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SERFA Registration Information (and how to get to the hotel from Nashville.)

On-line registration for the conference is now closed. You can still register in-person at MTSU or at the hotel - see the conference schedule for the registration hours. The hotel address is 1850 Old Fort Parkway (also known as highway 96).

Hotel reservations must be made directly with the Doubletree Hotel at (800) 222-tree or (615) 895-5555.

Directions to the hotel from Nashville:

Take I24 east to exit 78B (you’ll go under Old Fort Parkway (AKA Highway 96)).

About two blocks later, you’ll see the Doubletree’s sign on your left.

Turn left at Market, before you pass the Doubletree.

The hotel can be accessed via the frontage road.

HERE IT IS… FINALLY!!!

SERFA CONFERENCE SCHEDULE  (subject to slight revision)
 
THURSDAY:                                    
5:00 -8:00 pm            Registration at DoubleTree
8:00 pm                      Open Stage at DoubleTree
                                    
                                    
FRIDAY:                                     
8:00 - 11:00 am           Registration at DoubleTree            
9:00 - 11:00 am           Group Breakfast at DoubleTree (buyout)            
11:00 - 1:00 pm           Free time  (get over to MTSU, get your exhibit set up, meet some folks)          
12:00 - 5:00 pm           Registration at MTSU
12:30 - 2:00 pm           Meet and Greet + Hors d’oeurves in Exhibit Hall - MTSU            
2:15  - 3:45 pm            Workshops at MTSU
4:00 - 5:30 pm             Workshops at MTSU
5:45 – 7:00 pm             Dinner at MTSU – outside picnic - MTSU
7:00 – 10:30 pm           Showcases  MTSU            
11:00 pm -2 am           Guerilla Showcases at DoubleTree
                                    
SATURDAY:                                    
Breakfast on your own - All events at MTSU except as noted
8:00 – 10:30 am            Registration                         
9:15- 10:30 am            Workshop 1
10:45 - 12:00 noon     Workshop 2            
12:00 - 1:30 pm           Lunch             
1:45 - 3:45 pm            Exhibit Hall and Mentor Sessions                        
4:00 - 5:30 pm           Workshop 3            
6:00- 7:30 pm            Dinner – Outside Picnic                        
7:30 - 10:30 pm           Showcases            
11:00-2:00 am            Guerilla Showcases at DoubleTree            
                                    
SUNDAY:
                                    All Events at DoubleTree                        
8:30 - 10:00 am        Group Breakfast at hotel & SERFA planning/SERFA 2009
10:00 – 12 noon         Solo/Duo fast pitch showcases
12 noon - 1:30 pm      Closing lunch and wrap up                        
 

Registration and showcase deadlines for the 2008 conference have been extended. 

Early registration rate of $120 has been extended until September 15.  Please register by clicking on the registration link to your left. 

The Doubletree Hotel has also extended their killer $89 per night rate through September 15.

Deadline for applying for a showcase spot has been extended until September 8.  You may apply electronically or by snail mail, but we must have your info by that date (not just postmrked by the date) .  Click on the showcase link to your left for all the details.

We realize that the original dealines fell on a holiday weekend, and the end of the summer and back-to-school time can be hectic.  So we hope these new deadlines give you enough time to register and submit for a showcase.  Its goinng to be a great conference and we hope to see you there!

The SERFA Conference Registration form is now available, just click on the link to your left.

Do it NOW!!  Discounted registration rates through September 1

Don’t forget to make a hotel reservation at the Doubletree Hotel (615) 895-555 or (800) 222-tree.  Remember to ask for the SERFA rate of $89.00 per room night guaranteed through September 1 and let them know if you want a music room or a quiet room.

Registration Questions?? Send them to Betty at bfriedrichsen2650@charter.net

Info on applying for a showcase is also available, click on the showcase link to your left.  There is no actual “form” just send the requested items by mail or email.

We’ve got a lot planned for our innaugural conference…check back often for updates on panelists, specific workshop topics and a complete schedule.

Professional Development – Workshops, panel discussions, and mentor sessions aimed at helping musicians continue to grow and develop their craft and their careers; recording at home/studio, songwriting critique/analysis and much more

Venue and House Concerts – We will host a series of workshops specifically for venues/house concerts. Let’s get the Southeast organized for stronger touring options while building bigger audiences!

Southeast Culture – Explore the rich cultures of the Southeast; old-time/trad, Appalachian, Celtic, Cajun….

Music - of course, lots and lots of music

 WHEN

• Friday, October 17 through Sunday, October 19
• Plan to arrive on Thursday night for a pre-conference reception and stay until Sunday at 2pm – there will be a general meeting in the morning, followed by showcasing and a lunch wrap-up meeting

WHERE

• Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN
  MTSU is located roughly 45 minutes from the Nashville airport
• Our conference hotel is the Doubletree Mufreesboro

HOW

• Register SOON! Early bird discount end September 1…visit our registration page (it will be up in a couple days (we promise!)
• Make your hotel reservations!
  Conference rate of $89.00 guaranteed through SEPTEMBER 1
  Please call the hotel at (615) 895-5555 or the general reservations number (800) 222 8733.  Be sure to let them know a part of the SERFA Conference and specify a music room or quiet room (they will be in different wings of the hotel)
• Apply for a showcase – official showcase deadline is AUGUST 30…visit our showcase page
  There will be showcase opportunities Friday and Saturday night, as well as Sunday morning

HELP

• We need volunteers and sponsors… please visit our sponsor page

October 17-19 SERFA - Southeast Regional Folk Alliance
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Murfreesboro, TN

Showcase deadline: August 30, 2008 (Selected artists will be notified by mid-September)

The 1st Annual SERFA Conference will be Friday, October 17th through Sunday, October 19th at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN.  There will be showcases, workshops, exhibit space, and a great opportunity to learn, share, and network with folks from all over the Southeastern Region.

Plan to arrive on Thursday night for a pre-conference reception and stay until Sunday at 2pm – showcasing will be scheduled that morning, with closing lunch afterward.

MTSU is located roughly 45 minutes from Nashville airport.

Here are a few of the great workshops we have planned:

Pro-Development - (recording at home/studio, songwriting critique/analysis) and much more

Venue and House Concerts - SERFA, Fran Snyder of concertsinyourhome.com and others to host a series of workshops for venues/house concerts. Let’s get the Southeast organized for stronger touring options while building bigger audiences!

Southeast Culture – Explore the rich cultures of the Southeast old-time/trad, Appalachian, Celtic, Cajun….

Please feel free to email comments and suggestions on our listserv.  If you’re not subscribed to the SERFA listserv yet, Subscribe Now!

Registration, showcase, and exhibitor information will be available mid-July!