Before you Register...
 Answers to the Questions you were going to ASK...Hopefully Answered

Last day to register for Convention sponsored walk and bus package is May 14th. 
This is our bus company's deadline.  Don't delay, register today!

AVA Convention Questions & Answers (updated March 22nd  6 new Q/As added)
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(click here) For even  more  answers on MENU Offerings,  info on SOCIAL Entertainment +++
Why Should I register for  Full Convention vs. a 3 or 1 Day Package?
I admit I’ve only attended the last 2 conventions, but the good feelings I came home with both times made me look forward to attending many more in the future.  At my first convention, I was a “picker” as most of our convention attendees are.   I did the walks, two socials and a few workshops, but just felt unconnected. 

So, my second convention I did the full package.  I attended the General Membership Meetings which enlightened me with how hard our AVA Headquarters, AVA elected National Leadership, and all our regional directors work for the betterment and health of our club.  I felt a  part of the worldwide volkswalking community. 

The workshops this year deal with a myriad of issues from club procedures, increasing membership a - paramount concern of most clubs, Stress Management, Meet the Candidates - who will be guiding us deeper into the 21st Century, publicity-getting our name out there, etc.  Convention workshops all deal with history topics:  Underground Railroad, Cooperstown, Albany - 400 Years of History, and a few more.  There is a $5 charge for each of these to pay the honorarium for the speakers. 

The socials are where you enjoy local entertainment, food, friends - old and new, and AVA’s 1st Annual Walk of Fame Awards.  The final evening banquet and entertainment is a culmination of the wonderful 3 days we have been  together.  Friends to reconnect with at the next convention.

Take a huge chance for a better time at convention - get a picture with “Sal the Mule”, enjoy a BBQ lunch, see what Group Works is all about, and learn about the Boot Monument at Saratoga National Historic Park’s walk just to name a few highlights.
What are the Workshops About??  Info about each workshop
AVA WORKSHOPS                                                     ESCV WORKSHOPS
What is a Delegate Floor Fee?
This is a fee for someone who is ONLY attending the 2 General Membership Meetings, speaking from the floor, and voting.  They are not be attending any other convention activities.  Walks are paid for separately according to what the individual chooses to do and pay. The convention must pay for the setup of the room, AV needs, room rental, etc. and this will help to defray the costs.  This fee is included ONLY with the Full Convention.
Are there any YRE or Seasonal Walks from the Red Lion Hotel?
Yes, Sign up, Start/End Point are the Hospitality Table in the Vendors area located in the Courtyard.  Walk a 5k or 10k anytime during daylight hours.  Check the Hospitality hours to make sure the table will be manned when you are hoping to walk.  Rated 1A, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.  Pets allowed on leash.  Trail is in a town park, “The Crossings”, on paved hiking/biking paths plus dirt paths through a wooded area.  Bathrooms are available at hotel and the complex by the playground in the park.  AVA Event 111654        2019/Y0332

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Bridges-Spanning the USA
Free Libraries
Points of Reference
Take a Walk in a City Park
 Why do clubs have to pay for a table to display their club’s materials?
It costs the convention $30.00 per table and chairs.  AVA is offering a 50 Percent off price of $15.00 to clubs only.
Why are we strongly encouraging taking a bus  to all 3 Albany Convention Walks?
Limited parking at each of the convention walks has necessitated arranging busing for all walkers. Two of the walks are designed as linear events, starting at one point, and finishing at another, allowing participants to experience more of each venue. There will be videos on the bus, explaining the history, engineering and usage of each area. Your bus transportation, walk fee and award will be included in the price. The buses will leave each morning from the convention hotel (Red Lion Hotel where there is plenty of parking) and returning to the Red Lion Hotel.  The convention hotel is in walkable distance for those staying in nearby hotels.  You will have plenty of time to walk, eat and get to workshops.  As a bonus for taking the buses,  AVA is planning some surprise chances to  WIN free prizes will be for ALL bus riders.    
Why are all socials, box meals and closing banquet only available thru preregistration?
It is imperative for all of our food vendors to have accurate numbers for their respective events ahead of time for ordering of food and delivery times. They want to make their event a success in the eyes of the convention goers.
Why is the BBQ NOT  included in Full, Associate or Lifetime Registrations ?
This is an optional lunch not at the hotel, but at the finish of the Thursday walk.  Not everyone may want to partake.
What is the Wednesday “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Meet & Greet Social all about?
It will be typical baseball park food.  Full size hot dogs (vegetarian available), with mustard, chili or sauerkraut toppings, vegetable crudities, popcorn, jumbo soft pretzels with mustard dip, assorted cookies, assorted soft drinks, bottled water, pitchers of lemonade and a cash bar will all be avail-able. We encourage all walkers to wear their favorite team hat, tee shirt, or jersey for some interesting fun and conversation.  We will also enjoy some baseball trivia, so ya better get with the stats and start memorizing!
What is the Thursday Evening New York State Desserts &  Fiddle Tunes, Folk Songs and Fancy Footwork Social all about?
John Kirk and Trish Miller are a popular duo who have a wide repertoire of American/Irish/English music.  They will present fiery fiddle tunes, folksongs and fancy footwork-clogging, to our audience. It is our desire to entertain you with some local talent and history from the Northeast and Beyond.  Be prepared to be entertained and don’t be surprised if you start to tap your foot or even sing!  Our desserts will feature New York Cheesecake with a variety of toppings and the All American Favorite - Apple Pie.  We will have a cash bar along with tea, coffee and water available.
 2  shortened music Samples from one of their  Albums:      
note  Rivers of the Adirondack

                                                                                   
note   Snowdrops
What is so special about attending the Friday Evening Closing Banquet with Inspirational Speak-er and seeing AVA give out awards to people I don’t know.
First and foremost, it is a celebratory closing event with friends old and new. It is a dinner to share and converse with people of the same interest and love of walking, biking, and swimming.  Min-gling with old and new walking friends from all over the continent.

AVA is going to be making this a fun evening for all.  We will be having a Master of Ceremony to usher us through the evening.  They have worked diligently to secure an inspirational speaker who most of us can relate to thru common experiences and/or knowledge of what they stand for in their goals.

Our speaker will be one of the family members of the Crazy Horse sculpting Ziolkowski family. They will tell us why AVA has helped to get the word out to hundreds of thousands of people of their life’s commitment to Native Americans.  How in the last 33 years this friendship has benefit-ed both Crazy Horse and AVA with name recognition and helping legions of people walk for their health, experience the great outdoors, and behold this awesome site.  How many of YOU have had this incredible experience?

This year will be the introduction of a biennial tradition with future AVA Conventions.  AVA will be hosting the 1st Biennial “Walking Hall of Fame Awards”.  They will be showcasing and awarding members who have gone above and beyond to make AVA a current and viable club in this fast moving 21st Century.  AVA will show their appreciation to our associations members who have exhibited dedication and support for the ideals AVA is striving to achieve.  Wouldn’t it be nice to be there to support and share in your region’s winners accolades and excitement?

This is an evening you won’t want to miss!
How does my club or region obtain a table at convention?
Simply email Marian at marian@ava.org that you would like to get a table to display your club’s or Regions Traditional, YRE or Seasonal brochures/Year Schedules.  She will want to know who (club/Region) to invoice for the $15.00.  Upon receipt of money, Marian will let the convention folks know you have purchased one. A table will be set up in the Vendor Area waiting for you to display your areas interesting places where you have walking events. Put out some penny candy to attract lots of visitors to your table!  Have some fun decorating and showing off your Region to all.
Does your Region or Clubs have left over Awards or Patches from past Events?
We would like to suggest all of our US Regions to gather together their leftover items and showcase them at their Region tables.  All items could be priced at the reasonable price of $2 and all the proceeds could go to Convention or kept in your treasury.  Let’s see which region drums up the most business.  Great way to share your old Awards and clean out someone’s basement that is housing these treasurers for someone else.
Leashed Dogs are welcomed on all the walks?
Just to reiterate, yes leashed dogs are welcome on all the convention walks.  You should check with the Saratoga National Historic Park for their requirements before showing up with Fido.
What Time are the Buses Leaving and Returning to the Hotel each day?
LEAVING:  A bus line will form inside the rear Courtyard of the indoor pool, near Door G.  We cannot line up in the hallway. These must be kept clear per Fire Department Regulations and for the benefit of the hotel’s other guests.  Signs will be posted.  Buses will start loading10 minutes before departing.  On Wednesday, beginning at 7:30 am buses will leave in 10 to 15 minute intervals until 9am. and on Thursday, beginning at 7:15am, and Friday, 7:30am and on till 9am.  RETURNING:  to the hotel, buses will leave, once the first bus is full. 5k walkers normally take 1 hour, but when walking at the Saratoga Battlefield you must add time as you will be walking on various surfaces, looking out on the fields trying to visualize/understand what went on and reading the walk notes. So add extra time.  The last bus back to the hotel is at 2 pm each day.
 National Park Passport Stamp
We were asked by the Park Rangers, if we would like to get a special Passport Stamp to commemorate our day of walking in the Battlefield for our Convention walkers.  Yes.  Make sure at Stop 9 to ask for your Passport stamp.  It will only be available here, not in the Visitor’s Center, and then back at the Hospitality Table at the Red Lion Hotel. Also on the day of the event we will also have a stamp at the start/finish point at the American Legion Post in Schuylerville.
How can you support your Albany Convention?
By making a donation of $100.00, your name will be listed in the Convention Book as a FRIEND.  You will know that you have helped to pay for the various convention walks expenses.  Without our walks we wouldn’t have an International or national organization.

Last Update: May 19, 2019