Travel and Useful Information

 

Are there any additional costs for the Thursday or Friday events or is the $79.00 (members) charge the complete cost?

No, there are NO additional costs..

The $79.00 charge (for FOI members and members of co-sponsoring associations; $99.00 for non-members) covers the entire event, including all seminars, the Thursday “Movie Night” seminar and open bar and breakfast and lunch on Friday. There will be NO extra charges or add-ons. [Travel and lodging costs, if any, are of course the separate responsibility of the attendee. The Inn of The Hills is offering a discounted $89.00/night rate to all registered attendees and the conference is a $10.00 drive from San Antonio and Austin.]

There is no profession that is more “in person” than investigations. It is FOI’s intention to provide a financial bonus to welcome our colleagues back to face-to-face training and networking and also to provide the opportunity for colleagues to see first-hand the beautiful venue and surroundings of FOI’s 2021 Investigators’ SuperConference. (Full details and website to be published on 01 December 2020.)

Does FOI accept co-sponsors?

Yes. We welcome co-sponsorship by all established associations of members of law enforcement, investigative professionals, security and protective services providers, forensic specialists and allied fields. Members of co-sponsoring associations obtain the same discounts and perks as FOI members. To co-sponsor an FOI event, please contact Steven Rambam, FOI’s Education Chairman or the relevant event Coordinators.

Is there any significance to the unique “500-2-007” telephone number?

Yes. The Fraternal Order of Investigators has established the “BCIP” (Board Certified Investigative Professional™) credential. FOI considers credentialing to be an essential component of the final transitioning of Investigations from a “job” to a profession. It is part of FOI’s core mission to facilitate credentialing for investigative professionals, whether with the BCIP credential or by influencing FOI members to attain the highly regarded CFE, CPP, PSP, PCI, CFCS or other credentials. FOI has set a goal of 500 newly credentialed members by the end of 2022; hence, with a bit of humor, the “500-2-007” (830-500-2007) number assigned to our Training and Event team.

CONFERENCE LOCATION and DATES:

The Fraternal Order of Investigators’ December 2020 “Back To Business” and Critical Skills event will take place 17-18 December 2020 at the Inn of The Hills in Kerrville, Texas.

17 December 2020 – Welcome Reception, Seminar and Open Bar

18 December 2020 – Full-Day Seminar

(Please see the SPEAKERS page for specific details.)

LODGING:

HOTEL: Inn of The Hills
1001 Junction Highway (RT. 27)
Kerrville, Texas 78028 USA.
+1-830-895-5000

Google Map Link: Click Here

Hotel Website: https://www.innofthehills.com/

Discounted Reservation Link: Click Here

The Fraternal Order of Investigators has secured a special discounted rate ($89.00/night) for all attendees of this event. Attendees desiring to book a longer stay will receive the same discounted rate, provided that they are also attending the conference.

Early reservation is strongly recommended as we anticipate that both the conference and hotel will be quickly SOLD OUT.

The hotel provides sufficient, free parking for all guests. The hotel also has accommodations and hook-ups ($45.00/night) for RVs / motor homes.

HOW TO GET TO THE CONFERENCE / HOTEL:

By Auto:
Kerrville is located nearly dead-center “in the heart of Texas” in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, surrounded by historic towns, vineyards, fine dining and shopping.

Kerrville is approximately 1 hour from San Antonio (SAT Airport, the Alamo, etc.) and approximately 2 hours from Austin. Kerrville is also an easy morning drive (via I-10, Exit 508) from Houston and from Dallas – Ft. Worth.

By Air:

If traveling by commercial airline, Kerrville is most conveniently reached from the San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

If traveling by private or chartered plane, Kerrville maintains a Municipal Airport (See: https://kerrvilletx.gov/1765/Airport ; https://www.airnav.com/airport/KERV ).

AFTER CHECKING IN:

From 5:00PM, Thursday onward, pick up your Seminar registration badge and other conference materials at the Registration Desk outside the Bluebonnet Room.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE:

Conference attendees are solely responsible for their own health and safety.

In case of personal peril or medical emergency, immediately dial “911”.

Kerrville in our opinion has a VERY capable and well-equipped Police Department, Sheriffs’ Department, and Fire and Emergency Medical Services / Hospital.

The Conference’s Coordinators, Robert Kowalkowski (tel. 248-388-6400) and Steven Rambam (tel. 212-969-0286), will be available to assist attendees at all times during the conference in the event of a genuine emergency.

FOI’s Training line (830-500-2-007) will be live during the event.

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES:

Conference attendees are solely responsible for their own health and safety.

Neither the Fraternal Order of Investigators nor any affiliated persons or entities make any representations or guarantees regarding the ongoing health or safety of any person attending an FOI event.

Although the current public health situation continues to improve and Texas has substantially reopened, it is still prudent to maintain appropriate social distancing and other precautions. Therefore, precautionary seating and food service arrangements will be provided and should be observed. (For example, empty seats will be provided to the left and right of every attendee and serving of buffet meals will be by restaurant employees and will not be “self service”.) Custom masks have been ordered and will be provided to every attendee. While we will not force attendees to wear a mask, unmasked attendees will have separate seating.

The current public health situation is a new, hopefully temporary, reality and, like you, FOI is still adjusting to this reality. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our members and that concern will guide all of FOI’s future activities until COVID has been eliminated as a concern. Reckless conduct regarding health and safety issues will result in revocation of Conference credentials and ejection from the Conference.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Continuing Education (CEs / CPEs / CLEs):

All attendees can earn up to ten (10) CEs at this event: three (3) CEs on Thursday evening and seven (7) CEs on Friday. These CEs will be accepted for renewal of Texas (DPS) Investigator and Security licensing (Texas School License No. Y00235) and most special credentialing (ex. ASIS, ACFE, ACFCS, etc.).

We are in the process of applying for TCOLE and Texas Bar CE / CLE – granting approval and hope to obtain that approval before 17 December 2020. Please contact FOI’s Education Chairman for updates.

Cancellation of Event or Attendance:

In the event of event cancellation at any time by FOI, all attendees will be provided with a full refund.

Any Attendee canceling their registration for this event will receive a full refund until 17 November 2020; a 50% refund between 17 November 2020 and 01 December 2020; no refund if cancelled on or after 02 December 2020.

Firearms:

FOI welcomes legally armed professionals at our events. Texas is one of the most “Second Amendment friendly” places in America and has “concealed carry” reciprocity with many other states. The Inn of The Hills allows legally licensed (but NOT exposed) firearms. Before bringing a firearm into the State of Texas or to this event, you are advised to verify that your personal status and/or licensing / credentials allow you to possess a firearm within the States’s boundaries and at the event. Attendees have sole responsibility for securing their firearms.

Personal Conduct:

All Conference attendees are expected to comport themselves in a professional and fraternal manner at all times. Disruptive or unprofessional conduct will result in revocation of Conference credentials and ejection from the Conference.

Telepresence Devices:

Robots and other Telepresence Devices must have their own ticket to attend the Conference and suitable lodging (storage). Standard 110v outlets are available throughout the hotel. Robots should not be left unattended unless they are sufficiently autonomous and non-confrontational.