2010 NICE Conference
Conference Details/Reminders

Arrival:
On-site conference  registration and room check-in will be conducted in the lobby of Morrill Hall on the UT campus beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2010.

Departure:
The conference will end before lunch on Wednesday, July 21, 2010.

Parking:
Vehicles (automobiles, vans, buses, etc.)  parked on the UT campus and not displaying a proper parking permit will be fined or towed at the owners expense. Parking permits must be requested as part of each state’s registration summary sheet (prior to the conference). Parking permits will not be sold/issued at the residence hall. Parking permits not requested as part of the state’s pre-registration summary sheet must be purchased in the campus University Center during office hours.

Telephones and Cell Phones:
Students bringing cell phones need to keep phones in their rooms during all sessions and activities. Please do not use cell phones unless during free time. Any youth bringing a cell phone must remember that if lost or stolen, it is their responsibility and not that of NICE.

In Case of Emergency:
If parents need to contact youth in the event of an emergency and they cannot be contacted by cell phone, then please contact Joe Jackson (Tennessee Council of Cooperatives) at 615-330-0643 (cell number).

Cancellations:
Any last minute changes or cancellations should be reported to Joe Jackson (Tennessee Council of Cooperatives) 615-330-0643 (cell number).

Money:
Though students have been sponsored to attend the NICE conference, they should bring extra cash just in case. There will also be opportunities to buy snacks, souvenirs and student cooperative items.

Complete Information on Registration Forms:
Everyone attending the NICE Conference must complete all the information on the registration form. Information not completed when submitted must be completed during on-site registration.

Portable Wireless Devices (CD player/iPods/Blackberry):
It is understood that some youth like to use these items for traveling and free time purposes. These items MUST stay in your rooms during conference activities! Please also know that they are your responsibility and not NICE if lost or stolen.

Do Not Bring:
Please do not bring illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or any tobacco products. University facilities are alcohol and smoke free. Any student bringing these items will be sent home immediately from the conference.

Bedding:
All room assignments will be made by the host state. All conference accommodations will be provided in University of Tennessee Housing (Morrill Hall) which provides two sleeping rooms connected by a bathroom with two occupants per room (total of four people per suite, one bathroom). All adult volunteers will be occupying a private room that is part of a two-room suite connected by a bathroom (two adults per bathroom). Each person staying in University housing will be provided with a blanket and bed sheets, one pillow and a pillow case, one towel and one washcloth. In the event that any linen item or any university property is damaged or not returned, the responsible individuals and their host state will be liable for damages. 

What to Bring:

• Pillow, extra towel and wash cloth as needed (see previous section)
• Beach towel
• Personal toiletries
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable clothing and shoes for daily activities (see dress code)
• Light jacket in case of rain
• Nice, professional outfit for the Outstanding Youth Scholar contest, if you are interested or selected
• Camera (optional)
• Costumes, musical instruments, music, etc. for the talent show
• Nice outfit and shoes for our final banquet (see dress code)

Dress Code:
The dress code and behavior of all NICE Conference participants should reflect a high level of integrity, taste and respect. Comfortable and casual attire that is tasteful and appropriate is accepted. Pants and tops should not be revealing in any way. Khaki pants and tops with collars are preferred. Conservative shorts, jeans and attractive T-shirts are acceptable. Short-shorts, mini-skirts, baggies, ripped and torn clothing, low-cut pants or tops, halter tops, tube tops, strapless tops, bra-less tops, spaghetti straps, vulgar, obscene, suggestive or revealing clothing (no bare midriffs) are not appropriate clothing for adults or students at NICE. Caps will not be permitted inside facilities. Participants wearing clothing deemed inappropriate by conference leaders will be asked to change. For the Tuesday night banquet, all conference participants (adults and students) are asked to wear more formal, church-type attire (sport coat and ties, long pants, button-up shirts for males; skirts, dressy pant suits, or dresses for females). Participants will be allowed time to change into casual clothes before the dance on Tuesday night. All conference participants will be provided with an official “the fUTure is NICE” T-shirt to be worn on Monday for the Dollywood trip.

Tuesday Evening Banquet:
We will hold a nice banquet on Tuesday evening, at which we will be giving out special awards. Dressier clothing is appropriate for the occasion. Boys may wear nice pants, slacks, shirt and tie, suit, etc. Girls may wear a dress, skirt and top, nice pants outfit, etc. Official FFA attire is also acceptable. Please dress up in good taste.

The Tennessee Experience:
A fun-filled afternoon and evening has been planned for Monday at the Dollywood theme park in heart of the nearby Smoky Mountains. Many of the rides are water-rides so prepare to get wet. 

Outstanding Youth Scholar Contest:
There will be two individuals (one male and one female) selected during the conference as the “Outstanding Youth Scholars.” Each state can select one male and one female to enter this contest. Each state nominee must complete an application form and will participate in an interview process during the conference. If you are interested, then please come prepared with a nice, professional outfit for interviewing. The two “Outstanding Youth Scholars” selected at the 2009 NICE Conference will receive special recognition and return to the 2010 NICE Conference in a student leadership role.

Talent Show
As part of the banquet on Tuesday night, there will be a "talent show" featuring various acts and performances by conference participants. Registration to participate in the talent show will take place earlier in the week. All conference participants are encouraged to participate in the show. Those interested in participating should bring necessary items for their talent performance with them (items may include musical instrument(s) and music). For additional information or questions, please contact Vicki Lantz at vlantz@pa.net or Mike Woods at mwoods@cvschools.org.

Specialty Groups:
There is also an opportunity at the conference to volunteer for special duties. These include serving on a committee such as newspaper, newscast and stage crew or volunteering as a MC throughout the week. Sign-ups for these will be held during conference registration on Saturday

Student-Led Devotional Service
There will be a nondenominational, student-led devotional service held on the Sunday morning of the conference. This will be an opportunity for those interested to provide assistance with its implementation.

Questions and Concerns:
Please contact Joe Jackson at 615-330-0643