Whew. I’ve a lot of good news to report on planning for next summer’s conference. Have you submitted your presentation proposal yet?
First, we’ve secured the ballroom on the Centennial Student Union on the MSU campus for all three days of the event, meaning we can accommodate everyone who’d like to attend.
Second, we’ve partnered with the Betsy-Tacy Society in Mankato to open up the Betsy and Tacy houses to our conference attendees! They’re normally only open on Saturdays in the summer, but they will be open all three days of our event. Plus, we’re planning some exciting activities exclusive to that location, which is just down the hill from the campus.
Third, we’ve decided to end our event after lunch on Saturday so all of you can go to Walnut Grove for the afternoon and evening! I suggest, if you want a room Saturday night near Walnut Grove, contacting the Wilder Inn in Tracy NOW for a reservation. They fill up fast.
Finally, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association has officially been recognized by the IRS as an organization. If you’d like to join us, watch this space for membership forms and details. Dues will be inexpensive, and will go toward supporting the work of the organization in its planning and execution of this conference.
I hope you’re getting excited, because I am!
Now, a few questions to aid me in planning:
- Do you plan to come? Are your plans firm?
- Will you be bringing your families? And if so, would you like to see activities for children planned?
We’re trying to keep our registration costs low, and we think, at this point, that the fee for attending (to cover our costs) should be about $75 per person for all three days. To add on accommodations at the Julia A. Sears Residence Hall, you’ll add $110 per person, which includes all meals for three days.
(For those not interested in sharing a dorm room, we have reserved rooms at the Microtel Inn and Suites and at the AmericInn near campus. Meals would then be on your own.)
Let me know if you think we’re on the right track!