AND LICENSES: Customer is wholly responsible for obtaining or maintaining of necessary permits or licenses needed for their functions.
SHIPPING: The customer is responsible for the arrangements and all expenses of shipping materials, merchandise, exhibits or any other items to and from the hotel. The hotel must be notified in advance of shipping arrangements to ensure proper acceptance of the items upon arrival to the hotel.

LOSS & DAMAGES: The hotel is not responsible for damages to or loss of any items left in the hotel prior to or following the function. The hotel is not responsible for any damages, loss or liability incurred by the hotel, by any of the customer’s guests or any persons or organizations contracted by the customer to provide any service or goods before, during, and after the function.
SIGNAGE: Any directional signs or items to be put in any meeting room or lobby walls must be first approved by hotel management.
PRICE CHANGES: All printed Catering menu prices are subject to change without notice. However, all contracted prices will be honored.
DEPOSIT-ROOMING LIST-PAYMENT: The specific deposit and payment terms are outlined in the contract. It is understood that all payment must be in US dollars.
INCIDENTALS: All incidental charges must be paid in full upon check out of the group. Group leader will be held responsible for any unpaid incidental charges for any of its participants.
HOTEL ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURES: During periods of high occupancy, group rooms will be made available for group check-in at 3:00 pm. Check out time is before 11:00 am.
BUS ARRIVAL (if applicable): The Hotel must be notified of bus arrival and the time and number of guests checking into the Hotel no later than one (1) month prior to event. If a bus driver reservation is required, you are asked to make his reservation under the designated block, and confirm with payment method on same, in order to guarantee availability.
GOVERNMENT CARDS: Must be presented at check in for tax-exempt status and a form must be on file with the Hotel.
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS: The hotel reserves the right to accommodate the group, or any part thereof, in another Holiday Inn Hotel or some other hotel of equivalent or better standing as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Hotel for the duration of the group’s stay or any part thereof at no charge to the agent, regardless of the price of alternative accommodations.
The Hotel shall not be liable for nonperformance of this contract when such nonperformance is attributed to labor trouble, disputes, or strikes; accidents; government (Federal, State, and Municipal) regulations of or restriction upon travel or transportation; non availability of food, beverages, or supplies; riots; natural emergencies, acts of God, and other causes emanated herein or not, which are beyond the reasonable control of the Hotel’s performance. In such an event, the Hotel shall not be liable to the customer for any damages, whether actual or consequential which may result from such nonperformance.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this agreement, owner and/or manager of this Hotel shall be relieved from all requirements hereof, and this agreement shall terminate if owner shall sell, transfer, or otherwise convey its interest in this Holiday Inn Hotel, provided the guest has been given at least thirty (30) days notice of transfer by owner. Then owner may assign all of its rights and obligations under this agreement to the new owner who shall then be solely responsible for performance hereunder, and prior owner shall be relieved of all obligations and responsibilities under this agreement upon transfer of all advance payments and deposits received by owner to the new owner.

NOTE: FULL PAYMENT IS DUE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM THE HOTEL. Hotel policy stipulates that a Credit Card Authorization Form be completed and returned in order to hold and guarantee availability and meeting space. Should guests depart from the hotel with an outstanding balance for rooms, food and beverage, or any other charges pertaining to the group or its participants, the balance due will be charged to the credit card authorized. Guest has the option to make payment by a company check, cashier’s check, money order, cash or credit card, however the Credit Card Authorization sheet must be completed and returned regardless. No personal checks are accepted. The hotel requires a 45-day clearance on all checks.

Pre-Registration/Registration Fees

Pre-Registration Fee – $10.00 before 15 October 2004

(by postmarked date)

Late Registration Fee - $15.00 after 15 October 2004

These fees help to pay for complimentary gift bags to our sponsors, meals for our speakers, help curtail costs to our conference and banquet rooms, rental equipment, if needed and for our exhibiting vendors.

On Site Restaurant

Riverview Restaurant is named for its breathtaking view of the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. Offered is a great menu in casual surroundings. Choice sizzling steaks and fresh local seafood are favorites. Offer a variety of appetizers and sandwich selections. Three meals served daily.

Local Attractions

Located at the gateway to Myrtle Beach and South Carolina's Grand Strand, Holiday Inn West overlooks the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. We're just minutes from the blue Atlantic Ocean and convenient to all the many area attractions.

	At Alligator Adventure you’ll find yourself face to face with nature’s fiercest and most beautiful animals. Located adjacent to Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, one of South Carolina’s most outstanding tourist attractions, Alligator Adventure is one of the largest facilities for reptile life in the world.

	Located 2 miles from Holiday Inn West The largest venue of its kind in South Carolina, whether it's first-class dining, casual shopping, dancing the night away, playing at unique attractions, or lounging in upscale hotels, Broadway at the Beach has everything to do ... with fun! Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach is fun for families, single guests, the vacationer, or the local resident.

	Brookgreen is the country's oldest and largest sculpture garden where some 550 works of American figurative sculpture are displayed throughout the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden, one of the most beautiful public gardens in the Southeast. In addition, there's a Lowcountry Trail with native wildlife exhibits as well as historical and cultural exhibits that reveal the distinctive life and land of Lowcountry Carolina. Tours and excursions are offered daily, as well as seasonal programs.

	Located 2 Miles from the Holiday Inn West! The Children's Museum of South Carolina serves the state and local community, as well as visitors to the Grand Strand area by presenting interactive exhibits and programs in an environment where visitors can "Touch, Explore, and Play" while learning about their world. The Museum is committed to quality interactive exhibits and educational programs. With education being the heart of its programs and the basis on which exhibits are designed, the Museum is successfully reaching out to new audiences.

	The IMAX Experience is the world's most powerful and involving film experience. With breathtaking images up to eight stories high and wrap-around 12,000-watt digital sound, IMAX technology takes you to places only imagined.

	Located 2 Miles from the Holiday Inn West! Ripley's™ Aquarium is a $40 million, state-of-the-art, 87,000 square foot aquarium experience, located in Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is South Carolina's most visited attraction, where guests are entertained by some of the worlds' most beautiful, fascinating and dangerous aquatic life.

	Located 2 Miles from the Holiday Inn West! With two championships in just three seasons of play, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Class "A" Carolina League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, enter the 2004 season with an unparalleled reputation for excitement - both on and off the field!

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

(Tentative Schedule - Subject to Change)

12 November 2004

8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast

8:30 am – 9:00 am Registration

9:00 am – 9:45 am Blessing over the Dogs

(Housekeeping Introduction,

Orientation, Dog Exercise)

10:00 am – 10:15 am Break

10:15 am – 11:00 am Mike Moran and David Lieoux

(Seeing Eye)

“Street Smarts, Pedestrian Safety”

11:00 am – 11:45 am Helen Arnold (Southeastern)

When and How to Retire Guide dog,

Grief Counseling

11:45 am – 12:15 pm Break

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch/Guest Speaker; Stephen

Clarke (Southeastern

Impact Prison Program)

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Break

2:00 pm – 2:45 pm Betty Akiba and Joe Strain;

Tellington Touch,

“Getting In Touch with Your

Guide dog”

2:45 pm – 3:30 pm Jane Sheehan and Patsy Jones;

(National/Local GDUI)

Accomplishments, Layla’s Law

Advocacy

3:30 pm – 7:30 pm Dinner on Your Own

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Mike Moran and David Lieoux

(Seeing Eye)

“Attitudes/Values and Expectations”

13 November 2004

8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:15 am Cheryl Gajadhar – Welcome

9:15 am – 9:45 am Betty Jones – CRAFTS

9:45 am – 10:00 am Break

10:00 am – 10:45 am Mike Moran and David Lieoux

(Seeing Eye)

“Adjustment to Blindness”

10:45 am – 11:15 am Patsy Jones, National News Update

11:15 am – 11:45 am Chris Yates, Talking Books,

State Library

11:45 am – 12:15 pm Susan Jones

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch

Times from 1:30 – 3:15 Open to Schools

(Approximately 80 schools within a 25 mile radius)

1:30 pm – 2:15 pm Mike Moran and David Lieoux

(Seeing Eye)

“Family Dynamics”

2:15 pm – 2:45 pm Audrey Gunter/Nancy Levi

“Sensitivity and Awareness Training”

Vendors /“What’s New in Technology”

2:45 pm – 6:00 pm Open Session for visiting Vendors

2:45 pm – 8:00 pm Dinner on Your Own

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm ACBofSC Annual Auction

14 November 2004

8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am – 11:00 am ACBofSC Business Meeting –

Cheryl Gajadhar (President)

Topics

CONVENTION SITE

FUNCTIONS & GROUP BOOKING POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Pre-Registration/Registration Fees

On Site Restaurant

Menu

Local Attractions

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

SPONSORS