Portland Convention FAQs

Going Green in the City of Roses

Thanks to Portland's reputation for being at the forefront of environmental issues and the inclusion of other social action and social justice programs, the 2012 Convention will use a "greener" approach to how our Convention information is disseminated to our participants. 

The large, bulky program binder of the past is being replaced by a “jump-drive” handed out in Convention bags. Every attendee will receive a “flash” or jump-drive on which all program materials previously provided in the binder will be placed. Thanks to partnering with Dove Conference Services for the production of the drives, you will also be able to purchase recordings of workshops, keynotes, and tefilah and have them loaded right onto your jump-drive to bring home with you! DVDs of videotaped sessions, traditional MP3s and CDs will also be available for purchase directly from Dove.

As we did last year, schedules, workshop descriptions, biographies, tefilah information, maps, local information, changes and announcements will all be available on the 2012 Portland Convention web application (or web app). You can get a taste of what's ahead by visiting the app's website at www.acc-convention.com. Access the website from your Smartphone, iPad or other tablet, and "pin" it to your home page for easy access. You will see the draft schedule and watch as it grows as Convention programs and details are added. The app works on most Smartphone platforms, most tablet platforms, laptops, iOS, or any Windows 7 or Droid based devices.

For those who still prefer the comfort of paper--we will be providing some composer lists and some music either as individual handouts or in the ad journal booklet. In some workshops, like the Transcon music read-through on Sunday evening, music will be provided. Resources will be posted on the web app as it becomes available.

Highlights for Portland
The overall intention of the convention is to create an environment that renews, refreshes and encourages the ability to grow our skills, develop our individual talents, and deepen our relationships within our communities and with our colleagues. The beauty of the natural environment as well of the progressive attitude of Portland is incorporated into the conference philosophy and activities.
 
We have two keynote/scholars in residence. Alan Morrinis will be
weaving the teachings and practices of Mussar throughout the conference. Rabbi Steven Kaye will be covering a variety of topics including contract negotiations, fundraising, and some practicalities of serving in congregational settings. See their biographies below.
 
Some of the programming options include  new composition workshops both choral and solo, co-operative organizational workshops such as with NATE to create curriculum and lessons plans, a two part master class on
Homiletics with an opportunity to participate in preparatory webinars prior to the conference, a fun, new interactive version of music reading with Transcontintental, and a variety of stimulating specialty sessions
that are still in the works. 

Columbia River Gorge Trip for Spouses/Partners and Children

In keeping with the desire to nurture the whole person, the Portland Convention Co-Chairs encourage members to bring their families to enjoy the unique and enriching activities available in the area. 

To that end, a special excursion to the spectacular Columbia River Gorge has been planned just for partners/spouses and children of ACC and GTM members. Spaces are limited to the first 50 registrants so please register early to ensure your spot! 

While convention attendees are busy working with their scholars and plenary sessions, the families are welcome to enjoy the glorious vistas, renowned waterfalls, and other attractions of this area.  The trip is only available to registered spouses/partners and children. ACC and GTM members are not able to attend. Space is limited. At this time, we are hoping to have another opportunity for everyone to also have a chance to see the Columbia River Gorge from a different vantage point, but that has not yet been confirmed.

Of course, if you wish to take the tour as a family, Ayelet Tours will be happy to assist you with either a pre- or post-convention trip and has the contact information for the tour company.  Also, if you are coming in early or staying late and would like the opportunity to experience other Portland attractions, Ayelet can arrange for visits to the Japanese Gardens, the Rose Gardens, The Oregon Zoo, their famed Children’s Museum or the many other attractions of the region. 

Scholars-in-Residence at the Portland Convention, June 24-28,2011

Alan Morinis

Alan Morinis is an anthropologist, filmmaker, writer, and student of spiritual traditions. He is an active interpreter of the teachings and practices of the Mussar tradition and regularly gives lectures and workshops. Born and raised in a culturally Jewish but non-observant home, he studied anthropology at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship. His doctoral thesis was published by Oxford University Press as Pilgrimage in the Hindu Tradition. To learn more click here: http://www.mussarinstitute.org/about-alan.htm

Rabbi Steven E. Kaye

Rabbi Steven E. Kaye has over 15 years professional experience in Organizational Development, Team Building, and Executive Coaching. Steve is known for his highly interactive participatory style of seminars. Participants leave his sessions with practical and applicable materials
that make an immediate difference. Rabbi Kaye has the ability to assist
his clients in understanding how their personality style and methods of conflict resolution impact their leadership and team building skills. Steve's diverse training, experiences as a congregational rabbi, hospital chaplain, business consultant, and years of clinical social work practice are evident in his successful work with congregations, professional staffs, boards, communal and governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. To read more click here:http://orchadash.net/16.html

Coming in early?

Our Saturday night pre-convention event will be at McMenamins Edgefield. A quintessential Portland institution that
houses a winery, brewery, hotel, restaurants, concert locals and beautiful scenery, McMenamins Edgefield is the location of our Saturday evening pre-event fundraiser. We’ll be leaving the hotel by bus at 6:30 p.m. for a short ride to Troutdale, OR. Once at Edgefield, we’ll have the opportunity to have a wine and beer tasting (or soda, coffee and tea!) and dinner with plenty oftime to tour the grounds, tour the winery and listen to live music outside at their concert venue. We will return to the hotel around 10 p.m. $136 per person which includes round trip bus ride, wine/beer/soda tasting, dinner and dessert in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Vendor registration information available here!