ATM at Conference Hotel

A quick word of caution about the ATM in the lobby of the Hyatt (this I learned the hard way during NEMLA's fall meeting there): the machine charges you a larger-than-normal fee, AND your bank may also charge you an additional larger-than-normal fee, as mine did. (I have Bank of America.) It might be wise to include, in your list of your chores to do before leaving for Newport, a quick search to find the closest ATM your bank has in the area.

Important Update on Newport Conference

The following message was sent to the MLA-L listserv on January 24, regarding the conference hotel:

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IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ANNUAL CONFERENCE !Please read carefully!
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> Plans for an outstanding annual conference in Newport are moving ahead steadily. The Program Committee has prepared an outstanding series of events, and the program booklet is already in the first round of proofing. Final details are being worked out for special entertainment, logistics, A/V equipment, and catering. The Local Arrangements Committee continues to add special features, the most recent being entertainment by the Navy Band during lunch on Thursday.
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> In the midst of these preparations, however, we want to make you aware of a very recent change in circumstances at the Hyatt that will have an impact on our conference. Progress on renovations at the Hyatt Newport is being slowed by delays in shipments of materials; work is not proceeding on schedule. The Hyatt informed us that its guest room availability will be further reduced. More attendees than previously expected will be staying at the Marriott, which fortunately has guest rooms to accommodate the relocation of all existing reservations the Hyatt is not able to host. The Hyatt deeply regrets this inconvenience (see the letter from General Manager John Karchner at the end of this posting). Be assured that staffs at both hotels are working in earnest with our convention managers and Local Arrangements Committee to make the appropriate and necessary arrangements to ensure that our conference is pleasant, productive, and successful.
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> If your existing reservation at the Hyatt needs to be relocated to the Marriott, staff at the Hyatt will contact you directly to inform you of this. Your room booking will be transferred directly to the Marriott by the Hyatt, and the Marriott will provide confirmation of the change. All guest rooms at the Marriott were completely redone in 2006, so the amenities there are first rate. Room rates at the Marriott are guaranteed at MLA's contracted rate (same as rates at the Hyatt). The restaurant at the Marriott has a hot/cold breakfast buffet and menu service for other meals; room service is also available. A fitness center and spa are available. (See the conference web site for more information.)
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> The Hyatt will provide complimentary shuttle service between the two hotels and on a demand basis to local points of interest. The hotel is working with the Newport Convention Bureau and Viking Tours to have a fleet of buses and vans running throughout our peak days. MLA's Local Arrangements Committee is adapting its plans to provide information and assistance that will cover both hotels. For exercise enthusiasts the walking time between the two hotels is about ten minutes.
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> All program events and sponsored meal functions (including the banquet) will take place at the Hyatt, as originally planned. As an expression of its regret at causing MLA to cope with the disruption caused by the renovation, the Hyatt is underwriting a lunch for our entire group on Thursday. Coffee breaks in the exhibits and ballroom foyer, both morning and afternoon, will provide complimentary beverages, as has been MLA's custom. MLA's breakfast package (Thursday and Friday) will be available at the Hyatt for those who purchased it. On days when attendees are on their own for meals, food and bar service will be available on concession at the Hyatt, although not in its restaurant, which will be closed due to the renovation.
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> The convention managers, program planners, and local arrangements are going forward with the full complement of activities one expects at a MLA annual conference. Staffs at both the Hyatt and the Marriot are committed to working with us toward our goal of another exhilarating and successful annual meeting. To help us achieve this goal we ask your understanding, patience, and cooperation. Knowing that MLA has surmounted such challenges in the past, we are confident that when we gather in Newport, we will experience yet another wonderful and stimulating conference.
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> Philip Vandermeer, President
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> Gordon Rowley, Convention Manager
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> HYATT
> Hyatt Regency Newport One Goat Island Newport, RI 02840 USA
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> Telephone: 401-851-1234 Fax: 401-851-3201
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> R E G E N C Y
> N E W P O RT
> HOTEL AND SPA - RHODE ISLAND
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> January 18, 2008
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> Dear Music Library Association Guests,
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> You may have heard recently that the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa has run into some unforeseen renovation delays. As a result of these delays we have unfortunately had to relocate some M.L.A. guests to the nearby Newport Marriott Hotel. For that we sincerely apologize. We are however, still very excited to host your events here in the Hyatt Regency Conference Center. Our hotel will be providing complimentary transportation between the two hotels. We are currently working out the details but are confident that the conference will go off without a hitch.
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> We thank you for your understanding and look forward to seeing you in February.
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> John Karchner General Manager
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> JK/sj n
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