2011 AECT Convention Update

Last week, AECT leadership (board members, division leaders, ect foundation leaders, and AECT staff) gathered in Jacksonville, FL (site of our 2011 AECT International Convention) for our summer leadership conference. After two full days of productive meetings, planning opportunities, and enriching leadership development sessions, we all left refreshed, recharged, and ready to prepare for our upcoming convention in Jacksonville, FL, November 8 - 12, 2011. AECT President-Elect and 2011 Convention Chair Ana Donaldson and our numerous planners have put together an outstanding convention for us all!

Now, some comments about Jacksonville and the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (our convention hotel)-

As the name suggests, The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront sits along the St. Johns River in the center of Jacksonville's business and entertainment district. Less than a block away from the hotel (along the riverwalk) is Jacksonville Landing, where you will find several places for dining and entertainment. On the other side of the river (a drive across the bridge or a short water taxi ride away - around $3 one-way) you can find some other fine dining opportunities at the Chart-House, Ruth's Chris, and Morton's Steakhouse (to name a few). 

Overall, we were impressed by The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.  The hotel staff, food, fitness center, roof top pool, and meeting rooms were all exceptional.  Of special note was the friendliness of the hotel management and staff. I am sure that they will be just as welcoming when you arrive in November. Parking in garage attached to the Hyatt is $15 per day (with some other hourly and daily lots nearby).
A taxi from the Jacksonville Airport will run between $35 and $40.  Shuttles are also available, but they run about $20 per person.

With an AECT room rate of only $135 per night, almost half of our allotted rooms are already booked. So, get your reservations in soon and take advantage of our special rate. Yes, there are other hotels in the area (mostly across the river), but your stay will not be nearly as convenient as it will be if you stay at the Hyatt.

Below, you will find some helpful links -
2011 AECT International Convention Information - http://www.aect.org/events/jacksonville/
Convention Hotel Information and Registration - http://www.aect.org/Events/ConvHotel/
Visit Jacksonville - http://www.visitjacksonville.com/
Jacksonville Landing - http://www.jacksonvillelanding.com/

We will update you further in the coming months.

Marc Childress
Research and Theory Division Representative to the AECT Board
AECT President-Elect Designate