2008 User Conference?

[sciencequeen]

Does anyone know if there is going to be a User's Conference in 2008? I throughly enjoyed the one in Houston and would love to go again. I need to know when and where it might be, as if it is a long way from me, I need to start asking my principal for money yesterday!

Thanks!

[sdreyer]

I heard it through the grapevine...there might be 3 this year. I think I learned more at last year's conference then at any other event I attended.

[tamtron]

How did you find out about the conferences in the past? I definately want to attend, just need to know where to look for future info.

[sciencequeen]

Before the last one, the information was all over the forum and the Planet. I just need WAY advance notice so I don't end up paying for it out of my pocket and then getting reimbursed. (flights and such)

[cmajor]

The first User Group Conference for 2008 will be held in Sarasota, Florida, February 11-12th.

Other locations throughout the year will include:
Tucson, Boston and Pattonville, MO.

Details, registration, and also presentation submissions will be posted on Planet very soon.

It's because of our fantastic users that we are holding more User Group Conferences in 2008. Thanks for your enthusiasm!!

What new topics would you like to see on the agenda for 2008?

[adams1j]

So what is a user conference is it just different ACTIVboard sessions that you can attend? Can anyone that went last year share what experiences they had? Thanks
Jamie

[cmajor]

Last year, you could choose 5 interactive presentations out of the 94 that were offered. Each small group session was lead by Teachers, Educators, and Promethean Teaching & Learning Consultants.

The keynote was given by Tony Cann, Promethean Vice Chairman. Because of the ice storm they had in Houston, we had a great peer collaboration the second day. I guess we can anticipate much better weather in Sarasota, Florida.

Check out the Photos and Flipcharts at the link below.

2007 Promethean User Group Conference http://www.prometheanplanet.com/us/server/show/nav.2645

[kpbooth]

Last year we had great presentations from Activeducators. Some were general topics, such as utilizing Activotes in the classroom, higher order questioning techniques, organizing user groups. Others were subject and grade level area specific, such as reading in primary grades, making math meaningful to middle school students, Fun with Physics, etc.

We'd love to hear your ideas and have lots of teachers submitting proposals to present. Keep your eye on the Forum and Promethean Planet for the proposal form and think about which conference you would like to attend. Sarasota is the first one in Feb.

I want to thank all of you who presented and attended the conference in Houston last January. [clap]You were the pioneers and the reason we are planning so many more this year. It was an experience far better than we could have imagined--- despite the ice storm. (For those of you who weren't there, I lived in Houston for over 30 years and that was the 2nd ice storm we ever had!!!)

Kathy

[jblow]

OOOH....Florida in February...sounds great...sign me up!

[kpbooth]

Keep looking for updates soon on the Planet for the Sarasota conference. A call for proposals will be online shortly. :D

[cmajor]

The official days for the User Group Conference, ACTIV08, are Friday, FEB. 15 to Saturday, FEB 16th.

We are excited for the 2008 User Group Events.

Click here for more details:
http://www.prometheanplanet.com/us/server/show/nav.1751

Proposals for presenting at ACTIV08 will be accepted until January 7th.

Online Registration will begin January 16th.

[kpbooth]

Proposals are starting to come in for the 2008 Activ08 User Conference in Sarasota. I'm excited to see that some of the people who participated as attendees last year are now ready to share and present this year!

Share your Activexperiences and have a great time in the Florida sun!

Kathy

[karenadams]

Lisa - I hope you found the ACTIV08 User Group Conference information on the Homepage of Promethean Planet. Please contact Holly Davis or myself if you need any more information. I sent Holly all the information yesterday.

Please do submit a proposal for a presentation - show everyone how wonderfully ACTIV our Texas teachers are!;)

Karen

[saha]

Can anyone local to Sarasota recommended a decent cheap hotel close to the 2008 Conference site?

Seems that the Hyatt is also sold out. I am thinking of driving down with my family for a long weekend and attend the conference.

[jepatton]

Hi Gautum --

Did you call the hotel itself? When I looked on Hyatt's web site, they said the hotel was sold out, but when I called the hotel directly, I was able to book a room. It wasn't cheap, though, at $195.

I hope to see you there!

[saha]

thanks June.
Yikes that is expensive. I might try something a bit less expensive in that area.

[Westlake]

Check out the Photos and Flipcharts at the link below.

2007 Promethean User Group Conference http://www.Prometheanplanet.com/us/server/show/nav.2645
Can someone else check out this link - I couldn't get through :(
Thanx
Hilary

[davidlloyd]

Hi Hilary
I got the 'Sorry this page doesn't exist anymore' message.

[wilcogirl]

Can anyone local to Sarasota recommended a decent cheap hotel close to the 2008 Conference site?

Seems that the Hyatt is also sold out. I am thinking of driving down with my family for a long weekend and attend the conference.

Gautam
Yes, it is quite expensive. It is smack in the middle of season here. There are other hotels in the area and Venice. That is where I will be traveling from. I am about 30 minutes away. I would say you need to insert a zipcode and find it from there. That would be the easiest. :rolleyes: Hope that helps.

[wilcogirl]

If the first of the three is in February, when and where are the next two?

[jepatton]

I'm pretty sure that one of them will be in July in the Boston area.

[kpbooth]

Another will be in Tucson, AZ at the end of April.

Kathy

[kpbooth]

I too received the link is removed error. I've had this bookmarked since the user conference last year. I'll check with someone to see if it can be restored.

Kathy

[kpbooth]

Hotels for user conference

Gautam, Check out farechase.com to see what other hotels might be available. That site is great for finding the best airfare and/or hotels. Since you will have a car, transportation shouldn't be a problem.

Be sure to check to see how far it is from Sarasota MS also.

Kathy

[Liam OMarah]

It seems that the link for last year's User Conference has been removed - Chrissie did post an update with a link to this year's conference: http://www.prometheanplanet.com/us/server/show/nav.1751

Hope this helps.

[shathaway@interact.ccsd.net]

Do we have a date for the conference in Tuscon yet? Any idea what the cost will be?

[ccwombat]

What dates will the other conferences be? I am very interested in the one in Arizona? ????

[kpbooth]

The Tucson conference will be April 30 and May 1. The Sarasota conference is $100 with the fee waived for the first 100 to register. Stay tuned to Promethean Planet for details.

Kathy

[sbresni]

I heard there is one in Tucson the last day of March & April 1st

[postb]

Can anyone guide me towards the Active 2008 User Conference shared speaker flipcharts? I was told it would be on the forum.
-B. Post; Carrollton, TX

[kpbooth]

We are working on these; they are not yet posted. I am trying to organize them in an understandable manner. I'll post a notice when they are online.

[wilcogirl]

We are working on these; they are not yet posted. I am trying to organize them in an understandable manner. I'll post a notice when they are online.

Of course you will, you are awesome.:p

[kpbooth]

I'm blushing... Thanks, Heather

The flipcharts from Sarasota Activ08 User Conference are now online. Check out the Events calendar in the News section.[clap]

[Peter Lambert]

The flipchart download area is here:
http://www.prometheanplanet.com/us/server/show/nav.5832

[tai_ann2003]

Arizona has been posted in the NEWS section of this website, and click on the EVENTS link! :D [clap] :)

ACTIV08 Promethean User Group Conference: Tucson
Registration fee:
$100.00 per person - Registration fee will be waived for the first 100 registrants and all presenters. Event registration for the Tucson User Group Conference is now open. Once registered, you will be able to sign up for Breakout Sessions from 4/1/08 to 4/15/08.
Conference Venue:
Naylor Middle School
1701 S Columbus Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85711
Hotel Accommodations:
A room block has been reserved at the following location for the evenings of 4/25/08 and 4/26/08.
J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort
3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85745
Room rates:
$209.00/night - single occupancy or double occupancy
Reservations:
To reserve your room, please call Marriott reservations at 1-888-527-8989 and refer to the "Promethean" room block. Please reserve your room before April 5, 2008. All unreserved rooms will be released on April 5, 2008.
Ground Transportation:
All attendees will be responsible for their own airport/hotel transfers. Promethean will provide shuttle service from the hotel to Naylor Middle School.
Dates:

April 26 - 27, 2008

Location:

Tucson, Arizona
Description:

Promethean's ACTIV08 User Group Conferences are an opportunity to connect with Promethean users, experts, and staff for motivation, education, and community. Join us to share best practices, build valuable relationships, and together explore new opportunities for your classroom.
This two-day user group event will take place April 26 - 27, 2008 in Tucson, Arizona where there is fun, sun, and a lot of learning. Educators from across the country are welcome to attend and present.
Register to Attend:

General Registration for the Tucson User Group Conference will be open from March 10, 2008 until April 5, 2008. Attendance numbers will be limited, so please register early (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/us/server/show/nav.5830) to ensure your spot.

My only question is this... I thought the User Group was the 29th and 30th or the 30th and May 1st...??? I'm guessing the recent dates are correct, not the ones I am thinking. :confused:

[kpbooth]

The User Group conference was moved to the weekend of April 26 and 27 so that it would fit better into teachers' schedules.

Kathy

[BenPosner]

Excellent idea! I am so glad, because now I know I can make it! Too bad the flight to Tuscon from here is about 6 hours!

See ya'll soon!

~Ben

[Peter Lambert]

Only six? My flight is in the teens!

[BenPosner]

Gee Peter, I can't imagine why your flight would be more than mine :confused::p;)... Can't wait to see you there!!!

~Ben

[adams1j]

Does anyone know the dates of the Boston conference? I know it is in July but my summer is booking up quickly and I wish they would put all the dates online at once so people could see all the dates. My district was thinking of sending people to Boston, but if I can't go I would push to go to Arizona. Thanks +wave+

[BenPosner]

I had heard them in Sarasota, but after they (AWESOMELY) changed the dates of Tucson, I don't trust my own memory about Boston... I had heard July as well... so hopefully details will be released soon...

~Ben

[srchlc]

Ben,

I think you are independenty wealthy teacher who words in an independently wealthy school district! How can you afford Florida and Arizona??? How did you talk your district into AIMER (I thought it was only available in the UK??) and didn't you say you were getting Expression, too? Holy cow! :eek:

Insanely jealous teacher,

Holli+wave+

[BenPosner]

1. I work in Baltimore City... Independently wealthy district ... HA!

2. Title I money is good for all kinds of things ~ Expressions, Conferences, etc.

3, AIMER free trial... Gotta love it... Still trying to find the money to get a copy, and that is turning into a HUGE fight (especially since the price is in pounds, and the longer we wait, the more expensive the disk seems to get), and since I just got the money for expressions (hopefully)...

4. Luckily, the conferences themselves are relatively cheap... The joy now is trying to find cheap flights...

Hope this helps explains things... Also, I get a small budget as school improvement chair, and nothing improves schools like Promethean products and learning!

~Ben

[tingens4]

I wanna go to a conference! I feel so left out... However, I would have to pay out of my pocket, plus I don't fly........sooooooooooo but I can't wait to hear all about it:)

Ann T.

[hlh422]

Hey Ben!

Are there any openings in Baltimore? I actually teach in a more affluent suburb of Cleveland and we could only go to one conference this year. :mad: If I were to go to Tucson, it would be all out of pocket expenses. :eek: So I will eagerly await news on Boston since it will fall in the summer and therefore be a new fiscal year for the school district. ;)

On a separate note, to anyone going to Tucson sign up for any of Ben's presentations. He's very good and has lots of great ideas. [clap]

[davidlloyd]

Looking at Ann's and Heather's postings, shouldn't we be thinking about video conferencing or podcasting these conferences?

[lsmith2]

Isn't that an AWESOME idea!!! I love it! That would allow those of us who have to pay out of pocket a way to attend without really being there.

I must say though that I think some things would get lost by not being there in person. Things like the positive vibe that everyone who either works for, or uses Promethean products has. I wasn't able to go to Sarasota, but Houson's last year was that way.

There definitely is nothing like a Promethean conference to get a teacher motivated again. [clap]

Laura Smith
4th grade
Avon Lake, OH

[wilcogirl]

I know that Andy Ryff could figure out a way to do that if he is not busy. He is amazing. :p

[htemske]

Is there any more update about the Boston User Group? I will actually be up north (in CT) in July and keep hoping that I can coordinate around it. I've been watching for an announcement before I have to book flights. I loved Sarasota and it looks like it was just getting better and better in Tucson (when I read the session listings).

[BenPosner]

Heather,

I don't think anything has been announced as of yet :(. I know i want to know when the next time we all can get together is, too {}!

~Ben