Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently asked questions about the 2009 Governmental Professional Development Conference:

  Internet Access
An Internet Cafe (sponsored by HP, Century Computers, and Clearwire) will be available in the exhibit area for all attendees to check email, and Clearwire will provide wireless access at no charge for those with their own laptops during the three-day conference!

Parking (9/18/2009)
Parking rates for attendees: Self-parking: $8.00 per car up to 12 hours (posted rates to apply thereafter); Valet service: $13.00 per car up to 12 hours & $26 per car up to 24 hours. (Rates subject to change without notice)

Conference Attire
Aloha/business casual attire is appropriate for all conference activities. We recommend that you bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions in case the room temperature is too cold for you. Hawaii's average temperature year-round is 75º F. The daytime temperature may vary 5-7º F.

Name Badge Policy
Please remember to wear your badge when attending the GPDC function. This allows you access to conference sessions and receptions. Your badge is proof of registration; without it, you will not be allowed to participate in any conference activities. There are no exceptions to this policy.

  People with Disabilities
AGA/ASMC strive to hold meetings that are accessible to all. Please tell us what you require to help make your participation more enjoyable and meaningful. Be sure to indicate on your registration form if you require special assistance, auxiliary aids or other reasonable accommodations to fully participate in this event. Any information regarding your disability will remain confidential. Because many accommodations require early planning, requests should be made as soon as possible. Special requests received onsite or less than three weeks before the conference cannot be guaranteed; however, we will make every attempt will be made to accommodate your needs.

Special Assistance

Should you need assistance during the conference, please stop by the Registration Desk or look for GPDC staff. In cases of a medical emergency, you may also dial “0” on any hotel house phone.

Allergies/Dietary Restrictions
AGA/ASMC select lunch menus we hope everyone will enjoy. We realize that some individuals have dietary restrictions and food allergies. AGA/ASMC have made arrangements to offer a vegetarian meal at lunch for individuals who are unable eat the entrée selection for that day. Please be sure to indicate on your registration form if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Attendees who have special dietary restrictions that prevent them from eating the standard entrée selection will be provided with a vegetarian meal based as closely as possible on their specific dietary needs. Due to the large number of attendees, substitutions to the vegetarian meal or the standard conference meal may not be possible. Please make alternative meal arrangements if you have several food allergies or very specific dietary restrictions, as our food and beverage options may not meet your needs. AGA/ASMC will do their best to accommodate all dietary requests; however because the focus is on food allergies we cannot always guarantee requests such as low-fat, low-salt, low-carb, sugar-free, etc.

  Lost and Found
For your convenience, a lost and found box will be kept at the Registration Desk, where you can bring found items or report lost items. AGA and ASMC are not responsible for lost personal property.

  No Smoking Policy
On November 16, 2006, the Smoke Free Hawaii State Law went into effect. The law creates fair and consistent statewide protection for the health of people who do not want to be subjected to secondhand smoke. Under the law, smoking is prohibited in enclosed or partially enclosed facilities open to the public. This includes private businesses, areas of employment and facilities owned by the state or the counties. At the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, there are designated smoking areas outside the facility.

Responsible Drinking Policy
Recognizing the emphasis on networking through receptions and social events and the potential for alcohol abuse, AGA and ASMC encourage attendees to drink responsibly. Supporting this policy, AGA and ASMC offer nonalcoholic beverages at all functions where alcohol is served. Alcohol will not be served to anyone under age 21.

 Cell Phone and PDA Policy
As a courtesy to speakers and other attendees, please refrain from the use of PDAs or cell phones during presentations. We ask that you kindly turn off your phone/PDA or set it to vibrate and leave the session if you receive a call or page.

Conference Registration
The University of Hawaii Conference Center is handling the conference’s registration. Last day to register for the conference is October 7, 2009. For more information on registration and payment, contact: Patrick H. Oki Conference Chairperson P: 808.441.2803 E: [email protected]

Cancellation/Refund Policy
Refunds, less a $50 processing fee per registrant, will be granted for requests received in writing by the stated registration deadline. Refunds will not be granted after this date. No shows are responsible for full payment.

Substitution Policy
If you are unable to attend the conference and have already registered, you may designate another person to take your place.

CPE credit
The AGA/ASMC Governmental Professional Development Conference offers up to 26 CPE hours. For more information about speakers and session descriptions, please refer to the conference agenda. There is no prerequisite or advance preparation for this conference. All sessions are presented in the group-live format; no self-study is involved. In keeping with the CPE requirements, each attendee will need to complete and sign a CPE form. A Certificate of Completion Form will be mailed back to you approximately three weeks after the conference. CPE forms will only be approved and processed for registrations paid in full. No CPEs will be awarded to attendees whose registration fee has not been paid. If you have questions or need more information regarding the CPE process, please contact Patrick Oki at 808.441.2803.

 Speaker Presentations
Presentations approved for distribution by GPDC speakers will be posted on the web site after the conference.

Sponsor and Exhibitor Information
Contact: Patrick H. Oki Conference Chairperson P: 808.441.2803 E: [email protected]
>> Download Sponsor and Exhibitor Announcement