Jain Digest 2004 04 Vol 23 No 2

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 5

Update on JAINA Convention 2005
Jai Jinendra
As most of you know by now that next JAINA convention is set to take place during the Fourth of July weekend (July 1-4, 2005). It is going to be hosted by Jain Center of Northern California (JCNC). In fact they would be hosting back-to-back conventions, YJA in 2004, and JAINA in 2005. Mark your calendar and plan to attend the convention.
A Convention Board consisting of four JAINA members and three JCNC members has been appointed. They are: Anop Vora, JAINA President, Bipin Shah, JCNC President, Samprati Shah, Chief Trustee Jain Center of Metropolitan Chicago, Dilip Punatar, Co-convener of JAINA 2003 in Cincinnatti, Hasu Shah, Girish Shah, Co convener, and Kirit C Daftary, Convener.
JAINA has already signed contract with the convention center in Santa Clara, CA. This is only about 5 miles from San Jose, CA airport and Jain Bhavan in Milpitas. We have been able to negotiate excellent room rates with Westin, Hilton and Marriott hotel in the area during the convention period.
We are planning to add several new features to the convention programs to make the convention going experience richer. There will be workshops to learn subject in-depth as well as regular programs. California being far for many attendees, optional tour of California is being planned. We also plan to negotiate charter groups' rates from many cities to have cheaper airfare. The convention center is adjacent to the Westin; you don't have to worry about crossing the road to get to the Hotel. You can network with your friends, relatives; enjoy the programs etc. from early morning till late night.
This is the Thirteenth JAINA biennial
convention, but the 3rd convention with major participation from JAINA. Our goal is to place lesser burden on local volunteers so they all can enjoy the convention as well. It also gives us chance to get more participation from rest of the Jain Centers. Hopefully, one day we can go to remote place like Hawaii or small town, USA and have a convention there even though there are no Jain centers to help out.
Experiences and lessons learnt from the past conventions are carried forward to this one. This time around we have formed a special committee, Planning and Co-ordination committee. One of their functions would be to record operating standards, processes and guidelines, which will be used for this convention. As the time goes by these processes and guidelines will be perfected to achieve our goal of convention at any location without sacrificing quality and creating extra burden on any one.
We have formed over ten committees as follows: Planning and Co-ordination, Financial Management, Convention facility, Technology, Fund-raising, Programming, Youth Programs, Lodging and Guest Services, Marketing and Public Relations and Food Committee. If you enjoy participating in any of the committees, have experience and time to participate in this great convention, please contact us immediately. We have sent letters to all Sanghs for the participation with the detail description on each of these committees.
Let us know if you need any information or clarifications. Check JAINA website, you will find latest information on convention as it becomes available. If you still have any questions, then please contact either Girish Shah or myself.
Best regards
Kirit C Daftary, Convener Kirit.daftary @jaina.org
Girish Shah,Co-convener girish.shah@jaina.org
JAIN DIGEST. Summer 2004 / 3
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