January 4, 2008

The Gaylord National Convention Center recently notified AEE that they had made a significant booking error which resulted in inadequate meeting and exhibit space being available for the full span of the 2008 WEEC as originally scheduled to begin October 8, 2008. Gaylord has taken full responsibility for this error; yet at the same time was unable to resolve it in a manner which would allow the adequate fulfillment of AEE’s meeting and show space requirements on the contracted event dates.

After extensive discussions and negotiations at the highest levels with Gaylord corporate, AEE has agreed to accept Gaylord National’s proposal to reschedule the 2008 WEEC one week earlier at the same facility (WEEC new conference dates, October 1-3, and WEEC expo dates, October 1-2). A positive consequence of this change is that we have been able to secure a larger, more expandable space for the 2008 WEEC exhibits, allowing us a greater ability to accommodate the expected growth of the 2008 event.

The WEEC 2008 conference session schedule should remain virtually the same, only exactly one week earlier. All presenters who have already been scheduled to speak at the 2008 WEEC will be contacted by Helen Ardavin to confirm new dates and times and to discuss any scheduling conflicts speakers may have due to the date change. You may also contact Helen directly at (770) 447-5083, ext. 215, or helen@aeecenter.org.

Seminars held in conjunction with the 2008 WEEC will also be rescheduled one week earlier, and all instructors will be contacted by Valerie Oviatt to finalize arrangements for the new dates, or to discuss scheduling conflicts instructors may have due to the change. You may also contact Valerie directly at (770) 925-9633, or valerie@aeecenter.org.

The exhibit hall layout will require only minimal change, and nearly all exhibitors who have already reserved space for the 2008 WEEC will be able to retain the same location on the show floor which they had originally selected. All current WEEC 2008 exhibitors will be contacted personally by the exhibit manager, Ted Kurklis, to address all questions, concerns, or scheduling issues, or you may contact Ted at (770) 271-7869 or ted@aeecenter.org.