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Dear Region X Colleagues: The Region X Team and the Local Arrangements Committee are happy to invite you to Garden City, New York! For the first time in our 49-year history, the Region's fall conference will be held in Long Island, from November 7-9, 2004, at the world-class Garden City Hotel. Join us in Garden City where you will find others with common interests, universal goals, and a variety of perspectives relating to all facets of international education. While technology allows us to communicate regularly, nothing can replace the personal connections that are made through face-to-face contact. The camaraderie that develops during a conference strengthens the individuals as well as the profession. We need to work together, whether it be to figure out the best way to input information into SEVIS, the best way to handle visa issues, the best way to overcome decreasing funding, or the best way to provide quality programs for our students while dealing with all of the above. You are not alone! The conference will provide multiple opportunities for you to connect with colleagues, government officials, NAFSA officials, and other special guests to inspire the discussion of these very topics and more. The conference schedule is packed into three days: Pre-conference workshops designed to provide specialized training will take place on Sunday. A trip to Kennedy Airport is also planned so that you can learn more about the arrival and departure procedures that your students face. The conference officially kicks off Sunday night with a reception celebrating the opening of the Exhibit Hall. Newcomers to the field will have the opportunity to attend a special meeting introducing them to NAFSA, the region, and their mentors. Monday opens with meetings based on your sectional affiliation. Over 40 sessions will take place throughout Monday and Tuesday. You are also invited and encouraged to attend the Plenary Luncheon, the Region X Business Breakfast, the NAFSA Town Meeting, and the Recognition Lunch. For informal networking, the Local Arrangements Committee will host dinners at local restaurants on both Sunday and Monday nights. On Monday night, the evening will be kept free of conference activities that will allow you to take advantage of all that Long Island and Manhattan has to offer.We hope that you will find the time in your busy schedules to join us in Garden City. See you soon! Fay Ju Sonja Phongsavanh
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