11-7-2008:  Tropical beaches.....  .volcanoes.......maybe one of those drinks with an umbrella in it.   Less than 2 months to go.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Hawaii, as well as to enjoying warmer weather and no snow.  Colorado had its first snowfall this year on August 15; that’s just a little too soon!

Tentative details of the conference are as follows:

(1)               Discounted sleeping rooms at the Marriott Waikiki Beach are $219 per night until December 4, 2008.  This is a very good rate for the Marriott, which is located on Waikiki Beach.  If you register for rooms after December 4th, the rate will no doubt be higher; so we recommend that you do not wait.  Since New Year’s Eve is a big deal in Waikiki Beach, the Marriott informed us that the room rate will be $319 for January 1 and 2, 2009.

(2)          Pre-conference registration will be held on Sunday night (January 4) from 5:30 pm-7 pm in the lobby area.

(3)               We have tentative plans for a reception at the hotel on Monday evening for our attendees.

(4)               Clute Institute Board members are invited to attend a board meeting and complimentary dinner with the Clute staff on Tuesday night.  Details will be posted at the conference.  Please visit our website and complete the registration form if you wish to become a board member.

(5)               On Wednesday evening, the Clute family will be dining at a local restaurant.  Everyone is invited; but participants pay for their own food and drinks.  Details will be posted at the conference.

(6)               Daily conference activities (Monday through Thursday) are:

·                     Beginning at 8:00 AM:  Conference registration.

·                     Beginning at 8:00 AM:  Coffee, tea, and pastries near the registration table.

·                     Beginning at 8:30 AM:  Conference meetings in 2-hour sessions consisting of 4-6 papers each.

(7)               Highly recommended tours are:

·                     One of the top historic sites on Oahu is "Pearl Harbor" where World War II began for the United States. 

·                     The "North Shore" area of the island is known as the world's best surf spot where, in winter, the waves can reach heights of about 40 feet or more.  Between November and March, international surf pros exhibit their skills in many competitions.

·                     A self-guided auto tour (or regular tour) around the island is highly recommended.  We personally enjoyed the regular tour more because the driver told us the history, etc.  This tour is available through the Marriott concierge. 

·                     There is a very nice luau on the beach that can be booked through the Marriott concierge.  The show is nice, but the food is what you would expect.

·                     The concierge’s desk at the Marriott is very helpful.

(8)               All conference presentations will be scheduled for the day (and AM or PM) per your request.

(9)               Notebook computers & data projectors will be available in the conference rooms, so please bring your jump drive/flash drive/USB drive.  Transparency projectors will not be available.

(10)            We plan to have the program posted by email and/or on our website about one week prior to the conference.

Have a nice day!