Annual Conference

Thirty-Second Annual
Appalachian Studies Conference

March 27-29, 2009

Connecting Appalachia and the World Through Traditional and Contemporary Arts, Crafts, and Music

Conference registration is $150,
and $100 for Students.

Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio

1. Please bring presentations on a flash drive or a CD as SSU has a tight IT security system which does not allow for “outside” computers being hooked up to their projectors. Only SSU computers in the rooms being used can access Internet.

2. Be prepared for “Plan B” for your presentation—just in case. We have had several meetings and conversations with SSU IT people and have prepared and shared lists of presenters’ IT needs with them. We are hopeful that all will work well and that your presenting technical needs will be met. ASA has made arrangements for two SSU technical assistance people to be on hand—again, just in case. They will not be visiting each room to do an IT set up for each session.

3. All sessions have an identified convener or moderator. Should that person at the last minute be unable to attend the conference or session, would the first presenter please start the session on time; invite each presenter to do a self introduction; help watch the clock so that each presentation gets their fair share of the time; facilitate about 5 – 10 minutes of Q & A with the audience at the end of the session; and close the session on time? THANKS.

The 2009 ASA Conference highlights the wealth of traditional and contemporary arts, crafts, and music of Appalachia and how they connect the region with the world. It examines their relationships with the environment and the economy; identity, image, and community; heritage and culture; art and the artist; tradition and change; and theory and action. You are invited to explore and share these memory, landscape, and community relationships that contribute to Appalachia’s connection with the world through arts, crafts, and music by organizing a panel, submitting a research paper, assembling a roundtable discussion, developing a workshop, creating a poster, or producing a display table.

Make plans now to experience this conference being held for the very first time in Ohio Appalachia! You are invited to help “make the connection” by joining more than 600 colleagues in participating in the conference through:

For those needing to fly to the Conference, the closest airport is the Tri-State Airport near Huntington, WV, which is about 1 ½ hours from Portsmouth. Other airports 2 ½ hours away are in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. The Local Arrangements Committee has selected several accommodations, all fairly close to Shawnee State University. Blocks of rooms are being held at several hotels/motels on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ask for the Appalachian Studies Association Conference rates.

Ramada Inn
about 2 blocks from SSU campus
711 Second Street, Portsmouth
$72 plus tax includes breakfast; 740-354-7711; www.ramadainnportsmouth.com.

Shawnee Lodge & Resort
Shawnee State Park, about 15 miles from downtown Portsmouth, about 20 - 30 minutes drive time
U.S. Rt. 52 to SR 125, Friendship
$80 plus tax in the Lodge; $129 plus tax for cabins (very nice cabins for 6 - 8 people); 740-858-6621; www.shawneelodgeresort.com.
Rooms released Nov. 20, so reserve early!

AmeriStay
formerly a Days Inn, recently renovated; about 3 miles north of downtown Portsmouth
3762 U.S. Hwy. 23
$55 plus tax; breakfast; 740-354-2851.

Holiday Inn Express
about 3 miles north of downtown Portsmouth off U.S. Route 23
5100 Old Scioto Trail; $85 plus tax; breakfast; 740-353-3232; www.hiexpress.com/portsmouthoh.

Super 8 Motel
about 3 miles north of downtown Portsmouth
4266 U.S. Hwy. 23; $55 plus tax (subject to change in 2009); breakfast; 740-353-8880.

Days Inn Wheelersburg
10 minutes from campus
8340 Ohio River Road, Wheelersburg, Ohio
740-574-8431 Connie Cunningham
Would extend their corporate rate: for 2 people $53.10 plus tax and for 1 person, $48.60 plus tax.