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67th NAPS National Convention Is Right Around the Corner

67th NAPS National Convention Is Right Around the Corner
By Brian J. Wagner
NAPS President

NAPS Headquarters, our conference planner Sheri Davies and Host Branch Committee are turning the corner as we put the finishing touches on the 67th NAPS National Convention, “Deep in the Heart of NAPS,” at the Gaylord Texan Resort, Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, in Grapevine, TX. We are eager to welcome NAPS and Auxiliary delegates and guests to enjoy this long-awaited national convention. Here’s the scoop!

In April, the NAPS resident officers, Host Branch Committee, National Auxiliary leadership, Credentials & Registration Committee chair and conference planner visited the Gaylord to review—in one day—final national convention arrangements to ensure your convention is not only successful, but the best ever. The NAPS team met with Gaylord conference coordinators to review our convention space and serving procedures for food functions.

We also toured the Glass Cactus for Monday Night’s Welcome Reception. In order to ensure the health and safety of all attendees, we reviewed the Gaylord’s COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing signage, the hotel’s extensive cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer stations and mask requirements.

Speaking of attendees, if you are planning to attend the national convention, the registration deadline also is right around the corner. The registration fee is $250 on or before July 10; after July 10, the fee is $325. As a reminder, registration is online only.

Fortunately, convention registration has been open for over a full year. Please note: No online registrations will be accepted after July 24. If you have not yet registered, I encourage you to turn the corner and register now, before the deadline. There will be no onsite convention registration or convention registration exceptions accepted after July 24.

Therefore, double check that you received a national convention registration receipt to confirm you are registered. If you are relying on a branch officer to register you and others, please confirm they have done so. We would hate for you to have a hotel room reservation, but not be registered for the convention. If so, you will have a room, but no delegate seat on the convention floor. If in doubt, double check to ensure your convention registration is paid.

The good news is NAPS’ room reservation block was extended until Wednesday, Aug. 4. Please go to naps. org to make your Gaylord Texan Resort accommodations. If you had a previous room reservation before the convention was rescheduled, that reservation no longer is valid. Just as with your convention registration, please double check that your Gaylord Texan Resort room reservation is for August 2021.

If you are a branch delegate, don’t forget to send to NAPS Headquarters your officer-signed delegate credential. Credentials are verified and filed for safekeeping until the convention. It’s also important to note if any active member changed branch affiliation that a new credential is submitted with the proper officer signature and branch number.

Furthermore, any active member who has retired or is planning to retire before Aug. 30 must become an associate member before attending the national convention. Please complete your 1187-A and send it to NAPS Headquarters immediately. Otherwise, you will be an ineligible credentialed delegate at the national convention.

Bringing a guest? NAPS’ meal plan may be purchased for guests who are not registered for the 67th National Convention, but wish to participate in certain NAPS-sponsored events. The purchase of a meal plan grants entry to the NAPS-sponsored Host Branch Reception on Sunday, breakfasts the week of Aug. 30 and Monday night’s Delegates’ Welcome Reception only. Those not registered for the 67th National Convention or have not purchased a meal plan will not be granted access to the aforementioned events.

Don’t need a meal plan, but just a Grand Banquet ticket for your guest? We have the answer. To purchase additional Grand Banquet tickets for Friday, Sept. 3, visit naps.org. This ticket grants access to the Brand Banquet only. If you are not ready to purchase a meal plan and/or extra banquet tickets, they will be available onsite until 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 30. However, the onsite price is higher than if purchased before the July 24 registration deadline.

Again, visit naps.org to read more about the NAPS ticket options. Once purchased, bring your meal plan and/or additional Grand Banquet ticket receipts to the NAPS Headquarters National Convention office to pick up your respective meal plan badge and/or Grand Banquet exchange ticket.

Convention fun continues as Host Branch Committee Chair Robert “Texas Bob” Bradford is ready to greet those eager to play in the National Convention Golf Tournament at the Cowboys Golf Club on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. The Host Committee also is ready to rope you into Sunday night’s Host Branch Welcome Reception at 8 p.m. It’s baseball themed, so come dressed in your favorite team’s colors and apparel.

On Monday, Aug. 30, after our Opening Ceremony and the afternoon business session, starting at 6:30p.m., will be the Delegates’ Welcome Reception at the Glass Cactus Nightclub on the Gaylord property. Complimentary shuttle service to and from the event is available. For those who are able, it’s a short, leisurely walk from the Gaylord. Wear your dancing shoes, boots and Western wear if you dare. There will be great music and country food to match.

Wednesday, Sept. 1, is our free day. Therefore, I will save you some reading here as our convention tour options and details may be found on the next page. However, save that special outfit for Friday evening, Sept. 3.

After the election and installation of national officers, it will be time to celebrate the end of another successful NAPS national convention with a great Grand Banquet dinner and NAPS fellowship, followed by magnificent music and delightful dancing. Afterward, be safe boot-scoot’n’ home to rest up because the 2022 68th NAPS National Convention in New Orleans will be right around the corner.

Now it’s time to turn the corner and give you my July ice-cream-flavor-of-the-month recommendation: chocolate milk & cookies.