GALA 2010 - General Information

What are the costs of GALA 2010 - A Doll-lightful World Event and when is the full payment due?
The Conference Fee is $275 per attendee. This includes a $75 non-refundable registration charge. Final payments are due by April 1, 2010 unless other arrangements are made.

Box Lunches are optional at $11/day per participant. If you choose to order a Box Lunch, it should be checked on your Registration Form and the additional money is to be included when the final payment is due.

We have been provided a special room rate of $105/night per ROOM or $165/night per COTTAGE rental. While it is your option to choose room or cottage, it is preferred that you stay in the main building (Manor) where there is easy access to all planned workshops and activities.

There is a fee of $5/doll entered as a "Challenge Doll" (limit 2 per registrant). This should also be included with your final payment. The "Challenge" is optional and fees are NOT refundable.

What is included in the $275 Conference Fee?

The Conference Fee includes: 2 days of teacher workshops; the opening reception program (including light finger foods); Banquet Dinner (a choice from 3 international entrees); 2 full breakfasts; shopping at the Vendors' Emporium; demos, Teacher's' Make&Take; favors, free ticket for "Luggage" Door Prize and other surprises.

How do I register?
Download the APPLICATION FOR PASSPORT (Registration Form). Complete the information as it applies. INCLUDE A PHOTO OF YOURSELF WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FORM (Photos will NOT be returned). Make check payable to: Joan Stephens D.G., Box 5, Aurora, Ohio 44202. ALL REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAILED. NO TELEPHONE OR EMAIL REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Is there a Cancellation Policy?
The $75 Registration fee is non-refundable. Registrants must cancel by 4/1/2010 to receive the difference between their payment and the $75. If GALA 2010 is canceled for any unforseen reason, all fees will be refunded.

Where will GALA 2010 A Doll-lightful World be held?
The entire GALA Event and Lodging will be held at Punderson Manor Resort & Conference Center / 11755 Kinsman Road / Newbury, Ohio 44065. Phone: 1-440-564-9144, Fax: 1-440-564-7340. Web site: https://www.pundersonmanorresort.com/

What lodging arrangements have been made at Punderson Manor?
We have negotiated a discounted rate but YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE YOUR OWN LODGING ARRANGEMENTS! Please advise Punderson that you are with the GALA 2010 Doll Conference being held May 14 - 16 to assure that you get the GALA discounted rate.

Punderson has given us a discounted manor room rate of $105/night or cottage rate of $165/night. Up to 4 people may use the room/cottage as priced per night. We suggest that GALA attendees reserve rooms in the manor. Travel companion guests may be included in the room/cottage, however, guests who have not paid the GALA fees are not able to share workshops, meals or other program activities designed for the GALA participants only. All Punderson guests are invited to enjoy and partake in the amenities and activities sponsored by Punderson.

What airport shoud be used for those who will be flying to the conference?
Air flight arrangement should be made to and from the CLEVELAND HOPKINS AIRPORT.

Will there be a Doll Challenge at this event?
Yes. Guidelines are available upon request from Barbara Reinhardt. Email her at b-dolls@sbcglobal.net to obtain a downloadable copy of the details and guidelines.

Will there be vendors at the GALA 2010?
Yes. The Vendors' Emporium will be first available to the GALA PARTICIPANTS ONLY on opening night, Friday, May 14. Vending will be available at a subsequent time (to be scheduled) and open to the pblic on that occasion.

Will the Doll Exhibits be open to the public?
Yes, but only for a specified time. Please contact Sue Kurowski at 440-833-0811 or email her at skurowski@att.net for additional information.

How will teacher workshops be assigned?
Classes will be filled on a "First Come/First Served" basis ONCE PAYMENT IS MADE IN FULL. If a student has a balance due, her/his workshop choices will be provisionally scheduled. If a class fills with fully paid attendees, the student may have to alter her/his workshop selection.

What are my workshop options?
You may choose TWO 1-Day workshops or ONE 2-Day workshop.

How will the pre-work kits be distributed?
Kit payments will be made directly to the teachers. Teachers will be notified of your enrollment once your fees are paid in full so arrangements for paying kit fees and mailing the kits can be made with you.

What is the "Open Classroom"?
The Open Classrom is a workshop that provides a more casual, work-at-your-own-pace setting for any DOLL project. It is a great opportunity to finish a doll you have already started. Mary Kochevar will be available to assist, as needed. The Open Classroom is considered a 1-Day workshop.

Is there a GALA MASCOT DOLL for this conference?
Yes, Mary Kochevar has designed a fabulous theme-related mascot doll called Allusion. Mary is also offering a one-day class for this great doll! Patterns for Allusion will be available for purchase at the GALA. Proceeds of pattern sale will be applied to the GALA Scholarship Fund.

Who is eigible to receive assistance from the GALA 2010 Scholarship Fund?
An accomplished dollmaker who has legitimate financial restrictions that prohibit her/his ability to pay the Conference fee in full may request confidential compensation.