2017 VGEC Atlanta Conference – October 12-15 Registration is in full swing

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis has specially priced rooms waiting for our 2017 VGEC  Conference October 12-15

By Ken Holloway, VGEC News Manager and Chuck Dale, Chair VGEC 2017 Annual Conference

Thanks to all the vergers who have registered for this year's Conference in Atlanta and booked hotel rooms at the Marriott Marquis. Your response has been exceptional! We are well on our way toward a record number of attendees.

Reservations have already been made for nearly 60% of the allocated “discount priced” rooms in just the first thirty days. If you have not reserved your hotel room, we urge you to book right now. The Marriott Marquis has been very cooperative working with us. When we run out of rooms, we anticipate being able to obtain some additional rooms, but as you might imagine, the earlier we make the request, the easier it will be to get the rooms. Later the Marriott Marquis may say no to any further rooms. So BOOK EARLY!

If you are a procrastinator and wait until all the rooms have been committed, do not fear. The hotel has over 1600 rooms; you’ll probably be able to get in; you simply won’t be able to get the $135.00 rate. Normal room rates for these dates start at $250.00.

If you do not want to stay at the Marriott Marquis, there are over 10,000 rooms within walking distance. You will be able to attend our Conference with just a little inconvenience, but incur a significant hit to your pocketbook.

In short – book your hotel room now at the Conference Hotel – Atlanta Marriott Marquis!

A dedicated hotel booking website has been created for the VGEC Annual Conference. To make your hotel reservation on-line, click HERE. 

If you wish to make your hotel reservations by telephone, please use the following dedicated Group Reservations phone numbers to make sure you can access the special block rates.

Reservations Toll Free: +1 (866) 469-5475
Reservations Local Phone: +1 (404) 521-0000

Atlanta Marriott Marquis may not be able to accept reservation inquiries on certain non-group reservation phone numbers or through their normal 800 number reservation lines.

Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-521-0000

But where do we eat?...

Never fear! No one is going to go hungry when the Conference is not providing meals. The hotel has three full-service restaurants and a full-service Starbucks. A few steps from the VGEC Registration Desk is a Food Court with over two dozen fast food and coffee locations. Within walking distance of the Marriott Marquis are three dozen restaurants with many different ethnic cuisines, food specialties, and price ranges; and at least six fine dining restaurants with prices to match. Restaurant lists and brief descriptions will be provided in a future Vergers Voice post. Copies will also be in your welcome bags when you arrive in Atlanta.

Top 10 Reasons to attend the Atlanta Conference

• You'll be spending a day with the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, in service, worship and in grand conversation as our keynote speaker.
• You'll be worshiping, in community, at churches throughout the city.
• You'll meet the Bishops of Atlanta.
• You will be part of a service project in support of Crossroads Community Ministries for the un-housed.
• Unbelievably low conference hotel rate.
• We're expecting a record turnout of vergers from around the world.
• Did we mention that traveling to Atlanta is EASY? Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International is generally known as the world's busiest airport, serving more than 260,000 passengers daily and 950,119 flights each year. 
• You will really like what is planned for the official Reception and Banquet events.
• The VGEC store, along with a stellar group of vendors/sources, will be open for your dedicated browsing.
• Nearby attractions include the Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium, MLK National Historic Site, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the World of Coca-Cola.

Annual Conference Scholarship Program 

Each year, the VGEC provides up to 15 scholarships to cover $175 of the $225 registration expense ($275 after August 31st). The Mark Emory Graham (our Host Chapter namesake) Scholarship Fund of the VGEC will make these grants. They are intended to develop the ministry of the verger and will be considered for Junior Vergers, new Vergers, first time attendees, or those with a financial need. Click HERE to complete an online scholarship application.

Scott Smith, the President of the VGEC, will review the requests and will contact each member making a scholarship request. The process is very easy, so if you are interested, please complete the form today. The scholarship covers $175 of the registration fee but not transportation, lodging, or additional food or other expenses. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about the scholarship or the application process.

Hope to see y'all in ATLANTA in October 2017!

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Click the big red button to register for the 2017 Annual Conference opening on October 12th and running through noon on the 15th, in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference is the most popular and anticipated VGEC activity every year - please join us!

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Abstract: The response to this year's VGEC Annual Conference in Atlanta has been exceptional with registrations already pointing toward a record number of attendees. Nearly 60% of the allocated “discount priced” rooms at the conference hotel have been reserved in just the first thirty days. If you have not reserved your hotel room, we urge you to book it now. We also outline the top 10 reasons to attend this years' conference and describe the Annual Conference Scholarship Program.