Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America

    Carl T. Seibert, COO/State Secretary

Members All:

I hope you are planning to attend the 118^th Annual Convention of the Florida State Elks Association. The convention is being held at the Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida, 32819, May 23-26, 2024. Individual reservations are now being accepted through the Rosen Centre reservations link on our website at www.floridaelks.org.

A one-night deposit or credit card guarantee will be required for each room you are reserving. Rooms sleep a maximum of four people and the standard room rate for a double or single is $139.00 plus 13.63% tax, or $157.95 per night. Our group rate for rooms may be used May 18^th through May 29^th subject to availability.

Reservations may also be made by phoning (866) 996-6338. Please request the Group rate for the Florida State Elks Association, Inc. You must request it to obtain our group rate.

The cutoff date for reservations is 5:00 p.m. April 22, 2024, or when sold out. Please do not wait as we WILL sell out before April 22, 2024!

On our website you will find the following:

• The link to the Rosen Centre Online Reservations Website – Preferred way to make your reservation!
• The Preliminary 2024 State Convention Agenda
• The link to Preregister for the Convention & Order Your Required “Free” Convention ID Badge
• The link to Purchase Tickets ($25) for the Friday Luncheon hosted by the FL Ladies of Elks (Men & Women Invited)
• The link to Purchase Tickets ($10) for the Saturday Awards/Major Projects Luncheon (Elks & Guests)
• The link to the Silent Auction Donation Form (needed when dropping off an item for the silent auction)
• The Rosen Centre Resort Map & Driving Directions

Please be advised, neither the Lodges nor the Florida State Elks Association is exempt from paying the 13.63% tax on rooms. Please do not waste the Rosen Centre’s time trying to convince them otherwise at check-in or check-out.

I am pleased to inform you that the Rosen Centre provides complimentary basic Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas excluding the meetings/convention area.

Hospitality Rooms will operate on the following schedule:

All hospitality rooms are located on the 2^nd floor of the Rosen Centre. There is also access from the 2^nd floor to an outdoor patio area.

The Saturday Awards Celebration & Major Projects Luncheon will be held on Saturday afternoon in conjunction with our outstanding youth and volunteer presentations. There will be a nominal fee of $10 charged for this event. Tickets for this and the ($25) Friday Luncheon sponsored by FLOE will be given to you when you pick up your badge at the convention. For those wishing to view the Saturday awards presentations and not participate in the luncheon, chairs near the stage will be available at no charge.

The Marketplace is always a popular attraction at State Convention. The marketplace will be open as follows:

Anyone wishing to host a display or sales table in the Marketplace should contact Megan at the FSEA at megan@floridaelks.org. The cost for space in the Marketplace is $125 and includes both days!

The Harry-Anna Silent Auction will take place on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Items may be donated to the silent auction and the proceeds from the sale of your item(s) will be donated to Harry-Anna in your name based on its predetermined value. Any proceeds over the predetermined value of the item(s) will be donated in the name of the buyer. Items may only be dropped off at the convention and the drop-off hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday only. You will be required to complete a donation form for each item. The forms are available on our website or will also be available onsite. Checks, payable to Harry-Anna Investment Fund and mailed to the FSEA with the appropriate remittance instruction, may also be contributed to the auction, we will then use the funds to purchase auction items. For more information on donating items to the auction please contact Dan Masi at dan@floridaelks.org.

The Florida Ladies of Elks will be hosting their Annual Chance Auction to benefit the Florida Elks Major Projects: the Florida Elks Youth Camp & Children’s Therapy Services. Tickets may be purchased at the auction or at the Elks registration counter. Tickets are 10 for $10 or 25 for $20. The auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday. Winners will be drawn at the FLOE Luncheon on Friday. You need not be present to win! Items won & not picked up at Friday’s FLOE Luncheon may be retrieved in the FLOE Hospitality Room Friday evening.

Complimentary overnight self-parking is available to guests of the hotel. Valet parking is available for a fee at the Rosen Centre and parking for daily visitors will be $8 per day.

Check-in time is 3:00 pm and Check-out time is 11:00 am.

Overview of Agenda is as follows:

Please e-mail me if you have any questions about the 2024 State Convention. I look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely and fraternally,