Convention Info
BASIC INFORMATION: The 2009 Florida Democratic Party Conference will be held at Walt Disney World's Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center, 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard in Lake Buena Vista, FL from the evening of Friday, October 9th through the afternoon of Sunday, October 11th. Registration for the Convention will open Friday afternoon. Friday evening will also be the Chair’s Reception at 7:00 P.M., which is open to all delegates. DELEGATES AND GUESTS: If you are a delegate and want to bring someone who has not signed up, you can do so. They can attend as a guest and pay $50 now or at the Conference. Guests are required to sit in a separate area at the General Sessions. ACCOMMODATIONS: To book a room at our conference hotel, please call 407-934-3372 and ask for the Florida Democratic Party Conference rate of $199 per night for Disney's Yacht & Beach Club. The last day to book rooms is September 23rd. After that date, the rate increases to $335 per night. There is no requirement to stay at this hotel, but it is to your advantage to do so. GOLDEN DONKEYS: Our 2009 State Conference will include the Golden Donkey Lounge, open for donors who contribute at least $25 per month. The Golden Donkey Lounge will include fresh coffee and snacks all day to members with a special Golden Donkey credential. TICKETED EVENTS: If you want to attend the Lawton Chiles Luncheon, Winning In Florida Dinner or Veterans’ Breakfast, please call us at 850-222-3411. If you are attending as a member of your County DEC, please contact your DEC for ticket rates. SCHEDULE: An updated schedule is available at http://www.fladems.com/conference . We encourage you to visit the website for updated information about our events. PANELS AND TRAININGS: At each Conference, we schedule various panels and trainings that we encourage our delegates to attend. All of them will take place the afternoon of Saturday, October 10.
2:00-5:00pm (trainings);
Netroots/Blue Journalism: Ways Florida Democrats can use tools like podcasts and blogging to challenge government officials and reach fellow citizens. Planning Works!: What people should consider before they run for office and what forms of new media to use.
2:15-3:30pm (panels);
Cambio de Florida: The growth of Florida’s Hispanic population and how Democrats can address the needs of Hispanic communities. Opportunity for All: With the election of President Barack Obama as a catalyst, how can we create opportunities for success in Florida’s African American communities. Discussion
subjects will include education, jobs and healthcare. Protect Florida Education: A discussion about what Democrats are doing to protect Florida’s schools to give our state’s children all the opportunities they deserve. State of The State: How Florida Democrats will provide the leadership necessary to create jobs and jumpstart Florida’s economy. Ruth’s List - Winning Words: How to develop your campaign message to attract and mobilize voters In today’s world of constant distractions and media noise, every candidate needs a powerful, consistent message to capture attention – from volunteers, donors, the media, and voters. This workshop will help you hone a message that sells, and give you tips on how to deliver that message with presence, poise, and power. Panelists: Jim Kitchens, Founder, The Kitchens Group | Ellis Robinson, Chair, Ruth's List
3:45-5:00pm (panels);
21st Century Veterans: What President Obama and Democrats are doing to help Florida’s Veterans, including healthcare and jobs for those returning from active duty. Building The Bench: Getting a new generation of Florida Democrats to run for office or work for campaigns. Healthcare Town Hall: Organizing For America will conduct a discussion about health insurance reform. Working Towards Equality: How candidates and elected officials can reach out to Florida’s GLBT voters. Ruth’s List - Dialing for Dollars: Raising the money you need to win! Few words fill people with more trepidation than ―fundraising!‖ Yet, to be competitive, a candidate must raise money. To win, she or he must start early and ask a lot! This session will help you and your team develop a fundraising plan to cover your budget – and learn the tips and techniques that make your fundraising effective … and even fun! Surprise guests expected! Panelists: Ellis Robinson, Ruth's List | Jeff Ryan, House Victory
Saturday Seminars (as they stand now): OFA Town Hall - 3:45 - 5:00PM Mitch Stewart, National Director, Organizing for America Ashley Walker, OFA Florida State Director
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DCCA Seminar "How Obama Did It" - Using Social Media in a Coordinated Campaign 2:15 - 3:45 - Presented by: Alison Morano (Chair, DCCA / Brad Schenck OFA Field Director (Miami) / Robin Rosenbaum OFA Field Director (Central Florida) / Steve Schale, Former State Director, Florida Campaign for Change
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Florida Netroots Caucus: 10:30 - 1:15 - Citizen Journalism Bloc - basics of reporting, photoblogging, and muckraking (Larry Thorson, Rick Spisak, Susan Smith and Others) 1:30 - 2:45 - Media Panel with Adam Smith (St. Pete Times), Mitch Perry (Creative Loafing) and William March (Tampa Tribune), moderated by Susan Smith 2:45 - 3:30 - Netroots Awards 3:30 - 5:00 - Netroots Panel: Beth Reinhard (Miami Herald), Jeff Spoeri (blogger at BlastOff) and Steve Schale (Campaign Consultant), moderated by Brian Franklin.
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Politics of Florida: 2:15 - 3:30: Congressman Alan Grayson; Steve Schale; State Representative Evan Jenne; Henry Crespo (Moderator)
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Kendrick Meek for Senate: We will be holding an organizational meeting at 11:30am in the KBM Staff Room—room TBD We will also be holding a low dollar fundraiser at 5pm in the KBM Staff Room, where folks will have the chance to meet and greet with KBM and there will be a cash bar.
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Fair Districts Florida: Message from FairDistrictsFlorida.org SEND YOUR PETITIONS IN: As we enter the final petition push for the campaign, it is very important that petitions be mailed in often. Please mail your petitions to PO Box 330868 Miami, FL 33233 FairDistrictsFlorida TABLE: To save on postage, you will have the opportunity to bring your collected petitions to the FDP Convention...Fair Districts Florida will have a table at the upcoming FDP Convention in Orlando on Saturday, October 10th. Please come by and say hello and drop off your petitions. If you would like to help staff the FairDistricts table during the convention, please contact Nathalie Shortal at nathalie.shortal@gmail.com or (305) 299-5248. Thank you from all of us at FairDistrictsFlorida.org!!
More Hotel Rooms Available near Disney
The Disney Yacht has sold out, but The Small County Coalition has made some last minute arrangements with a hotel in the area: The Lake Buena Vista (Best Western) Resort Hotel. Located on Disney property ¼ mile from Downtown Disney. Website: http://www.lakebuenavistaresorthotel.com The negotiated room rate for the convention is: $57.00 for a standard room with 2 queen beds. Add on charges are $7.99 Resort Service Fee plus 12.5% tax. You may upgrade to a room with Kingsize bed for $10. Reservations are limited so you should make yours immediately if you haven’t already made a reservation elsewhere. Reservations: Please call Tana Lopez at 407 828-1915. **From Dave Dew, SCC President: If you have questions, please call me at (772) 521 8968. The FDP also asks that if you make a reservation please confirm with me by e-mail immediately at: davedew@comcast.net.**