What is AKKA?
The Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA) was inaugurated at the
Kannada Sammelana in Phoenix, AZ on February 14, 1998. Its purpose was to act as
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
Why is AKKA required?
Most language groups from India, settled in this continent have a principal
American organization. One of the aims of the very successful Kannada Sammelana-98 held
in Phoenix, AZ was to establish a 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 AKKA and when the organization was inaugurated,
everyone felt an emotional attachment for it. The WMKC-2000 Conference in Houston, Texas
immediately followed the creation of AKKA.
Where was the first AKKA conference held and when was it held?
The first AKKA World Kannada Conference (World Millennium Kannada
Conference -WMKC 2000) was held in September 2000 in Houston, TX and
about 2,200 people attended the conference.
Fourth AKKA World Kannada Conference (WKC 2006)
General Information
What is the Fourth AKKA World Kannada Conference?
After successful Kannada conferences of Houston, Detroit and Orlando,
the Fourth AKKA World Kannada Conference will be held in Baltimore, Maryland
from September 1 through 3, 2006.
How many people are expected to attend this event?
About 6,000 people from the U.S., India, Canada, United Kingdom,
Australia, Singapore, UAE, Switzerland are expected to attend.
Where is the venue of this conference in Baltimore?
The venue of the conference is
The Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
How do I get to the venue?
AIR Travel
Baltimore Washington International (BWI) - 20 Min drive.
Note: BWI is the recommended and nearest airport to the Convention Center.
National Airport (DCA) - Washington DC - 45 Min drive.
Washington Dulles International (IAD) - 1.15 hour drive
What is the Travel time in and around the Washington D.C. Metro region?
Washington D.C. downtown to Baltimore Convention Center- 45 minutes
National Airport (DCA) to Washington D.C. downtown - 30 minutes
Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Washington D.C. downtown - 45 minutes
Any discounted Air Tickets are available ?
Yes, AMERICAN AIRLINES -Discount Code: A4486AI
BRITISH AIRWAYS - only if travelling from India and if the London - USA
leg of the tour is on American Airlines.
Advance booking on SouthWest Airlines may offer the lowest fares to
Baltimore from most US cities.
Any agreement with car rental company during the convention?
Yes, We have negotiated a special discount rate with the AVIS rental car company (Code: AWD J995385).
Transportation is available between BWI airport and Convention Center/Wyndham Hotel?
Yes, Transportation is available on an hourly basis on Friday 9/1/06 from 11:00 AM
to 8:00 PM and Monday 9/4/06 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
The greater Baltimore/Washington area is a major tourist location for the
country. How do I access information on tourist sites?
A. Baltimore is the largest city in the State of Maryland and is within
easy driving distance of Washington DC and historic Annapolis, the capital of Maryland.
Useful information is available at the websites listed below:
Baltimore, MD:
http://www.baltimore.org
http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us
Washington DC:
http://www.washington.org
http://www.smithsonian.org
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash
Annapolis, MD
http://www.ci.annapolis.md.us
http://www.usna.edu
http://www.marylandtours.us
Is there any tour arranged before or after the convention?
Yes, There will be one day Whirlwind tour from Baltimore Convention
centet to Wasinhton Dc on Monday, September 4. Price per person is $55.
Lunch will be provided once by the tour company.
Do you provide any transportation during the Conference?
Yes. Transportation from BWI airport to the Convention Center shall be
available on Friday at a nominal cost. Transportation from Convention Center to
BWI airport shall be available on Sunday at a nominal cost.
Please visit Akka 2006 website
http://www.akkaonline.org/2006 for latest information.
Accommodation
For more details about hotel visit our hotel links
Where can I stay during the conference?
We have made arrangements with the following hotels which are within walking
distance of the convention center:
Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore
20 West Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
1-800-333-3333
http://www.radisson.com/LordBaltimore
Room Rate: $125.00 per night : Discount Code : AKKA
Please note that there are a limited number of rooms available at this rate and
is on a first-come-first-served basis.
NOTE: Please use current information on the hotel accommodation
Are room charges included in the registration fee?
No, You must pay for the rooms on your own.
What is the room cancellation policy?
Please check with the hotel directly.
Registration Information
What are the registration fees?
The current registraion fee for adult is $175 till July 31st.
The registration fee includes 3 daysx 3 times each day (breakfast, lunch, dimnner)
delicious authentic karnataka food
The current registraion fee for children betwee 6-12 : $120 until July 31st.
Can I claim tax benifit for the amount paid as donation for WKC 2006
Yes ( Note : Please make sure with your tax consultant)
What are the different donor categories?
Kannada Mitra: $500 FREE 2 Registration tickets
Kannada Datha: $1,000 FREE 4 Registrations tickets
Kannada Bandhu: $3,000 FREE 4 Registrations tickets and room for 3 nights
Kannada Premi: $5,000 FREE 4 Registrations tickets and room for 3 nights, half
page advertisement and recognition on stage
Kannada Premi: $10,000 FREE 4 Registrations tickets and room for 3 nights,FULL
page advertisement and recognition on stageand Limo transportaion to
and from BWI Airport
Do you have a pro-rated fee schedule for the convention? Can I attend only one
or two days of the conference ?
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.
Is the registration fee refundable?
If cancell before April 1st 2006 refund amount : 90% of registration fee
If cancell before July 31st 2006 refund amount : 80% of registration fee
If cancell between August 1st and August 15th : 50% of rergistration fee
No refund if cancell after August 15
What are the different ways I can register?
Online registration using credit card (recommended) and online using check.
Or you can mail a completed registration form with your check.
Is using Credit Card for online registration safe?
Yes. We use extremely secured 128 bit encryption technique to transmit sensitive information.
You can see that our registration link changes to https:// as opposed to http:// when you go
to online registration page. At this time no automatic email confirmation is sent by check method
as we need to receive the check. Also you can see our Digital Certificate if you wish to do so
in the page where you provide the Credit Card information.
What is included in the registration fee?
The registration fee includes admission to the 3-day convention, food and one souvenir
per family. The registration fees does not include hotel accommodation charges.
What type of food will be served during the convention?
Authentic Karnataka vegetarian and non vegetarian food will be severed.
.
Where can I get the latest information of the conference regarding the program
schedule, artists and different forums ?
Please visit http://www.akkaonline.org/2006 for updated and
latest information on all activities of the conference.
If you need help, any of the conference volunteers or coordinators will
be always be available to assist you and make your visit to this beautiful and historic
part of our country enjoyable and eventful one. Hospitality and Reception Committees can
also assist you. You can contact us at
contact us
or call the toll fee number 1-877-WKC-2006
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