By Michael Pearsall, P.Eng., CVS, CVM, FEC – Director of Conferences, SAVE International
It is almost hard to believe that we are getting down to our last Value World column before the 2019 Value Summit. With all of the planning from the end of the 2018 Value Summit in Austin until now, it hardly seems like a year since I last saw everyone yet I am really looking forward to seeing all my old friends and a few new ones in Portland next month.
There is so much I want to tell everyone this month as your enthusiastic and dedicated 2019 Value Summit planning committee has been busy.
I am very pleased to announce that we have had extremely strong pre-registration this year. We have surpassed our minimum registration numbers for the core Value Summit plus all of the pre- and post-Summit training courses. I can confidently tell you that based on registration, all of the Summit training opportunities will be offered as planned. If you are on the fence about signing up for a pre-Summit training opportunity, I suggest you don’t delay. We are promising at least three very full concurrent tracks at all times this year. Your Value Summit planning committee and the SAVE International Board of Directors want to make sure that in addition to having an enjoyable time, you also get the professional development units (PDUs) you need for certification at the 2019 Value Summit.
Despite the strong pre-registration numbers, there are still many people who have not booked their hotel rooms yet as our block is only about 60% full. Looking at the registration profile and the rooms available, I expect there will be a rush to get rooms booked in the month of May. I strongly suggest you book now to ensure you have a room in our block at the group rate. The deadline to get a room in SAVE’s block is May 16.
If anyone is looking to pick up extra PDUs for recertification, interest has been strong, but we may still have a couple of spots open for moderators. Being a moderator is an easy and rewarding way to earn extra PDUs and get to know some of your fellow members better. A brief training session will be held for all moderators daily to refresh them on their duties and responsibilities. Contact us immediately at valuesummit@value-eng.org if you want to get on the list.
This year we are introducing a new and easy way to self-track your PDUs for Summit attendance. RHA has graciously sponsored the setting up of a QR code system. Attendees should come to the event with a QR scanner app on their smart phone. At registration you can scan a QR code to start the process, then as you enter each technical session there will be a unique QR code posted by the door for everyone to scan. More details on this system will be sent out in an email blast this month.
I have saved the best for last! I am very excited to announce a special fun activity this year in Portland. In place of our traditional closing banquet we will be having a Casino Night Incoming President’s Reception on Tuesday night. Come and try your luck in traditional games of chance with no financial risk. You won’t want to leave the Summit early and miss this as there will be some fabulous prizes including deeply discounted promotions on registration for the 2020 Value Summit – someone may even win a free registration for 2020! There will be fun for everyone even if you do not participate in the casino games. I guarantee you will want to book your hotel rooms and flights around this.
Don’t forget we have some special promotions this year to encourage attendance from new groups. First, this year we have introduced an opportunity for chapters to sponsor one or more students to attend the 2019 Value Summit. Interested chapters would be responsible for the travel expenses for the students, with the event registration for the selected students only $50.
Second, I want to remind everyone of our offer for you to introduce more value into your own companies and agencies. Your organization can receive a $75 discount on each registration if you have five or more individuals registering from the same organization. What a great opportunity to have more colleagues and coworkers learn the benefits and applications of the Value Methodology! This should go a long way in helping you promote value within your organization. So far I have seen a number of people taking advantage of this so don’t be afraid to assemble a group of co-workers.
You Can Move Mountains with VE in Portland. Come experience the 2019 Value Summit in the shadow of Mount Hood and see what quirky aspect of Portland you and your companions like most.
Now for my usual reminder that it is never too early to jump in as a sponsor of the 2019 Value Summit. Sponsorship is very important – without it, SAVE cannot have a quality event at a reasonable cost. I am very thankful for those sponsors who have stepped up already and encourage everyone else to please take a look at the sponsorship opportunities we have available.
Your enthusiastic and dedicated Planning Committee, with the help of the SAVE Cascadia Chapter, is working hard to make the 2019 Value Summit the best one yet.
We look forward to seeing you in Portland, Oregon June 8-11, 2019!
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