2013 Annual Convention
WELCOME | OVERVIEW | HOTEL | TRANSPORTATION | REGISTRATION | REGISTER ONLINE
CONVENTION SCHEDULE | CONVENTION PACKET | ACTIVITIES | MEALS | SPONSORS
OTHER WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Welcome!
 Dear Fellow Mended Hearts Member,
The time has come again to join in our annual celebration of the joy of recovery for all heart patients and caregivers. Our convention location this year has moved west to San Diego, California, June 5-9, 2013.
To quote a theme from a past convention, “we are not just surviving, we are thriving.” As we start our second 60 years, our theme for the 61st annual convention will be, “The Many Ways to Mend a Heart”. One of the ways to mend a heart is to surround yourself with the companionship of 400 other heart patients and caregivers. Take this opportunity to learn from the lifestyle experiences of other heart patients as to what works best in developing heart healthy habits.
Our program this year will feature leading heart authorities speaking about some of the latest developments in the treatment of heart disease and heart failure. One of the highlights will be a presentation entitled, “Living Without a Pulse”. This will describe the LVAD procedure (Left Ventricular Assist Device) which started out as a bridge to a heart transplant, but now in some cases is “destination” surgery. We will also have a presentation on atrial fibrillation as an example of how we are reaching beyond the traditional surgery patient to patients with heart arrhythmias.
The agenda features sessions devoted to helping chapters grow and develop, and will provide a forum to exchange ideas on what works best in different parts of the country. In addition, we have made continued efforts this year to involve and include caregivers in all aspects of Mended Hearts.
The agenda also includes several “fun” events. In my opinion, no one else can celebrate life more than heart event survivors as we take advantage of the second chance we have been given.
Oh yes, there is also San Diego – a city with so many attractions that you may have to extend your stay.
Transportation is facilitated by an outstanding bus and trolley system. One can come and go on one’s own schedule by riding the trolley. Among the must-see sights: Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, San Diego Museum of Art and Natural History, Cabrillo National Monument, the Gas Lamp Quarter, Old Town, the Maritime Museum, the USS Midway aircraft carrier and MORE! Your heart will be given a work-out with all the exciting things to see and do.
The Western Region and San Diego based chapter 62 will be our hosts. So brush the dust off your beach-themed shirts, visualize the palm trees and the sand in-between your toes, and register for an unforgettable experience!
Patrick Farrant
Western Regional Director
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Overview
The Western Region invites Mended Hearts members from across the country to join them in San Diego for a week of education, networking, and entertainment. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with other chapter members from across the nation. We sincerely hope that this information is helpful to you in planning your trip to the 2013 Mended Hearts Annual Convention.
Buddy / First-Timer Session
Is this your first time attending a MHI conference? Allow us to pair veteran MHI
members/attendees who will introduce newcomers to the MHI “ropes”. Seasoned
MHI members are encouraged to become a “buddy” to a first-time attendee.
Buddies and first timers will sit together during the opening and closing dinners to
share the week’s experiences.
Farewell Award Dinner
The convention concludes with an evening of recognition for the MHI membership. This event is considered by many the “Academy Awards” of MHI. Chapters and members will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their local community both in education and leadership. The event is not to be missed!
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Hotel
Hotel Reservations
Please contact the hotel directly regarding your hotel accommodations. The Mended Hearts negotiated room rate is: $119 Single/Double occupancy; $139 Triple occupancy; $159 Quadruple occupancy; plus 12.5% state/local taxes. Guest room rates are also available three days pre and post the official event dates, based on availability. Reservations must be made by May 6, 2013 to secure the MHI room rate.
Marriott San Diego Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Dr.
San Diego, CA 92108 USA
1 (800) 228-9290 or (619) 692-3800
(Refer to group name “Mended Hearts”)
Check in time: 4:00 p.m.
Check out time: 11:00 a.m.
Hotel Website for Reservations
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10313428 Hotel Parking
The Marriott San Diego Mission Valley offers valet parking and is available at the hotel entrance. In and out privileges apply to hotel guests only.
- Overnight Valet: $20.00 plus tax
- Self-parking: $4 hourly, or maximum $16.00 per day (including tax) Self-parking is available in an outdoor parking lot conveniently located at the hotel entrance. There are no in and out privileges.
On-site Hotel Services
- Hotel Wi-Fi is available at a daily rate of $12.95 per day
- Assistive devices for guest with disabilities
- Business center – full service
- Concierge desk
- Gift shop
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Room service from 6 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Safe deposit boxes at front desk
- Local restaurant dinner delivery
- Fitness center
- Outdoor pool with whirlpool
Hotel Cancellations
Room cancellations should be made directly with the hotel within 72 hours prior to your arrival date to avoid credit card charges.
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Transportation
Transportation to and from San Diego International Airport (SAN) – 8 miles from hotel:
Super Shuttle operates 24 hours a day. For reservations and more information, go to www.supershuttle.com or call 1-800-258-3826. Super Shuttle Service is approximately $12 per person (one-way). With such considerable savings, you will want to book this early. For questions regarding shuttle service, email reservations@supershuttle.net.
Other Transportation options to and from San Diego:
- Amtrak: The Amtrak station is 3.9 miles from the Marriott Mission Valley hotel. Please call 1-800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com for train information.
- Greyhound: The nearest Greyhound station is located is 7 miles from the Marriott Mission Valley hotel. Please call 1-800-231-2222 or visit www.greyhound.com for bus information.
- Car Rental:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1333 Camino Del Rio South
San Diego, California 92108
Phone: 1-619-260-1505
- Avis
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, California 92108
Phone: 1-619-574-5377
Transportation option to local sites
The San Diego Trolley operates over 53.5 miles on three routes; it is mostly double-tracked with 53 stations. The “Green Line” is in easy walking distance from the hotel.
Blue Line: The 18.8-mile line operates between the Old Town Transit Center and the U.S./International Border with Mexico. Six of the downtown stations are shared with the Orange Line and one is shared with the Green Line at Old Town. Trolleys operate every 15-minutes, seven days-a-week; during weekday rush-hour the Blue Line operates every 7.5-minutes between Old Town and the San Ysidro Intermodal Transit Center at the U.S. International Border with Mexico. Late- night service runs every 30-minutes. There are 23 stations; six are shared with the Orange Line in Downtown and one is shared with the Green Line at Old Town Transit Center.
Orange Line: The 20.7-mile Orange Line operates between the Bayside in downtown San Diego and Gillespie Field. It has a 15-minute service Monday-Saturday and a 30-minute late-evening service that also runs on weekend mornings, Sundays and evenings. There are 23 stations; six are shared with the Blue Line in Downtown and five are shared with the Green Line between Grossmont Transit Center and Gillespie Field.
Green Line: The 19.3-mile line operates between the Old Town Transit Center and Santee Town Center. It operates a 15-minute service Monday-Saturday and a 30-minute late-evening service, weekend mornings, Sundays, and evenings. There are 19 stations; one is shared with the Blue Line at Old Town Transit Center and five are shared with the Orange Line between Grossmont Transit Center and Gillespie Field.
Fares: Self-serve ticket vending machines are located at each station. Regular one-way fares are $2.50. An unlimited use Day pass is $5.00. Seniors (60 years of age or older) and the disabled may purchase a one-way cash fare, $1.25. Children five and under ride free.
For a quick glance of fun places to visit by taking the trolley, just steps away from the hotel, go here: http://www.sdmts.com/Marketing/documents/FunPlacesToGo.pdf.
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Registration
Registration Fee
Early bird registration has been extended to April 26, 2013!
Registration must be received at the National office (postmarked or online) no later than May 6, 2013. Forms received prior to April 26, 2013 will receive the early bird rate of $280 per person (registration forms must be post marked prior to April 26th to receive the reduced rate). This includes: one breakfast, four lunches, one reception with food, two dinners, the registration fee for five days of sessions, take-home resources, and a tote bag filled with convention materials.
Register Online
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=u5nowcdab&oeidk=a07e6elbot21c34f35a
Late Convention Registration
An additional $30 fee for late registration will be charged for applications received after April 26, 2013.
Other Ways to Participate
If you can't attend the convention, there are other opportunities for participation:
- Purchase an ad in the Convention Program Book
- Participate as an exhibitor
- Purchase tickets for an opportunity to win a free trip to Dallas, registration fee and or 5 day sleeping rooms
- Donate items for the Mended Little Hearts care package program
For more information, click here.
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Activities
Weather in San Diego
Average June temperatures in San Diego:
Normal High 72F
Normal Low 63F
Average 67F
The month of June offers occasional showers, so please bring your umbrella.
Attire
Business casual attire is best for annual convention events. For the special awards dinner, we suggest gentlemen wear sport coats and ladies wear dresses or business pant suits. The Executive Committee will also host a beach themed reception on Saturday, June 8th. You will want to wear your shorts, flip flops, and Hawaiian shirts! Our Mended Little Hearts families will also be joining us for this fun evening!! Be sure to remember comfortable walking shoes for touring San Diego. Bring your sunglasses and light backpacks for carrying bottled water and/or medications. MOST IMPORTANTLY – REMEMBER YOUR CAMERA!
Be sure to remember comfortable walking shoes for walking any tours you’ve purchased. Bring your sunglasses and light backpacks for carrying bottled water or medications. MOST IMPORTANTLY – REMEMBER YOUR CAMERA!
Featured Events
Game Night: Thursday, June 6th, 7:00 p.m. Bring your board games and playing cards and join us for Mended Hearts’ first official game night.
Movie Night: Poolside, Friday, June 7th, 8:30 p.m. You’re invited to Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts movie night! Join us for a poolside movie and refreshments.
Meet and Greet Reception: Poolside, Saturday, June 8th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mended Hearts and Mended Little Hearts Come meet and greet the President and National Executive Committee! Don’t forget to wear your beach attire – shorts, flip flops, and Hawaiian shirts welcome! Entertainment and heavy appetizers will be served.
Fitness Strolls
No need to miss your regular walks, join fellow MHI members for several organized walks throughout the week.
Zumba
Zumba will be offered again this year! Zumba is an exhilarating, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance-fitness party that’s moving millions of people toward exercise and better health. You won’t want to miss this Zumba experience!
Health Screenings
Health screenings will be available at no charge in the exhibit area.
Scooters
Scooters will be available to rent. In order to provide the vendor an estimated head count, please be sure to indicate scooter needs on your registration form under the “Special Requests” section. Rental costs are $150 for 5 days (one-half the normal fee) and must be paid for in advance.
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Meals
The hotel has been provided with heart-healthy guidelines for meal preparations and will offer healthy options when possible. Don’t forget to sign up for Farewell Dinner seating preferences at the registration table upon check-in!
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