Confirmation Kit

Working Forum on Men in Early Childhood Education
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
May 20 - 23, 2008

About Hawaii

Customs Regulations
Like most countries, the United States has requirements and restrictions on certain goods such as firearms, animals and animal products, plants, and plant products, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as certain food and drug products. For additional information, visit www.cbp.gov.

Currency
The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States.

Language
The United States is the home of approximately 336 languages (spoken or signed) of which 176 are indigenous to the area. Fifty-two languages formerly spoken in the US territory are now extinct (Grimes, 2000).

The United States does not have an official language; nevertheless, English is the language used for legislation, regulations, executive orders, treaties, federal court rulings, and all other official pronouncements. In some states, English, Hawaiian, and Spanish are official. In 2000, the census bureau printed the standard census questionnaires in six languages: English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

Electricity
The plug for power cords as well as wall plugs for personal appliances such as computers and hair dryers is 110-120V, 60Hz.

Health Insurance
Health insurance plans often do not cover all or any services you might receive outside your country of residence, so you are encouraged to purchase traveler's health insurance before leaving home.

About Lodging and Transportation

Accommodations
Of all Waikiki Beach oceanfront hotels, one towers above the rest, the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort - host hotel for the 2008 Working Forum on Men in Early Care and Education. The Sheraton Waikiki Hotel is Waikiki. Situated within walking distance of virtually anything and everything you could possibly want to do in Waikiki, the resort promises no end to entertainment and activity opportunities, including a wide variety of water sports, a full calendar of cultural events, renowned attractions, world-class shopping, and unlimited possibilities for dininer... just steps away from the hotel.

Guestroom Reservations
Sheraton Waikiki is offering specially discounted rates to delegates to the 2008 Working Forum on Men in Early Care and Education:

City View
$175 night single or double

All guest room rates are exclusive of state and local taxes (currently 4.712%) plus 7.25% transient accommodation tax.

Reservations will be accepted at these rates until April 28, 2008. Reservation requests thereafter will be subject to space and rate availability. Rates are available three days prior and three days following the main conference dates, subject to availability.

A deposit equal to one night's stay is required to hold a guest room reservation. This deposit will serve to confirm the reservation for the dates indicated and, upon check-in, will be applied to the first and/or final night of the reserved stay. Deposits are refundable if notice of cancellation is received by the hotel at least 72 hours prior to arrival and a cancellation number is obtained.

In the event that a guest who has reserved a room checks out prior to the reserved checkout date, an early departure fee of 50% of the room rate will be charged to the guest's account. Guests wishing to avoid this fee must advise the hotel before or at check-in of any change in the scheduled length of stay.

About the Working Forum

What is Included in Your Registration Fee?
The registration fee is $US 475 per person. This fee includes:

• all Working Forum presentations and workshops
• all Working Forum presentations and workshops
• all Working Forum handouts and materials

Working Forum Language
The Working Forum will be conducted in English. In your conversations and contributions to sessions, keep in mind that English is not the first language for many delegates. Try to speak clearly with a minimum of jargon.

Working Forum Attire
Recommended attire for the Working Forum is business casual.

Special Needs
Should you have special dietary requirements or any other special needs, we will be most happy to make arrangements, if you notify us well in advance. Please send an e-mail to info@WorldForumFoundation.org.

Substitution Policy
If you cannot attend and wish to send a substitute, call (800) 221-2864 or send a fax to (425) 867-5217, or e-mail to info@WorldForumFoundation.org.

Program Changes/Cancellation
The World Forum Foundation reserves the right to make changes in programs and speakers, and to cancel programs if enrollment criteria are not met or when conditions beyond its control prevail. If the Working Forum is not held for any reason, the liability of the World Forum Foundation is limited to registration fees only.

Cancellation Policy
If you cancel in writing more than one month prior to the Working Forum, a 10 percent service fee will be charged. Delegates who do not attend, or who cancel less than one month prior to the Working Forum, are responsible for the entire registration fee.

Photo Release Policy
By virtue of your attendance, you agree to usage of your likeness in still and video photography without compensation or notification.

Additional Information/Questions
If you have questions or need more information, call (800) 221-2864 or send an e-mail to info@WorldForumFoundation.org.

We'll see you in Hawaii!