Q. What is AKKA?
A. The Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) was inaugurated at the Kannada Sammelana in Phoenix, AZ, on February 14, 1998. Its’ purpose is to act s a central organization dedicated to integrate, coordinate, network and unite the activities of all Kannadigas and Kannada Kootas in North America for the promotion and preservation of Kannada Language and culture. AKKA is a non-profit, secular, educational, linguistic, charitable and cultural organization, incorporated under the non-profit corporation act of the State of Florida and bears IRS tax exemption certificate no. US 501c with TAX ID: 59-3527607
Click here for more information on History of AKKA


Q. Why is it required?
A. Most language groups from India, settled in this continent have a central American organization. One of the aims of the very successful Kannada Sammelana-98 held in Phoenix was to establish North American central organization to coordinate the activities of all Kannadigas and Kannada Kootas in North America. Many of those who participated in the Sammelana-98 expressed their wholehearted support for the formation of such an organization and when it was inaugurated as AKKA, everyone felt a very emotional attachment for the same. The WMKC-2000 Conference in Houston, Texas, was an offspring of this emotional outburst.

Q. When & Where was the first AKKA Conference held?
A. The first AKKA World Kannada Conference (World Millennium Kannada Conference -WMKC 2000) was held in September 2000 in Houston, Texas. About 2200 people attended the conference.

About AKKA WKC 2004 Convention.

Q. What is the 2004 AKKA World Kannada Conference (WKC)?
A. After enormous success in Houston and Detroit, the third AKKA WKC will be held in Orlando, Florida on September 3rd, 4th and 5th of 2004.

Q. How many people are expected to attend this event?
A. About 5000 people.

Q. Where in Orlando is this conference is being held?
A. The conference will be in held in the grand Gaylord Palms Convention Center.

Q. How do I get to the Venue?
A. If flying, you need to fly to the Orlando International Airport. The directions from the airport and driving directions from and to major attractions and cities is posted here: www.akkaonline.org/2004/directions.shtml

Q. Orlando is a city with major attractions. Are you offering any discounted tickets to these attractions?
A. We have collaborated with DisneyWorld to bring you some discounts. The details of which is available at www.akkaonline.org/attractions.shtml

Q. Are there any transportation provided by the Conference?
A. We are looking into this and we will post information in coming days.

Q. Where can I stay during the conference?
A. We have made arrangements with the Gaylord Palms for our convention attendees. Accomodations are available at a fantastic rate of $85 per night, where the rates usually run upto $220 per night. Note that there are limited number of rooms available for this rate on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Q. Are room charges included in the registration fee?
A. No. You must pay for the rooms on your own separately.

Q. What is the room cancellation policy?
A. Please check with the hotel directly.

Q. What are the registration fees?
A. The registration fee information is posted here: www.akkaonline.org/2004/registration.shtml

Q. If I am planning to attend just a day or two of the convention, can I pay the registration fee for just those days?
A. No, there is no partial registration policy. Although you may attend just a part of the convention, you are still required to pay the entire registration fee.

Q. Is the registration fee refundable?
A. Yes, 80% of the registration fee is refundable until July 1st. 50% of the registration fee is refundable between July 1st and July 30th. After July 30th, registration fees are non-refundable.

Q. What is included in the registration fee?
A. The registration fee includes admission to the 3-day Convention, the food and a souvenir per family. The registration fees do not include the accomodation charges.

Q. What type of Food will be served during the convention?
A. Authentic South-Indian Karnataka food(such as Happala, Majjige Huli, etc) will be served for the three days of the convention.