2008 Meeting, April 16 - 19, Captiva Island, Florida

We had a great meeting in San Francisco and we're now working to put together an equally stimulating meeting as we return to the totally renovated South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Florida. We welcome you to provide paper submissions and panel suggestions. Please be sure to get your abstract or panel suggestion to Steve Laposa by November 16, 2007 via the instructions given below. The ARES 2008 Meeting will offer 18 manuscript prizes of $1,000 each for the best paper in a designated category, so don't forget to provide a submission to be eligible for an award. Make plans for stimulating exchanges with colleagues from all over the world and an opportunity to catch up with old friends. Bring your family and enjoy sunshine, world-class beaches in Captiva, Florida.

On-Line Paper Submission
You can submit your paper or abstract on-line at the ARES web site,
http://www.aresnet.org/PaperSubmission.htm. Alternatively you can submit your abstract or panel idea directly to Steve Laposa, at steve.laposa@us.pwc.comRegistration, participation and hotel forms are also posted at the ARES web site, and are also attached for your convenience.

Locale and Facility
Our April 16 - 19, 2008, Annual Meeting will be held at the totally renovated South Seas Resort, Captiva Island, Florida. Hurricane Charley hit the resort on August 13, 2004. The rebuilding effort has resulted in a much upgraded facility on one of the most beautiful beaches in the World. We locked in room and condo rates before the hurricane, ownership change and massive $140 million renovation. Since reopening, room rates have soared at the resort, however, you'll benefit from the great deal that we locked in for you in 2004.

Perfect 80 plus degree ( + 27 Celsius ) weather awaits you. April is a dry month in SW Florida. The subtropical sun is potent in April; wear sunscreen.

 

Staying There
The Resort offers a variety of deluxe accommodation. One bedroom, 800 square foot, with cooking facilities, waterfront, bayside villas (condos) are available for only $169/night plus $8 per person service fee and 11% tax. The service fee covers in-room internet access, parking, daily newspaper, beach chairs, local calls and numerous other amenities. This rate is probably the best waterfront condo deal in April, 2008, in SW Florida . These units will sell out very quickly and are located near our meeting rooms. One bedroom tennis villas at $169/night++ are also an excellent value and are very convenient to our meeting rooms. Harbourside hotel rooms are available for only $159/night ++. These rooms have been totally renovated and upgraded and many have excellent water views. The water view rooms will sell out very quickly. A short tram ride is required to reach our meeting rooms as these accommodations are at the north end of the island, near the site of our Friday night party featuring the Sirmans band.

To book your room, call: 888-707-7888 or FAX: 239-472-7545. Indicate group code ARES2008. Or, you can go to: www.southseas.com and click reservations. Click groups at the bottom of the reservations page. Enter group number: ARES2008. Make your reservation. Or, follow the link from the ARES Website.


Be advised that the ARES room + condo block will sell out quickly and that the property's New York City based ownership - management will not allow us to increase our room block at the highly discounted ARES' rates. Rooms probably will be available outside the ARES block but at much higher rates. I expect ARES' room block to sell out by January, 2008, if not earlier. Late bookers will find expensive accommodations on Captiva - Sanibel in April.

Getting There
The resort is approximately thirty five miles from SW Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers which has nonstop service from many USA , Canadian and European destinations. If you are driving, follow signs for Sanibel - Captiva. Drivers should be aware that Sanibel Island often has speed traps set up by law enforcement, particularly at night. If you're driving during the day, be patient as Fort Myers + Sanibel often have heavy traffic during the peak tourist season. The new Sanibel Causeway now has a $6.00 toll. Please keep in mind that I'm not responsible for the speed traps and/or the toll, so if you need to vent about these items, call the City of Sanibel or a Lee County Commissioner.

Given the cost of transportation from the Airport to the Resort and the tremendous cost savings of shopping in Fort Myers before arriving on Captiva, renting a car is incredibly cost efficient. Avis has discount rates for ARES attendees. Call: 800-331-1600 and mention Meeting Number J770119.

MBA Airport Transportation provides taxi service to Captiva at a zone fare of $75 each direction, for one to three passengers. Each additional passenger is $10. Sanibel Taxi is also available at $75.00 each direction, call: 239-472-4160.

What to do There
Stock up on sunscreen, food and refreshments before crossing the Sanibel Causeway. Publix supermarkets are Florida's best and usually carry an excellent beer and wine selection. Walgreen's sells discounted beverages at most of its stores as well as inexpensive sunscreen.

ABC Liquors has an excellent selection. You will see these stores as you drive from the airport to the Sanibel Causeway.  Prices on Captiva for sunscreen and other sundries are much higher than in Fort Myers. Also, the Resort's new restaurants are quite pricey. If this concerns you, buy food + beverages in Fort Myers and utilize your condo's kitchen.

Participate in the 24th ARES Annual Meeting

- Present a Research Paper

- Participate in a Panel Discussion

- Organize and Chair a Panel

- Chair a Paper Session

- Be a Discussant

Attached Meeting Forms:  Attached are three forms for your convenience:  (1)  Registration/Membership Dues Form, (2) Call for Papers Participation Form, and (3) South Seas Island Resort Reservation Form.  You can either fill these out, scan them, and send via Email, or fill out and Fax to the number indicated on each form.  PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH FORM GOES TO A DIFFERENT PERSON / DESTINATION.


Help Spread the Word For A Great Meeting

- Forward this page and the attached flyer and forms to colleagues who have real estate related interests.

For More Information Contact:


Steve Laposa
PricewaterhouseCoopers
1670 Broadway, Suite 1000
Denver, CO 80202 USA
Direct: 001 720 931 7386
Fax: 001 813 741 6698

Email: steve.laposa@us.pwc.com