Newsletter  No. 31                                                                  December 1, 2015

Workshop Planning
Committees Starting up
Registration Update
160 days until DS 2016
In This Issue
Last month to sign up to present a workshop
Deadline near to complete Early Bird Registration payments
Info on Sharing a Room or a Ride
Click here to read past Newsletters 
Click here to visit our Committee Web Pages
Happy New Year Kringles!
 
It is hard to believe that we are just 11 months until Christmas and 160 days until the Discover Santa convention. 

I was hoping to have this newsletter sent out last week. However two weeks ago I had surgery on my right shoulder and it has slowed down my typing a little bit. 

I know we have had quite a few submissions from Santas, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday professionals, to present at DS 2016. 

If you are interested in presenting a workshop at the convention, please visit our web site and submit your information. All details for workshop presenters and compensation are all on the web site. More details are below 

Also in this newsletter, a special message from Taunya at Branson ticket and travel for everyone who is already registered for DS 2016. 

Many committees are just starting work on the convention now that the Christmas season has passed if you have not already signed up for a committee or to volunteer now is a good time to take action. 

If you have any questions, just drop me a line.

Santacerely,

Santa Tim Connaghan
General Chairman
DiscoverSanta2016
WORKSHOP COMMITTEE STARTING REVIEWS

There is still time to submit your suggestions

We have had quite a few submissions for workshops and presentations at DS 2016. I am very pleased that Santa Bob Elkin has stepped up to be the chairman for our workshops.

Santas in Class
During February Santa Bob will be reviewing all of the applicants that have submitted as of today. If you have not yet submitted your offer to present a workshop, please take this as your notice. The deadline is February 29. (See, we are giving you an extra day this year). 

And, if you know of someone you think should present a workshop please contact them and encourage them to visit our web site . www.DS2016.com

We are planning on upwards of 40+ Workshops at the convention.   The length of each workshop will be approximately 45 minutes, start to finish.  It is our goal to have qualified presenters in each Workshop.  To that end, we are looking for qualified individuals, couples and teams that can teach or present a subject.

We are looking for newer, fresh material and ideas for workshops, if you have an idea for something new, visit our web site and tell us of your ideas, or send an email to Santa Bob Elkin.

 

Presenters will not only be other Santas, Mrs. Claus, Event Photographers and Holiday professionals, but we plan on bringing in some professionals from outside the Santa community who will present on specialized subjects that relate to our industry, our work and who we serve.

We want programs that have information and value to the Santas and Mrs Claus that attend.  

Please know that we are looking for qualified presenters and not for moderators or hosts to handle group or panel discussions.   We will have sessions like that, but the committee will assign the moderators for those sessions.

Sometime in March or April, of 2016, after we have the semi-final list of presenters, we will send out a survey to all registered convention attendees to see what workshop subject they are most interested in attending, 

From your input, the results of the survey will aid the Workshop Chairman and the Committee in deciding what workshops are most important to you.  They will then select the final workshops and begin assigning meeting rooms and locations.

Offering to present a workshop does not mean that you are confirmed for a workshop.   An Official confirmation will be sent to all presenters in April and will include the level of compensation you will be paid for presenting your workshop.  For details on Compensations, please go to:  Compensations.

If you are interested in presenting a workshop please fill out tan application on our web site .http://www.discoversanta2016.com/workshops/

REGISTRATIONS ARE STILL OPEN

Balance on Early Bird registrations due by February 29!

I f you have been thinking of attending DS2016, or maybe you have just been waiting until the New Year to start planning your year.  Maybe you were waiting for you Christmas Income to arrive.

Well, now is a good time to register.

Because many Santas find and earn their extra income in December, we know they have had to wait to start their registration.  

Registering now also insures you have a little better chance of getting the room and hotel you want.

As we have been telling everyone for months. Registration and Sign-Ups for Discover Santa 2016 can be done any time 24-7-365. Taunya Lay at Branson Ticket and Travel (BT&T), is the lovely lady who has been helping Santas and Mrs. Claus ever since she coordinated our 2006 convention.  And with the team of experts at BT&T she is again doing a fantastic job. 

We have packages to fit every Santa and Mrs. Claus' pocket book. Click here to view the Registration Page.

BUSES FOR GROUP OUTINGS

If you are planning a group or regional outing or trip to a show or dinner, check with Taunya for buses & vans  She will have a special fleet of buses and vans, brought in for the week as there are not many in Branson. These are dedicated to the convention and she can save you money by letting you use equipment and drivers that are already in Branson.

REMINDER FOR EARLY REGISTRANTS - FEBRUARY 29.

Taunya wants to remind you that that February 29 is the final day for completing your early bird registration payments. We urge you to contact her as soon as possible to finish your early bird registration and keep your special early bird rates 

If you wish to make changes now is also a good time to call Taunya and have her assist you.

If you have a credit card on file, and she has not heard from you by the end of February, she will automatically charge that card. 

Or Call Taunya at Branson Ticket & Travel 800-432-4202
LOOKING TO SHARE A ROOM?  NEED A RIDE? 

We have been receiving requests from Santas and Mrs. Claus who are looking to share a room at DS2016. We have also received a few requests for those were looking to share a ride. 

If this is you, or if you've been thinking of the same thing we have some suggestions for you:
  1. Visit our Facebook page and let others know that you're looking for a roommate or to share a ride.
  2. Visit ClausNet, and again, let others know you're looking for a room or a ride.
  3. Check with your regional or state organization as you may find someone who you can share with.
  4. And finally, go ahead and fill out one of our registration forms let us and Taunya know you're looking to share.

We can't guarantee you will find the exact match. However you need to be pro-active in letting others know your needs. Do all of the above!


Once you have connected with someone you then can work out your all deta ils and set up your details for sharing. Good luck! 
CURRENT CHAIRPERSONS - OUR STEERING COMMITTEE

The key leadership for the convention comes from the Steering Committee, which consists of the Chairpersons of the many Committees.  You can always find an updated list with email addresses on the main web site at www.DiscoverSanta2016.com/Committees  


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