See You Next Week! Arrival: Shuttle and taxi service is available from Orlando International Airport to the Holiday Inn – Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Pricing information, details and alternate local transport options are available online.
Hotel Check-in Time – 4pm.
On-site conference check-in: begins at 8am Wednesday, May 18 in the pre-function area, Holiday Inn. Signs inside the hotel will point the way for you.
Step One: Pick up your name badge and conference bag at the conference registration/information desk. The bag contains giveaway items plus the conference program book with the agenda, diagrams, maps and details on sessions, speakers and events.
Step Two: After picking up your registration materials, if you wish, you may proceed to one of the three optional pre-conference workshops (included in your registration fee; pre-registration for workshops is not necessary). Sessions begin at 9:00 am.
The registration / information desk will remain open each day throughout the conference (Wednesday 8am – 4pm, Thursday 8am – 4pm and Friday, 8am – 10am).
All attendees will receive the detailed program book; in addition we will also provide a pocket agenda, folded and inserted in your name badge neck wallet as well as a pdf of the program on a memory stick. The full program is also available online.
USETDA 2011 Conference Proceedings are available online. If you haven’t yet submitted your PowerPoint presentation, you may send to Laura Hammons at lhammons@tamu.edu.
Don’t miss out on conference events included in your registration!
WEDNESDAY, May 18
Luncheon and Keynote Session: A buffet luncheon will be served in the Como/Sheen Room beginning at 12 noon on the opening day of the conference. We’ll begin with welcome messages and housekeeping updates. At 12:30 pm we’ll start the opening keynote presentation with Georgia Harper, who will speak about "ETDs, Open Access and Intellectual Property Issues."
Welcome Reception
Following the afternoon sessions, you are invited to attend the Opening Cocktail Reception (5:30-7pm) in the Holiday Inn hotel pool side area. Each attendee will receive two drink tickets and access to buffet style appetizers.
THURSDAY, May 19
Breakfast 8-9 am (Holiday Inn Como/Sheen Room)
Luncheon and Keynote Session
A buffet luncheon will be served in the Como/Sheen Room beginning at 11:50 am followed by the 12:15 pm keynote presentation with Greg Grossmeier, who will talk about “Creative Commons and Open Access in Higher Education”.
Conference Reception
Following the afternoon sessions, you are invited to attend an exclusive Conference Reception at Fulton’s Crab House (6-9 pm), located within walking distance from the Holiday Inn. Butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks (6-8 pm), and music by the Caribbean Crew Band will be provided to registered participants at the USETDA Conference. Additional guests may attend at the cost of $40 each.
FRIDAY, May 20
Breakfast / State Networking 8-9 am (Holiday Inn Como/Sheen Room)
Weather Report – The weather report for Wednesday, May 18th – Friday, May 20th in Orlando, Florida will be warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to lower 90s and evening lows in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Current weather and forecast (Orlando)
Conference Attire – The weather will be warm and balmy, but indoors will be air-conditioned. Bring warm-weather clothing, but also bring a light jacket, sweater or suit coat for indoor and/or evening wear. Suggested attire is business casual for conference sessions and semi-casual for evening events.
Please Wear Your Name Badge Throughout the Conference! It is your entrance ticket to all events and sessions.
Hotel Check-Out Time – 11am. The Holiday Inn will be happy to store your luggage after check-out until your departure.
We want you to learn, share, network and engage yourself while at USETDA 2011, and remember to get out, have some fun and enjoy the sites local entertainment attractions while in the Orlando area! Information about Walt Disney World theme park discount tickets is available online.
Should you need anything upon arrival, please do not hesitate to ask us for assistance.
Best wishes,
USETDA 2011 Conference Planning Committee
John Hagen, West Virginia University Libraries
Laura Hammons, Texas A&M University Office of Graduate Studies
Angela McCutcheon, Ohio University Graduate College
Robert Parker, University of Florida Libraries
Stacy Wallace, University of Florida Graduate School
Web: www.usetda.org/
Contact: board@usetda.org
The inaugural USETDA 2011 conference, held in the Orlando area, concluded today at noon. With over 100 participants attending single session presentations, plenaries, workshops, poster sessions, vendor displays, and special activities, it was a tremendous experience for the organizers and participants alike. Those attending represented 3 countries (US, Canada, UK), and within the US, 30 states were represented (2/3 of all states). Roughly half the audience were from University Libraries and the other half were from the graduate schools.