Greetings. As a follow up to my last post of September 20, 2016, what follows is the Schedule of Events and the Agenda for the upcoming 2nd International Conference on the 1715 Plate Fleet.
Click here to read the Meeting Schedule
Click here to read the Meeting Agenda
Ticket prices for the Conference and Dinner are as follows
Conference tickets purchased before December 31, 2016 will be as follows:
- $225 per person for non-members who attend the 2 day Conference (which includes two catered lunches)
- $200 per person for members who attend the 2 day Conference (which includes two catered lunches)
- $350 special rate for husband and wife members who attend the 2 day Conference (which includes two catered lunches)
Conference tickets purchased after January 1, 2017 will be as follows:
- $250 per person for non-members who attend the 2 day Conference (which includes two catered lunches)
- $225 per person for members who attend the 2 day Conference (which includes two catered lunches)
- $415 special rate for husband and wife members who attend the 2 day Conference (which includes two catered lunches)
Dinner tickets purchased before December 31, 2016 will be as follows:
- $90 per person for non-members
- $75 per person for members
Dinner tickets purchased after January 1, 2017 will be as follows
- $100 per person for non-members
- $85 per person for members
These will be e-tickets (electronic tickets) purchased online via credit card. Tickets will be available online at 1715fleetsociety.com within the next few days. A separate newsletter post will provide specifics on purchasing tickets. There will be no paper tickets issued. An electronic confirmation will be sent. The Conference ticket price will include all of the Receptions listed in the Schedule of Events. All the Receptions, including the Membership Meeting, will be catered. The Receptions are also open to the spouses and children of Conference attendees. We will have 100 tickets available for the Conference and the Dinner. It will be necessary for those planning to attend any of the Receptions to “sign up” online. We will have a “sign up” sheet available when you purchase tickets online. You will simply check off those events that you are planning to attend, such as the Receptions and the Membership Meeting which do not require any payment. It is important for us to know how many people will be attending those functions, so that we can plan our catering accordingly. We are currently working on creating a system online to accommodate this requirement and make it user-friendly. As soon as this system is in place, we will notify everyone.
There are a couple of other things we need to mention. March and April are peak tourist months in St. Augustine. It would be wise for those planning to attend to make a reservation sooner than later. In my recent visit to St. Augustine, I scouted the area around Flagler College for possible lodging recommendations. The closest, largest hotel is The Casamonica which is across the street from Flagler College. It is very convenient and has valet parking. You may wish to contact them for prices. Another nice hotel is The Hilton Bayfront which is in walking distance. It also has valet parking and nice restaurant. For those wishing to stay out of town, The Hampton Inn at Vilano Beach is a good choice. Also there are a number of Bed & Breakfast establishments along Cedar Street and Marine Street. These appear to be very nice but I have never stayed at any of these facilities. I have stayed at The Casamonica, The Hilton Bayfront and The Hampton Inn at Vilano Beach and found them all to be quite nice and comfortable.
Parking in St. Augustine can be problematic. That is why I would recommend that any lodging be as close to Flagler College as possible. This will allow people to walk to most of the events without having to worry about parking. I am reaching out to Flagler College to see if I can secure a parking area since the Conference will be held during spring break. If, in fact, we do get parking at the College, I will let everyone know.
In this regard, I am told that there are a number of companies that operate bicycle taxis, golf cart taxis and other such pedestrian accommodations that can be used by those who wish to hop a ride rather than walk. This is some of the basic information that everyone needs to know about St. Augustine. It is a great city and there is lots to do if you bring your family and want to make a mini-vacation out of this.
As soon as tickets become available, we will let everyone know. There are some technical issues that have to be mastered before these become available online.
One more thing, I would like everyone to note this DISCLAIMER — While we have made every effort to confirm all of the speakers, the possibility of a last minute change or cancellation of a speaker is always a risk whenever planning a Conference of this nature. We just want to make sure that everyone understands that no speakers are guaranteed.
Stay tuned.
Ben Costello
Director, 1715 Fleet Society
