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You are invited to join your friends and colleagues in Houston, Texas, April 16 - 19, for the 31st Annual Conference of the Texas Society for Medical Staff Services. The 2008 Annual Conference, Exhibition and NAMSS Professional Development Courses, offer excellent educational opportunities at affordable prices for medical staff services professionals, managed care professionals, and provider credentialing specialists from across the state. Administrators, chiefs of staffs and other medical staff leaders are invited and encouraged to attend.

This statewide event is open to TSMSS members and non-members. Managers, supervisors and team leaders are urged to recognize and encourage additional staff members to attend. The Annual Conference offers the perfect opportunity for non-members to realize the valuable professional enhancements provided by TSMSS.

Houston, Texas - America's fourth largest city, is dynamic and diverse and offers a great variety of restaurants, fabulous shopping, numerous galleries and theatres, and theme parks and entertainment complexes of all kinds. Houston offers big-city sophistication and convenience with a friendly approach. It is easily accessible from all parts of the state.


Accommodations
Marriott Westchase Hotel
2900 Briarpark Drive
Houston, Texas 77042
713-978-7400



The Marriott Westchase is conveniently located in the rapidly growing Westchase area of West Houston, adjacent and within easy walking distance to the Carillon Shopping Complex, a collection of specialty shops and restaurants. The hotel is also just minutes from the popular Galleria Shopping Complex and Memorial City Mall - easily accessible with the complimentary shuttle service provided by the hotel. The Marriott Westchase is equidistant from both of Houston's major airports and offers ample complimentary self parking.

A block of guest rooms has been reserved for TSMSS at a discounted rate of $149 (single/double) plus 15% occupancy tax. To receive the special discounted rate, reservations must be made directly with the hotel by calling 713-978-7400. You must identify that you will be attending the TSMSS Annual Conference. The cut-off date is Monday, March 31. After March 31, reservations will be accepted on a space available basis only. The hotel will honor the group rate 3 days prior/3 days after the Conference dates, based on availability.

Transportation and Travel
Houston is served by two major commercial airports - Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU). Both airports are approximately 45 minutes from the Marriott Westchase Hotel via the Sam Houston Tollway.


American Airlines is offering discounted fares to Houston for travel between April 12 and April 22. To book your reservation on American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection, call the Meeting Services Desk at 1-800-433-1790 ($10 additional fee will apply) or book directly on-line at www.aa.com. (no additional fee). After selecting your flight(s), under the "Enter Passenger Details" tab, go to the "AA.com Discount Code" field and enter in A3148AT.

Discounted guaranteed rates for Avis Rent-A-Car have been established for attendees. TSMSS' Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number is G028194. Reference this number when calling Avis directly at 800-331-1600 or online at http://tinyurl.com/ypnzd9 to receive the best car rental rates available. Rates are available at all Houston locations including both airports.

Discounted rates on SuperShuttle to and from both airports and the Marriott Westchase can be taken advantage of by making a reservation ONLINE at least 24 hours in advance at www.supershuttle.com and enter TSMSS's discount code: NL9P6. This code is valid for travel between April 11 and April 21, 2008. Upon arrival and after you claim your luggage; proceed to the SuperShuttle ticket counter located in the baggage claim area.


Using the discount code, SuperShuttle rates from the airports and the Marriott Westchase will be:


Bush Intercontinental (IAH): $31 one way, $62 round trip Hobby (HOUS): $21 one way, $42 round trip

Taxi service to/from both airports is available at a cost of approximately $65 one way.

Attire
Business Attire/Business Casual is appropriate for all educational sessions.

Please remember that temperatures in hotel meeting rooms are seldom set at a comfortable level for all, therefore we encourage you to bring a sweater or jacket in the event you become too cool.

Continuing Education
A total of 13 cumulative CEU's for the Conference program (plus 3 for the Pre-Conference workshop, 12 CEUs for the CPCS Workshop, and 16 for the CPMSM workshop) have been applied for at NAMSS (subject to change). Due to concurrent and optional sessions, earned hours may vary from attendee to attendee.

Exhibits
Exhibiting companies will be showcasing products and services of interest to TSMSS members and Annual Conference registrants on Wednesday and Thursday. Refreshment breaks will be served in the area and drawings for great door prizes will be held in conjunction with the Exhibits. Three hours of dedicated exhibit time is included in the program.

Sponsorships are also available.

Click on the following links for the Exhibitor Prospectus, Exhibitor Contract, or the Sponsorship Opportunities or you can contact TSMSS at 972-755-2560 or soliver@challenge-management.com.

Registration Discounts/Scholarships Available
Join us in Houston in April for this outstanding opportunity!

Reduced registration fees are available for additional personnel attending from the same hospital or facility. Registration fees will be discounted $50 for the second and additional attendees. Registration forms must be completed for each registrant and full payment must accompany the forms. A portion of the non-member registration fees may be applied toward first-time new membership for 2008.

Registration Fees

	Member		Nonmember
Conference Registration Fees	On/before 3/26	After3/26	On/before 3/26	After3/26
Optional Workshop: Medical Staff Performance	$30	$30	$40	$40
Full Conference (Wed., Thurs., Fri., does NOT include Wednesday workshop)	$395	$420	$455	$480
Wednesday Only, does NOT include Wednesday workshop)	$225	$245	$285	$405
Thursday Only	$255	$280	$315	$340
NAMSS Exam Professional Development Course Fees	On/before 3/26	After3/26	On/before 3/26	After3/26
Professional Development Plus Full Conference	$735	$760	$795	$820
CPMSM or CPCS Only	$375	$400	$435	$460
Professional Development plus Annual Conference, Wednesday	$540	$560	$600	$620
Professional Development plus Annual Conference, Thursday	$560	$585	$620	$645
Professional Development plus Annual Conference, Friday	$465	$475	$525	$535

Scholarship guidelines and an application form are available at www.tsmss.org for anyone seeking assistance to attend the 2008 Annual Conference.

Click here to open a secure registration link!

Cancellation
Cancellations received in the TSMSS office no later than April 1 will receive a refund minus a 20% administration fee. After April 1, no refunds will be made, but a substitute from the same organization can be named. Replacement name(s) must be submitted to the TSMSS office prior to the Conference.