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As almost everyone knows by now, the HDSA 2008 National Convention is June 6-8th in Pittsburgh, PA. That's only a little over 16 weeks away. That may seem like a LOT of time, but it's really not!
8th Annual HD On-Line Get Together June 5th
There will an 8th annual HD On-Line get together. Since everything is under one roof again this year, hopefully we can coordinate this a little better by keeping this event in the hotel. Details are TBD but it will probably be held in the Omni's The Tap Room or Palm Court Lounge [take a virtual tour: http://www.omnihotels.com/Virtual_Reality/PITDTN/lobby2.html]
HDSA Convention Registration - Early Bird deadline May 16h
You can book your HDSA convention registration on-line on this link: http://www.hdsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=convention2008
Starting May 17th, the registration rates go up for individuals and adults but stay the same for NYA members and children 18 and younger.
There is a $5.00 saving if you are a member of the NYA. Remember, to be considered an official member of the NYA you must fill out the new NYA Membership Application form [it's free] even if you already belong to the NYA! Please go here to fill one out: http://www.hdsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NYA
For anyone applying for the HDSA National Youth Alliance 2008 convention scholarship, the deadline to have your application postmarked and in the mail to HDSA is Friday, March 14th....that's only one month away! Scholarship winners will be announced by April 4th, in plenty of time for early-bird rates! If you haven't picked up your application yet, please get one here: http://www.hdsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NYA and get it mailed in!
Hotel Reservations
Omni William Penn Hotel
530 William Penn Place
Pittsburgh PA 15219
412-281-7100 or (800) 843-6664
530 William Penn Place
Pittsburgh PA 15219
412-281-7100 or (800) 843-6664
HDSA Omni Hotel Rate Deadline: May 14, 2008
596 rooms, 17 floors - Both non-smoking rooms and rooms equipped for the physically challenged are available upon request. To reserve your hotel room at the HDSA negotiated rate of $130.00 per night [cheapest Travelocity rate for the Omni is $159.00 a night] on-line, click here or go to above HDSA link:
http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PittsburghWilliamPenn/MeetingFacilities/HuntingtonsDiseaseSocietyofAmerica6.aspx
If you prefer call in your reservation (800) 843-6664 make sure you mention that you are attending the Huntington's Disease Society of America's Convention and the Convention dates of June 6-8th
Note: The person whose name is on the reservation must be at least 21 years of age to check into an Omni Hotel property. Photo ID is required upon check-in. Any person who has made a reservation, is staying alone and is not at least 21 years of age will not be allowed to check-in. This means some of our NYA members will have to do creative planning when booking a room to share!
If you would prefer to check out other hotels in downtown Pittsburgh, try here: http://www.pittsburgh-downtown.com/
Airlines
If you're flying into Pittsburgh, the PIA website is: http://www.pitairport.com/redirect.jsp where you can check on airlines, car rentals, public transportation, etc. The Omni does not offer a free shuttle so you'll need to arrange for a airport shuttle if you're flying to the convention.
Continental: HDSA has negotiated a convention rate with Continental Airlines. Go to this link http://www.continental.com/ and use discount code: ZCYPCN6P6J. Or can call 800-468-7022 but make sure you give them the discount code!
Southwest: Since Continental doesn't fly directly in Pittsburgh from Tampa I checked out SW. Southwest Airlines is offering $49 to $99 one-way if you book 14 days in advance NO LATER THEN February 21, 2008 and travel before June 25, 2008. You have to travel Tuesday or Wednesday only however for this rate: http://www.southwest.com/hotfares/hotfares_air.html.
Driving:
For maps & driving directions to the Omni see: http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PittsburghWilliamPenn/MapAndDirections.aspx
Omni Parking: Self parking is offered in the Mellon Square parking garage located across from the hotel (approx. $14/day Mon. – Fri., approx. $5/day Sat. and Sun.) Valet parking available to overnight guests (approx. $26 per 24 hours, includes in/out privileges)
Tourism
Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Visitor's Website: http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/static/index.cfm?contentID=246
take a video or photo tour of Pittsburgh. See left-hand column. If you're combining attending the convention with a family vacation you can find out about events going on in Pittsburgh in June 2008: http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/calendar/index.cfm?cdate=6-1-2008
Omni Sensational Kids Program - Your children will enjoy plenty of kid-minded amenities, including suitcases filled with games and books, a goodie bag upon check-in and menu choices prepared especially for young travelers. Parents are provided with a list of top family attractions in Pittsburgh, local emergency numbers and a safety/first-aid kit which includes a night light and outlet covers. To check out nearby attractions for kids: http://www.omnikidsrule.com/t2d_wp.html
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