ifCON 2009 Atlanta

Celebrating iCON and International Friendship Weekend

Click Here for a Video Welcome from our Steering Committee

Click Here to Visit the ifCON 2009 Atlanta Website

Welcome

Asians and Friends Atlanta LYC, Inc extends our warmest “Hey Y’all” Georgia invitation to the members of Long Yang Club International, members of the International Friendship Alliance, and other interested persons.  We are honored to host ifCON 2009 Atlanta, September 3-7, 2009, in Atlanta, GA, USA.  Our website (www.ifCON.org) is now open and ready to accept online registrations and hotel reservations.

Atlanta is the capital and the most populous city of the state of Georgia as well as the ninth most populous metropolitan area in the United States.  It was the host to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and is proud of its newest attraction, the Georgia Aquarium, the worlds largest.  This diverse, progressive, gay friendly city blends the excitement of a modern urban landscape with the charm and hospitality of the “Old South.”


Registration Fees—Register Early and Save!

The full* registration package is available for $250 to $290, depending upon when you register.  Or, you may choose to purchase an economy** package from $190 to $230.

*Full registration includes the full program itinerary as described below, including admission to the Georgia Aquarium, Inside CNN Atlanta, the World of Coca Cola, and Stone Mountain, and a 4-day MARTA Subway unlimited ride pass.
 
**Economy registration includes the full program itinerary and the MARTA ride pass minus the admissions mentioned above.  This may be particularly attractive to guests who choose to “do their own thing.”  You may choose the attractions you wish to visit and pay standard admission to those attractions at the gate, subject to availability (popular attractions such as the Aquarium often sell out.  We cannot guarantee admission for those guests purchasing an economy registration package.)

Early registration cut-off dates are December 31, 2008, and March 31, 2009.  Registration will close on July 31, 2009.

Host Hotel—Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center

This is a state-of-the-art hotel adjacent to the Georgia Tech campus.  It combines all the amenities and modern technologies of tomorrow with a prime midtown Atlanta location within walking distance of gay bars and easily accessible via subway from the airport.  The negotiated room rate is $109 plus tax per night.  Make your reservation at 800-706-2899 and ask for the ifCON 2009 Atlanta rate. Or, reserve your room online at www.gatechhotel.com.  Click on “Group Booking” and enter password “ifcon2009.”  You must book by July 31, 2009 to guarantee the group rate.

Other major conventions, such as Black Gay Pride and dragon*con are in Atlanta during ifCON 2009.  Hotel rooms will go quickly.  Even though our conference is more than a year away, we encourage you to make your reservations now.

Register during 2008 to get the best discounted registration fee.  Register and make reservations at our host hotel (minimum 3-nights) for the ifCON 2009 before 1/1/2009 and you will automatically be entered into a drawing for an upgrade to a luxurious Junior Suite.

Incentives for Staying at our Host Hotel

We all have more fun if we stay at the same hotel. Make reservations to stay at least 3-nights at our host hotel by the July 31, 2009 cut-off and you will automatically be entered into a drawing.  Four winners will each receive a VIP welcome package valued at $25.

Attending from Outside North America?

Fly to Atlanta from outside North America and stay at our host hotel and you will be treated like a VIP.  Let us know your flight number and arrival time and a cute (or cute wanna be) member of Asians and Friends Atlanta LYC. Inc will meet you at the airport and personally escort you to the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. 

Program Itinerary – subject to modification or change

Thursday, September 3
            Early Registration, BBQ Welcome Party, Swinging Richards Strip Club

Friday, September 4
            Registration, Shopping at Fabulous Lenox Square and the Streets of Buckhead, Reception at WETbar, Bar Hopping and Hospitality Suite

Saturday, September 5
            Walking Tours, Seminars and Meetings, Georgia Aquarium, Coach Bus Tour, Stone Mountain Park, Buffet Dinner, Laser Light Show, Bar Hopping and Hospitality Suite

Sunday, September 6
            Walking Tours, Seminars and Meetings, Inside CNN Atlanta, the World of Coca Cola, Grand Banquet, Entertainment and Dancing, Bar Hopping and Hospitality Suite

Monday, September 7*
            Farewell Pool Party and Picnic

*In a break from tradition, this Monday event will last from noon until late into the evening.  Please consider departing Atlanta late Monday or Tuesday.  For those who must leave Monday afternoon, a shuttle back to the hotel and the MARTA subway station (train to the airport) will run on a regular basis.

Extend your stay

There is more to see and do in Atlanta than we could possibly squeeze into 5-days.  The full registration package includes a $69 CityPass (worth $119 in admissions), to even more Atlanta attractions than are included in our itinerary. Visit www.citypass.com/city/atlanta.html.  We promise to make an extended stay worth your while.  Maximize your CityPass and your Atlanta fun by coming early and/or staying late.

U.S. Visas—they take time!

Guests from outside North America requiring a US visa are especially encouraged to register early.  Do not wait to request a visa – they take time.  Visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for visa information.  We will gladly send you a written invitation to support your visa application upon registration, if requested.

Final word

The ifCON 2009 Atlanta Steering Committee has been hard at work planning a fabulous joint conference.  Look for monthly e-Newsletters with important ifCON 2009 Atlanta updates.

Help spread the word.  Forward this e-Newsletter to your friends who may be interested.  Encourage them to sign up for future ifCON Atlanta 2009 e-Newsletters at www.ifCON.org.

Please visit www.ifCON.org to learn all about our conference.  If you have any questions, e-mail us at ifCON@ifCON.org.

You will have a wonderful time in 2009!