Location, Lodging, Transportation

Location: This conference meeting and lodging will be at The Westin Crown Center Hotel, 1 East Pershing Road. Kansas City, MO 64108, United States. Should you need to be reached during the activity, the phone number is (816) 474-4400.

Lodging and Hotel Reservations:
(click here for hotel reservations)

Are you traveling with your dog? The Westin Crown Center is a pet-friendly hotel with Heavenly Pet beds available for your pet’s use. Specify your request for this service by entering this under “optional information” while making your hotel reservation. Complimentary dog sitting will be provided by University of Missouri students during the day. Your dog must be non-dog aggressive to use our dog sitting service. As an added convenience, we have arranged on-call veterinary care should your pet need care during your time with us.

The Westin Crown Center, Kansas City- This is the official meeting and lodging site of the ISAZ-HAI 2009 International Conference (click here for reservations)
If you experience difficulty with the hotel website please contact rechai@missouri.edu

1 East Pershing Road
Kansas City, Missouri, USA 64108
Phone: (816) 474-4400
Fax: (816) 391-4438

ISAZ/HAI Room Rate $139.00 ($161.90 with taxes) for a single or double.

Make your reservation by September 22, 2009 to receive the special rate.
Mention the ISAZ/HAI Conference for the special rate.
Pet Friendly – Ask about the Heavenly Pet Beds when making reservations.

Located in Hallmark's Crown Center, The Westin Crown Center, Kansas City offers easy access to 85 acres of shops, restaurants, and theatres. You will be delighted to find the hotel is also close to attractions such as the World War One Liberty Memorial, Union Station, museums, and professional sports. The hotel has plenty of activities to help you relax and revive, including a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, outdoor heated swimming pool, and track, as well as tennis courts. If you are ready to explore the local area, we offer a Hertz car-rental booth right in our lobby. The 729 well-appointed guest rooms and suites were designed to enhance your comfort. Each room features the signature Heavenly Bed®, with a pillow top mattress and 250 thread count sheets. Additionally, keep up with work with High Speed Internet in all guest rooms and enjoy complimentary wireless internet throughout the public areas of the hotel. Find total renewal at The Westin Crown Center, Kansas City.

Residence Inn Kansas City Downtown/Union Hill- located one mile from The Westin Crown Center
(click here for reservations)

2975 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri, USA 64108
Phone: 1-816-561-3000

ISAZ/HAI Room Rate $115.00 ($133.50 with taxes) for a single or double.
Hotel shuttle available please make reservation upon check-in

Make your reservation by September 18, 2009 to receive the special rate.
Mention the ISAZ/HAI Conference for the special rate.
Pet Friendly, ask about details

Residence Inn Kansas City Downtown/Union Hill offers the convenience and comfort preferred by the business traveler. This hotel is within minutes of Country Club Plaza, downtown, and the Power and Light District. Our freshly renovated suites provide impeccable service and amenities. Wake up to a complimentary, full hot breakfast buffet. Enjoy a full kitchen with refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave and all utensils. Complimentary van service, within a 5-mile radius, takes you where you need to go. There are NO ELEVATORS on this property.

Fairfield Inn Kansas City Downtown/Union Hill- located one mile from The Westin Crown Center
(click here for reservations)

3001 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri, USA 64108
Phone: 1-816-931-5700

ISAZ/HAI Room Rate: $109 ($127.10 with taxes) for a single or double.
No hotel shuttle available. MAX bus stop located nearby.

Make your reservation by October 20, 2009 to receive the special rate.
Mention the ISAZ/HAI Conference for the special rate.
Not Pet Friendly

At Fairfield Inn Union Hill, you can count on a friendly welcome, a room that's clean and comfortable, great features and amenities, and service that will make you want to return. Never start a full day on an empty stomach. Enjoy the Early Eats complimentary hot breakfast, featuring the Jimmy Dean® breakfast sandwich. Amenities include spacious guest rooms with well-lit work desks, free local calls, same-day dry cleaning service, a heated indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and fitness room. Guests also enjoy complimentary wireless Internet access in all rooms. Convenience is key - located in historic Union Hill, only 2 miles from the Country Club Plaza, and 1/2 mile from Downtown, Crown Center (shopping, dining), Science City/Union Station, and Westport entertainment area.

Transportation by air: You can fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI), one of the largest airports in the United States, linking ten million passengers between mid-America and other US cities, with international arrivals also handled. This state-of-the-art airport is notable for its easy terminal access, minimal number of flight delays and lack of congestion, establishing it as one of the most convenient commercial airports in the world.

Transportation by ground: Transportation by ground: Complimentary shuttle service will be provided between MCI airport and the conference hotel. Look for University of Missouri students wearing lime green t-shirts printed with “ISAZ/HAI” on them to locate our shuttle.

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Thursday, Oct. 22 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Friday, Oct. 23 from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• Sunday, Oct. 25 from 12:00 pm - 5 pm

Outside of these hours you may use the taxis, shuttle buses, limousines, and public transportation that all link Kansas City International Airport with the city and surrounding region.

Driving from Kansas City International Airport to the Westin; take Interstate 29 South to Highway 169 South. Continue on Highway 169 South across the Broadway Bridge over the Missouri River (Hwy 169 becomes Broadway, do not turn right). Follow Broadway 18 blocks to Pershing and turn left to the hotel.

Detailed Conference Agenda- To view the agenda click here. This area will continue to be updated as information becomes available.

Conference Registration Fees (Click here to register) -- Online Registration closes Sunday, October 11, 2009 at midnight.  After that date you will need to complete the On-Site registration process.

Regular Registration

*Special Rate for Select Groups: Students, Vet Techs, Residents, Interns, Animal Shelter Employees,
and people whose primary human-animal interaction work is as Rescue Group Workers, or Animal Visitation
Group Members

Daily Rates Available:
Any one day Tuesday-Saturday (Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday or Saturday) – $195
Any two individual days, back-to-back, Tuesday-Saturday (T/W, W/ThR,ThR/F, F/S) - $165 per day
Sunday only - $100

Special Daily Rate for Select Groups (Students, Vet Techs, Shelter Workers, Residents, Interns, Rescue Group Workers, Animal Visitation Group Members)
Any one day Tuesday-Saturday (Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday or Saturday)– $50
Sunday only - $25

What Your Registration Fee Buys
In addition to outstanding educational programming featuring keynote and plenary addresses by internationally renowned researchers and practitioners, podium and poster sessions drawn from the highest rated competitive abstract reviews, book signings and planned time for networking, there are numerous social activities to get you away from the meeting room where you can enjoy the sites of Kansas City.  Did you know that Kansas City is 2nd only to Rome in the number of fountains it has? You will enjoy a lovely dinner at Kansas City's most prominent destination for entertainment and cultural activities at nearby Union Station, an award winning fully restored 1914 landmark railroad station. Plus, we have reservations for you to enjoy some of Kansas City’s world-famous Jazz & BBQ!  Each day features special events ranging from receptions to dinners to entertainment, with all transportation included, all at no extra cost to you! Events are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Special Events included in Registration Fee

Tuesday, October 20
ISAZ Welcome Reception at the Westin Crown Center

Wednesday, October 21
Continental Breakfast & 2 Refreshment Breaks
Hosted Dinner at Union Station with Entertainment

Thursday, October 22
Continental Breakfast & 2 Refreshment Breaks
Hosted Luncheon
Tour of Nestlé Purina facility in St. Joseph, MO (transportation provided)
Jazz Club Gala Reception & Traditional BBQ Buffet, Educational Program and Entertainment (transportation provided) – entrance to Jazz Museum

Friday, October 23
Continental Breakfast & 2 Refreshment Breaks
Hosted Luncheon
Magnificent Reception at The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial (transportation provided)
Appearance by the famous Tim and Terry mules from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Mule Club

Saturday, October 24
Continental Breakfast & 2 Refreshment Breaks
Hosted Lunch with the Dirt Road Rascals, a group comprised of some of mid-Missouri’s most popular bluegrass musicians
Hosted Dinner at the Westin Crown Center with a presentation from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Raptor Club

Sunday, October 25
Hot Breakfast Buffet
Refreshment Break

Conference Organizing Committee:

Conference/Symposium Co-Chairs
• Rebecca Johnson, PhD, RN, FAAN, Millsap Professor of Gerontological Nursing and Public Policy MU Sinclair School of Nursing, Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine, and Director, Research Center for Human Animal Interaction (ReCHAI), MU College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Alan Beck, ScD, Dorothy N. McAllister Professor of Animal Ecology, Director, Center of the Human-Animal Bond, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Committee Members
• Dianne Bell (representing national pet therapy & service dog programs), Certified Emergency Response Team, Delta Society Instructor, Evaluator, & Site Assessor, Program Manager, Delta Society, Renton, Washington
• Marybeth Brown, PT, PhD, FACSM, FAPTA (representing physical & occupational therapy professions), Professor, School of Health Professions, Physical Therapy, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Annie Chih, BS (representing graduate students and minority issues), 3rd year University of Missouri veterinary medical student, class of 2011, President, minority vet students association (VOICE), Secretary, Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Student Ambassador, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Shirley J. Farrah, PhD, RN-BC (Conference/Symposium management), Assistant Dean, Nursing Outreach and Associate Teaching Professor, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Lynette Hart, PhD, MS (representing the ISAZ Board of Directors), Professor, Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis
• Paul Heppner, PhD (representing psychology professions), Professor, Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Juli Holle, LVT (representing veterinary technicians), Licensed Veterinary Technician, Senior Veterinary Technician, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia
• James Kessel, MD (representing medicine), Associate Clinical Professor, Division of General Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Medical Director, Trauma, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia
• Heddie Leger (representing Kansas City, MO animal visitation groups), Liberty Public Schools, Liberty, Missouri
• Francois Martin, MA, PhD (representing the pet care industry), Section Leader – Behavior, Nestlé Purina, Product Technology Center, St. Joseph, Missouri
• Charlotte McKenney, RN, BSN (Conference/Symposium Assistant), Assistant Director, Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Diana M. McQuarrie (representing national pet therapy programs), Director- Animal-Assisted Interventions / Denver Pet Partners, Human-Animal Bond Division, American Humane Association, Englewood, Colorado
• Kathleen O’Neill, MSW (representing social work), Social Worker, Sinclair Home Care, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia
• Craig Payne, DVM, MS (representing University of Missouri Veterinary Medicine Extension), Veterinary Extension Specialist, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia
• Rick Timmins, DVM (representing American Association of Human Animal Bond Veterinarians), Manager, Program for Veterinary Family Practice, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis
• Todd Winterbower, BS (Conference/Symposium management), Continuing Education Coordinator, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia

Honorary Planning Committee
• Barbara Levy, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue group (Long-time friend of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine & Sinclair School of Nursing)
• Joe Roetheli, PhD, Li’l Red Foundation (Co-founder & Co-developer of GREENIES ® Pet Treats)
• Jack Stephens, DVM, Founder & President, Pets Best Insurance, (Founder of comprehensive health insurance plans for pets)

General Information

Conference / Symposium Management: The Nursing Outreach office of the Sinclair School of Nursing at the University of Missouri is an experienced provider of continuing education for the health professions. As a part of both the Sinclair School of Nursing and University Extension, Nursing Outreach is well positioned to serve as the conference administrative unit for this educational event. Working in close collaboration with the conference co-chairs and organizing committee, Nursing Outreach insures adherence to national continuing education accreditation criteria and provides administrative management.

Continuing Education Certificates: (Click for updated CE credit information) A certificate of completion will be provided to all conference participants who are paid in full and completed the conference evaluation form. If you are not paid in full, your certificate will be mailed to you upon receipt of payment. Lost certificates may be replaced with a written request to: Nursing Outreach, Room S266, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211-4120, or Email (nursingoutreach@missouri.edu), or Fax (573-884-8278) for a fee of $10.00 per certificate.

Registration Cancellation/Substitution: We understand that circumstances may arise that require you to cancel or send a substitute. All cancellation requests must be in writing to: Nursing Outreach, Room S266, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211-4120, or Email (nursingoutreach@missouri.edu), or Fax (573-884-8278). If you cancel your registration 10 or more working days (2 weeks) prior to the conference, your registration fee will be refunded, less a $75 processing fee. After that, there will be no refunds. You may send a substitute at any time. Please notify the Nursing Outreach office of any substitutions prior to the conference to ease the check-in process. “No shows” will be billed the full amount of the registration fee.

Program Changes and Cancellations: The Conference Organizing Committee reserves the right to make changes in content and speakers, when conditions beyond our control prevail. In the unlikely event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, the University of Missouri will not be responsible for any losses incurred by registrants including, but not limited to, airline cancellation charges or hotel deposits.

Tax Deduction: Your expenditure for this activity may qualify you for a U.S. Lifetime Learning federal tax credit. Tax deduction information regarding continuing education expenses is available from the IRS or tax advisors (Treasury Regulation 1.162.5).

Special Dietary Arrangements: Specify your special dietary needs on the Conference Registration Form.

Commercial Support: When commercial support is received for an educational activity, the conference planning committee maintains complete control over the selection of content and speakers. Acceptance of commercial support does not imply approval or endorsement of any product.

ADA: The University of Missouri complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have special needs as addressed by the ADA and need
special assistance with this or any portion of the learning process, please notify us as soon as possible. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your needs.

Note: Participants are asked to set their cell phones on vibrate or silent and exit the meeting room for all calls. Please bring a sweater or jacket due to variations in temperature and personal preferences.