Themes, Events and Special Guests Announced for July Convention

4/1/2007 5:54 PM EST

The annual California National Convention is just over three months away, so it's not too soon to make your plans to attend. This year's event, with the theme "Magical Dreams Tour," will be held from July 11^th thru July 15^th at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garden Grove, California. The NFFC will also host non-Convention activities on July 16 and July 17.

 

We'll post updates on Convention plans as they are confirmed, but many plans are already set:

 

Registration will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11^th.  This year, instead of the traditional "goodie bag" that comes with two of the packages offered, we are introducing a new and exciting Convention gift that is being designed for us by Arribas Brothers.  You are going to enjoy this new NFFC keepsake.

 

We have confirmed the following speakers:  (Please keep in mind that speaking dates are subject to change, but these speakers have been confirmed to attend.)

 

Neal Gabler, author of the new biography Walt Disney: Triumph of the American Imagination.  Neal will also be at the Show and Sale on Sunday to autograph his book.  Neal is currently scheduled to speak on Saturday, July 14^th.

 

Charles Ridgway, author of Spinning Disney's World.  Charlie was a public relations man for Disney and worked directly with Walt. In 1969, he moved to Florida to organize pre-opening publicity for Walt Disney World and went on to become the director of the PR department there in 1982.  Charlie – an NFFC Disney Legend -- will have some wonderful stories and memories to share, and he will be signing copies of his book. Charlie is a confirmed speaker, but the date and time have not been confirmed.

 

Look for a new twist to the "orientation" meetings for first-time attendees. We are going to make things more exciting for those attending for the first time, or who have not been to a Convention for a few years.  More on these events will be available at the Convention.

 

The Hospitality Suite will have a new look. This year, you will be able to relax in a "living room"-type setting and enjoy light refreshments while visiting with friends.  No doubt there will be some pin trading going on, along with some other surprises.  Look for our Chapters to be hosting some of the evenings for you.

 

And speaking of Chapters: This year we will be hosting a very special reception for members of Chapters.  This special reception is open to members of any Chapter to drop by and see what the other Chapters are doing.  National Board and SEC members will be there to celebrate you, our Chapters!  We are also asking that each Chapter send a representative or a team of reps to set up a small display of pictures or to display the Chapter scrapbook to share.  The NFFC will provide the stand-up display backboards -- we just need you to bring some pictures of your Chapter events or meetings. The reception is also a great opportunity to host a drawing to benefit your Chapter.  Oh yes, don't forget those Chapter membership applications. Toward the end of the reception we will open the doors to everyone, and once people see the excitement of what your Chapter is doing they will want to join. Come on everyone, let's celebrate our Chapters and let's see what you have been up to over the years. 

 

And what would the Convention be without our wonderful meal events?  Well, this year is going to be better than ever.  We kick off the Convention with our Welcoming Reception on Wednesday evening July 11^th.  This is a great time to meet new friends and get reacquainted with those friends you may only see at NFFC events.  Our theme for this event will be travel as we get set for days filled with traveling the world with the NFFC.  So get your traveling togs ready and join us Wednesday evening.  (No TSA screening will be required.)

 

Thursday morning July 12^th you will want to be up bright and early (well, let's say around 8:30 a.m. anyway) to attend the Collector's Breakfast.  Everyone loves Christmas and the holiday season, so this year we are bringing back an NFFC favorite from a few years ago, "Holidays in July." Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or have another holiday tradition, what better way to celebrate then with a Disney theme for your holiday?  If you have some holiday collectibles you would like to display, then this will be your opportunity.  Bring them along and set them up in our dining room.  If you are coming from out-of-state or from points north in California, maybe you could bring a special ornament or decoration that has a special place in your home during the holidays.  It's breakfast, and the morning of the holiday, so get in the spirit and wear your Disney holiday best or, as one of our Chapters did a few years ago, come on down in your PJs and robe!  And watch out, you never know who may drop by to see if you are being "naughty or nice."

 

The Celebration Banquet will be held on Friday evening, July 13^th. The SEC has already announced the evening's entertainment: comic magician Dana Daniels. Dana was the first magician ever to receive the comedy magician of the year award from the Magic Castle. His numerous TV appearances include Masters of Illusion and the CBS morning program; Dana has also opened for singers Amy Grant and Vince Gill. But Disney fans are more likely to remember him as a veteran of Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Revue. The banquet promises to be an especially magical evening.

 

Saturday, July 14^th is the day for our Luncheon with a Legend.  So far we can announce the following people who will be receiving this prestigious honor:

 

Maggie and Jim Elliott.  Maggie grew up watching the imagineers at work and became one herself, eventually retiring as a Senior VP with Walt Disney Imagineering.  Jim, her husband, was hired by Walt as a model maker and worked for many years as an Imagineer.  In addition to Jim and Maggie, we will also be honoring Dick Irvine, Maggie's father.  Dick was the driving force (and Walt's right hand man) in getting Disneyland built and also made major contributions to Walt Disney World.  I'm sure we are in store for some wonderful stories and memories as Jim and Maggie accept this posthumous award for Maggie's father.

 

OK, next up is Sunday, July 15^th.  Today is the day you can go wild at the largest strictly Disneyana Show and Sale in the U.S. if not the world.  Once again, the ballrooms of the Crowne Plaza Resort will be filled with thousands of items for you to enjoy and add to your collection.  As in the past several dealers will have special artists and personalities for you to visit with.  You better bring an extra piece of luggage to take home all the treasures you are sure to find at the Show and Sale.

 

While the Show and Sale is officially the final event of the Convention, we are still not done.  Monday, July 16^th we are having some very special events that will be open to all members of the NFFC, whether you attend the Convention or not. (Seating will be limited on these events).  Although we are planning a couple of events that day, we can officially announce one right now.

 

The Part of Their World dinner will be held on the evening of July 16^th.  This year the event will take place "under the sea" at Ariel's Grotto in Disney's California Adventure Park.  Here are just a few of the guests with whom you may be sitting if you attend:

 

• Bill Farmer – None other than the voice of Goofy and other characters
• Eddie Carroll – The voice of Jiminy Cricket
• Margaret Kerry – The model for Tinker Bell, and an NFFC favorite
• Greg Ehrbar – Author of Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records

More guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

 

And then on Tuesday, July 17^th is Disneyland's 52^nd birthday.  Come spend the day in Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom.  The day will be filled with fun, excitement, parades, fireworks, and of course being at the "Happiest Place on Earth" with friends.  What could be better?

 

Wow, what a Convention we have planned for you, and this is only a partial list of what's going to be happening.  Again, as we confirm more events we'll announce them. But please be patient -- sometimes it is not until the last minute that we know ourselves who will be joining us.

 

So come on, start thinking about making some plans to head West and join us at this years California National Convention.  Make your reservations now to get the best rates. The Convention will be held once again at the Crowne Plaza Resort, 12021 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840. Special NFFC rates are $112 per night (plus taxes and resort fees) single to quadruple occupancy. (The rate is valid July 7 through July 18, 2007).  To reserve, contact the hotel directly at 714/867-5555 or 866/888-8891; please do not call the national reservation line. When you call, identify yourself as being with the NFFC.

 

Remember, you must be a member of the NFFC to attend, so if you are not yet a member go to NFFC.org and join online.  That way, you won't miss out on what promises to be an exciting few days.  And besides it just wouldn't be a Convention without you!

 

See you real soon!

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