Revised as of December 2007

Deaf Seniors of America, Inc., encourages state and local organizations to bid for national conferences. Preference is given to those state and local organizations that are composed primarily of seniors who are deaf. In the absence of any interest from an organization of deaf seniors, bidding may be opened to other organizations. For example, state associations of the deaf, or centers serving primarily senior citizens who are deaf.

Any deaf senior organization wishing to host a DSA conference will be provided with a DSA Conference Guidelines and MOU.

1. Bidding is usually for a conference to be held four or six years in advance.

2. Any state/local organization interested in bidding for a biennial conference should notify the President of DSA by letter of its intent to bid at least a month before the next scheduled conference.

3. The letter should contain the following information:

1. The name of the organization desiring to bid;
2. The proposed site of the conference;
3. The dates when the conference is to be held;
4. The reasons why the site is being proposed;
5. Information about the hotel and its ability to house the conference,
6. Letters of support from political and deaf community leaders, and
7. Tax ID number.

4. A designated Board Member shall meet with future Conference Host bidders to make sure they understand their role and responsibilities prior to the vote at the General Meeting.

5. All bidders shall pay a deposit of $2,000 to the Treasurer of DSA one month prior to the first day of the conference during which the conference participants vote on the selection of the site. Upon conclusion of votes, losing bidders shall receive their deposits back.

6. The host organization, if selected, shall agree to abide by DSA policies governing biennial conferences.

7. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the duties and responsibilities of the local organization winning the bid and DSA with respect to the biennial conference will be developed and signed by both parties within 6 months after winning the bid.

8. The local organization understands that any and all contracts governing the biennial conference must be approved by the President of DSA and/or the DSA Board. *

9. All books must be completed and audited within six months after the conference.*

10. Membership data and dues must be sent to DSA Treasurer within six weeks after the end of the conference. *

11. It is the responsibility of the Host Committee to collect membership dues from anyone who desires to register for the conference. *

12. If necessary, the DSA Board will exercise its right to make the final decision about where the conference is to be held.

* Repeated in Conference Guidelines.