Ooooh, we just signed our contract for the platform for our 2020 SOMA O&M conference [https://somaconference.org/index.html] and today, we unlocked the door, turned on the lights and walked around our new venue and ...  we're breathless!  Excited about this amazing venue, yet somber to think about the job ahead -- here we go, plunging into the world of INTERACTIVE virtual conferences!   The conference itself is not until December 14-15, 2020 but there's a LOT that's happening now! OPEN HOUSE:  September 26 and 29, 2020 Everyone who registers for the December SOMA conference is invited to our Open House next month, to take a tour and familiarize yourself with our new platform! Meet your friends in the lounge, go to the stage and play some games, and chat with the exhibitors in their booths to see what's new.  More information about the Open House [https://somaconference.org/index.html#open]  T-SHIRT CONTEST! Deadline September 18 No, this is NOT a wet T-shirt contest!  It's a contest to design our conference T-shirts and bags to commemorate this first-of-its-kind "LIVE" online SOMA 2020 Conference.  If the conference participants choose your design, you'll get a complementary T-shirt and bag to help you brag to your friends!  More information about the T-Shirt Designing Contest [https://somaconference.org/index.html#tshirt] EXHIBITS  -- More information for exhibitors [https://somaconference.org/vend20.html] As far as we can figure, this is the first/only opportunity in many months for actual live, interactive booths for exhibitors to network and share what's new with hundreds of orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, teachers of visually impaired children, travel trainers and guide dog mobility instructors.  The exhibitors' package includes  * LIVE EXHIBIT BOOTH where participants can explore your webpage "flier" and drop into your "booth" to see your exhibit and chat with you. * TIME -- lots of half-hour breaks during the day, and socials in the evenings when participants can visit your exhibit. * "EXHIBITORS’ HIGHLIGHTS," our traditional opening session, will be available on YouTube starting December 1 -- each exhibitor has a brief moment to share what's new at their table. * "OPEN HOUSE" in September where you can try out the platform and see which format you prefer for displaying and interacting with participants. REMINDER: * Program [https://somaconference.org/program20detail.html] -- we just added a few very interesting sessions to the December conference, there's definitely lots for everyone! * Registration [https://somaconference.org/sreg2020.html] -- September 10 is the last day you can register for $120 (it's $150 after that). Enjoy! -- Dona _____________________________________ Dona Sauerburger, COMS SOMAconference.org [https://somaconference.org/index.html]