VFP Convention

Mark your calendars now for the 2010 Convention, which will celebrate VFP’s 25th anniversary and look ahead to the unfinished work of promoting peace and progressive politics in a time of global war and economic retrenchment. The meeting will be held from August 25-29 and, fittingly, in Maine, the birthplace of Veterans For Peace in 1985. Portland, Maine, a vibrant, beautiful coastal city located on a peninsula in Casco Bay, will be the host city for the Convention under the sponsorship of VFP Chapters 1 and 3. The Convention Headquarters will be the Holiday Inn by the Bay Hotel and Convention Center.

The 25th Anniversary Convention is a unique opportunity for progressive, activist veterans from around the country to come together to understand the organization’s past, to meet and enjoy its present, and to help plan its future in these fraught times.

Come to Maine in August. Let the voices of veterans be heard in their collective strength.

Convention Highlights

Poetry event recognizing the editors and contributors to Winning Hearts and Minds, and Demilitarized Zones, collections of poems by Vietnam veterans, followed by open mike.
Opening reflections by Jerry Genesio, a principal founder of Veterans For Peace.
Opening keynote by Chris Hedges, one of the country’s most prolific and provocative progressive writers.
A Public Meeting in Portland featuring Rep. Bob Filner and Terry Tempest Williams along with the NAACP, Native American and labor organizations, and representatives of Portland’s immigrant and marriage equality communities. Entertainment by Inanna, a dynamic women’s drumming ensemble.
Friday evening lobster bake on nearby Peak’s Island.
Breakout sessions to bring the concerns and ideas of the membership to the organization’s leaders and to set policy goals for 2010-2011.
Banquet featuring Chris Hedges and Ann Wright, along with Noel Paul Stookey, of the revered group, Peter, Paul and Mary
March and rally around the city of Portland ending at Post Office Park

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 8:00am

Full Convention (includes opening ceremony, plenary sessions, workshops, special events, Lobster Bake, and Convention Banquet)

After August 15, 2010 - $250 * If you would like to pre-order a t-shirt, they are available for $15 prior to the convention. You must do it online here. T-shirts will be $20 during the convention.

Convention al la carte - Options for those attending only portions of the convention

One Day Convention Registration ($75) / Two Day Convention Registration ($150) Lobster Bake - Friday, August 27 at 7pm - $45 Convention Banquet, Saturday, August 28 at 6pm - $40

Discounted VFP Rate - Only paid dues VETERAN members of VFP are allowed to use this rate. Please use it only if you ABSOLUTELY cannot attend without the rate reduction.

VFP National Convention

By the Bay - Holiday Inn

The 2010 VFP National Convention will be held August 25-29, 2010 at the By the Bay Holiday Inn.

Reservations can only be made by telephone by calling 800-345-5050. You MUST tell them that you are part of the "Veterans For Peace Annual Convention" to get the discounted room rates.* LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVE HOUSING - CLICK HERE!

Rooms rates are as followed: Two Double Beds, $162 a night (not including 7% tax) One King Sized Bed, $172 a night (not including 7% tax) *SOLD OUT!* Executive Rooms, $177 a night (not including 7% tax) *Convention group rates are not accessible via the internet web site.

Hotel Amenities

The By the Bay - Holiday Inn has: Courtesy Vans Available for transportation to and from Portland International Jetport, Amtrak Train Station and Bus Terminals. Large Indoor Pool Wireless Internet Access Free 24 - hour business center Complimentary parking for hotel guests http://www.innbythebay.com