Symposium Highlights

Austin, (Nicknamed the “Live Music Capital of the World), is the capital of Texas. It is located in central Texas and is the fourth largest city in Texas. This area was originally settled in the 1830s on the banks of the Colorado River by pioneers that named the village “Waterloo”. In 1839 it was chosen as the capital of Texas and was later renamed “Austin” after Stephen F. Austin the “Father of Texas”.

In 2006 “Money” magazine named Austin as the No. 2 Best Big City in “Best Places to Live”. Residents of Austin are referred to as “Austinites” and include a diverse mix of university professors, students, politicians, musicians, state employees, high-tech workers, blue collar workers, and white collar workers. Something for everyone can be found in this city.

Austin has a humid sub-tropical climate with hot summers & mild winters. Average high for the month of March is 73 degrees and average low is 51 degrees and the average rainfall for March is 2.10 inches.

The downtown area has much to choose from. There is live music everywhere from street corners to lavish night clubs. Our hotel is located on the shores of Lady Bird Lake which is considered one of the city’s best recreational areas right in the downtown area. The 2nd Street district consists of restaurants, coffee shops, record stores, upscale boutiques, and museums. Austin is also home to “Austin City Limits” a popular televised live music show.

Austinites take pride in eccentricities and celebrate differences in lifestyle, character, and beliefs. “Keep Austin Weird” has become a local motto and South Congress Avenue (SoCo) celebrates this motto with many eccentric stores, restaurants, and coffee houses. You must try a cupcake from the “Mr. Cupcake” “Silver Diner”, a popular tourist attraction. SoCo is a shopping district stretching down South Congress Avenue from the downtown area.

In keeping with its nickname of the “Live Music Capital of the World” Austin has more live music venues per capita than any other U.S. city. Austin’s music scene revolves around 6th Street where you will find everything from side-walk musicians to nightclubs to music festivals.

Austin is also a popular location for the filming industry. Many movies have been filmed here with well known celebrities. These movies include; Miss Congeniality, Doubting Thomas, Hope Floats, and many others. Who knows, we may see a movie star or two.

Silent Auction

There will be a silent auction of items contributed by the Board of Directors of SGNO. The proceeds of this auction will go towards the Paula Major Award.

Reception

The Welcome reception on March 24 will be a great time for networking, meeting the attendees and having fun. The reception follows our Keynote Address by DeForia Lane with special guest Kara Davis.

Pre-Symposium

The Pre-Symposium this year will cover Post Operative Pain Management and Post Operative Challenges with Wound Care. This much requested content is of value to the Advanced Practice Nurse, as well as nurses employed in a broad base of practice settings.

Roundtables

You are invited to participate in discussions regarding topics of interest to you. Sign up will occur at registration. Networking and sharing of information will occur at the Roundtable luncheon.

Social Hour

A “Mix & Mingle with the Board” social hour will be held Thursday, following our last speaker of the day In the Marker 10 Patio area. This provides another opportunity for networking with your peers.

Rodeo Night

For those of you that signed up for this evening out “Texas Style”, it looks to be a super fun filled event. The entertainment at the concert immediately following the rodeo will be the popular Pop Country star “Steve Warner”. Your tickets & event information will be waiting for you when you register.

If you missed the deadline to register for this event, it is not too late. You can still attend. On our website visit the Rodeo Austin Event for the link to the rodeo & purchase your tickets. Transportation can be arranged through a local taxi company or car rental service.

Exhibits

The exhibits will be open each day of the symposium. Be sure to spend some time with our vendors and see what is new and upcoming with the latest products and services. Along with pharmaceutical representatives, there will be non-profit organizations to visit and network with.

Hotel Reservations

The symposium hotel is the Hyatt Regency Austin, located near downtown next to the Congress Street Bridge. There is convenient shuttle service available from the Bergstrom International Airport, which is located just a few miles away. You can make both your Hotel Reservation and your Shuttle Reservation through links on our website. The super shuttle offers a discount for symposium attendees. Additional dates may be reserved at the Hyatt following or prior to the symposium, at our guaranteed rate.

The board of SGNO looks forward to meeting & networking with our peers from other areas of the country. We do hope you can join us for the annual symposium of the Society of Gynecologic Nurse Oncologists.

Your program Chair,

Vicky

Vicky Willis RN, BSN, OCN
vwillis@bellsouth.net