Programming
The proposal deadline in May 7, 2010. That’s sooner than you think! Remember, all attendees are welcome to submit proposals, even if new to Sirens, new to presenting or both! We’re hosting a series on how you can participate in programming as a presenter on the Sirens LiveJournal. Please spread the word–and please consider submitting a proposal. We really value the opportunity to include the voices of our attendees. If you’re not sure about how to make a proposal, visit our LiveJournal for how-to information for papers, panels, and (coming soon) workshops, roundtables, and afternoon classes. You can also visit the Sirens website for programming proposal instructions.

Magic Mind Melds
Are you looking for someone to present with? You’re not the only one, we promise! The Sirens message boards have several threads with people looking for co-presenters. Feel free to respond to these or to start your own! We’ll happily feature you in upcoming posts and newsletters. Current threads can be seen here. (Keep an eye out on the Sirens LiveJournal for one more fun feature: we’ll do a post where you can submit your interests and we’ll offer you a topic to propose.)

Programming Chat
Want to brainstorm? Looking for collaborators? Need to talk out your idea? We’re devoting our next chat to programming: topic discussions, possible collaborator matching, and answering all of your questions about the proposal submissions process. As always, general chatter, book chatter, and conference questions are welcome as well: bring your recommendations of what to read. We hope you’ll join us!

DATE: Saturday, April 17, 2010
TIME: 2-4 p.m. Eastern/1-3 p.m. Central/noon-2 p.m. Mountain/11-1 p.m. Pacific
LOCATION: www.sirensconference.org/chat/

You don’t need to download anything or have any special software to participate: the webpage will turn into a chat room when the chat begins.

Registration
Remember, the current registration rate of $165 expires April 30, 2010. After that, the rate is $180 until September 8, 2010 (when we stop registration until we open again at the door). Registration includes access to all conference programming and events, including the three keynote presentations by our guests of honor and a conference T-shirt available only to attendees, as well as a dessert reception, two lunches, and a breakfast. Via registration, you can also add a ticket for the Sirens Supper, a pre-conference kickoff banquet, or the Sirens Shuttle, which provides service from Denver International Airport to Vail. Find out more or register now at the Sirens website.

Travel Tip: Room Budgeting
The rate of $119 (for one or two people) or $139 (for three or four people), plus tax and resort fee, per night at the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa can be shared with a roommate or three to help your budget. Make a reservation here, and feel free to post here if you’re seeking roommates. To break it down, your room cost for three nights could be $357 if you choose to stay alone (plus applicable taxes and fees), and you’ll have the fluffy bathrobes all to yourself. Alternatively, you can find three people to share a slumber party, and you’ll each pay only $104.25 (again, plus applicable taxes and fees).

Volunteering
Hello, starving college students (and others)! For 2010, we’ll provide a modest snack in the form of items like apples and granola bars for each volunteer shift you complete. On-site volunteers help keep presentations running on time, troubleshoot electronics, and provide information to others. If you’re interested in volunteering, you can sign up here to get more information (typically, we start letting people claim volunteer shifts once the conference schedule is posted). If you signed up last year, no need to sign up again: you’ll get group e-mails once volunteering news is available.

Recommended Reading
Tell us! What have you been reading? What did you love? What are you raving about? Leave us a comment!

Quick Links
The Sirens Website and Tell a Friend Link
Registration
Travel
Become a Supporter
Read the FAQ

For More Information
Please feel free to contact us at (help at sirensconference.org). We’re happy to answer any questions you might have. You can leave general questions in the comments here as well.

We hope to see you in Vail!