Who is hosting the 2009 Transformational Development Conference, and what is the purpose of this event?
Co-sponsored by Food for the Hungry and Eastern University, the Transformational Development Conference gathers a community united by God’s call to end physical and spiritual poverty worldwide. We desire to come together to engage in honest conversation that names our common hopes and signals the challenges we face. We convene to spur each other on to reshape our ways of visioning, living and doing Transformational Development.
Confirmed speakers include Rene Padilla, Tony Campolo, Jaisankar Sarma, Lisa Sharon Harper, and Benjamin Homan. Read their bios.
Who should attend and participate in this forum?
We encourage representation from relief and development organizations, universities and educational institutions, research bodies, churches and denominations, advocacy and mobilization movements, field programs, the arts and media, and governments. We cannot address the complexities of human poverty trapped in the traditional silos that separate the economist and the theologian, the practitioner and the academic, the North and the South, the church and the NGO, the agency and the beneficiary. The intent of the conference is to continue to draw a diversity of voices (including those who have yet to realize how relevant their gifts are) to the conversation and to engage them for change.
Where and when is the conference? What is the conference schedule?
The conference is located on the scenic campus of Eastern University (1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA, USA 19087). The campus boasts 92 beautiful acres of three lakes, wooded walking trails and protected wetlands. The conference officially begins on Friday, August 7th, 5:00 pm and ends on Sunday, August 9th, 4:00 pm. The full conference schedule can be found here. Major conference elements include plenary sessions, Q&As, workshops, roundtable meals, special evening events, and a panel discussion.
Do I need to register to attend the conference? When are the fees & deadlines for registration? Are meals included?
All attendees need to register here. We need to have all attendee information by July 31, 2009.
Early registration ends on June 19, 2009.
Regular registration ends on July 31, 2009.
There is a registration option that includes meals. For those who opt for this, meals will be provided by Eastern University's Dining Commons, is committed to locally grown food and fair trade coffee. During the conference, you will always find have a vegetarian entrée and salad bar options, as well as soy milk. If you have other food restrictions (e.g. gluten-free, allergies), please include this in the Special Requests section when you register. We are happy and will do our best to work with you and your individual needs.
Are there any scholarships available?
We invite academic institutions and organizations to help facilitate staff and student participation. However, we are unfortunately unable to offer scholarships this year. If you would like to contribute to the Global Leader Fund, click here.
If I cancel my registration, will I receive a refund?
If you need to cancel your registration, you will receive a partial refund of 70%. After July 31, we will not be able to refund any part of your registration fee.
What are my accommodation options?
1.) Your most convenient and budget-friendly option is on-campus housing in Gough Hall, which is walking distance from all conference sessions. Participants have the option to have an individual room or shared room (i.e. 2 or 3 people per room). To sign up for on-campus housing, select the corresponding conference fee when you register online. If you are sharing a room and want to request a roommate, please list the name(s) of conference participant(s) you would like to share a room with. To accommodate your request, each roommate must also list corresponding name(s) during registration.
2.) Below is list of local hotels at varying levels of price and distance from Eastern University:
Radnor Hotel www.theradnorhotel.com 591 East Lancaster Avenue, St. Davids, PA 19087 / 610-688-5800
Fairfield Inn www.marriott.com 258 Mall Boulevard, King Of Prussia, PA 19406 / (610) 337-0700
Best Western www.bestwesternpa.com 127 S Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406-3103 / (610) 265-4500?
Holiday Inn www.hiexpress.com 260 N. Gulph Road, King Of Prussia, PA 19406 / (877) 863-4780, (610) 768-9500
3.) Very limited local homestay options are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Email TDconference@fh.org to inquire.
Are there shuttles offered from the airport to the hotel? How do I get to the conference?
All transportation details for the conference will soon be announced.
I am planning on renting a car. Where do I park on campus for the conference?
You may park the McInnis parking lots or near Gough residential hall. You will not need a permit. Please refer to Eastern University's website for accurate directions.
What if I have a health or travel emergency? Who can I contact?
Unfortunately, we cannot account for delayed flights or transfers. Please do the best you can to arrive on time.
If you have a health related emergency, please contact the nearest hospital. At the conference, the nearest hospital is Bryn Mawr Hospital:
Bryn Mawr Hospital
130 South Bryn Mawr Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610.526.3000
For other emergencies, contact the Coordinator of the Transformational Development Conference, Esther Hsu, at TDconference@fh.org.
How can I help spread the word to my organization/colleagues/church?
Look for "Spread the Word" in the right hand column to send an email.
I am interested in providing an exhibit at the conference and/or buying ad space in the workbook. How much space am I offered? How much does it cost? When will I be able to display?
Please see the Exhibits & Ads page.
