2019 Penn-Del AER Conference Buzz 2: Charting Your Course! Here’s the second installment of our Conference Buzz! Are you starting to feel the energy build? This year’s Penn-Del AER Conference theme — Charting Our Course: Together Toward Tomorrow — reminds us that through strategic planning, we can work together to improve our tomorrows. In this Conference Buzz, we’ll focus on tidbits of information that may help you to chart your course to the best-ever conference experience! Whether you are new to this conference, haven’t attended in a while, or are a seasoned Penn-Del AER veteran… here are some details to help you plan for and maximize your time. Still haven’t registered? No problem! Click here <https://penn-delaer.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dcb714f543481d6caf1b9b8c1&id=c620324245&e=1dd911e837> to download the registration form. Save the form to your computer, then open it using Adobe Reader or Acrobat (do not complete the form using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another web browser). Enter your information, save the document, and submit it as directed in the form. Pre-Conference Workshop Wednesday morning, April 24, 2019, the Penn-Del Chapter of AER is pleased to offer its first-annual Pre-Conference Professional Development Workshop: Focus on Leadership. The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Amy J. Armstrong, Professor and Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. During this 3.5-hour interactive training, she will lead participants as they engage in activities that allow them to organically discover new aspects of leadership within themselves and for those they serve. For more details, see the Pre-Conference brochure on the Pen-Del AER website. A working lunch is included in the workshop registration fee. Conference Scoop Here’s the scoop… The 2019 conference is organized into eleven sessions: three Wednesday afternoon, five on Thursday, and three Friday morning. Wednesday and Thursday evenings are jam-packed with networking and relaxation opportunities! General Sessions During the three general sessions, all attendees gather for announcements and tidbits from the Penn-Del AER Board and Conference Planning Committee and to hear motivational messages from our invited “Note” speakers. These general session addresses highlight aspects of our conference theme and are aimed at energizing us as professionals. Join us for the Keynote during Session I, the Midnote during Session V, and close out the conference at the Footnote during Session XI. This year, we’ve again invited three outstanding note speakers so plan to attend and enjoy. Penn-Del AER Meeting Immediately following the Midnote Address during Session V, join us for the annual Penn-Del AER business meeting. AER members will hear updates and vote on new business including election of members of our chapter Board of Directors. Non-AER members are welcome to take this opportunity to learn about the benefits of membership in AER and the work of our chapter. Poster and Exhibitor Session During Session VI (Thursday afternoon), attendees are encouraged to visit this year’s poster presentations and exhibitors. This is your chance to talk one-on-one with presenters and vendors and to ask for hands-on demonstrations of many products. The poster presentations will be set up in the Harris Room and the exhibitor hall will be in the Heritage Room — both of which are just off the lobby. Concurrent Sessions During the seven time slots designated for concurrent sessions, conference participants may choose to attend one of five or six topic-specific presentations. Check the full conference program for descriptions of all sessions and choose those that best meet your personal or professional needs. Meals Continental breakfast — including hot dishes — will be provided Thursday and Friday mornings. Lunch will be provided Thursday, and all registered attendees are invited to the Awards Banquet Thursday evening. Check your conference program for times and locations. Social and Networking Opportunities While the conference offers outstanding opportunities for professional rejuvenation and continuing education, we also hope you will enjoy formal and informal networking events. University Socials Join faculty, alumni, students, and friends of Pennsylvania’s three university preparation programs at informal social gatherings Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in O'Reilly's Tap Room. All-a-Board Reception All-a-Board! Take some time after a busy day to relax and meet the Penn-Del AER Board of Directors at an End-of-the-Day Café in the Atrium Lobby Bar between 7:30 and 9:00 pm on Wednesday evening. The event will feature light refreshments, a cash bar with wine, beer, coffee, and liqueurs in case you want to enjoy a favorite nightcap. The Board is looking forward to mingling with you, sharing plans, and hearing your suggestions for charting our course for the future. Penn-Del AER Hospitality Room Come unwind, connect, and reconnect with friends and colleagues for games, snacks, and soft drinks Wednesday evening in the McCormick room on the third floor starting at 9:00 pm. Bring your dollar bills and join in a game of “Left, Right, Center” and other fun games. Who knows, you could go home rich! Kick-Back Happy Hour with Exhibitors From 5:00 to 6:00 pm on Thursday, meet for hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in the Heritage Room. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends, catch up with old ones, and to talk with exhibitors and presenters! Penn-Del AER Awards Banquet Join friends and colleagues for the annual Awards Banquet at 6:30 Thursday evening. Enjoy a great dinner and applaud this year’s recipients of the Penn-Del AER Richard L. Welsh Service Award and Elinor Long Educator of the Year (ELEY) Award. Awards Reception Immediately following the Penn-Del AER Awards Banquet, unwind and toast the 2019 Award Recipients. A cash bar is available. Silent Auction Each year, an incredible array of items is available for bidding during our Penn-Del AER Silent Auction. You never know what treasures you might find on our auction tables! Bring your checkbook, credit card, or cash and visit the auction area often to ensure you get the winning bid on those items you wish to purchase. Auction proceeds benefit Penn-Del AER Scholarships. Keep the Buzz Going! If you have registered for the conference, watch for an email with a link to this year’s Conference Dropbox. All conference materials and those provided by presenters can be found in the Dropbox. These files will also be available on a USB drive with your registration packet. Be sure to watch for the next Conference Buzz newsletter coming soon! Penn-Del AER 2019 Conference Page <https://penn-delaer.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dcb714f543481d6caf1b9b8c1&id=5d1f8395eb&e=1dd911e837> <https://penn-delaer.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dcb714f543481d6caf1b9b8c1&id=ddd34a8516&e=1dd911e837> <https://penn-delaer.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dcb714f543481d6caf1b9b8c1&id=29aa377b20&e=1dd911e837> <https://penn-delaer.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dcb714f543481d6caf1b9b8c1&id=0f4dc420fb&e=1dd911e837> <https://penn-delaer.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dcb714f543481d6caf1b9b8c1&id=086a07df48&e=1dd911e837> The Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter of the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) supports professionals who provide education & rehabilitation services to people with visual impairments. 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