2019 MCAFDO Annual Educational Conference
February 26-27, 2019
Bluemont Hotel
1212 Bluemont Avenue
Manhattan, KS 66502
Phone: (785) 473-7091
About:
The 2019 Mid-Continental Association of Food and Drugs Officials (MCAFDO) Annual Educational Conference (AEC) will be held February 26-27, 2019. Following you will find information about the conference location and transportation tips.
General Information:
Authorized travel dates are Monday, February 25, 2019 and Thursday, February 28, 2019.
Funding Opportunities:
MCAFDO has not reapplied for the FDA’s Scientific Small Conference Grant; therefore, there will be no funding opportunities for agencies, or individuals, to request reimbursement for travel costs in conjunction with the 2019 MCAFDO AEC.
Registration:
The registration fee is $150 per participant and includes a complimentary 2019 MCAFDO membership. Attendees should register for the conference no later than Monday, February 11, 2019. Registration can be completed online at: Register now! On-line registrations will be accepted through Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Individual walk-in registrations will be accepted at the door during the first day of the conference; however, they will be subject to payment at the late registration rate ($150 + $50 = $200 total per person).
Agencies or individuals may pay for registrations via PayPal using a major credit card. Registration payment(s) may be made at the time the on-line registration form is completed, or at a later date. The on-line registration page will include a direct link to PayPal for those who wish to pay for their registration(s) via electronic payment. Individuals completing on-line registration will automatically be e-mailed an invoice for the registration fees. Registration payments made/received after Monday, February 11, 2019 will not be charged at the late registration rate providing that the on-line registration is made prior to the cut-off date of February 11, 2019.
Agencies or individuals wishing to pay via check or money order should submit payments directly to Scott Platt, MCAFDO Secretary/Treasurer, PO Box 329, University Park, IA 52595. Check or money orders shall be made payable to MCAFDO. When submitting a single check for multiple individuals, please include a note, memorandum, or copies of individual registration forms with the names of individuals whom payment is being issued for. Agencies or individuals wishing to pay for registrations via a Purchase Order Agreement (POA) should contact Scott Platt, Secretary/Treasurer, to make arrangements. Scott Platt can be contacted at the following e-mail or telephone number: Scott.Platt@dia.iowa.gov or (515) 669-3953.
Conference attendees may also pay for registration fees at the door; however, advanced payment is encouraged. MCAFDO will accept the following forms of payments at the door on the first day of the conference: credit card, debit card, cash, check, or money orders. Credit card or debit card payments will be processed via PayPal.
Registrations made after February 11, 2019 will incur an additional late fee of $50. Please note registration fees will not be refunded after Friday, February 22, 2019, but another individual may be sent in place of the original registrant.
Hotel:
A block of hotel rooms have been secured at the Bluemont Hotel, 1212 Bluemont Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502. A group rate of $91 per night, plus tax (Estimated cost should not exceed $105 per night) is available. The group rate will be honored from Sunday, February 24 to Thursday, February 28, 2019 based upon rate and space availability. The cut-off date for making reservations is Thursday, January 24, 2019. Reservation requests received after the cut-off date will be accepted on a space available basis, or at the higher of the contract rate or rate available at that time.
Reservations may be made via calling the hotel at the following phone number: (785) 473-7091. When making your reservation(s) please use the group name Mid-Continental Association of Food & Drug Officials to secure the group room rate. Please contact the hotel for inquiries and information about check-in and check-out times.
The hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast every morning from 6:30 am to 9:30 am for hotel guests, 24 hour business center, free standard wireless internet access in all guestrooms, public areas and event space, fitness/recreation center (24 hour access with room key), room service, and complimentary parking. Parking may be limited to one vehicle per a room during peak occupancy periods.
Additional information about the Bluemont Hotel can be found at their web page: https://www.bluemonthotel.com/en-us.
Meals:
The Bluemont Hotel offers a free complimentary hot breakfast for hotel guests. Meals will not be provided in conjunction with the 2019 MCAFDO AEC; however, there are a number of dining establishments within a short walking or driving distance of the hotel. A list and map of available dining options near the hotel can be found at the following web link: Dining Options.
Airport & Ground Transportation Information:
Manhattan Regional Airport (KMHK)
The nearest airport is Manhattan Regional Airport which is located approximately fifteen minutes from the hotel. The following transportation options are available from the airport to the hotel:
Shuttle Service – Shuttle service is offered from the airport to the Bluemont Hotel. Phone: (785) -473-7091.
Car Rental – Hertz Car Rental services are available at the airport. Phone (785) 539-0261 / (800) 654-3131 or web link: Hertz Car Rental.
Taxi Cab Services – Taxi cab service providers include the following:
- Go Van/ Dial a Cab – (785) 226-3919
- Overtime Livery Service – (785) 342-4724
- Taxi 4 Less – (785) 776-5508
Ride Share: Manhattan Lyft, Uber
The Topeka Regional Airport is located approximately sixty-two miles from Manhattan, KS. The following transportation options are available from the airport:
Taxi Cab Services – Taxi cab service providers included the following:
- Capital City Taxi (785) 267-3777
- Yellow Cab (785) 357-4444
Ride Share: Topeka Lyft, Uber
Salina Regional Airport (KSLN)
The Salina Regional Airport is located approximately seventy-two miles from Manhattan, KS. The following transportation options are available from the airport:
Car Rental – Hertz and Enterprise Car Rental services are available at the airport.
Hertz – Phone (785) 827-7237 / (800) 654-3131 or web link: Hertz Car Rental.
Enterprise – Phone (785) 825-1100
Taxi Cabs – Taxi cab service providers include the following:
- Best Cab – (785) 827-7433
- Sunflower Taxi – (785) 826-1881
Ride Share: Lyft, Uber
Kansas City International Airport (KMCI):
Kansas City International Airport is located approximately one hundred thirty one miles from Manhattan, KS. The following transportation options are available from the airport:
Shuttle Services: The Kansas City International Airport lists a number of shuttle service providers, with some only offering services in the local area. Please visit the following web link for a list of shuttle service providers and contact information: Kansas City International Airport Shuttle Services
Taxi Cabs – Courtesy phones for taxi service are located both inside and outside the terminal at each bag claim area and at other strategic locations outside the terminal exits. Make sure that you give the dispatcher your exact location.
Fares may be pro-rated (shared) when the originating passenger requests it and all other passengers agree. If calling from a personal phone, call 816-243-2345. Rates are $2.50 plus $2.10 per mile. Rates may vary due to traffic delays and waiting time.
Car Rental – Kansas City International Airport provides of number of nationally recognized car rental service providers. Visit the following web link for additional information about car rental services, providers, and contact phone numbers: Kansas City International Airport Car Rental Services. All rental car companies share a Gray Rental Car Shuttle that stops at marked shelters at terminal medians.
Special Needs:
MCAFDO will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to all attendees with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the training process due to medical conditions, physical limitations, particular learning challenges, or dietary restrictions please include this information on your registration form. You may also notify Steve Moris (
steve.moris@ks.gov) prior to the meeting.
Silent Auction:
Help make this year’s silent auction a huge success by donating a souvenir, keepsake gift or novelty item, or by bidding on any item in the auction. Have fun and show your support! Auction proceeds will be used for a contribution to the AFDO Endowment fund and to defray conference costs
Winning:
- All bids will close at a designated time during the afternoon of Wednesday, February 27, 2019.
- Silent auction items will be awarded to the highest bidder for that item.
- Bidders may pay for silent auction items via cash, personal check, or credit/debit card (via PayPal).
W-9 Form:
To view / download MCAFDO’s W-9 form: MCAFDO W-9 Form – Jan 2019
Current Conference Agendas: 2019 MCAFDO Agenda – Final Draft