AAKP invites you to join us for our 32nd Annual Convention in fabulous Las Vegas, where the city is always bright, the energy never stops, and excitement thrives 24 hours a day. The Convention, titled, “Quality First: Patients Driving Excellence,” will be held Sept. 1-4 at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa. With an average attendance of more than 500, AAKP’s Annual Convention is the largest gathering of kidney patients and their family members in the United States.

Educating Patients

During the Convention, participants will learn the most current information about kidney disease, its treatments and conditions affecting the kidneys. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet other patients experiencing the same physical, emotional and social issues. AAKP’s Convention is unique because, for more than 32 years, it has been the only national gathering of hundreds of kidney patients and their families.

The Convention agenda features educational sessions for kidney patients at all stages, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis and transplantation. AAKP has secured highly respected healthcare professionals to speak on a variety of important and timely topics, such as:

• Kidney Friendly Nutrition: Eating Well
• Your Options, Your Choice: Treating Kidney Failure
• Transplantation: Before, During & After
• Let’s Talk: Communicating Effectively with Your Physician
• Highs and Lows of Diabetes and Hypertension

Social Events

In addition to educational sessions, AAKP’s Convention offers social events providing attendees with an opportunity to celebrate life and share experiences with fellow kidney patients from across the country. These social events are always well-attended and enjoyed by everyone. Welcoming Ceremony festivities will be held the evening of Friday, Sept. 2. This opening reception is the official Convention kick-off party where attendees enjoy the festivities and the opportunity to socialize with fellow patients. During this fun-filled event, AAKP presents its CKD awards – the AAKP Spirit of Service Award and AAKP Visionary Award.

Another highlight of Convention is the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony where AAKP honors the service and dedication of its volunteers. During this elegant evening, held Saturday, Sept. 3, AAKP bestows some of its most prestigious honors, including the Samuel J. Orenstein Award, A. Peter Lundin Award and President’s Award.

Lunch with the Experts

Convention attendees have the opportunity to participate in informal discussions at the “Lunch with the Experts” sessions. At each session, an “Expert” and nine attendees participate in an informal discussion on issues such as exercise, transplantation, dialysis, diabetes, patient safety and more. Held Friday and Saturday afternoons, “Lunch with the Experts” sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees should register for these sessions as early as possible, as lunch tables have sold out in past years.

Exhibit Hall

On Friday and Saturday, renal-related companies and organizations will display their products and educational materials in the exhibit hall. Attendees may visit exhibits at their convenience or during scheduled breaks between presentations.

Convention Registration

The Convention package costs $95 for patients and family members and $150 for professionals. It includes three days of educational sessions, two continental breakfasts, two dinners, one full breakfast, and a convention T-shirt. Attendees also receive tickets to the Welcoming Ceremony festivities, the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony, and the President’s Breakfast. There is an additional cost of $8 per person each day for “Lunch with the Experts.” All Convention registrations must be made through the AAKP National Office. The deadline for advance registration is Aug. 1.

Accommodations

Las Vegas is a one-of-a-kind city. No other place combines the excitement and energy of the Las Vegas strip with the peaceful Nevada desert and landscape. Located on 50 acres of lushly landscaped ground, the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa offers visitors the highest quality in accommodations. With 541 guest rooms and suites, this luxurious resort offers a resort-style pool and whirlpool, a 40,000 square foot spa, and nine themed restaurants and lounges. Located 15 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa offers its guests the beauty of the outdoors. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the Las Vegas strip. For more information, please click here.

Convention guests may make hotel reservations by calling the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa at (800) 297-5056. Rooms are available at $119 per night for single or double occupancy. Please identify yourself as an AAKP Convention attendee to receive the preferred rate. Make your reservations soon, as hotels have sold out in past years. Self-service and valet parking are complimentary.

Dialysis Arrangements

This year, Fresenius Medical Care will provide dialysis treatments to Convention attendees. Patients are responsible for arranging payment and scheduling appointments. Contact Glendolyn Alex at (800) 706-4443 to make dialysis arrangements. Transportation to and from the hotel will be provided Sept. 1-3 for Convention attendees with appointments through Fresenius.

Travel Details

America West Airlines is offering a special travel discount of up to 10 percent for Convention attendees. To make reservations, call (800) 548-7575, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. MST. Identify yourself as an AAKP Convention attendee by providing the code AP7148. For tickets purchased more than 60 days in advance, use the code AP7148T to receive an additional 5 percent discount. To make reservations online, click here and click on the “Air Reservations” link. Enter your code (as listed above) in the eCertificate window near the center of the page. Please note, discounts are only valid Aug. 26-Sept. 9, for flights to and from Las Vegas. Attendees are also encouraged to check fares and availabilities for competing airlines.

Ground Transportation

The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa is located approximately 16 miles from McCarran International Airport. Therefore, it is necessary to take a taxi, shuttle service, or rental car. Please note, taxicab fare between the hotel and airport is around $45 each way.

AAKP will provide free shuttle service between McCarran International Airport and the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa for Convention attendees. Shuttle service will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will run on a fixed schedule (approximately every 1 1/2 hours) during peak flight arrival and departure times. Reservations are neither available, nor required. Further details will be available in attendee confirmation packages. 

Avis Rent A Car is proud to offer a special group discount to Convention attendees. To make rental car reservations, please contact Avis at (800) 331-1600. To receive the discounted rate, provide the sales agent with the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number D087543. For online reservations, click here for more information. Discounted rates are available Aug. 25-Sept. 11 at Avis locations nationwide.

Continuing Education Credits

AAKP is offering Continuing Education credits for nurses at the Convention. Certificates of Attendance are available to other professionals.

For More Information

Those interested in attending the 2005 AAKP Annual Convention can receive more information by requesting the Convention brochure from the AAKP National Office. Current members of AAKP will automatically receive the brochure through the mail. The brochure features the Convention registration form, an in-depth agenda and details on the hotel, travel information, and dialysis arrangements.

In addition, the AAKP Web site features the Convention brochure in a downloadable format at www.aakp.org. The registration form can be printed and mailed or faxed to the AAKP National Office. Other Convention features on the Web site include the full agenda, hotel information, “Lunch with the Experts” session topics, and a tentative list of speakers.

For more information on the AAKP Annual Convention or to request a Convention brochure, please contact the AAKP National Office at (800) 749-2257 or info@aakp.org.

This article originally appeared in the May 2005 issue of aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 20, No. 6