NFPA 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION - Paralegals · 1 nfpa 2016 annual convention experience the sweetness...

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1 NFPA 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION EXPERIENCE THE SWEETNESS OF VERMONT HOSTED BY THE VERMONT PARALEGAL ORGANIZATION HILTON BURLINGTON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is it? NFPA is the “National Federation of Paralegal Associations,” and its membership base includes paralegal associations and individual sustaining members from around the United States and military paralegals based around the world. The Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO) has been a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) since January 1995. NFPA holds an annual convention, which is hosted by a local association, each year. This is the first time that the NFPA convention will be hosted in Vermont. During convention, there will be a full-day of CLE sessions for paralegals, several luncheons, one of which will highlight a former presidential candidate as our keynote speaker, networking, awards and recognitions, social events, region meetings, and the policy meeting. On Thursday, VPO will host a full-day of four CLE session tracks, NFPA workshops, an exhibitors’ reception and NFPA Board Meeting. It’s a FULL day! Friday will include NFPA Region Meetings, a networking luncheon, and our social event. NFPA is divided into five Regions, with VPO being a member of Region V. Region V Rocks! Saturday and Sunday are reserved for the policy meeting. The format of the NFPA policy meeting is similar to congressional meetings where policies affecting the paralegal members and the paralegal profession are discussed, debated and potentially implemented, such as PACE, PCCE, legislative monitoring, ethical policies, educational policies, and more. Each association in attendance is represented by a delegate(s). These delegates are provided voting rights by their respective association to discuss, debate and vote on any policy that is presented before the delegate assembly. The Policy meeting is governed by the NFPA President and Board of Directors and a Parliamentarian. Attending the NFPA Annual Convention is a great way to learn more about the paralegal profession, earn CLE credits, meet new colleagues, discuss issues and new ideas, foster friendships, and if that is not enough, get involved. And don’t forget, Burlington, and

Transcript of NFPA 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION - Paralegals · 1 nfpa 2016 annual convention experience the sweetness...

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NFPA 2016 ANNUAL CONVENTION

EXPERIENCE THE

SWEETNESS OF VERMONT

HOSTED BY THE VERMONT PARALEGAL ORGANIZATION

HILTON BURLINGTON

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is it? NFPA is the “National Federation of Paralegal Associations,” and its membership base includes paralegal associations and individual sustaining members from around the United States and military paralegals based around the world. The Vermont Paralegal Organization (VPO) has been a member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) since January 1995. NFPA holds an annual convention, which is hosted by a local association, each year. This is the first time that the NFPA convention will be hosted in Vermont. During convention, there will be a full-day of CLE sessions for paralegals, several luncheons, one of which will highlight a former presidential candidate as our keynote speaker, networking, awards and recognitions, social events, region meetings, and the policy meeting. On Thursday, VPO will host a full-day of four CLE session tracks, NFPA workshops, an exhibitors’ reception and NFPA Board Meeting. It’s a FULL day! Friday will include NFPA Region Meetings, a networking luncheon, and our social event. NFPA is divided into five Regions, with VPO being a member of Region V. Region V Rocks! Saturday and Sunday are reserved for the policy meeting. The format of the NFPA policy meeting is similar to congressional meetings where policies affecting the paralegal members and the paralegal profession are discussed, debated and potentially implemented, such as PACE, PCCE, legislative monitoring, ethical policies, educational policies, and more. Each association in attendance is represented by a delegate(s). These delegates are provided voting rights by their respective association to discuss, debate and vote on any policy that is presented before the delegate assembly. The Policy meeting is governed by the NFPA President and Board of Directors and a Parliamentarian. Attending the NFPA Annual Convention is a great way to learn more about the paralegal profession, earn CLE credits, meet new colleagues, discuss issues and new ideas, foster friendships, and if that is not enough, get involved. And don’t forget, Burlington, and

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surrounding towns, are great cities to visit and enjoy. We will cross our fingers for some fall colors to remain for your enjoyment. When is it? The NFPA 2016 Annual Convention will be held at the Hilton Hotel on the beautiful Burlington waterfront, in Vermont, from October 20-23, 2016.

Where is it? The NFPA 2016 Annual Convention will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington, Vermont. The contact information for the Hilton is:

Toll Free Phone Number: 802-658-6500 Physical Address: 60 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401 Hotel Website: http://www.burlington.hilton.com Convention Rate: $189/night Tax Rate as of December 2015: 11%

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All guest rooms at the Hilton Burlington offer the following amenities:

● Alarm clock-radio ● Cable television ● Coffeemaker ● Hair dryer ● Iron and ironing board ● Safe (in-room) ● Mini refrigerator

● In-Room Business Amenities: ● Computer dataport ● Desk ● Telephone (wired and wireless) ● High Speed Internet connectivity in all guest rooms; wireless Internet access in public areas and guest rooms.

The following amenities may be available in selected guest rooms:

● Connecting rooms ● Crib ● Rollaway (complimentary)

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Parking: Self-service garage parking is available at the hotel. There is no valet service. Special NFPA Guest Rate

● $8.00 per day including in-and-out privileges per day (discounted from regular rate) How do I get there? Closest Airports

Burlington International Airport (BTV) = 4 miles http://www.burlingtonintlairport.com Plattsburgh (New York) International Airport (PBG) = 40 miles * * involves Grand Isle Ferry across Lake Champlain http://www.flyplattsburgh.com

What are the transportation options to and from the airports? The Hilton Burlington does offer complimentary airport shuttle service from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Upon arrival at the airport, call the Hilton (802-658-6500) to ask for the shuttle. To use the shuttle to return to the airport, the shuttle leaves every hour (as long as there are people signed up). You can sign up for the shuttle at the front desk. Hilton Airport Shuttle (802) 658-6500

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Taxi Cab Companies

Dunwright Taxi (802) 557-2461 New England Taxi (802) 598-7254 Green Cab Vt (802) 864-2424 Route 2 Cab (802) 503-6767 Blazer Transportation Group (802) 585-2641 Francis Taxi (802) 598-1740 City Cab Vermont (802) 557-1349 Star Cab (802) 238-4135 89 Taxi (802) 383-8294

Check out the ZabCab App for taxi cabs in Burlington! What if I want to drive? Rental car companies are all conveniently located inside the Burlington International Airport terminal, on the main floor, adjacent to the baggage carousels. Rental vehicles are a short walk from the counters via a covered skywalk and are inside the parking garage—protected from rain or snow. Simply click the link or call the number listed below to make a reservation.

Alamo Reservations (800) 327-9633

Avis Reservations (800) 331-1212

Dollar Reservations (Off-Site) (800) 800-4000

Enterprise Reservations (800) 325-8007

Budget Reservations (800) 527-0700

Hertz Reservations (802) 864-7409

National Reservations (802) 864-7441

Thrifty Car Rental (Off-Site) (877) 283-0898

Advantage Reservations (800) 777-5500

From Burlington International Airport: Take left out of the Airport to Airport Drive (0.4 miles). Turn right onto Williston Road/Route 2 headed West. Williston Road becomes Main Street. Continue on Main Street, past the

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University of Vermont and follow Main Street to the bottom of the hill. Turn right onto Battery Street. The Hilton is 1.5 blocks on the right. Distance from Hotel: 4 miles Drive Time: 15 minutes Taxi Rate: $12 - $16 depending upon the number of passengers ($1 each additional passenger) From I-89: Exit 14W to Williston Road/Route 2 which becomes Main Street. Continue past the University of Vermont campus and follow Main Street to the bottom of the hill. Turn right onto Battery Street. Hotel is 1.5 blocks on right. What is the Dress Code? The dress code is business casual for the CLE and the region meetings, and formal business attire for the policy meeting. See below if you want to dress casual on Friday. What to Expect at the Convention? If you have never been to an NFPA convention, prepare for a whirlwind of activities, networking opportunities, and a fun experience. If you are coming to the Convention as a new delegate, be sure to sign up for the “First-Timers Meeting” and sign up for a Mentor to guide you through the policy meeting experience. You will leave Convention with new friends, new contacts, and hopefully some great maple syrup!! Bring at least 100 business cards for prizes, raffles, and to exchange with new colleagues.

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What Does “Casual for a Cause” Mean? The VPO chose to support the very worthy charity, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta and its Siblings Program, during the convention. Anyone who makes a donation to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, either with their registration or at the convention, may dress casual and wear jeans on Friday to the Region Meetings. All of the donations will go to the Camp Ta-Kum-Ta Siblings Program. We are also working on other charitable fund raising activities. Camp Ta-Kum-Ta provides challenging, extraordinary experiences in a safe and loving environment for children who have or have had cancer and their families. Along with traditional camp activities squeezed into one magical week, Ta-Kum-Ta offers swimming, athletics, ropes course, arts and crafts, and once in a lifetime opportunities such as rock climbing expeditions, hot air balloon rides, formal dances and lake cruises. The Siblings Program is a long weekend offered each fall to the siblings of cancer patients, with similar activities including light-hearted fun, games, arts and crafts, field games, team building, and an opportunity to connect with other siblings of cancer patients who have experienced similar family challenges.

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What is the Social Event Planned for Friday Night? The VPO and NFPA have planned an evening of dinner and dancing at the Sunset Ballroom. The Sunset Ballroom is one of Vermont’s most unique special events facilities located atop the Comfort Suites at 1712 Shelburne Road in South Burlington, Vermont. The Sunset Ballroom overlooks Lake Champlain and New York’s Adirondack Mountains offering the best views and Vermont sunsets from a ballroom made up of 80 percent windows and skylights, plus an outdoor patio! You will enjoy a networking dinner with door prizes, a D.J., music and dancing, and a photo booth. Bring your dancing shoes, relax and enjoy good friends, good food and good fun!

We will have a bus making multiple trips to the Sunset Ballroom, as well as the Hilton shuttle, to transport you to the venue. The venue is only 4.5 miles south of the Hilton on Route 7 (Shelburne Road), but it will likely take 15-30 minutes (depending upon traffic) to get there. It is somewhat of a high traffic zone during the work commute hours. What is the Weather like and What Should I Wear? October in Burlington can be warm during the day, but cold at night. Last year at the same time, the temperatures ranged from a low of 29 degrees to a high of 70 degrees during the day.

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Late October usually averages in the mid 50’s during the day with a low in the high 30’s. If you plan to do outdoor activities, we recommend that you bring clothing suitable for cold weather, dressing in layers, and bring a warm jacket in case of a cold front or rain. Being on the waterfront can also be very breezy so dressing in layers and the warm jacket will keep you warm. Here are some links to guides of all things Vermont and Burlington area:

Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce http://www.vermont.org/ Vermont Chamber of Commerce http://www.vtchamber.com/ Church Street Marketplace http://www.churchstmarketplace.com/ Burlington Town Center Mall http://www.burlingtontowncenter.com/

How do I Get Around Downtown and Burlington for Site Seeing? Burlington has a bus system and there are also numerous cab companies. Most places for site seeing and restaurants downtown are within walking distance or a short bus or cab ride. CCTA Bus (soon to be rebranded as Green Mountain Transit) Fares Local Route Fares: $1.25/One-way, $12.00/Adult Ten-Ride Ticket http://cctaride.org/bus-routes-schedules/local-routes/ http://cctaride.org/bus-routes-schedules/key-destinations/ http://cctaride.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ccta_gmta_system_map_03.pdf FREE College Street Shuttle http://cctaride.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Css.pdf Taxi Cab Companies: see list above Burlington Segway Tours http://burlingtonsegways.com/ What is there to do in Burlington, Vermont near the Hilton Burlington? Below is a list of several places you can visit close to the hotel. 1. Where is the closest bar/nightclub?

Juniper (Hotel Vermont): 41 Cherry Street, Burlington; http://hotelvt.com/dining-drinking Skinny Pancake: 60 Lake Street, Burlington; http://skinnypancake.com/ St. Paul Street Gastrogrub: 205 St. Paul Street, Burlington (small space, but good food and local beers) http://www.stpaulstgastrogrub.com/

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Nectar’s: 188 Main Street, Burlington; http://liveatnectars.com/ (The birthplace of local musicians Phish and Grace Potter!) Club Metronome: above Nectar’s - http://clubmetronome.com/ Red Square: 139 Church Street, Burlington; http://www.redsquarevt.com/ RiRa’s Irish Pub: 123 Church Street, Burlington; https://www.rira.com/burlington/ Whisky Room: 176 College Street, Burlington; http://www.rira.com/burlington/ Leunig’s Bistro & Lounge: 115 Church Street, Burlington; http://www.leunigsbistro.com/ Church Street Tavern: 103 Church Street, Burlington; http://www.churchstreettavernvt.com/ Ken’s Pizza & Pub: 71 Church Street, Burlington; http://www.viewmenu.com/kens-pizza-parlor-2/menu?ref=google Halvorson’s Upstreet Cafe: 16 Church Street, Burlington; http://www.halvorsonsupstreetcafe.com/ Drink Cocktail Bar: 135 St. Paul Street, Burlington; http://vtdrink.com/ American Flatbread / Zero Gravity: 115 St. Paul Street, Burlington; http://www.zerogravitybeer.com/brewpub-at-flatbread/?ao_confirm Vermont Pub & Brewery: 144 College Street, Burlington; http://www.vermontbrewery.com/ There are several more bars in the area of Church Street and Main Street, but we tried not to include the bars that the college kids frequent.

2. Nearby Entertainment. Vermont Comedy Club, http://vermontcomedyclub.com/ Corner of Main Street and Pine Street, 101 Main Street, near the Hilton Garden Inn Flynn Center for Performing Arts, Main Street, Burlington-for tickets and schedule of events: http://www.boxofficeticketsales.com/venue/flynn-center-for-the-performing-arts-tickets-for-sale.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=**Venue%20%7C%20Head%20Keywords%20%7C%20Exact&utm_term=Flynn%20Center%20for%20the%20Performing%20Arts&utm_content=Flynn%20Center%20for%20the%20Performing%20Arts%20%3E%201997 There is nothing currently on the October schedule yet, but check back frequently. You might be able to catch a show while you are in town.

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3. Is there Live Music Nearby?

Red Square Nectar’s / Club Metronome RiRa’s Skinny Pancake

4. Good Places to Eat Nearby: To be provided separately 5. Nearby Attractions: Near Hotel: Echo Lake Aquarium http://www.echovermont.org/

Burlington Bike Path/Waterfront Park http://enjoyburlington.com/venue/waterfront-park

Church Street Marketplace http://www.churchstmarketplace.com/ Lake Champlain Cruises http://www.soea.com/

Museums:

Robert Hull Fleming Museum, UVM http://www.flemingmuseum.org/ Ethan Allen Homestead Museum http://www.ethanallenhomestead.org/ Shelburne Museum, Shelburne https://shelburnemuseum.org/ Rokeby Museum, Ferrisburgh http://rokeby.org/ Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes http://www.lcmm.org/

Factory Tours / Tours:

Historic Trolley Tours of Burlington http://www.trolleytoursvt.com/Historical-Tours-Burlington-VT.html

Burlington Brew Tours https://burlingtonbrewtours.com/ Lake Champlain Chocolates, Burlington http://www.lakechamplainchocolates.com/ Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Shelburne http://www.vermontteddybear.com/static/tour-essentials.aspx Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury http://www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours Cold Hollow Orchard, Waterbury http://www.coldhollow.com/about/

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Breweries: Switchback Brewing Co., 160 Flynn Avenue, Burlington http://switchbackvt.com/ Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, 115 St. Paul St., Burlington http://www.zerogravitybeer.com/ Queen City Brewery, 703 Pin Street, Burlington http://www.queencitybrewery.com/

Vermont Pub & Brewery, 144 College St., Burlington http://www.vermontbrewery.com/ Three Needs Brewery & Taproom, 185 Pearl St., Burlington

The Just Beer Project, 209 Battery St., Burlington http://www.justbeerproject.com/ The Traveler Beer Co., 431 Pine St., Burlington http://travelerbeer.com/ Four Quarters Brewing Co., 150 W. Canal St., Winooski http://www.fourquartersbrewing.com/

Magic Hat Brewing Company, 5 Bartlett Bay Rd., So. Burlington http://www.magichat.net/ Infinity Brewing Co., 80 Ethan Allan Dr., So. Burlington http://infinitybrewing.com/

Wineries: Shelburne Vineyard http://shelburnevineyard.com/ East Shore Vineyard http://www.eastshorevineyard.com/ Charlotte Village Winery http://www.charlottevillagewinery.com/ Snow Farm Vineyard http://www.snowfarm.com/ Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits http://www.boydenvalley.com/ Hillis’ Sugarbush Farm & Vineyard http://www.hillisfarm.com/ Lincoln Peak Winery & Vineyard http://lincolnpeakvineyard.com/ Neshobe River Winery http://neshoberiverwinery.com/index.php Huntington River Vineyard http://www.huntingtonrivervineyard.com/ Fresh Tracks Farm & Winery http://freshtracksfarm.com/ Food: Dakin Farms, Ferrisburgh http://www.dakinfarm.com/ Burlington Edible History Tours http://www.burlingtonediblehistory.com/ Adventurous: ArborTrek Canopy Adventures, Jeffersonville http://www.arbortrek.com/vtzipline/zipline/ Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe http://www.trappfamily.com

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6. Nearby Vermont Shopping (only the highlights): Burton Snowboards http://www.burton.com/ Lake Champlain Chocolates, 65 Church Street, Burlington Frog Hollow Craft Center, 85 Church Street, Burlington http://froghollow.org/

Burlington Wine Shop, 133 St. Paul St., Burlington http://www.burlingtonwineshop.com/

North Face Life Style Store, 90 Church Street, Burlington Keep Vermont Weird, 33 Church Street, Burlington https://squareup.com/market/keep-vermont-weird

Vermont Flannel Company, 28 Church Street http://vermontflannel.com/ Danforth Pewter, 111 Church Street http://www.danforthpewter.com/ Designer’s Circle Jewelers, 52B Church Street http://www.designerscirclevt.com/ Burlington Records, 170 Bank Street http://burlingtonrecords.com/ Lovermont, Burlington Town Center http://www.802clothing.bigcartel.com/ Patagonia Burlington, 157 Bank Street http://www.patagoniaburlington.com/ Yoga Vermont, 113 Church Street http://www.yogavermont.com/ We look forward to seeing you in Burlington!!