2008 Annual Conference
Kansas City, MO July 16-19, 2008
Theme: Sustainable Peace through Livable Communities
 |
Learn more about the 2008 Youth Conference
Learn more about the 2008 Young Artist Showcase
Conference Brochure
Registration
Schedule at a Glance
Conference Program
Best Practices
Special Events
Hotel Information
Airline Information
City Tours
Kansas City, MO
Conference Promotion Winner
 |
Congratulations to David Starline of Vandalia, Ohio! He won a complimentary registration and hotel stay for the 2008 Annual Conference in Kansas City, MO
Registration
|
Register Now!
| Member | Non-Member | |
| Advance (Apr 12 - Jun 16) | $525.00 | $625.00 |
| One Conference Day Only (Thur or Fri. only) | $200.00 | $275.00 |
| Two Conference Days Only (Thur.& Fri. only or Pre-conference sessions,Welcome Reception & Thur.) | $375.00 | $475.00 |
| Pre-Conference Sessions Only (Lunch not included.) | $75.00 | $125.00 |
Return to top
Tentative Schedule
|
The schedule details and speaker confirmations are being developed. See an outline of the conference schedule below or view the schedule at a glance.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Leadership Meetings
Pre-Conference Sessions on Africa, Asia & Economic Development
Orientation Sessions
Welcome Reception at the National World War I Museum
at Liberty Memorial
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Opening Keynote Speaker
Workshops
Networking Luncheon
Mayor's Reception at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Friday, July 18, 2008
Meet the Board Candidates Continental Breakfast
Keynote Speaker
Workshops
Lou Wozar Annual Awards & Luncheon
Best Practices Showcase & Global Conversations
Reception Hosted by Northern Ireland
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Annual Business Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting
Explore Kansas City
Closing Gala at the Westin Crown Center Hotel
Return to top
Conference Program
 |
3 Pre-Conference Tracks will offer intense sessions concurrently on Wednesday, July 16.
-
Economic Development - City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Economic Development are all looking for innovative channels to encourage entrepreneurship, build investment, and stimulate tourism in your community. Sister city programs are often overlooked as a partner in these efforts. Many local sister city programs have found a winning strategy to adding this work to the traditional mix of exchanges and programs. You can "Show Your Mayor the Money" by learning the jargon, taking a page from fellow volunteer leaders who have succeeded, and sharpening up on trends from expert presenters.
- Africa - Moving beyond the humanitarian assistance model is a driving desire of African sister cities. Participants will learn how to find opportunities to create viable economic and cultural relationships with impact, hear from experts on the current state of Africa, and explore first-person accounts of productive sister city partnerships on the continent.
- Asia - From some of our oldest partnerships to hot new ones, working in Asia provides members a range of cultures, perspectives, and challenges. Find the secrets to success from expert speakers, thriving partnerships, and representatives from various countries in the region.
- 11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.: Experts & Real Time Trends
- 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Sister Cities Case Studies
- 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Discussion Panel of International Representatives
The tentative session schedule will include:
Thursday, July 17, 2008
- 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
- Sustaining Your Community Experts Panel
- Ramping Up Your Fundraising Program
- Sister Schools: Connecting Classrooms
- 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Sister Cities Role in the Global Economy
- Volunteers Corps - Who's Managing Whom?
- New By-Laws Information Session
- 3:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
- Sustaining Your Communicaty Experts Panel (repeated)
- Sister Cities in Regions of Conflict
- Communications/MarKeting Strategies
- 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
- Solutions for Youth Programs
- Waging Peace: Cross-Cultural Dialogue Between U.S. & French Sister Cities
- Mayor's Forum: Engaging Your Elected Officials
Confimed Keynote Speakers:
Duane Kissick, AECOM
Diane Dillon-Ridgely, Environmentalist, Noted International Speaker, & Civil Rights Activist
Additional invited keynote speakers include:
- Kit Bond, U.S. Senator for Missouri
- John McCain, Republican Presidential Nominee
- Barack Obama/Hillary Clinton, Democratic Presidential Nominees
- Greg Mortenson, Author of Three Cups of Tea
Best Practices Showcase
|
Well don't miss the opportunity to showcase your local sister cities program in the Best Practices Showcase.
Who? Local programs looking to share knowledge with their fellow sister city programs.
What? Table top exhibit of your program in one of the following areas:
- Arts and Culture
- Economic Development
- Fundraising
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Open World
- Sustainable Development
- Youth and Education
Where? 2008 Annual Conference at the Westin Crown Center
How? Complete the application by May 16, 2008. Hurry space is limited!
Return to top
Special Events
|
The City of Kansas City, MO and the Sister City Association of Kansas City, MO are planning three great events for the conference.
Note:These events are included in the full registration fee. Individual tickets are available for purchase for spouses or other individuals not attending the full conference.
Opening Reception on July 16, 2008
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
Opening Ceremonies including the Welcome Reception will take place on the South Lawn of the majestic Liberty Memorial. The event will feature the Avenue of Nations display, local acoustical entertainment, delicious food and beverages, and guided tours of the National World War I Museum. Designed by Ralph Applebaum, whose credits include the Holocaust Memorial in Washington, the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial is an emotional, interactive and high-tech educational experience you won't want to miss.
Individual tickets are available at $20.00 per person or $30 per couple.
Mayor's Reception on Thursday, July 17, 2008
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The elegant Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will be the dramatic backdrop for the Mayors Reception. The reception and program begins in the grand Kirkwood Hall and opens into Rozzelle Court, the gracious interior courtyard. Attendees will feast on cocktail appetizers prepared by award-winning chefs. During the reception, attendees are welcome to enjoy the museum's exclusive exhibits including the new, world-renowned Bloch Building.
Individual tickets are available at $30.00 per person or $60 per couple.
2009 Conference Reception Hosted by Northern Ireland on Friday, July 18, 2008
Experience a taste of good old Northern Ireland hospitality in the historical setting of Kansas City's famous Union Station. Drum your fingers and tap your toes to the magical beat of traditional Irish music and dancing and let your taste buds be tantalized by the flavours of famous Irish brews that have been around for hundreds of years.
The team in Northern Ireland is confident that your appetite to see and explore more of the land of the forty shades of green will bring you to Belfast in July 2009 to experience the complete package! From the Giants Causeway to the Mountains of Mourne and the Lakes of Fermanagh you will be amazed by the many contrasts to be found in the land of Saint Patrick. The folk from Northern Ireland look forward to meeting and entertaining you in Union Station.
Individual tickets are available at $40 per person.
Closing Gala on Saturday, July 19, 2008
Partnering with the American Jazz Museum, Kansas City is proud to present a spectacular jazz themed Gala at the Westin Crown Center Ballroom. We are bringing the American Jazz Museum experience to the Westin with historical perspectives and exhibits from the American Jazz Museum's private collection. Attendees will enjoy a wonderful dinner and an unforgettable night of entertainment showcases featuring legendary jazz musicians.
Individual tickets are available at $60.00 per person or $120 per couple.
Return to top
Hotel
|
One East Pershing Road
Kansas City, MO
Phone: 1.816.474.4400
Westin Crown Center Hotel Website
The Westin Crown Center Hotel is the headquarter hotel for the conference. Meetings and daytime events will take place at the Westin.
Room Rates: $149 per night + taxes (single or double)
Reservations must be made by June 16, 2008 in order to receive the group rate.
Make reservations by:
- Calling 1.888.627.8538. Be sure to mention you are with Sister Cities International to receive the group rate.
- Online through the hotel reservations website
Airline Information
|
Sister Cities International has partnered with Midwest Airlines and American Airlines to offer discounts on fares to conference attendees.
Midwest Airlines is offering up to a 10% discount on flights for attendees flying to the annual conference this year.
Here are three easy ways to save when booking your flight:
- Visit www.midwestairlines.com and enter promo code CMZ1588
- Call Midwest at 800-452-2022 and provide CMZ1588 to the agent
- Purchase ticket through a travel agent and mention CMZ1588 Terms and Conditions
- 10% discount for tickets purchased at least 30 days in advance of travel
- 6% discount for tickets purchased within 30 days
- Valid for travel July 13-22, 2008 for travel to Kansas City from any city served by Midwest Airlines
- Low-rate Zone Fares, refundable less $100.00USD fee, minimum two night stay, Saturday-night stay not required
- 5% off any applicable fare
- For reservations, call 1-800-433-1790, and refer to authorization number:A2178BG
- 5% discount may be booked directly on AA.com® and pay no ticketing fees.
- If you prefer not to use AA.com, you can call AA Meeting Services at 1-800-1790 (6am-12m CST) or your local travel agency and refer to your authorization number to get your discount. (Reservations 15.00USD or airport 20.00USD ticketing fee per person applies.)
- Discount Fares are valid for round-trip travel on American Airlines, American Eagle® and AmericanConnection® from anywhere in the United States and Canada to your meeting destination.
- Please call the AmericanAirlines Meeting Services Desk at 1-800-433-1790 (6am-12m CST) or your local travel agency and refer to your authorization number for details. (Reservations 15.00USD or airport 20.00USD ticketing fee per person applies.)
- Zone Fares are not valid for markets where American Airlines does not publish a fare. Certain restrictions apply.
Discount Fares
Zone Fares
Frequent Flyer Miles
Earn AAdvantage® miles for your trip. The AAdvantage program was the first airline frequent traveler program, and for more than 20 years has offered members the most innovative ways to earn travel awards. Enroll online at www.aa.com.
Tours
|
- Kansas City Highlights Tour
- Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation
- Driving Tour of Kansas City
- Stops at the American Jazz & Negro Leagues Baseball Museums
- Buffet Lunch at Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque Freight House Restaurant
- Professional Tour Guide
- Cost: $60 per person
- See Full Description
- Downtown Highlights Tour
- Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation
- Driving Tour of Kansas City
- Stops at the Steamboat Arabia Museum, City Market and Country Club Plaza
- Arabia Steamboat Museum Entrance Fee
- Professional Tour Guide
- Cost: $39.00 per person
- See Full Description
Kansas City, Missouri
|
An energetic city forged by a rich history, Kansas City offers unexpected discoveries every day. Part of the city's charm lies in its beauty, with impressive boulevards, spacious parks and exquisite fountains. But it's the unique adventures that make your time in Kansas City special - eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums and fantastic shopping.
Visit the links below to learn more about what Kansas City has to offer!
Kansas City Video
Arts and Culture Venues
City Market
Restaurants
Attractions Near the Westin Crown Center Hotel
American Jazz Museum
National World War I Museum
Nelson Atkins Museum
Union Station Kansas City
Return to top
Credits: All photos on this web page are compliments of the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association.