"Redefining Public Service Through Civic Engagement" is the theme of the 2012 ASPA Annual Conference.

Businesses, nonprofits, and citizen groups have become essential partners in government, contributing resources to community problem solving and public service delivery. Recently, the rapid expansion of technology and the development of social media has informed and empowered individuals and is changing the relationships between governments and citizens. The 2012 conference will bring together government and nonprofit professionals, scholars, students, and citizen groups to learn what is happening in various areas and obtain skills that they can implement in their communities, states and countries. Over 400 public service experts will be on hand to address concerns encountered in the work place and offer creative solutions. Through keynote presentations, SuperSessions, workshops, panels roundtable discussions and poster presentations attendees will experience first-hand leadership skills to elevate the public service profession.

 

Plan now to be a part of the most comprehensive public administration conference of the year!

 

The local Southern Nevada ASPA Chapter has created a web resource for finding out more about Las Vegas at http://aspa2012lasvegasconf.webstarts.com/index.html.

Las Vegas – the Entertainment Capital of the world and host to the 2012 ASPA Annual Conference. While your first thoughts may include visions of gambling and casinos, look a little deeper and you will find an assortment of reasons to visit this destination and its nonstop excitement. This once sleepy frontier town came alive in 1939 when gambling was legalized. A lot has changed since then but you can still see Freemont Street where it all began. For an historic look at early Vegas, visit some of the first establishments along the strip - Binions, the Golden Nugget and the Four Queens. The “new” Vegas has spectacular sights and attractions for all - dancing fountains enhanced by music and lights at the Ballagio, a wildlife habitat at the Flamingo, artifacts from the Titanic at the Luxor, an hourly volcanic eruption at the Mirage, gondola rides at the Venetian, visit the Eiffel Tower replica in the Paris Las Vegas hotel casino or a replica of the Statue of Liberty at New York-New York. All just minutes from the hotel.

For those of you who enjoy live entertainers, there is a limitless selection of celebrities. Top comedians such as Carrot Top, Frank Caliendo, Rita Rudner and George Wallace are regular headliners in the clubs. Musical performers include Donnie and Marie, Celine Dion and an endless array of celebrity impersonators. Magicians such as Penn & Teller and Nathan Burton will mystify you, Cirque Du Soleil will astound you, hypnotists will amaze you, and musical plays will delight you. If shopping is your pleasure, you’ve come to the right place. All of the famous name designers are represented offering you a true shopping experience.



When you are ready to catch a bite to eat, Las Vegas is ready to stimulate your tastebuds with world-class dining. Whatever your price range, you can find something to satisfy.  Mediterranean, Sushi, Italian, steaks, burgers, barbecue, seafood, Mexican, Southernstyle and much, much more….it’s all available in Vegas.

Getting around Las Vegas is easy. The Monorail leaves the Flamingo, ASPA’s Headquarters hotel, and makes 7 stops along the strip. In just 15 minutes or less you can connect to just about anywhere you want to go quickly and conveniently. And if you feel the urge to get out of the city, why not stay an extra day or two and visit the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam? Come to Las Vegas in March…..You’ll be glad you did!

 

 

 

 

ASPA Seeks Volunteers

An event as massive as the ASPA Annual Conference could not take place without literally hundreds of volunteers.  On site volunteers are key to a smooth transition from ideas to reality.  While it is a lot of work, you will enjoy it and have the opportunity to network with public administration professionals.


As a volunteer, you must agree to work a minimum of 1 or more (4 hour) shifts between the hours of 10:30am Wednesday, February 29, 2012 and 12:00pm Tuesday, March 6, 2012.  

If you want to become part of the ASPA team of volunteers for the 2012 conference, now is the time to register.  Visit us at www.aspanet.org.  You will need your ASPA username and password to complete the registration process.  


Once on the site, click the Event tab at the top to see the drop down menu.  On the drop down menu click Register for an ASPA Event.  Select the 2012 Conference Volunteer link and follow the steps.   If you have any questions on volunteering contact Patricia Yearwood at pyearwood@aspanet.org.  To learn more about the exciting events taking place during the conference visit our website at www.aspanet.org/2012conference/.


Attire for attendees while at the ASPA Annual Conference

 

 

 

 

ASPA wants attendees to be comfortable while at the conference in Las Vegas. The temperatures in March can go as low as 50 ° in the evenings and as high as 71° during the day. Feel free to dress casually while at conference events. Business suits and ties are not necessary. You may want to bring a coat or jacket for the evenings when you venture out of the hotel.