The AAW Symposium in Portland is just around the corner! We are looking forward to seeing you there.
 
As you make final plans for your trip, you will want to review the important information below so that you can hit the ground running once you arrive at the Oregon Convention Center.
 
The newest information can be found at the top of this email.
 2018 AAW Symposium Planning Guide

Browse this 116-page booklet for upcoming details of the AAW Symposium, including:
  • Special Presentation: Christian Burchard
  • Special Interest Night
  • Convention Center Floor Plans
  • Trade Show List and Floor Plans
  • Grid/Schedule
  • Schedule of Rotations/Panel Discussions/Events
  • Exhibitions & Auctions Information
  • Youth Classes and more!
Click here to download it now! 

 
AAW Symposium App (Guidebook) 
Have the AAW Symposium rotations, demonstrators, trade show exhibitors, floor plan and more, at your fingertips with the AAW Symposium App (Guidebook) for mobile devices!

Get a link to the App sent to your device fast...
Simply enter your cell phone number and click the "send" button. Next, you'll receive a text message with a direct link!   
 
Save time by downloading the app prior to your trip! 
EVENTS: Thursday Evening, June 14
 
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Packet Pick-Up for Preregistered Attendees 
 
4:50 p.m.- 6:20 p.m. - Exhibitions Opening & Welcome Reception  
 
6:30 - 6:50 p.m. - CHANGE: Opening Ceremonies  
 
7:00 p.m. - 8 :00 p.m. - Presentation: Christian Burchard: "A Life Made with these Hands" & Special Interest Night Sessions (SIN)  
 
Last chance!


Get Your Own Limited Edition T-Shirt... 
All you need to do is serve as an AAW Symposium volunteer for a few hours! Volunteers are an important part of each Symposium's success. Most volunteer tasks can also be done by non-registered partners/spouses. As you make your Symposium plans, please register to volunteer. You'll have fun supporting this vital effort!

Critical areas where assistance is needed: 
 
(Does not include Exhibitions and Videographer volunteer opportunities.)  



Want a new lathe? 
JET Powermatic (JPW Industries) is the exclusive lathe sponsor and supplier of the 2018 AAW Symposium. This year, they will be selling floor model lathes, demonstrator lathes, and tradeshow equipment from their own booth, at 20% off retail price. If you are interested in purchasing any of the equipment in advance, please contact Tobias Bridges, at tbridges@jpwindustries.com or  
These charities are counting on you.
 
Beads of Courage
Make, bring along, and donate a handmade lidded box to hold the beads of a child coping with serious illness through Beads of Courage . See Guidelines.
   
 
Empty Bowls
Turn, bring along, and donate a bowl of any size to the AAW's Empty Bowls initiative, to benefit   Meals on Wheels People of Portland
Shipping Services 
During the AAW Symposium, there will be a Fed Ex satellite booth set up in Exhibit Hall D (booth 820 &  822) for pack and ship services ONLY during the hours listed below: 
  • Friday, June 15, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 17, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
There will be a $5 handling fee, plus the cost of shipping which can be paid by using your Fed Ex account number or by using your debit/credit card.

NO CASH will be accepted. For your convenience, you may open a Fed Ex account by following these instructions. There is no fee to open an account; however, Fed Ex will require a credit card number so that your billing information is tied to your Fed Ex account number. 
Things To Bring Along
 
Instant Gallery
Make, bring along, and display up to three pieces of turned work in the Instant Gallery which will feature more than 1,000 works in wood by woodturners of all skill levels who are attending the symposium.
 
Silent Auction
Create, bring along, and donate a turned work to be sold in AAW's silent benefit auction. Funds raised will be used by the AAW to continue to develop and deliver woodturning education and service programs for our member community.  
 
Tool Bank
Bring along and donate surplus and lightly-used woodturning tools to the AAW Tool Bank to help woodturners in need globally. Bowl, spindle, and roughing gouges are most needed. Donations will be accepted at the Symposium registration desk or send your tool donations to the AAW office at 222 Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., St. Paul, MN 55102. 


Awards Dinner Tickets 
If you are interested in attending the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening and have not already purchased tickets
, please call our office at 877-595-9094 (toll free)  or 651-484-9094, M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Tickets are $55 before June 3. (There is no guarantee that tickets will be available onsite at the Symposium.)


Scooter Rental 
The Convention Center allows any motorized mobility device approved under ADA laws however, they recommend using equipment other than Segways and other similar equipment in crowded spaces when other options are available. For example, the Convention Center rents motorized scooters, as pictured to the right, for $35 per day. This might be a better, less expensive option for the attendee. Payment is made via credit card only and is processed through the Convention Center administrative office. Click here for details: https://www.oregoncc.org/accessibility  
Learn About Portland
  • Suggested restaurants in the Lloyd District/Convention Center area, click here
  • Getting around via light rail, streetcar, bike, bus, car, and on foot, click here.
  • Plan your trip with dining, shopping, events, deals, maps! Click here.
  • Top Sights: Portland's unexpected attractions range from gardens and museums to retailers of coffee, doughnuts and books, click here.
  • Travel Channel: 24 Hours in Portland, Oregon, A slide show of sights to see, things to do, and places to eat, click here.
Refunds & Cancellations
Symposium registration cancellations through June 3, 2018, will be charged a fee of $75, which will be deducted from the refund. On and after June 4, 2018, the registration fee is non-refundable except for medical emergency. Please contact us M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST, toll free 877-595-9094 or direct 651-484-9094.
Questions? 
If you have questions, or have any difficulty signing up for any of the volunteer opportunities, please contact us M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST, toll free 877-595-9094 or direct 651-484-9094.