Aloha SEAOC members and friends, Click to View Convention Schedule Click to Download your Registration Packet On behalf of your convention committee, we would like to welcome you to paradise. From Tuesday, September 23 through Saturday, September 27, the 2008 SEAOC Convention will be held at the luxurious Fairmont Orchid Hotel on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Let's mix business and pleasure. The technical program of 34 presentations includes a plenary session by Professor Nigel Priestley, a younger member poster session, excellence in engineering awards ceremonies, and state board and committee meetings. As for pleasure, we have a record 10 tours ranging from FREE to $160 per person, sports activities (golf, fun run, tennis, and beach volleyball), and feasts (Hawaiian Luau and Semi-Formal dinner at Turtle Point). Come see President Kiland as you've never seen him before at the Welcome Reception! Make a vacation out of it Active volcanoes, rare green turtles, breathtaking waterfalls, green sand and black sand beaches, lava rocks everywhere (bad luck to take off the island), micro climates ranging from desert to rain forest, world-famous observatories, and some of the world's most beautiful beaches are close to your hotel (Mauna Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach). We have extended the special hotel rates to September 20 through September 30 to assist you in making a vacation out of it. Thrill your keiki Without a doubt, a family vacation to remember. Go to fairmont.com/orchid/recreation and check out the Children's Activities Year-Round section and click on the Keiki Aloha Brochure PDF, if you need any convincing. Constantine's Tips Hotel Activity Passes: The Fun & Sun Activity Pass ($65 per adult for entire stay) covers snorkel, surfboard and kayak rentals among other things. The Wellness Within Activity Pass ($80 per adult for entire stay) covers yoga and pilates and many other classes. Go to fairmont.com/orchid/recreation/moreactivities/index.html for a full description.   Helicopter Tours: Not included with the convention tours due to their high price (from $200 to $500 per person), they are definitely worth the expense. Go to bluehawaiian.com/bigisland/ for more information. This is an excellent website to virtually explore the island even if you are not interested in a helicopter ride.   FREE WiFi Internet Access: Sign up for Fairmont President's Club at www.fairmont.com/fpc/ before your arrival. If you have already reserved a room, make sure to call hotel reservations and give them your Fairmont President's Club number before your arrival.   Hotel/Plane/Car Reservations: Make them quick! If it's your first time on the Big Island, rent a car (or take a helicopter tour) there is a lot to explore.   Leave the suits, take the 'ohana, and join us in paradise! Mahalo, Jon P. Kiland President, SEAOC Constantine Shuhaibar General Convention Chair CONVENTION OVERVIEW (click to enlarge): Click to view Photo Credits