JASNA AGM August Update

• Event tickets
• Independent touring
• Hotel rooms
• Banquet seating and roomshare/rideshare lists
• JASNA tour reunion
• Emporium
• Pop-up museum
• A great local attraction

UPDATE ON TOURS AND EVENTS: More tickets for the Persuasion play have been obtained and offered to those who were on the waitlist for it. No more spaces can be made available for the Nevermore tours – however, those interested in Poe will have a great opportunity to hear a Poe expert, Eben Dennis, speaking at the hotel on Thursday morning. Several rare Poe artifacts will also be on view at the Central Pratt Library, accessible via the Thursday shuttle. There are still spaces for a few other tours and workshops; you may log into your registration to add a session or contact the Registrar for assistance.

INDEPENDENT TOURING POSSIBILITIES: Ready to explore the restaurants and shops of the vibrant Harbor East neighborhood? Check out this guide. And if you like to seek out independent bookstores or literary hotspots, find thrift shop treasures, visit top museums or more specialized ones, then Visit Baltimore has tips for you. Lots of interesting sites can be visited on Thursday using the JASNA shuttles; it’s not too late to add a shuttle ticket to your registration. Need more time in the city? More hotel rooms were made available for October 13 at the JASNA rate, and as of this writing rooms are also available for October 7, 8, and 12. If you want to extend your stay, now is your chance!

HOTEL UPDATE: As stated above, right now some rooms are available before and after the AGM, and we are seeing longer-duration availability pop up sporadically as some people cancel. To modify your Marriott reservation, call 1-877-212-5752. Also, this is a good time to check your reservation to ensure you have the room nights you think you do, to release any redundant bookings, and (if you didn’t use the link or phone number on the JASNA webpage) to make extra-sure that you reserved at the right hotel, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on Aliceanna Street. If you have questions, email Linda at jasnaconferencedir@gmail.com.

BANQUET SIGNUP AND ROOMSHARE/RIDESHARE LISTS: This year, we are using Google Docs to offer advance banquet seating signups and to enable those seeking a roomshare or rideshare to find others. You don’t have to have a Google account to access the lists, but you do need to use the access links below to add your name to the appropriate list(s). IMPORTANT NOTE: To protect JASNA members’ privacy, do not post the links on social media or otherwise circulate them, and please conduct discussions privately through email, not on the lists.

• Banquet table selection: Everyone attending the banquet needs to sign up for seating at a table. Advance signup will be available through October 1, and anyone who has not selected a table by that date can sign up in person at the AGM. Instructions are on the first page of the table list. Optional tables for First-Time and Solo Attendees as well as for anyone requiring Easy Access seating will be available, but no one is required to sit at any particular table.
• Roomshares/rideshares: Those looking for a sharing arrangement are welcome to make themselves known to others using the roomshare/rideshare list (link was emailed to all registrants). All arrangements are person-to-person, and JASNA plays no role in, and bears no liability for, roommate matching or other agreements. You are advised to get to know any potential roommates off-line.

EMPORIUM: A great selection of vendors -- including JASNA Regions, favorite shops from past AGMs, and some new sellers -- will set up shop in the AGM Emporium. Plan to browse and buy clothing and accessories for the ball, books (lots of books!), giftware, food products, and other treasures.

POP-UP MUSEUM: Some treasures just can’t be bought, but can be examined and enjoyed for their historical significance. Thanks to the efforts of collectors and curators who are bringing their treasured items, and to the New York Metropolitan Region which is providing generous financial support for the Pop-Up Museum, attendees at the Baltimore AGM will get close-up views of artifacts associated with Jane Austen or evocative of her time. Some items on show will be in the U.S. for the first time. Don’t miss this special feature!

JASNA TOUR REUNION GATHERING: If you’ve ever been on a JASNA Tour and have registered for the AGM, we’d love to see you at a special reunion!

When: Thursday 10/9, 4:00–6:00 pm

Where: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel: Room to be announced

The JASNA Tour's dynamic duo will be there: Caroline Coe, from Pathfinders, and Marian Bacon, our fabulous Blue Badge tour guide. They are traveling from the UK and are looking forward to catching up, reminiscing, and sharing some Austen-inspired cheer with you!

LOCAL ATTRACTION SPOTLIGHT: You may enjoy this article about Martha Stewart's recent visit to Ladew Topiary Gardens, one of the AGM team's favorite places in the region. With its emphasis on greenery and architectural forms, this garden is just as appealing in October as in springtime. Harvey Ladew, bon vivant and Anglophile, created a quirky "manor house" that any Janeite would love, with a library that was once dubbed one of the 100 most beautiful rooms in America. The AGM tour to Ladew is on Sunday, October 12.

AGM PROGRAM/LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Jenn Jones, AGM Coordinator, jasna2025agm@gmail.com

HOTEL QUESTIONS:   Linda Slothouber, Conference Director, jasnaconferencedir@gmail.com

BANQUET SEATING QUESTIONS:  Linley Erickson, Banquet Table Coordinator, jasnachicago@gmail.com