The conference will take place in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is nestled at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most-visited national park.
For additional information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm.
What are some highlights of the conference?
Monday
Conference begins with an afternoon exhibit preview and Stegner Lecture performance.
We will enjoy a ride on the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway en route to an evening of dinner and dancing at Ober Gatlinburg.
Tuesday
A jam packed day with general and concurrent sessions.
Fun-filled night at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with dinner, dancing, and the TEAMS "Making a Difference" Award presentation.
Wednesday
Continuation of general and concurrent sessions.
During lunch, everyone will have an opportunity to meet with your NMEA chapter.
Annual auction will take place in the evening.
Keynote Address by Dr. Eugenie Clark, the Shark Lady.
Thursday
More general and concurrent sessions.
The afternoon is highlighted with the awards presentation followed by a real Tennessee Hoedown at Dumplin Valley farm.
Friday
Today is full of field trips to many exciting destinations around East Tennessee.
Day concludes with entertainment at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede (optional).
What are the important dates I need to remember?
Scholarships: January 1 – April 1, 2010
Awards: all nominations due by April 1, 2010
Call for Presentations Deadline: February 26, 2010
Early Bird Registration Deadline: April 1, 2010
Advance Registration Deadline: May 1, 2010
Late Registration Deadline: July 14, 2010
On-Site Registration Begins: July 18, 2010
How do I register for the conference?
Registration is
Please click on the Registration section of the website to complete the process online.
Are meals included in the conference registration fee?
Yes, the following meals are included in the registration fee. Reception on Monday, lunch and dinner on Tuesday, lunch and dinner on Wednesday, lunch and dinner on Thursday, and a patio lunch on Friday (if participating in a field trip). We will offer a variety of foods throughout the conference. A vegetarian option will be available at all meals.
Breakfast is on your own as we want to give you the opportunity to experience one or more of Gatlinburg’s pancake houses. A breakfast buffet is also available at the Glenstone Lodge.
What is the conference hotel?
The conference hotel is the Glenstone Lodge. We have a rate of $99 plus tax per night for up to 4 people per room. For reservation information see the Lodging page.
Where will the sessions take place?
The general sessions will take place in Mills Auditorium at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. The concurrent sessions will take place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center as well as the Glenstone Lodge.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you may bring your family. Gatlinburg is a fun, family destination and there is a lot to keep your family busy while you are attending sessions. While we do not recommend bringing children to sessions, we will have family rate tickets available for the evening events.
What are the travel options to get to Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg is only a day’s drive away for half the U.S. population. The Glenstone Lodge does offer complimentary vehicle parking for guests.
The closest airport to Gatlinburg is McGhee-Tyson (TYS) in Knoxville. The following airlines service this airport: Allegiant, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United and US Airways. We have arranged a shuttle service to and from McGhee-Tyson Airport. There is a fee for the shuttle; however it is a fraction of the taxi cost. For shuttle reservations, contact Linda with Rocky Top Tours at 877.315.8687.
The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is 220 miles from Gatlinburg. The following airlines service this airport: American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest, Skyway/Midwest, Southwest, United, US Airways, and AirCanada. You will need to rent a car and drive from Nashville to Gatlinburg.
Driving Directions to Gatlinburg
From I-40, take Exit 407. Travel 8 miles south on Highway 66 to Sevierville. Follow Highway 441 South for approximately 16 miles from Sevierville, through Pigeon Forge, into Gatlinburg. Turn left at traffic light #8 onto Airport Road. The Gatlinburg Convention Center and Glenstone Lodge will be on your right.
Traffic in the Smokies can get heavy, especially in July. You may want to try one of these less-traveled and scenic routes to Gatlinburg.
From Virginia – Take I-81 South to I-40 East to Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Highway 321 South all the way into Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.
From Lexington – From Knoxville take I-75 South to I-640 East to I-40 East to Exit 435 (Newport). Follow Highway 321 South all the way into Gatlinburg. Approximate dive time from the interstate: 45 minutes.
From Chattanooga – Take Exit 81 on I-75 North and follow Highway 321 North to Gatlinburg through Maryville and Townsend. Approximate drive time from the interstate: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
From Nashville – Take I-40 East to I-75 South to Exit 81 and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend. Approximate drive time from the interstate: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
From Asheville – Take I-40 West to Exit 440 and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from the airport: 45 minutes.
I didn’t rent or bring a car; will I be able to get around?
Yes. Transportation for all conference functions, including field trips, will be provided.
The Glenstone Lodge and Gatlinburg Convention Center are just a short walk from one another. Both the Glenstone Lodge and Gatlinburg Convention Center are stops on the Gatlinburg Trolley System that runs throughout town. Trolley maps will be available at NMEA Central.
What will the weather be like during the conference?
Gatlinburg is hot in July with an average high of 86 and average low of 75. The weather in Gatlinburg can change rapidly because of the city’s elevation and afternoon showers are not uncommon during the summer months.
If I decide to come a few days before or stay a few days after the conference, is there anything to do?
Yes. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just minutes away from our conference location. For a complete list of activities see the Things To Do page.