A lot has evolved in the past year, since I started the official planning for Discover Santa 2016.  We have almost 100 registered to attend so far, our committee is growing, and we have an all new web site.

Quite a bit has changed in Branson, since the first convention in 2006.  And yet, everything that makes Branson such a warm and wonderful location, the shows and attractions, are all there for your enjoyment.   

NEW DISCOVER SANTA WEB SITE

Earlier this year I announced that my original webs sites, started over a dozen years ago, were in need of upgrades.  The software was no longer supported by the maker and the platforms did not work on tablets or the new phones.  

So I started working with Matt Cohen, my web master at It Won't Byte, and we now have a new web site that is much cleaner, and I hope easier to read and navigate. 

The link is www.DiscoverSanta2016.com , or for short you can just enter www.DS2016.com .  Please check it out and I welcome your comments and suggestions.

By the way, if you know of someone who may be new to our industry, or that might be interested in Discover Santa 2016, I invite you to forward this email to them

NEW GRAPHICS

Following my School4Santas in Branson last Summer, one of my students, Santa Greg Gilpin, of Graphic Art Center, Inc. sent me some suggestions for Convention logos and banners.  What a great surprise.  They were great.  Check out the banner above. 

As the many convention events are set-up, committee members assigned, and sponsorships confirmed, the web site will be updated.  And with it, we will have additional logos for those events.  These include, the Parade of Red Suits, SNO-lympics, The Red Suit Gala, etc.

Everytime Greg sends me a new logo for one of the convention events, it is like opening a Christmas Present.  His work is bold, clean and, being a Santa, he understands what the convention web site really needs.   Thank you Greg! 

CONVENTION HOTELS

We have over 700 rooms blocked for Discover Santa 2016, plus accommodations for RV's.  The Headquarters Hotel  will be The Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa and Convention Center. 

This fabulous, four-diamond, John Q .Hammond Hotel and Spa, will host a welcome reception, all of our workshops, two of the general Sessions, the Vendor Showcase and Exhibits, the SNO-lympics?, a Red Cross Blood Drive, Car Show, Fashion Show and our Gala Dinner. 

In addition to the Chateau, and because our needs have grown, we will have accommodations at the  Radisson Hotel,  Lodge of the Ozarks and The Stone Castle Inn.  By using four hotels, we can offer packages that will fit everyone's pocketbook.  You are, of course, also welcome to book other hotels, use your time-shares, or bring your RV.  But please do coordinate your convention registration with us. 

All registration packages will include air-conditioned coach transportation between the hotels and the convention events.

You are most welcome to check out our convention hotels on the web.  But please, do not contact the hotels to make any reservations or bookings.  

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

For those who have already registered, you know how nice it is to work with Taunya Lay of Branson Ticket & Travel (BT&T).  I am so glad that she is again on board with us for this convention.  I know everyone who worked with her at the original Discover Santa Convention had high praise for her work and how she assisted all of us.   

All reservations and registration must be done through Taunya at Branson Ticket and Travel (BT&T) To start just go on-line at www.DS2016.com   If I you have something that cannot be done on line, feel free to call Taunya at (800) 432-4202.  But fill-out and submit your registration form first!

Once you have filled out your form, Taunya will work with you on your request.   If you are not sure of what you need, just make some selections to start with.  You can make changes later, there is no obligation, and it will get your registration started. 

Taunya has done this for hundreds of groups of all ages and knows how to help you register.  If you have special needs. let her know.  If you want to arrive a few days early or stay a few days after the convention, let her know.

With over 100 shows and attractions in Branson, plus other activities in the region, Taunya can assist you for bookings or information on other activities you can enjoy while in Branson.

Taunya is also a hands on coordinator and actually works with each of the groups when they come to Branson.  She will be on-site at the headquarters hotel once or twice each day and is always available.  

CONVENTION COMMITTEE

Our convention committee is slowly taking shape.  I wish to thank everyone that has sent me email and to let you know that I will be calling everyone that has contacted me.  I have followed up on a few calls and some of the committee has been confirmed.  As the committee list grows and changes, you can check it out on the main web site: www.DS2016.com 

Please note: there are two parts to registration.  The first is actually making your reservations, selecting your hotel and arranging payments.  Taunya handles all of this.  She is also the convention's liaison to all of the hotels, attractions and venues.

The second part is the final registration and check-in at the convention.  This will be coordinated by Cindylu Thomas and her committee.  You will meet her or someone from her committee when you check in at your hotel.

ATTRACTIONS AND SHOWS

Branson has lots of new changes and yet lots of the traditional atmosphere that we have all come to know remains.  You can still enjoy the Dixie Stampede (included in registration), Showboat Branson Belle (Special National Event), Silver Dollar City, and hundreds of great shows and attractions including the Baldknobbers, the Duttons and the Presley's.  

New Shows and Acts are introduced every year in Branson.  And, combined with all of the traditional shows, you have over 100 shows and attractions to enjoy.  

Currently there are special engagements featuring popular rock 'n roll artists, Broadway revues, and a wide range of Tribute shows honoring, Elvis, the Million Dollar Quartet, famous rock groups, etc.

COMPILING LIST OF SANTA GROUPS

I have updated my list of the various Santa Associations and Groups around the U.S.  If you know of a group or wish to update your listing, please let me know.    The list is on-line at: http://www.realsantas.com/santagroups.htm