Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
What is the conference session structure?
When can I look at the session descriptions for the 2009 conference?
Should I attend the Pre-Conference Training Clinic?
What materials do I need to bring?
Where can I check my email?
What is the conference dress code?
What is the weather like in Vail?
How do I get to Vail?
Where do I check in for the conference?
What is there to do in Vail?
What do the registration fees include?
What are the conference payment terms?
What is the cancellation policy?
IMPORTANT NOTE about traveling to high altitude areas
Who should attend?
From beginners to expert users, all EMS Professional, EMS Enterprise, EMS Campus and EMS Workplace and EMS
Master Calendar users are encouraged to attend. (The conference does not cover EMS Lite
functionality, which is better addressed through online training.) Not only will
you get to learn and ask questions about your specific system, but you will also have the
opportunity to network with over 250 other EMS users in your same situation from a number of
industries including corporations, higher education, public schools, religious organizations, libraries,
healthcare organizations and government offices.
Top
What is the conference session structure?
The EMS Users Conference is specifically designed to offer you as much training and insight
as possible in a two-and-a-half day period. Every day is packed with 45-minute session
blocks, each consisting of 4-5 different classes to choose from. Most sessions are led by an
EMS instructor, speaking on a particular topic and demonstrating functions and processes in a
working copy of EMS. To help you choose the best classes for you, a program with course
descriptions (including the system(s) that the course covers) will be made available
roughly a month before the conference.
Other sessions include customer showcases, where current EMS customers share tips and tricks
they’ve discovered using their software. A number of EMS partner presentations will also be offered.
In addition to these educational sessions, the "EMS Resource Lab" will also be available to attendees
throughout the conference. This is a chance to talk one-on-one with a member of the EMS staff
about specific software questions. Computers equipped with EMS will be available for hands-on
use as you walk through questions or to try out newly-learned software functionality.
Top
When can I look at the session descriptions for the 2009 conference?
While preliminary schedules of the 2009 conference will be made available regularly, the final
program will not be published until roughly a month before the conference. To get a good idea of session offerings, we
suggest referring to last year's program. To request a .PDF copy of the 2008 EMS Users
Conference program, please email emsconference@dea.com.
Top
Should I attend the Pre-Conference Training Clinic?
The Pre-Conference training (Sunday, September 13) is an intensive one-day session designed to give new users a jump-start in
their understanding of EMS as a foundation for the general conference sessions. The
benefit of the Pre-Conference training is its interactive teaching approach: Each participant
has use of a laptop preloaded with EMS for hands-on learning. Also, class sizes are kept small
to allow for more questions and interaction between students and instructors (the expert EMS
Client Services team). Continental breakfast and a boxed lunch are provided.
Topics to be covered:
- Review of Core Data Configuration
- Making and Editing Reservations
- Data Inquiries and the Browser
- Basic Overview and Use of Billing
Note: This is a separate event with limited availability. - It is not included as part
of the EMS Conference Program or Conference Registration Fees.
The registration fee for the EMS Pre-Conference Training Clinic is $345.00 per person. Registration
for the EMS Conference itself is required in order to attend this special event. Conference payment terms
apply. The registration fee for this event is non-refundable.
Top
What materials do I need to bring?
It is not necessary to bring any materials, like copies of your EMS database or User Manual,
with you to the conference. Instructors will present their sessions using working copies of
EMS and a sample database. Session information is displayed on-screen for easy note taking.
All sessions are compiled at the end of the conference on a CD and mailed to each attendee.
Top
Where can I check my email?
A small Internet café will be available to attendees during the conference. If you would like
more flexibility in checking your email, you are welcome to bring your laptop. Guest rooms
and hotel common areas are equipped with wireless internet which can be accessed for a small fee.
Top
What is the conference dress code?
Conference attire is casual and you are encouraged to dress for comfort. Cocktail/business casual is
suggested, but not required for the Opening Mixer, Conference Reception and Closing Banquet.
Top
What is the weather like in Vail?
Colorado is on Mountain Daylight Savings Time in September. The average daily temperature for Vail
in September is 65/35 (high/low) degrees Fahrenheit. There is always a chance for rain or snow, but more
likely it will be sunny and brisk with very low levels of humidity. Pack layers!! Colorado has very unpredictable
weather. One day could be 40 degrees and rainy, while the next could be near 80 degrees.
When planning your trip, please take into consideration the higher altitude, arid climate and guaranteed sunshine.
Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring along sunscreen if you are planning outdoor activities.
Top
How do I get to Vail?
There are two main options for traveling to Vail:
Denver International Airport (DEN) is
your best bet for flying to Colorado. It is, by land size, the largest international airport
in the United States and the fifth busiest.
Keep this in mind while traveling and make sure to be early when checking in. DEN
is approximately 2.5 hours from Vail.
Eagle County Airport (EGE) is a small
regional airport that offers flights to and from
a handful of cities across the U.S. EGE is approximately 35 minutes away from Vail.
Transportation to and from the airport is not included as part of the conference fee. There are a
number of convenient and economical public transportation options including buses, taxis, shuttles
and limousines. More information on possible ride shares among conference attendees will be available
as the conference gets closer.
Another option is renting a car. We are pleased to offer our conference participants guaranteed
car rental rates with Hertz. Click below to make a reservation. Please not that the Vail Marriott charges
$23/day for parking.
(Note: The Convention Number that entitles attendees to the special rate is 022Q4234.
This number should already be in the the "Convention Number (CN)"
field at the bottom of the online form. You can also use the Convention Number to
reserve this special rate over the phone at 800-654-2240.)
Top
What do I do when I arrive at the hotel?
Check-in for your sleeping room will be at the front desk right as you walk into the hotel.
Check-in for the conference will take place at the conference registration and information area
from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM on Sunday, September 13 and 7:00AM to 12:00PM on Monday, September 14.
At check-in, you will receive your conference name badge, conference program and any updates.
Top
What is there to do in Vail?
Vail is famous for its wide range of activities – from its world-class mountain sports to its
charming downtown and boutique shops. Vail is also known for its entertaining Oktoberfest celebrations,
which take place in September. The Vail Marriott offers unmatched views and easy access to numerous trails
and Vail Village, site of most of the town’s dining and shopping options.
Check out Marriott's Vail Visitor's Guide
for a great resource on what Vail has to offer.
Top
What do the registration fees include?
Pre-Conference Training Clinic Fee ($345) Includes:
- Continental breakfast and boxed lunch Sunday, September 13th
- Use of laptop computer for hands-on learning
- Small group training covering basics of EMS
Conference Attendee Registration Fee ($745 Early Bird, or $895) Includes:
- All conference materials and admission to all sessions
- EMS Opening Mixer, Sunday, September 13th
- EMS Conference Reception, Monday, September 14th
- Continental breakfast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- Lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
- Closing Banquet, Wednesday, September 16th
Guest Registration Fee ($195) Includes:
- EMS Opening Mixer, Sunday, September 13th
- EMS Conference Reception, Monday, September 14th
- Closing Banquet, Wednesday, September 16th
Note: Fee covers all three social events; no "single-event" pricing available.
Registration Does Not Include:
- Dinner Sunday, Monday or Tuesday evenings (EMS Conference Welcome Reception
on Monday offers cocktails and heavy appetizers)
- Travel arrangements and costs
- Lodging
- Parking fees
- Transportation costs to and from the airport
Top
What are the conference payment terms?
Payment for all conference fees is due at the time of registration. Credit card payments
will be processed immediately and a receipt will be emailed. If you choose payment by check
or purchase order, we will invoice you with Net 30 terms (please note we require a copy of
the PO via fax within 10 days, otherwise your registration is subject to cancellation).
Your registration status will remain “Pending” and a seat is not guaranteed until
fees are paid in full; a registration “Confirmation” will be emailed after we process
payment. If payment is not received on or before August 1st, 2009 your
registration will be cancelled. All fees are listed in U.S. dollars.
Please mail checks to:
Dean Evans & Associates, Inc.
ATTN: EMS Conference
5613 DTC Parkway, Suite 1250
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Please fax purchase orders to:
303-796-7429 ATTN: EMS Users Conference
Dean Evans & Associates accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Top
What is the cancellation policy?
The cancellation deadline for a partial refund is August 1th, 2009.
All cancellations received on or before August 1th, 2009 will be credited
all fees paid less a $50.00 processing charge. No refunds will be issued for cancellations
received on or after August 2th, 2009.
Top
IMPORTANT NOTE about traveling to high altitude areas:
Vail is at an altitude of 8,120 feet, which is significantly higher than most major US cities.
You will probably notice that your breathing is faster or deeper, you have an increased heart
rate and you may feel short of breath, especially when being active. This is the body’s first
and most effective response to altitude. Being in good physical condition has no bearing on
one’s ability to acclimate - approximately 20-30% of all visitors to Colorado will experience
some altitude illness symptoms.
Altitude sickness feels very much like a hangover or the flu (Headache; nausea; poor appetite;
run down feeling; shortness of breath). The recommendation for mild altitude sickness is
Tylenol or ibuprofen for the headache and Dramamine or Emetrol for the nausea. Also, drink
PLENTY OF WATER. These symptoms should go away in a day or two. Wet cough; disoriented feeling;
too weak to eat or get up; fingernails and/or lips blue in color; shortness of breath at rest;
balance and/or coordination problems are all very serious symptoms. If you should encounter
these, you should contact a physician as soon as possible.
To limit the effects altitude may have, increase fluid intake by drinking 8-10 glasses of
water each day. Water and juices are better than coffee or tea. Decrease salt intake. Increase
carbohydrate intake (pancakes, pasta and rice are good sources). Decrease protein intake.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake. (Note: one alcoholic beverage has the effect of two when
you are at altitude.) Avoid tranquilizer pills or sleeping aids, as they slow your breathing.
And if you know you have a history of altitude sickness, don't fret! There is a prescription
drug called Diamox which prevents altitude illness and speeds up the acclimation process.
It is given 24 hours prior to arriving at altitude and for 2 days after arrival. Contact your
physician for more information.
Top