 The 2005 Families in Global Transition conference will be a forum where members of internationally mobile families gather with those who assist them -- human resource personnel, relocation experts, educators, and counselors. Representatives from the government, missions, military, corporate, and education sectors will share their perspectives on their common goal of helping families make smooth intercultural transitions. Together we will discuss the special dynamics encountered in the internationally mobile lifestyle, and explore practical ways to optimize the potential of this experience. Click here to see representatives who have attended conferences and to see what others have said about FIGT conferences.
The outstanding program offered at the 2005 FIGT conference is recognized by Worldwide ERC as an excellent source for maintaining your CRP certification. Earn CRP recertification credit while expanding your knowledge on the principles and practices of relocation.
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Showcase your company to an audience of international relocation and intercultural ltransition specialists. The next dynamic International Families in Global Transition conference will be held 15-17 September 2005 in Houston, Texas. This is an unparalleled opportunity for you to achieve high visibility and recognition as a global leader in international mobility communities. Click here for more information about sponsorship opportunities and benefits . Contact Joyce Blake, Executive Director, at ExecDirector@figt.org for a Sponsor and Exhibitor Invitation Packet. 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
* Strengthens families self-reliance and personal resiliency
* Provides a substantive conference; practical, tangible answers to real-time questions
* Promotes cross-sector communication and synergistic solutions
* Validates the challenges that families experience when moving internationally
* Creates a foundation of experience, practice and research. THE PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE
* Pre-conference workshops
* Keynote address by Frances Hesselbein, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Leader to Leader Institute (formerly the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management) and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizing her role as CEO of the Girl Scouts USA and as a "pioneer for women, diversity and inclusion."
* Cross-sector dialogue plenary session -- a representative from each of the sectors (corporate, military, foreign service, missions and education) will discuss the topic "Everything you've always wanted to tell your expatriate families but were afraid to say." Opportunities for audience interaction promise to make this a lively launch to the program.
* 25 concurrent sessions on topics concerning Third Culture Kids (TCKs), intercultural transition, expatriate spouses and partners' needs, education within an international arena, and 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.
* Children's panel -- teens living the expatriate life share their perspectives
* 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.
* Access to the latest resources for family support in book store and exhibit center.
<>Direct any questions regarding the program to Anne P. Copeland, Program Committee chair, at program@figt.org.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER)
* Early Bird Registration by 1 August 2005: Associates $495, Non-associates $570
* Regular Registration After 1 August 2005: Associates $545, Non-associates $595 ($50 Savings)
* Pre-conference workshops: $75
* Day rate: $200 (Dinner & dinner activities are extra)
* Dinner & dinner activities: $40 Full registration includes Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch, Saturday breakfast and lunch, all presentations, exhibits and breaks. ***Specially discounted rates are available for students and non-affiliated expatriates and repatriates. Please contact the FIGT office for more information.
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 a very modest expenditure of $99.00 per year. Associates receive the following exclusive benefits:
* Discounted Registration - Register by 1 June and save $75 off full registration
* Register by 1 August and save $50 off full registration
* Discounts on products - 5 percent discount on bookstore materials at the conference
* Associate networking event to interact with speakers and Board of Directors 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 HOTEL AND TRANSPORATION INFORMATION HOTEL RESERVATION - Houston Marriott Westchase
Hotel reservation can be made directly with Houston Marriott Westchase. Special discounted hotel rooms per night, $80.00 single or double. Reservations can be made by calling +1.800.452.5110? in the US and Canada. Mention that you are with Families in Global Transition. Hotel reservations received after August 15, 2005 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.
To book online:
Military and DOD Personnel click here. (Group Code = usausaa)
All other attendees click here. (Group Code = famfama)
AIR TRAVEL RESERVATION
Discounted fares are available on Continental Airlines. Call Continental MeetingWorks at +1.800.468.7022 and provide the Z Code ZK2E and Agreement Code UDL6XH. For reservation assistance outside the toll-free dialing area, contact your local Continental Airlines Reservations Office.
SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM AIRPORT
Please visit the shuttle service sales counters which are conveniently located near the baggage claim area in all terminals. Be sure to mention that you are going to the Marriott Houston Westchase (formerly Adam's Mark) Following are two shuttle services available at both Houston's Bush IAH and Hobby airports.
Texans Shuttle 1.713.781.6660 www.texansshuttle.com
FIGT Group discount rate of $24.00 each way, $44.00 round trip from Bush IAH and Hobby airports. Round trip discount applies when your purchase a round trip ticket upon arrival. Hours of Operation: 5:00 A.M. to Midnight, Daily.
Express Shuttle 1.877.615.4577 www.airportexpresshouston.com
Shuttle Fare from Bush IAH and Hobby is $28 one way or $56 round trip. The discount rate of $51 applies on a round trip fare when you purchase a round trip ticket upon arrival. Hours of Operation: 5:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Daily.
CAR RENTAL
Special discounts from Avis. Call + 1.800.331.1600 and mention discount number D087028 COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE
Complimentary shuttle service from the hotel to the Galleria shopping area is available. The Marriott also provides complimentary shuttle service to shopping areas and dining within a five (5) 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
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE
Mark your calendar for 15-17 September 2005 and bring a friend! |
2005 Conference Overview & Schedule
