What gets written in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
Actually that’s not so special – as you know, everything that gets written in an AWA group stays there!
But what is special is attending the Professional Development and Writing Retreat and connecting with your AWA peers. Last year’s conference in Albuquerque was a fantastic event where AWA affiliates, facilitators and board members met and shared ideas, strategies, challenges and visions for their own writing, their facilitation practices, and for the organization. This year’s will be even more dynamic.
AWA Professional Development and Writing Retreat 2019
Who: For anyone who has ever been certified to facilitate workshops in the AWA method
When: The official event goes from Friday evening on October 4th to Monday after lunch on October 7th. For anyone who wants to stay on, Monday afternoon there is an optional post-conference trip to Red Rock Canyon for some outdoor time in the beautiful Nevada desert.
Where: The Alexis Park Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Enjoy 3 nights accommodation in Las Vegas’ largest non-gaming hotel, on 16 acres, 5 minutes off “the Strip.”
Why: So many reasons! If you’re already in, skip to the logistics below. Otherwise, read on to see a few we’re highlighting, or share your own with the #AWAretreat2019…
To be supported in your own writing practice.
You hold space for others all the time, and you write along with them. But that means that a part of you is always on alert – watching the time, holding the practices kindly but firmly.
Come and be supported in your own writing by facilitators who know the AWA practices and will hold that safe space for you.
To support your Professional Development and the development of your writing facilitation business or service.
Leaders who attended last year’s Professional Development retreat reinvigorated their practice and connected with a network of professionals doing similar work. In formal workshops and informal discussions over meals, we shared our challenges, our ideas, our solutions and our best practices. We wrote new marketing copy and developed new offerings. We offered our ideas on where AWA could go as an organization. Katie Frank, AWA’s managing director, helped attendees develop and post their online profiles on the AWA website.
This year, attend member presentations and workshops on:
- Best practices for marketing and social media
- Working with social service agencies and marginalized groups
- Developing your website or blog to support your facilitation practices
- Getting grants for your social service work
- The best online platforms for holding workshops
- And more… We’re interested in what YOU have to offer. When you register, you will be asked if you are interested in leading one writing session or in presenting on a topic or being part of a panel. You don’t have to be an expert—maybe you’ve always wanted to lead a group for at-risk youth or a group for writing about grief and are willing to start a discussion about it. Come prepared to offer what you already know and facilitate resource sharing among your peers.
To build your AWA community and resource network
Develop your peer network—get to know other affiliates. Meet members of the Board. Feel more connected to the organization as a whole. Discover resources you may not be aware of in the organization.
Retreat in a supportive location
Fall is a fabulous time to visit Las Vegas. In early October days vary between 77 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit (25 to 29 degrees Celsius). The minimum temperature usually falls between 56 and 61 °F (13 to 16 °C).
The Alexis Park Resort is the largest all-suite, non-gaming hotel in Las Vegas. The resort is situated on beautifully landscaped grounds a five-minute drive or a half-hour stroll from the Strip; guests will also find the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, University of Nevada, and world-renowned entertainment just minutes away.
Alexis Park’s secluded courtyard offers three sparkling pools, poolside cabanas, lush landscaping and a steamy hot tub. There is also a stylish lounge bar and on-site restaurant, fitness center and complimentary shuttle service to and from McCarran International Airport.
Their contemporary suites provide a relaxing stay at an affordable price. All accommodations include coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs and plenty of space to spread out and unwind.
- Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet in most public areas
- Three outdoor pools (two open year-round)
- Poolside cabanas and towel service
- Hot tub
- On-site restaurant and lounge bar
- Meeting and banquet space
- Complimentary parking in a secure lot
- Sundries shop
- Fitness center (6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
- Complimentary shuttle to airport and Planet Hollywood (7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.)*
- Dog friendly in selected rooms ($100 plus tax non-refundable fee) (Additional Penalties may occur up to $800 for pets in Non-Designated Rooms)
- Complimentary safe deposit boxes
To see more of the hotel in their Photo Gallery, please visit this link.
There will also be an opportunity on Monday to extend your stay and visit Red Rocks National Park.
Ready to join us?
Retreat Cost
This includes the retreat program and meals (dinner on Friday night, midday meal Saturday and Sunday, and closing meal on Monday). Accommodations are booked separately – please see below.
$545.00 full price, with $100 off for affiliates ($445) and $50 Early Bird discount if booked by July 31, 2019 (either $495 or $395 depending on affiliate status). A $200 deposit will hold your space, which you can pay online or offline when you begin the registration process below.
Hotel Cost
PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for accommodation must be booked individually with Alexis Park Resort.
Professional Development and Writing Retreat Dates
| Friday, Oct 4 | Saturday Oct. 5 | Sunday Oct. 6 |
| $79.00 | $79.00 | $59.00 |
Room rates are subject to Clark County Room tax of 13.38%
Shoulder Dates
Hotel will extend a special rate of $59.00 for guests who choose to arrive or stay-over two days pre- or post-conference dates shown above—offer based on hotel availability and at its sole discretion. You can book these extra nights online at the time of booking your nights for the Retreat.
Rates shown above are based on single, double, triple or quad occupancy. In other words, if you choose to share a room with another attendee, your room costs could be halved or reduced still further.
Click the button below book your accommodation directly with our hotel block.
Pay in full
Are you already registered for the retreat and ready to make a payment on the balance of what you owe? Please click the button below to pay online or view instructions for making a payment by check.
Joining us? Tell your friends & help spread the word!
If you have financial challenges that would make it difficult for you to attend even with the discounts we will be offering financial assistance for a limited number of attendees.
Please contact sue@amherstwriters.org for more information.