Program Strategy Resources Available on Intranet

As a supplement to the three webinars held on October 17 and 18 to explain the new HI-USA program strategies, resources are now available on the intranet, including the recording, PowerPoint slides, and FAQs. The official strategy document, "Charting a Path to Vision 2020," is also posted in both English and Spanish. If you were unable to participate in the webinar, please review these resources at your convenience and encourage your colleagues to do so as well.

A wide range of staff and volunteers participated on the live webinars, and the subject matter will be the basis for the Saturday morning session at the National Conference. The result of eight months of research, analysis and development, these strategies and accompanying initiatives represent the strategic roadmap for our unified organization. If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Brumfitt, Strategy Manager, at Danielle.Brumfitt@hiusa.org.

Important Reminders for National Conference

With HI-USA’s national conference rapidly approaching, all attendees should familiarize themselves with key details.

Registration: The deadline for registration is today, November 1, and if you have not already done so, you can register here. For staff and affiliate hostel operators, the event is four days; Friday, November 16, through Monday, November 19. For volunteers and the Board, it’s two days; Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18. Upon arrival in Boston, stop by your first session or Friday night’s Welcome Reception to receive your conference badge.

Sessions: All daily sessions will be held at the Federal Reserve Plaza (FRP). As a federal building, a government-issued ID is necessary for admittance and you should arrive at least 15 minutes early to go through security. A packed agenda features a renowned keynote speaker, interactive discussions about the future of HI-USA, and team-building workshops. Social events will be held Friday and Saturday nights, and an awards luncheon will be held Saturday. For a complete agenda, visit For a complete agenda, visit www.hiusa.org/thepathtovision2020.

Accommodations: Registration includes a dorm bed at HI-Boston for 2 or 4 nights. Private rooms at the hostel have already sold out, but semi-private dorm rooms are still available, as well as space at the Boston Park Plaza at your own expense. If you call the hotel, let them know you are part of the HI-USA National Conference; they may be able to offer you a reduced rate.

Transportation: Both HI-Boston and the Boston Park Plaza are within walking distance of the Federal Reserve Plaza, or you can get there quickly on the T, the city’s subway system – the South Station T stop is across the street from our meeting venue. Additionally, the airport is only a 15-minute ride on the Silver Line. It is recommended that you review Boston’s public transportation system in advance to help you navigate to and from the meetings, airport, and hostel/hotel.

5 Staff Members to Attend Conference in Germany

Congratulations to the five staff members who HI-USA will sponsor to attend the HI Hostel Managers meeting in Cologne, Germany this December! Both association and affiliates were invited to apply for this sponsorship, and the recipients represent each of the five unified regions.

Held December 2-5, this event allows HI Hostel Managers from around the world to meet, share experiences and ideas, and have fun together. The agenda focuses on various operational topics to assist hostels as they look towards 2013.

Upon their return, they will share what they’ve learned with all the hostel managers in their region. This will no doubt be just one of the many ways hostels can take advantage of our new unified structure, and we’re excited to have each part of the country represented in Germany.

Your representatives are:

Grace Dodier, HI-Houston
Central Region
Despite being a new manager and hostel, HI-Houston is ranked #2 in HI’s worldwide network and Grace looks forward to attending seminars and workshops to strengthen her role as a leader.

Michelle Moore, HI-Santa Cruz
Northwest Region and HI affiliate
This hostel has a 91% satisfaction score and Michelle plans to work with managers in her region beforehand to identify topics of interest and questions they would like answered.

Ari Joseph, HI-New York
Northeast Region
Although Ari is the Community Engagement Manager, he was nominated with great enthusiasm by his GM and AGM and it is part of his nature to excel at special projects that he often gets asked to perform.

Mark Schneider, HI-Washington DC
Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Region
A veteran of IYHF meetings, Mark always returns invigorated and inspired to effect positive change, and looks forward to sharing knowledge and ideas from this upcoming meeting with his colleagues.

Jenny Wise, HI-San Diego, Point Loma
Southwest Region
Having received many awards for the hostel throughout her 9-year tenure with HI-USA, Jenny is excited to represent this part of the country.