| We are just days away from the deadline for AGM activity changes and the expiration of the JASNA hotel discount, and a bit over a month from the AGM itself. Read on for important business notes and fun announcements about: |
- Deadlines, changes, refunds
- Hotel status and upcoming deadlines
- Meals included with registration and banquet seating sign-up
- AGM agenda updates
- Tour and transport updates
- Wardrobe planning
- Important links (registration, rideshare, roomshare, hotel)
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REGISTRATION CANCELLATIONS AND ACTIVITY CHANGES/REFUNDS
- The deadline for receiving refunds of the registration fee has passed. If you find you have to cancel, we will convert your registration to Livestream/Virtual, and you will have until February 1 to access AGM recordings online.
- September 30 is the deadline for receiving a refund for any ticketed activities (tours, workshops, dining events). Your current registration agenda appears at the end of this email, and you can use the Modify Your Registration link below to make changes.
- Your agenda below includes activities for which you are on a waitlist. You will be notified by email if a space becomes available for a waitlisted activity and will have 48 hours to accept it before it passes to the next person.
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HOTEL UPDATE
- The JASNA discount rate at the JW Marriott expires October 6. At the moment, rooms are available the nights of 10/28, 10/29, 11/1; additional availability may open up if registrants cancel. Try the online site (no code is needed) if you are looking to add nights.
- If you would like to double-check your reservation, you can do so using the "Manage Existing Reservation" link at this site. Email us at jasna2026agm@gmail.com if you need help.
- Upon check-in, the Marriott will take a $100/day deposit charge to your credit card (applicable to your final bill). If you need to cancel your reservation, do it promptly: to avoid a one night’s room and tax charge, reservations must be canceled at least three days prior to scheduled arrival.
- Some people are still hoping for roommates: if you are interested in sharing (whether or not you have a reservation), check out the Roomshare List.
- The JW Marriott Starr Pass is a no-cash hotel: you can use credit cards or bill meals and other purchases (including drinks at the Saturday night social hour) to your room.
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FOOD: SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS AND BANQUET TABLE SIGN-UP
- If you noted special dietary needs on your registration form, please watch for an email with further information or questions for you. If you have food allergies or other dietary requirements you haven't yet reported, please do so by September 30.
- Your registration includes the Saturday night banquet and Sunday brunch, but you must select a table for the banquet. Now through October 7, you can use this link to instructions and this link to the table plan where you can add your name. If you need help, email Linley Erickson, banquet table coordinator.
- Thanks in large measure to sponsors and donors whose generosity has covered costs that would otherwise have to be built into the AGM budget, tea and muffins will be available in the morning on Friday and Saturday (peak AGM days) in the conference area. Check the Get Ready! webpage for more information on included meals and other food options.
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GET READY! WEBPAGE
As we get closer, the Get Ready! webpage is the central point for pre-AGM planning information. Look there for accessibility information, information for spouses/families, maps, and more—we will continue to add to it over the next month. A Get Ready video with tips from some AGM team members is accessible now on the page, and the Tips for First-Timers video will be added to the page soon.
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AGM AGENDA UPDATES
The final AGM agenda is in progress and will be uploaded to the Schedule webpage in mid-October, but here are a few changes/updates to note: |
- The time for the Wednesday evening Meet and Greet has changed: join us on the Salud Terrace outside the hotel main lobby from 6 to 8pm to greet friends old and new—look for us at the chiminea and fire pit. The full restaurant menu of food and drinks will be available for purchase. All Attendees and Companions are welcome. Plus, if you arrive at 5:30, you can partake in the hotel's free tequila toast.
- Because many first-time attendees arrive later, there's also a First-Timers' Meet and Greet from 4 to 4:45pm on Thursday. (Also, look for First-Timers' tables on the Ania Terrace during lunch on Friday and Saturday.)
- Heather Thomas, Chair of the Board of the Jane Austen Society (UK), will be the interviewer at Friday night's conversation with Special Guest Gill Hornby (author of Miss Austen, Godmersham Park, and The Elopement). If you would like to suggest a question for Gill, send it to JASNA President Mary Mintz at mmintz@gmailcom with the subject line "Hornby interview."
- We have a full slate of participants for the Janeite Arts and Crafts Show and Tell (Friday morning, with some displays also on Thursday) and the Open Mic session (Friday night). Come and cheer for those who have volunteered to share their talents, creations, and knowledge!
- There's a change to the ball-alternative programming on Saturday night. First up is Cheryl Butler performing "Mrs Tring Invites You to Take 'The Flounce'," then we will welcome playwright/screenwriter Reina Hardy for a lighthearted chat. Reina wrote the script for the Hallmark movie "Paging Mr. Darcy," which is set at a Jane Austen conference (notice any similarities?). She'll talk about her experience with the movie, her inspiration, and what's wrong with Mr. Darcy.
- Saturday night's Promenade (between the Banquet and Ball) will be recorded and available to Virtual and Attendee Plus registrants, along with the other Saturday night programs.
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| And here's the news on some informal outdoor activities: |
- Runners are invited to gather in the hotel lobby at 7:00am Saturday for a 5K Fun Run through stunning desert landscape, with a 1‑mile turnaround option for those who prefer a shorter route.
- Learn about nature at Sayre Greenfield's Bird Walks (7:30am Thursday and Friday) and Jill Ottman's Star Talk (8:15pm Thursday). Meeting points and signup sheets will be at the AGM Main Desk.
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TOUR UPDATES
- Have a look at the updates as the top of the Tour Catalog webpage for the latest news on tour availability. Some formerly waitlisted tours now have expanded capacity, while a couple of hidden gems deserve a second look. Make any changes before September 30.
- After that date, watch your email for requirements and questions specific to your tour, and provide any needed information promptly, please.
- Regarding the Evening Van Tour with Guide on Wednesday and Thursday, please note that this is vehicle-based sightseeing; there is no admission to any site and limited opportunities to get out of the van. If you would like a more active tour with the opportunity to enter certain sites, consider the San Xavier del Bac self-guided tour and the Barrio Viejo and Downtown Highlights Walking Tours on Wednesday and Thursday currently have availability.
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WONDERING ABOUT WARDROBE?
Questions about attire came up in the recent Zoom chat with first-timers. Here are some tips to help everyone plan:
- When considering outfits for daily wear at the AGM, start with your shoes. Some tours require closed shoes, and even at the hotel, you'll be walking quite a bit. (Please read the accessibility page if this is a concern.)
- While we know some people will be rocking Regency style every day, there's something to be said for a casual, flexible wardrobe that prepares you for changing daytime and evening temperatures and multiple activities.
- At Saturday's banquet and ball, creative expressions are very welcome, but please keep it safe, culturally respectful, practical for a crowded room, and in the Regency spirit (we can all use a break from superheroes and current political figures). Real or simulated weapons, pets and live animals other than registered service animals, and oversize costumes liable to interfere with others' enjoyment are not permitted at any time during the AGM.
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| We hope you are looking forward to the AGM as much as our team is. |
| Let us know if we can assist you (email addresses below). |
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KEY AGM LINKS
Scroll to the bottom for your personal registration details.
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KEY CONTACTS
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