Preconference Annual Business Meeting for State Directors of Special Education
State directors or their designees should note that the NASDSE annual business meeting will convene on Saturday, October 18th at 11:00 a.m. (Please take note of the earlier start time for this meeting.) NASDSE’s Board of Directors urges all state directors to plan to arrive in time to attend this important meeting. In addition to NASDSE President Mabrey Whetstone and Executive Director Bill East’s state-of-the-organization report and nominations for NASDSE officers and board of directors, there will be a closed-door discussion for state directors on issues of concern to the membership and upcoming opportunities. This session provides a rare opportunity for state directors to meet alone with their peers.

Sponsor Showcases
Following the business meeting, conference attendees will have an opportunity to attend three mini-sessions hosted by NASDSE’s conference sponsors to learn more about the opportunities that they provide for states. As an added bonus, participants who attend the sponsor showcases will be eligible for special door prizes.

South Carolina State Night
Head to Mingo Point, on the banks of the Kiawah River, for the North and South Carolina State Night. With outstanding panoramic views of the marsh at sunset, you will enjoy low country cuisine and high energy entertainment Carolina style. Locals will roast and shuck oysters for you as well as share some low country tales. After the feasting, we invite you shake it—the Carolina way —to all the “golden oldie” beach music classics.

Installation of Officers, Awards Ceremony and President’s Reception
The installation of the new NASDSE Board of Directors and the presentation of NASDSE’s annual awards are a highlight of the conference. It is at this time that NASDSE honors outstanding individuals for their work on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

• The R. Elwood Pace Humanitarian Award will be presented to an individual who engages in services or activities of a humanitarian nature that exceed his/her professional responsibilities.
• The Martha J. Fields Award of Excellence will be awarded to an organization or individual who has made extraordinary contributions in helping NASDSE realize its mission and goals.
• The Heritage Award will be presented to an individual for his/her significant service and contributions to NASDSE and to the field of special education.

The installation and the President’s Reception that will take place immediately following the installation ceremony will both take place at the lush setting and views of Osprey Point Golf Course.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
The special early bird conference registration rate is $475 and is available through Friday, October 3rd, 2008. To qualify for this rate, a complete conference registration form and check, purchase order (original or copy) or credit card information must be received by October 3rd. The regular and on-site registration rate of $535 takes effect on October 4th. The registration fee includes conference materials and all conference events. Registration forms accompanied by checks (made payable to NASDSE) or an official purchase order should be mailed to: NASDSE Annual Conference, c/o Linder & Associates, Inc., 2164 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007. Purchase orders may also be faxed to (202) 298-6974. If paying by credit card (Visa or MasterCard only), you may register by mail, by fax, or online at 2008 Annual Conference Registration.

Guest Tickets
Guest tickets for individual evening activities are available for purchase by conference attendees if purchased prior to Friday, October 3rd. After this date, only a limited number of tickets are expected to be available. Guest tickets for State Night are $80 if purchased by October 3rd and will be $100 after that date. Guest tickets for the President’s Reception are $50 if purchased by October 3rd and will be $75 after that date.

Activities
Monday afternoon nature/walking tours are $10 per person and bus transportation to and from downtown Charleston are $30 per person. More information can be found at 2008 Annual Conference Downloads. Register in advance via website or the registration form.

Cancellations
A $100 processing fee will be imposed for cancellations made after October 3rd. Cancellations after October 10th will be subject to additional meal charges. Cancellation notices must be submitted directly to nasdse@linderassociates.com or faxed to (202) 298-6974.

KIAWAH ISLAND ACCOMMODATIONS
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is located at One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, South Carolina, 29455. The website is www.kiawahresort.com.

NASDSE has reserved a block of villas for conference participants at the special conference rate of $179 per night, plus applicable taxes and resort fees. Conference participants are responsible for making their own accommodations arrangements. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 654-2924 or submitting the reservation form available at 2008 Annual Conference Downloads. These special conference rates are available from October 16-24 so that conference attendees may arrive early or extend their stays. To ensure you receive the conference rate, please contact the Kiawah Island Golf Resort BEFORE Tuesday, September 16th. Identify yourself as part of the NASDSE conference by quoting the group booking number of 5558 in order to qualify for the special group rate. Reservations made after Tuesday, September 16th will be confirmed on a space and rate available basis. Also, please advise the hotel staff at that time of any special room requirements you may have.

CONFERENCE ATTIRE
Daytime attire for the conference will be “business casual.” Please keep in mind that the conference takes place on a large property (and can result in a lot of walking – transportation is available for those preferring it). The temperatures in October on Kiawah Island can range between 55° and 77° F. Monday’s North and South Carolina State Night attire is very casual. Dress for the installation awards ceremony and President’s Reception is more formal (men should plan on wearing a tie).

TRANSPORTATION
Airport
Charleston International Airport (Airport Code – CHS) is located approximately 30 miles from Kiawah Island. Information about the airport can be found at http://www.chs-airport.com.

Transfers to/from the Airport

Car Rental
The airport hosts many car rental companies available to guests. Information is available at
http://www.chs-airport.com/rentalcars.htm.

CONFERENCE SPONSORS
NASDSE would like to thank its corporate sponsors for their support of the conference and their
ongoing work with NASDSE throughout the year. We encourage you to take the opportunity to
meet with them at the Sponsor Showcases or during the networking breaks. This year’s corporate sponsors include:
• Cambium Learning
• Computer Automation Systems
• Core Education and Consulting Solutions
• GoalView
• Leader Services
• LRP Publications
• MAXIMUS
• Measured Progress
• MicroScribe Publishing, Inc.
• Pearson
• Pearson-Clinical Assessment Group
• Riverside Publishing
• Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc.
• Teachers-Teachers.com
• Wireless Generation

NASDSE’S SILENT AUCTION TRADITION
NASDSE’s Silent Auction tradition lives on! We encourage conference attendees to donate an auction item representing their state. Donations may be brought to the Silent Auction desk beginning Saturday (11.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.) through Sunday morning (7:45 to 10:30 a.m.). The auction will take place from mid-day Sunday through Monday morning in the conference center lobby, which is in close proximity to the sponsor displays and refreshments. The auction is always fun and is a great source of gifts and mementos to take home. Start thinking now about a great idea for a donation that represents your state!