2008 Conference Highlights - Families in Global Transition

SAVE THE DATE - 6-8 March 2008 for the next International Families in Global Transition Conference in Houston, Texas. At the 2008 conference, we will celebrate 10 years of empowering organizations and families who live and work globally. Plan now to join the experts in relocation and cross-cultural issues and research.

The outstanding program offered at the 2007 FIGT Conference was recognized by Worldwide ERC and the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)* as an excellent resource and opportunity to maintain your professional certification. . . . The 2008 FIGT Conference program will be equally outstanding!

THE FIGT DIFFERENCE
How does FIGT meet the challenges and opportunities of global transition?

* Offers creative solutions that are safe and successful for families and individuals in times of unprecedented economic and political change
* Provides a substantive conference; practical, tangible answers to real-time and real life questions
* Promotes cross-sector communication and synergistic solutions
* Validates the challenges that families experience when moving internationally
* Bolsters the resources available to organizations who support their employees living overseas
* Offers the opportunity for face to face interactions that can help you to build a world wide network with transition specialists and other resources
* Creates a foundation of experience, practice and research

THE 2008 PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE:

* Pre-conference workshops

* Contemporary issue plenary sessions

* Cross-Sector Best Practices Dialogue and Debate session -- a representative from each of the sectors (corporate, military, foreign service, missions and education) will discuss a hot topic relevant to all sectors. Opportunities for audience interaction promise to make this a lively launch to the program.

* Concurrent sessions focusing on HR ROI, Educational Transition, Third Culture Kids, Family and Organizational Transitions and Repatriation issues within the international arena, and the impact of cultural difference.

* A lively, interactive "Cracker Barrel" session in which you can hear targeted, practical information about the latest programs, research and approaches to family support.

* Teen’s Speak Panel Discussion -- teens living the expatriate life share their perspectives. This session was the most requested return to the 2007 conference.

* Informal opportunities to learn from and share with colleagues in other sectors who share your commitment to helping global families. These include informal and structured lunch discussions, meet-the-author and meet-the-speaker receptions, networking dinners and discussion forums.

* Registration discounts for FIGT Associates - see below.

* Access to the latest resources for family support in book store and exhibit center.

To download a Request for Proposal (RFP), click on the link at the top of this page. To ask questions regarding the program, contact the Program Committee at program@figt.org.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION - Registration will begin in November 2007

* Early Bird Registration before 1 February 2008:
Associates $570 ($180 Savings)
Non-associates $650 ($100 Savings)
Student, Non-Profit and Self-Sponsored Registration: $395

* Regular Registration on or after 1 February 2008:
Associates $650 ($100 Savings)
Non-associates $750
Student, Non-Profit and Self-Sponsored Registration $445

* Military and DOD: $570 regardless of registration date and includes Associate subscription
* Pre-conference workshops: $75
* Day rate: $300
* Only Thursday Dinner & dinner activities: $50
* Join as an Associate for only $99 (see description below)

Full 3-day registration includes Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, all presentations, exhibits and breaks.

Group Discounts - Register four (4) or more registrants from the same organization at the same time and receive 10% off the total registration fee.

IMPORTANT CANCELLATION/TRANSFER INFORMATION: All cancellations are subject to a $100.00 non-refundable administrative fee and must be received in writing. Cancellation before 1 February 2008 will receive full registration less $100 administrative fee. Registration fee is non-refundable if received on or after 1 February 2008 and for no-shows; however all registrations are transferable.

Accommodations are extra. See Hotel Reservation below.

ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
FIGT created the Associates Program as a valuable extension of the FIGT Conference. It offers year-round exclusive benefits to individuals and organizations impacted by international mobility. The Associates Program serves to connect you with a worldwide community of relocation professionals and expatriates for the exceptional value of $99.00 per year. Associates receive the following exclusive benefits:

* Discounted Registration
* Discounts on products - 5 percent discount on bookstore materials at the conference
* Password protected access to FIGT Associate Center on our web site which includes:
* Speakers' presentations
* FIGT Conference Speaker Directory
* Associate Members Directory
* Global assignment surveys and reports

Click here to join the Associates Program
For more information please contact Joyce Blake, Executive Director at ExecDirector@figt.org

HOTEL AND TRANSPORATION INFORMATION

HOTEL RESERVATION - Omni Houston Hotel
The Omni Houston Hotel is centrally located in the prestigious Uptown Post Oak/Galleria area and is just minutes from all of the excitement that Houston, Texas has to offer. You are just 10 minutes by car from the central business district and 35 minutes from George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Hotel reservation can be made directly with Omni Houston Hotel. Special discounted hotel rooms per night will be honored until Monday, 18 February 2008:
Single Rate - $95.00
Double Rate - $120.00

Rates are based on the current government per diem rates and are subject to change to the prevailing Government per diem at the time of the conference. Reservations can be made by calling +1.800.400-1700 in the US and Canada. Mention that you are with Families in Global Transition.

PLEASE NOTE: Hotel reservations received after 18 February 2008 will be provided on a space available basis at prevailing rates, the FIGT rate will not apply. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required to avoid cancellation fees.

SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM AIRPORT
Super Shuttle - one-way fares: Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to the Omni at 4 Riverway--$24 per person; Houston Hobby (HOU) to the Omni at 4 Riverway--$19 per person; Reservations should be booked at least 24 hrs in advance either online at www.supershuttle.com or by calling 1-800-258-3826 to speak with an agent.

CAR RENTAL

Special discounts from Avis. Call + 1.800.331.1600 and mention discount number D087028
For driving directions from regional airports, click here for an intercative map provided by the Omni Houston Hotel.

HOTEL PARKING
Complimentary parking is available in Riverway Garage behind the hotel.
Valet parking is also available (approximately $18 includes in/out privileges) as well as on-site self-parking (approximately $8 includes in/out privileges).

COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE
Complimentary shuttle service from the hotel to the Galleria shopping area is available. The Omni also provides complimentary shuttle service to shopping areas and dining within a three (3) mile radius.

HOUSTON AREA ATTRACTIONS
Houston offers many, many things to see and experience. If you will have free time before or after the conference, see what Houston has to offer!!

FAMILIES IN GLOBAL TRANSITION BROCHURE
FIGT has an attractive brochure with a complete overview of our organization. Let Joyce Blake know if you would like some for your organization. ExecDirector@figt.org

Mark your calendar for 6-8 March 2008 and bring a friend! We will see you there!