After years of tireless dedication, Pam Shaw has decided to give up her duties as information desk coordinator. Anyone who has dealt with Pam knows how efficient, helpful and caring she has been. I was given the impossible task of filling Pam's shoes. I became involved with the desk when the convention was in Minneapolis and have enjoyed helping out there.
There will be a few changes at the desk this year, along with many standard procedures. The desk will open Thursday afternoon, July 2nd for early convention arrivals. It will be open July 3-10 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. We will be the place to go for banquet table reservations. Eight people per table, please, and give us all the names of members of your party when booking a table.
The information desk will also be the place to drop off your door prizes. If possible, please label all prizes both in braille and print. We will have a lost and found box and a suggestion box. And yes, we are the place to contact to leave your room number for newspaper delivery. Our main focus is to answer your convention-related questions accurately, quickly, and professionally.
Now comes the part where I’m asking for your help! I hope those of you who have volunteered at the desk in the past will be willing to help out again this year. I'd also like to see some new faces. Information desk volunteers need to: quickly search for information as to the location of meetings, caucuses and special activities; be patient and friendly, and able to work in a fast-paced environment where several people may be waiting for your assistance. If you are interested in volunteering, please e-mail me at [email protected], or call (651) 428-5059.
Volunteers should be able to work a minimum block of 3 hours. Of course you can always stop by the desk during the convention and volunteer your services. However, as the new coordinator, I'd like to have a base of volunteers and set up a tentative schedule. I look forward to seeing all of you in Orlando.
-- Janet Dickelman