Update #1 for 2024 AGM Registrants

This update was emailed to all 2024 AGM Registrants (excluding those participating by Livestream/Virtual) on August 16, 2024.  

"There is something interesting in the bustle of going away, and the prospect of spending future summers by the sea or in Wales is very delightful."   —Jane Austen, January 31, 1801

Whether you have been able to take a vacation this summer or not, the prospect of a very delightful AGM in October is before you. This update brings news on:

• Event tickets
• Tours
• Hotel rooms
• Roomshare/rideshare board
• Banquet signup
• Emporium

EXTERNAL EVENT TICKETS: Top-notch cultural institutions in Cleveland are partnering with JASNA to offer memorable experiences. Starting now, AGM Attendees may purchase tickets for these events for their spouses or other travel companions, even if they are not registered as official AGM Companions. Events include:

• Great Lakes Theatre, Midsummer Night's Dream
• Cleveland Orchestra, Mahler's Symphony #3
• Apollo's Fire, Bach's Brandenburg Concertos 2, 3, 4 and 6

Descriptions of these events are on the Tours webpage. To answer a question asked by several attendees: the portrait miniatures to be seen during the private viewing are not on display in the museum; they will be removed from storage solely for the ticketed JASNA event.

To reserve for yourself or your travel partner, use the "Modify Registration" link on your confirmation email. If you need help, contact the Registrar at jasnaagm@gmail.com. (Responses may be slightly delayed 8/18-8/24.)

UPDATE ON TOURS: The Amish tour on Wednesday has been cancelled, but the Monday Amish tour is still open and will include lunch at an Amish home. The Football Hall of Fame tour has been cancelled due to low enrollment.

As with the cultural events listed above, some seats remain for certain tours and may now be purchased by attendees for their non-registered spouses/travel partners. They include:

• Holmes County Amish Tour with Lunch
• Garfield Tour to Lakeview, Lawnfield, and Winery with Lunch
• Dinner Cruise on the Lady Caroline

To reserve for yourself or your travel partner, use the "Modify Registration" link on your confirmation email. If you need help, contact the Registrar at jasnaagm@gmail.com. (Responses may be slightly delayed 8/18-8/24.)

HOTEL UPDATE: As of August 16, some hotel rooms are available for ALL NIGHTS, from 10/16 through 10/21 (as of August 17, availability remains for 10/16, 10/20, and 10/21). If you want to extend your stay or move to the conference hotel, now is your chance! To modify your reservation, use the link on your reservation confirmation email, or call (216) 413-5000 ext. 1. If you encounter trouble, email Linda Slothouber at jasnaconferencedir@gmail.com for assistance.

ROOMSHARE/RIDESHARE: Hootboard is a private online bulletin board where AGM registrants can post roommate requests or offers to share transportation from the airport. To join the board, go to https://www.hootboard.com/jasnaagm. Set up a password for yourself, then use the code Steventon1775 to view the board. Some guidelines:

• If you have a Hootboard account from a prior AGM, click the black square icon with the "comic book Jane Austen" picture to view just the 2024 board activity.
• Read the posting instructions in the yellow boxes pinned to the top of the page. You can make a new post (or "Hoot") by clicking on the green box at top right, or reply to someone else's by clicking on the speech bubble on their post.
• You can use the board to find companions for meals or excursions, but it cannot be used to sell anything or to advertise private events.
• All arrangements are person-to-person, and JASNA plays no role in, and bears no liability for, roommate matching or other agreements. You are advised to get to know any potential roommates off-line.

EARLY BANQUET SIGNUP: You've registered for the AGM and chosen your banquet entree, and now you need to choose a seat at the banquet. This can be done when you arrive at the AGM, but groups of 5 (half table) or 10 (full table) may sign up early. Lists must be final before submittal, with everyone listed having registered for the AGM and agreed to sit together, and with no empty spaces. Submit final lists of 5 or 10 to banquet table coordinator Linley Erickson at jasnachicago@gmail.com.

Groups of other sizes and individuals will be able to select their seats at the AGM. Any Attendee or Companion is welcome to choose any available seat. Optional tables for First-Time Attendees, those requiring Easy Access Seating, and Sociable Singletons (individuals that want to mingle with JASNA members from all over) will be available, but no one is required to sit at any particular table.

EMPORIUM: A stunning total of 19 vendors—including JASNA Regions, favorite shops from past AGMs, and some new sellers—will set up shop in the AGM Emporium. Plan to browse and buy clothing and accessories for the ball, books (lots of books!), giftware, food products, and much more.

FIND OUT MORE: Check out the AGM's Facebook and Instagram pages. Details about program content, speakers, prices, and times are on the AGM webpages. First-time attendees should watch their email for special tips. Another update for all registrants is coming in early September.

If you have questions, please contact the following:

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS: Debbie Duncan, AGM Registrar, jasnaagm@gmail.com

AGM PROGRAM/LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Jennifer Weinbrecht and Amy Patterson, AGM Coordinators, jasna2024agm@gmail.com

HOTEL QUESTIONS: Linda Slothouber, Conference Director, jasnaconferencedir@gmail.com

BANQUET SEATING: Linley Erickson, Banquet Table Coordinator, jasnachicago@gmail.com

JASNA POLICIES: Debra Roush, VP for Conferences, vpconf@jasna.org