Legislation to Protect Resort Meetings Introduced

Senator Harry Reid introduced a bill into Congress to protect meetings at resorts. The bill, Protecting Resort Cities from Discrimination Act of 2009, seeks to “prohibit an agency or department of the United States from establishing or implementing an internal policy that discourages or prohibits the selection of a resort or vacation destination as the location for a conference or event.” Reid also wrote a letter to the Obama Administration lamenting the prohibition of government meetings at resort destinations. Rahm Emanuel, White House Chief of Staff, said federal policy should not dictate where government events are held.

New 2009/2010 Federal Per Diem Rates Announced

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced that per diem rates for federal travel in FY2010 will increase slightly over FY2009 rates. The FY2010 rates became effective October 1, 2009.

Per diem is the allowance for lodging (excluding taxes), meals and incidental expenses incurred by federal employees on official travel. The maximum rate for the continental United States is established by the GSA.

The GSA uses the average daily rate, a widely accepted lodging industry performance measure, to determine lodging rates for federal employees in each of the 402 areas where rates are higher than the standard continental U.S. rate of $70. Rates in some of these areas decreased slightly, but rates as a whole saw a marginal increase. The standard rate, which affects more than 2,600 counties within the continental United States, remains unchanged from the last two years.

“With these new rates, federal employees on official travel can perform their duties on behalf of the American taxpayer while being fairly reimbursed for their travel expenses,” said Michael J. Robertson, Associate Administrator for GSA’s Office of Government-wide Policy.

Additionally, the meals and incidental rate (M&IE) tiers are increasing for FY2010. The six tiers will range from $46 through $71 depending on location. Previous amounts ranged from $39 through $64. The last change in meal rates occurred in FY2006. The incidental expense rate will increase from $3 to $5.
 
The GSA is mandated by law to establish actual and necessary expense reimbursement and per diem allowances for federal employees traveling on official business away from their official duty stations.
 
For all FY2010 per diem rates and information on how they are determined, visit The GSA website.

Meal eLearning Review Course

Conference Services is pleased to announce the addition of the Meals eLearning Course. This course has been designed as an overview for new submitters as well as a refresher course for avid submitters. Some highlights of the Meals eLearning Course include:

• Sample of a compliant working agenda
• Working agenda guidelines
• Review of the 7 policy compliances for event approval
• Review of Strategic Meetings
• Getting reimbursed for your meeting

This is an online course and can be found on the Conference Services website. The course takes approximately 20 minutes and is narrated by the OCFO, Conference Services Policy Liaison, Michele Mock.

Please send your feedback regarding the Meals eLearning Course to conferenceservices@lbl.gov.

Last Call 2009 for Group Event Database Training

Our next training course is scheduled for December 8, 2009. You must take the Event Database Training before you will be given access to use this tool. Sign up HERE.

Conference News Bites Archives: Spring 2009 | Fall 2008 | Spring-Summer 2008

THE NEW HOTEL SHATTUCK

Hotel Shattuck Plaza returns as the jewel of downtown Berkeley, California. After a multimillion dollar renovation which combined the historic charm and feel of the building with modern technologies and amenities, this landmark, boutique hotel provides an upscale haven for business or leisure travelers. Located next to the Berkeley BART station and two blocks from the UC Berkeley Campus the hotel is perfectly positioned for those visiting Berkeley and surrounding areas. The Hotel features a variety of exceptional, multi-purpose meeting rooms, a grand ballroom and 199 unique guest rooms and suites; including 12 luxurious suites and grand bay view Presidential Parlor. You will rest comfortably as numerous Green Hotel initiatives have been included in the property including a new heat exchange HVAC system, earth friendly amenities, on demand water heating, a hotel recycling program and many more features targeted to limit the operations carbon foot print while delivering exceptional services and amenities. Under the guidance of locally renowned Executive Chef Scott Howard, the hotel also features FIVE, an exciting new restaurant featuring artful yet heartwarming creations and services that portray a customized and complete dining experience. Chef Howard's influence throughout the property will set apart meetings and events as each menu will be creatively designed and targeted to represent the specific desires of the guest. No matter what the event, all your needs will be met with the Hotel Shattuck Plaza’s distinctive services and attention to detail.

Conference Services Office

Hours: 8 AM - 4:30 PM

Upcoming Events
Contacts
Website

To sign up to receive LBNL Conference News Bites please send an email to: Conference Services