1. Who is considered "policy making staff?"

This is someone who has the authority to make commitments for your company. For a distributor member, this would be someone who has the authority to add a new line to the business. For a preferred supplier, this would be someone who has the authority to open up a new distributor. If you have any questions, please contact the EMG office.

2. When does the Partnership Conference start? When does it end?

In 2009, the conference will begin with Member Networking Group sessions at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28. The Member-Only Business Meeting and Supplier-Only Business Meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 28. The first set of scheduled table-top sessions will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 following the General Session & Luncheon which will be held at 11:30 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. If you are not participating in the 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament or you do not plan to have a booth at the Showcase, we recommend you arrive at the hotel Monday evening. Preferred suppliers who are participating in the Featured Product Showcase should plan to arrive Monday morning so you can set up your booth Monday afternoon. See agenda for details.

3. When is the Featured Product Showcase?

Based on preferred supplier feedback, we have adopted an every other year format for the Showcase. Odd numbered years will be Showcase years. This year's showcase is set for Wednesday, April 29 @ 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

4. What are the Networking Group Sessions?

In an effort to facilitate a deeper level of networking, Evergreen has subdivided the membership into seven non-competing Networking Groups. These member groups will meet on Tuesday morning (8:00 a.m - 9:30 a.m.) to discuss best practices, issues of common concern, etc. All members are encouraged to participate.

5. When should preferred suppliers plan member entertainment?

Wednesday evening is open for entertainment. Tuesday evening, Evergreen will host a buffet dinner and casino night.

6. Can I leave the Conference early if I can get all my table top appointments covered?

It is important to meet with everyone on your appointment schedule. However, we encourage you to recognize that the conference is a once-a-year opportunity. There may be members or preferred suppliers who, for some reason, may not have been on your official schedule and would like to meet with you. Each company should have at least one policy maker available for meetings during the entire conference.

7. Can I stay at a different hotel?

We encourage you to stay at the Hyatt Regency at Reunion. Staying at the Hyatt Regency helps Evergreen meet its "room night" commitments to the hotel. This, in turn, saves the entire group money in meeting space rental which helps everyone.

8. What is the dress for the meeting?

Dress for the business meetings, receptions, presentations and Table Top sessions is business casual.

9. Where do the Table Top meetings take place?

In 2009, preferred suppliers will be assigned tables and members will rotate through the Evergreen Preferred Supplier tables in the Reunion Ballroom on the main floor of the hotel. The meetings should take place at the assigned Preferred Supplier table. Table Top sessions will be held on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. These meetings are scheduled in 20-minute intervals. In order to be fair to everyone, please stay at your assigned table.

10. How are Table Top meetings scheduled?

All members and preferred suppliers who are working together in Planning for Profit 2009 have had an appointment pre-scheduled for them (unless requested otherwise). Any member or preferred supplier who returns their appointment request prior to the February 13 deadline will be sorted by contribution to the group and receipt date and then scheduled in that order. Member and preferred suppliers who return their appointment requests after February 13 will be scheduled on a FIFO basis. The best way to get appointments with who you want is to submit your requests immediately. The Evergreen office ONLY schedules meetings based on requests (unless you are working together in Planning for Profit). If you have a meeting scheduled by the Evergreen office, either you requested them or they requested you. Be sure to turn in a full set of requests so we can provide you as complete a schedule as possible.

11. Which meals will Evergreen provide?

You will be on you own for dinner Wednesday evening. A 20th Anniversary buffet dinner and reception will be held on Tuesday. A seated lunch is provided on Tuesday. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Wednesday. Breakfast only will be provided on Thursday. For your convenience, a list of restaurants may be found in your conference packet.

12. Who do I talk to about scheduling appointments in open slots?

Once the Table Top schedules are finalized and distributed in late March, Evergreen will not handle changes. It is up to the individual Member or Preferred Supplier to contact the person(s) he/she would like to meet. The Evergreen staff maintains a "master" book of appointments for reference during conference. In addition, appointment schedules for all suppliers and members will be posted on bulletin boards outside the Table Top meeting room. 

13. How far is the hotel from DFW Airport?

Please plan on at least 1 hour travel time between the hotel and the airport terminal. If you are arriving or departing during peak traffic time, be prepared for delays. Light rail service is available from DFW to the Hyatt Regency.

14. Who makes my hotel reservations?

Members and preferred suppliers should make their own hotel arrangements by calling the Hyatt Regency at Reunion directly at 214-651-1234 or 800-233-1234. Be sure to identify yourself with The Evergreen Marketing Group. Evergreen has negotiated special room rates of $185 + tax per night.

15. Are discounts available for airfare?

Evergreen has negotiated discounted fares for members and preferred suppliers flying in to D/FW Airport on American Airlines.

Contact each as follows: American Airlines call 1-800-433-1790 and give them the event dates, Contract # HCJ0601091044, Index Number 20614 and Authorization Number # A9949AV. If you are booking with a travel agent on American Airlines, they must use the following wording AA Contract Booking + Authorization #. This must appear in the General Facts Field of the PNR. Seating is limited so you are encouraged to book early.

16. Is Evergreen planning any other activities to celebrate its 20th Anniversary?

There will be an optional 20th Anniversary Golf Tournament at Brookhaven Country Club on Monday, April 27. Click here for registration and sponsorship information.