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Q: |
Is the conference open to the public? |
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A: |
The LMG09 State Conference is currently open only to Louisiana Master Gardeners, their guests, master gardeners from other states, horticulture professionals and members of plant societies and garden clubs. However, registration may open to the general public in April. To inquire about open registration, please contact Kathy Tolliver at 504-838-1170 or e-mail lmg09@agcenter.lsu.edu.
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What does the conference cost? |
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The discounted conference fee is $135 for registrations received by March 31, 2009. After March 31, the fee will be $170. Additional fees apply for optional bus transportation to The Garden Party on opening night, conference tours and merchandise.
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| Q: |
I can't attend the full conference. May I pay for only the day or days I can attend? |
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No. You must pay for the full conference. However, you may share your badge with someone else.
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Q: |
What’s the deadline to register for the conference? |
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A: |
Registration for LMG09 will close on May 1, 2009. However, early-bird registration at the discounted rate of $135 ends on March 31, 2009.
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Q: |
I know a Master Gardener from another state. May he or she attend the conference? |
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Yes, we will open registration for the conference to Master Gardeners in other states on April 9, 2009.
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Q: |
May I bring a guest? May my guest also attend the conference? |
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Yes. As of March 16, you may now register more than one guest to attend the full conference at the full conference fee.
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Q: |
May my guest/spouse, who is not registered for the full conference,attend any of the general or breakout sessions? |
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No, only those registered for the full conference may attend the general or breakout sessions.
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Q: |
May my guest/spouse, who is not registered for the full conference, attend The Garden Party or a conference tour with me? |
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Yes. Your spouse or guest who is not registering to attend conference sessions may register for The Garden Party ($40) or one of our tours (costs vary).
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Q: |
May I change breakout sessions after I have registered? |
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A: |
Yes, you can edit your online registration if you decide you want to change one of your breakout session selections but only if that session is still open. Breakout sessions have a limited capacity,and we cannot guarantee that you'll be able to attend all of the breakouts that you select, especially if you decide to make a late change.
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Q: |
The Hilton Web site will not allow me to make a reservation at the conference rate, what should I do? |
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A: |
If you are not able to get the conference rate for the type room you want or for the dates you want, please contact the Hilton New Orleans Airport direct at 1-800-455-8667. Be sure to let them know you are with the Louisiana Master Gardener Conference in New Orleans, group code LMA.
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Q: |
Is there a deadline for making hotel reservations to get the discounted conference rate at the hotel? |
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Yes. The deadline to make hotel reservations at the guaranteed conference rate is April 30, 2009. After April 30, you can only get the LMG09 conference rate, based on room availability, by calling the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel direct at 1-800-455-8667. The conference rate is not guaranteed on reservations made after April 30, 2009. Don’t forget to mention our special group code, LMA.
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Q: |
Will the hotel give us the conference rate if we stay an extra day or two? |
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Yes, you can get the conference rate for up to three (3) days before the conference and three days (3) after the conference, based on room availability. Please use the LMA code when reserving your room and registering at the hotel.
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Q: |
Is parking at the hotel going to be a problem? |
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No. The Hilton offers ample free parking for registered guests.
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Q: |
Do you have any recommendations for restaurants in New Orleans? |
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Yes, we will provide a list of recommended New Orleans restaurants when you check in at the conference.
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Q: |
May I drive to The Garden Party,or do I have to ride the bus? |
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A: |
You may drive your own vehicle to the New Orleans Botanical Garden if you like. We will provide directions and encourage carpooling. If you prefer not to drive or ride with a friend, you may register in advance for bus transportation to The Garden Party. The bus fee to The Garden Party is only $11.
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Will parking at The Garden Party be easy if I choose to drive to the event? |
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Yes, there is plenty of free parking near the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park.
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Q: |
I have special dietary needs. May I request a special menu? |
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Yes. Our online registration asks if you require special dietary needs. In addition, you will have a choice of entrées for the Friday luncheon.
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Q: |
I plan to participate in the Community Service Projects on Sunday, May 24. Do I need to bring any gardening tools? |
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A: |
Yes, please bring your own gloves and small garden tools such as clippers or garden spades. Shovels, rakes and any other large tools will be provided if necessary.
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Where can I find a list of nearby churches/synagogues for Sunday services? |
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There will be information about churches, synagogues, etc. in your conference material to be picked up when you check in at the conference. |