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10th Great Obituary Writers' International Conference
" F r o m H e r e t o E t e r n i t y ! "
June 12-14, 2008
The Plaza Hotel
Little Las Vegas, New Mexico
The Great Obituary Conference transforms stories of life and death into distilled inspiration. By inviting readers, writers, and admirers of the craft, Carolyn Gilbert annually assembles a diverse cast of characters who provide lessons that linger long after the last word.
. . . Jim Sheeler
author of "Obit", "Final Salute", and winner of the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing
For ten years, Carolyn Gilbert has been gathering together readers and writers to celebrate the art of the obituary. The zeitgeist thanks her, I thank her, we all
owe her a debt of thanks. I walked into my first conference and knew instantly, I have found my people.
And you, pal-- you, checking out obitpage.com-- don't die before you've gone to her obit conference.
. . . Marilyn Johnson - Author of "The Dead Beat"
In pursuing field research for my doctoral thesis on obituary history and practice, I travelled twice to New Mexico - from Australia - to meet the International Association of Obituarists. They proved knowledgeable, gregarious, and generous: their words informed and inspired my dissertation. Furthermore, their founder is a Texas gal of the creamiest charm.
. . . Dr Nigel Starck - University of South Australia
"I'll forever remember the day, seven years ago, when I learned about Carolyn
Gilbert and her annual obit conferences. I jumped with ghoulish glee to learn I wasn't the only one with a peculiar passion for obituaries.
Carolyn Gilbert has a played a major role in nurturing my life's calling -- obituary writing."
. . . Larken Bradley
National Newspaper Association seven-time "Best Obituary" award-winner
Whether obits are your secret pleasure or your profession, there's no better place to indulge
their every dimension than at a Great Obituary Writers International Conference.
People who
write, write about, read, collect, archive, scrapbook and are just plain curious about obituaries gather to learn and to share stories rarely enjoyed by any other circle of friends.
The International Association of Obituarists is a year round support group that swaps serious and unique death, funeral and obit news and anecdotes. Come tell us your stories, make new friends and get in the worldwide obits loop.
. . . Kay Powell - The Atlanta Journal Constitution
You've seen it in the movies; now see it for yourself. It may be no country for old men but it is a great place for a conference!??
. . . Amelia Rosner, New York City
What I love most about this conference is: the kind of people who attend, and the atmosphere --- the relaxed comraderie and the lack of competition,
the acceptance of anybody who showed up, the laughter. Nothing straitlaced. I always felt welcomed, even though I wasn't a professional obituarist. I always
learned a lot. I always heard moving words as people read their own or someone else's obits. I always enjoyed myself. These are MY kind of people. Thank you for keeping me on the list.
. . . Tricia West, Dallas
"By popular demand, we are returning to the plains and mountains of New Mexico as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the international obituary writers' conferences. We've come a long way from Archer City, Texas by way of Bath, UK ; Alfred, New York; and a few stops in New Mexico in between. Join us for this unusual event". . . Carolyn Gilbert, Conference Host.
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Hosted by the International Association of Obituarists, the conference welcomes professional journalists, free lance journalists, researchers, historians, genealogists, screenwriters, editors, publishers and serious aficionados of the genre.
The Plaza Hotel has arranged a special rate of $89.00 plus tax (for single or double occupancy) for our conferees. In order to take advantage of the rate, you will need to call the hotel directly and identify yourself as a conferee. Janet Martinez , Guest Services Manager, is our contact. She can be reached at 505.425.3591.
The schedule begins with registration late afternoon on Thursday, 4:00 p.m.
and continues with dinner Thursday evening, working sessions Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The conference adjourns Saturday evening.
Since this is a special anniversary, there will be some added attractions as well as some surprises. Come prepared to have fun, to learn, to think creatively about the art of the obituary and the legacy we as professionals can leave to all those who are devoted to the place of the obituary in the world's literary annals.
The conference has been a rich source of networking for writers and scholars from diverse backgrounds and experience. The 10th Great will continue to offer the meaningful collegial opportunities for which we have become known. Whether you have attended all 10 conferences ( or only 9 as has Tom Hobbs) or whether you are a newcomer, you are welcome!
Conference and Hotel Registration
Registration Fee
Registration for the 10th Great is somewhat different than earlier years. Our economy has been suffering and so are we! So with that in mind, registration fees reflect reductions as follows:
- Conference Registration this year is on a sliding scale according to your choice
and ability to pay.
- Please select any amount from $100.00 to $200.00 for your registration. If there are two registrations from one family, feel free to pay $100.00 each. If you had a good year,
you may wish to pay up to $200.00 for your registration!
The conference registration fee goes to offset costs such as communications, printing, administration of conference, organization of conference logistics, publicity, facilities and conference materials.
Membership Fee
The annual membership fee remains the same: $50.00 for all. If you are not a current member, please add this fee of $50.00 to your registration.
If you have been a member but need to renew your annual membership, please add $50.00 to your registration.
We hope this approach to the conference registration fee will be helpful to all who want to attend the 10th Great!
Deadline for registration is JUNE 1, 2008.
Hotel accommodations are available for reservations now. Call Janet Martinez at 505.425.3591.
SAVE THE DATES: JUNE 12-14, 2008
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Mailing Address for all communication:
Carolyn M. Gilbert
P.O. Box 747
Electra, Texas 76360
tel: 214. 502. 7801
email: carolyngilbert1@yahoo.com
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