The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is Going the Extra Mile to bring you its best National Convention yet! The 36th Annual AAKP Annual Convention takes place September 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Denver in Denver, Colo. The Annual Convention provides kidney disease patients, as well as their friends and family members, with the opportunity to discuss their concerns and share their experiences while learning about important issues affecting their health care. In addition to exciting social events, it is the largest national convention where kidney patients can interact on a person-to-person basis with fellow patients and health care professionals. During this three-day event, attendees participate in educational sessions for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to long-term dialysis and transplant patients. Participants also learn about various treatments for each stage of kidney disease.

Convention Packages
The Convention packages include three days of educational sessions, a souvenir t-shirt, tote bag and tickets to the First Time Attendees’ Luncheon, Welcoming Reception, Welcoming Ceremonies and Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. AAKP offers discount packages to AAKP Life Members and current AAKP Premiere Members.

Cost:
Patient/Family Member Registration

• AAKP Life Member: $90
• AAKP Premiere Member: $95
• AAKP Principal Member: $99
• Non-member: $99

Professional Registration

• AAKP Life Member: $190
• AAKP Member: $195
• Non-member: $199

One-day registrations are also available and include educational sessions only.

• Cost: Patient/Family Member Registration: $25
• Professional Registration: $50

Educational Sessions
This year’s Convention offers educational sessions on the latest advances in kidney health care, covering topics for CKD, dialysis and transplant patients and caregivers. This is a unique opportunity to participate in sessions led by some of the nation’s top health care professionals.

Educational sessions include:
• Innovations in Kidney Disease
• The CKD Friendly Diet
• Transplantation 101: How Do I Get a Kidney Transplant?
• How to Have a Good Future with Kidney Disease
• And a special session for health care professionals, Patient/Family Centered Care.

Continuing Education Credits
Continuing Education (CEs) credits are available for social workers and registered nurses pending approval from the accrediting agencies. For additional information please contact AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP.

Hotel Accommodations
Hotel reservations can be made by calling the Hyatt Regency Denver toll free at (800) 233-1234. To receive the preferred rate of $120 per night (single or double occupancy), identify yourself as an American Association of Kidney Patients’ Convention attendee. Please make your reservations as early as possible as the Convention hotel has sold out in past years. The deadline to receive the preferred room rate of $120 per night is Aug. 4, 2009.

Annual Awards
Each year, during the AAKP Annual Convention, the Association presents its prominent Annual Awards to those who have made a significant contribution to the renal community and helped to carry out the mission of AAKP. We invite you to submit a nomination(s) in each of the award categories for someone you feel should be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. Award recipients are honored during AAKP’s 2009 Annual Convention.

New this year, AAKP presents the Kris Robinson Memorial Award. The award, in honor of AAKP’s former Executive Director, is given to a patient who shares her (Kris’) vision of improving the welfare of patients and their quality of life. To download award descriptions and a nomination form, please visit www.aakp.org/events/convention/2009/awards. Self nominations are accepted and encouraged. Annual Award nominations must be submitted or postmarked by June 30, 2009 to be considered. Nominations can be mailed to the address below or faxed to 813-636-8122.

American Association of Kidney Patients
Attn: Awards Nomination Committee
3505 E. Frontage Rd., Suite 315
Tampa, FL 33607

The official Convention registration brochure is mailed to all AAKP members. If you are not a member and would like to receive a brochure, call (800) 749-AAKP or send an e-mail to info@aakp.org and include your name and full mailing address in the body of the e-mail. 

This article originally appeared in the May 2009 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine.

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