We have already formed various convention committees to oversee all aspects of the convention. The committee members are all working hard to make the 8th VPA convention, the best ever. This 3-day convention is going to be an exciting event filled with entertaining programs, workshops for youth, business, and medical community.

During our recent visit to Bangalore, we invited prominent Vokkaligas from many arenas from Karnataka to participate in this convention. Many cultural program such as music, dance, drama, comedy skits, and fashion show by VPA members and as well as well-known artists from Karnataka are planned. To top off entertainment activities, we are planning to serve authentic Karnataka food on all days.

For this convention,we want to emphasize the participation of Vokkaliga youth to allow them mingle and network amongst them to further personal and entrepreneurship aspects. we request all parents to encourage the young adults to attend and participate in large numbers.

The 2005 VPA Convention will take place in a magnificent facility - Detroit Renaissance Marriott. The guest rooms and the program activities are all under one roof. The Marriott Hotel has 70 floors with more than 1,000 rooms. It's located on the banks of Detroit River with a spectacular view of Canada. In addition to river boardwalk, within the facility, there is a General Motors vehicle display with numerous models. There are many interesting places to visit in around Detroit including Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Detroit Zoo, Casinos, and others. Niagara Falls is only about 4 hours drive from the convention facility. Please consider extending your holidays while attending the convention to enjoy the places and things Detroit has to offer. Contact Hospitality Committee to get further information on attractions of Detroit. We have blocked 200 rooms each night under VPA at a discounted price and we urge you to reserve rooms as soon as possible.

We encourage you to visit our web site www.myvpa.org periodically for the up-to-date information about the convention. Please let your Vokkaliga contacts know about our website and urge them to attend and participate in the convention.

As a not for profit organization, VPA must depend on you and outside sources for funding and support for this convention. Your monetary contribution and sponsorship of events will be greatly appreciated. We urge all of you to consider placing advertisement of your business or family greetings in our colorful Vishwamanava publication that we are releasing during the convention. Some of the proceedings from the convention will be earmarked for charitable activities in the state of Karnataka.

Our final and most important appeal to all is to update your contact information (address, phone, and e-mail) by clicking on the Submit Contact Information. As we go forward, e-mail will be the primary means of communication as it is faster and cheaper.

No event of this magnitude will be successful without your participation and your input. Please contact us or any of the committee members or send an e-mail (info@myvpa.org) with your suggestions to make this event a memorable one.

We are grateful to our Vokkaliga friends in Michigan and across the country who are working assiduously in this endeavor.

Come one and come all, let us take this opportunity to strengthen VPA organization to unite Vokkaligas in North America and carry forward the torch of our heritage and culture for our future generations.

Remember to Reserve & Register today so that you can Rest & Relax later!

Sincerely,