Headquarters for the concurrent conventions will be the
Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove located just off of I-90 at
121 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, less than 10
miles from O'Hare International Airport.
The American Amateur Press Association and the National Amateur Press Association will hold concurrent convention on the same dates — July 22 through 25 — and at the same site in the Chicago area.
Headquarters for the concurrent conventions will be the
Sheraton Suites Chicago Elk Grove located just off of I-90 at
121 Northwest Point Boulevard, Elk Grove Village, less than 10
miles from O'Hare International Airport.
Convention Chairman Barry Schrader points out, "We got great rates for two room suites at $79 a night. The two-room suites feature two flat screen TVs, a separate living room, refrigerator, microwave and couch that pulls out into a bed, in case your spouse makes you sleep alone after spending too much at the auction!" In order to get the special rate, which will be available until June 30, members must either call 1-800-325-3535 and identify themselves as being with the American Amateur Press Association, or visit a special "Nat'l & American Amateur Press" Web page the hotel has set up for the event. (You cannot get the special rate via the regular Sheraton Web site.)
The NAPA's Bill Boys reports a shuttle from and to O'Hare is available for $19 each way via Rainbow Transportation, phone 847-875-5341. You can visit the NAPA Convention 2010 page for other convention tips and information.
Barry has lined up the Peapod Chinese Restaurant for the traditional Thursday night (July 22) Charlie Bush Memorial Chinese Dinner.
Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Gibson will be the banquet speaker on Saturday night (July 24).
Mike O'Connor took the unprecedented action of naming the site
for the 2010 AAPA convention last summer, two months before he was
elected AAPA president. Mike noted, "Barry Schrader is heading up
the event for AAPA (and actually doing yeoman's work for both
organizations in getting things set up). It'll be a first in that
we'll be sharing facilities with NAPA (each group will have its
own meetings but things such as auction, banquet and possible a
tour or whatever will be with both groups)." Barry will work with
NAPA secretary-treasurer Bill Boys on convention planning.
AAPA conventions are lots of fun – a great way to meet people you have read about in the bundle. The hotel will provide a hospitality suite where conventioneers can gather to socialize, snack, and hold informal forums on ajay subjects. No official business is conducted at AAPA conventions, although there are usually discussions concerning Association affairs. Often there are "how to" sessions concerning printing, writing, or related graphic arts activities.
For many, attending the convention is the highlight of the ajay year. Personally meeting a member known previously through the bundle is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Many members attend conventions year after year, and look forward to renewing acquaintances with their long time friends in the hobby.
Read about recent AAPA conventions, including the 2009 convention held in Columbus, Ohio, on the AAPA Conventions Page.