2008 Annual Conference
Kansas City, MO July 16-19, 2008
 
Theme: Sustainable Peace through Livable Communities

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2008 Youth Conference - Get the details & register!

Conference Brochure
Registration
Schedule at a Glance
Conference Program
Best Practices
Special Events
Hotel Information
Airline Information
City Tours
Kansas City, MO
2008 Young Artist Showcase



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

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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

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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

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Conference Program
The conference speakers will explore opportunities and challenges facing the global community in the 21st century and point to ways ahead, as we seek to shape the future of sustainable peace through our own communities. As active players on the global stage, the speakers' insights will provoke discussion and debate throughout the conference by providing a diverse and challenging range of perspectives.

3 Pre-Conference Tracks will offer intense sessions concurrently on Wednesday, July 16.
All Pre-Conference attendees can start the morning with a Keynote Address then move into sessions for their selected track. The session order for each of the Pre-Conference tracks is as follows:
Conference Workshops are being offered on Thursday, July 17 and Friday, July 18.
The tentative session schedule will include:

Thursday, July 17, 2008Friday, July 18, 2008


Confimed Keynote Speakers:
Pre-Conference Day Opening Plenary Keynote Speaker
Duane Kissick, AECOM

Mr. Kissick most recently has spoken at the Asia/Pacific Housing Forum held in Singapore and the International Symposium on City-to-City partnerships in Achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Africa in Stellenbosch, South Africa. He will provide the context for economic development and sister city activity in rapidly growing Asia and Africa. AECOM is a global development firm focusing on sustainable development services in the fast-growing emerging markets sector.

Opening Plenary Keynote Speaker, July 17, 2008
Diane Dillon-Ridgely

Dianne Dillon-Ridgley is an environmentalist, a human-rights activist and an advocate for women's issues - but sustainability is at the core of everything she does. "If we talk about striving for a more sustainable world, all countries are literally 'developing countries'," she says.

Helping to implement change is a theme in Dillon-Ridgley's work. She believes that fundamental institutions must change. "Look at the Global Water Partnership," she says. "It is this new kind of institution that grew out of the inability of current institutions to adequately address the needs of developing countries and the promotion of integrated water-resources management."

Dillon-Ridgley comes by her intense involvement with her world naturally. "[My family] all tried to instill a very clear moral and civic compass. That's the compass by which I guide my entire life."


Keynote Speaker, July 18, 2008
Goli Ameri, US Department of State

Goli Ameri was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs on March 19, 2008. She leads the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world.

Ms. Ameri has long had an interest in education and women?s issues. She served as a trustee of the Catlin Gabel School, as a member of the Oregon Steering Committee on the Campaign for Undergraduate Education for Stanford University, and as a member of the advisory committee for the Babson College Executive MBA program in Oregon.

Ms. Ameri was born in Tehran, Iran, and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and French Literature and her Master's degree in Communications at Stanford University. She also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She is fluent in French and Persian and is conversant in Spanish. She is the recipient of the Award for the 100 Most Powerful Women in Oregon and the Award of Excellence by Persian Heritage Magazine.

Additional invited keynote speakers include:
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Best Practices Showcase
Does your sister city program have a vibrant youth program? Does your program conduct an innovative fundraiser that others should know about?

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
When? Friday, July 18, 2008, 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Where? 2008 Annual Conference at the Westin Crown Center

How? Complete the application by May 16, 2008. Hurry space is limited!

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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.

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Hotel
Westin Crown Center
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:
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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:
Please note some important details of the offer:
American Airlines is offering zone fares and a 5 pecent discount for attendees travelling to and from July 12 - 23, 2008. Group travel discounts include  Return to top

Tours
Kansas City is offering two fabulous tours for delegates and guests. Both tours are being offered on Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

For more details and to reserve tours:

Tour Reservation Form (Word format) (PDF format)

Please fax or mail tour reservation forms to:
Blue Ribbon Arrangements & Tours
5200 W. 94th Terrace, Suite 109
Prairie Village, Ks. 66207
Phone 913.649.5111
Toll-free 800.490.8687
Fax 913.649.3111
Web www.bratkc.com

Note: A minimum of 35 participants are required for each tour. If the minimum is not reached, the tour will be cancelled.

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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

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Credits: All photos on this web page are compliments of the Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association.