2005 Custom Builder Symposium Moves to Atlanta
Due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium has been relocated to Atlanta, Ga. The dates remain the same — Nov. 11-13.

At last week’s NAHB Fall Board of Directors meeting, NAHB’s Custom Home Builders Committee and Custom Builder Symposium Subcommittee decided to relocate the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium to Atlanta.  The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel will host the event.  As always, the Custom Builder Symposium will offer exceptional networking and educational opportunities custom builders have come to expect from this world-class annual event.  For a list of scheduled educational sessions, events and other important information, please visit the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium Web site. 

If you have registered for the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium online, by fax or mail, your registration has been automatically transferred to the Atlanta event.

Need to register?  Just go to the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium Web site at www.nahb.org/custom and reserve your spot today.

Many of your basic questions regarding the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium will be answered by this special edition of the Business of Building e/Source.  For more information, please go to www.nahb.org/custom.  You may also contact the NAHB University of Housing Office of the Registrar by calling 800-368-5242 x8338 or e-mailing registrar@nahb.com.  They will be happy to answer any of your questions or help you with registration.

Hotel Information — The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel
Centrally located in the heart of downtown, the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is an award-winning hotel with a distinctive design that has made it an Atlanta landmark.  The hotel is located in the heart of Atlanta's downtown convention, sports and entertainment district, only minutes from popular restaurants, shopping and entertainment.  All guest rooms feature modern amenities such as wireless high-speed Internet.  For recreation, the hotel offers a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi and a large, 24-hour fitness center.

The room rate of $169 plus tax for a single/double will be available until Oct. 21.  For important room reservation information, please read the following:

Very Important Information for Sheraton New Orleans Room Reservation Holders:

If you have already made your room reservation at the Sheraton New Orleans, you will automatically have your room reservation transferred to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. 

If You Haven’t Made Your Room Reservation Yet:

Please go to the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium Web site and complete the Priority List Form for immediate notification when the room block opens and the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is ready to take your reservation. [return to top]

Additional Educational and Networking Opportunities Have Been Added
The 2005 Custom Builder Symposium in Atlanta will add the following opportunities:

• Roundtable discussions will focus on what you need to do as a custom builder to survive a disaster.  Industry experts and disaster survivors will be on hand to facilitate the discussions and share their stories.
  
  
• Noted NAHB Economist, Michael Carliner will give a presentation during the general session on the economic impact Hurricane Katrina will have on the building industry.

Please check the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium Web site for more information. [return to top]

A Thank You to the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium Sponsors
The 2005 Custom Builder Symposium would like to thank each and every sponsor for this world-class event:

Andersen Windows & Doors
Broan-NuTone
Blue Linx
Black & Decker
CEDIA
Countrywide
Custom Builders USA
Custom Home
Dryvit Systems, Inc.
Eagle Windows & Doors
Jacuzzi
ICYNENE
Kohler
Masonite
Procore Technologies
Softplan
Solutia
Therma-Tru Doors
USG
Zurn

Important Information for Sponsors

A member of NAHB’s Marketing and Sales Group will be contacting you shortly with information regarding your sponsorship at the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium.  If you have questions about your sponsorship, please contact Grante Wright at 800-368-5242 x8051.

Home Tour, Golf Tournament and Experience Atlanta — the New Saturday Night Social Event
All of these events will take place at the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium. 

• Andersen Windows Home Tour will take place as planned on Friday, Nov. 11.
  
  
• The Golf Tournament sponsored by Broan-NuTone will be held at the Pete and P.B Dye designed Atlanta National Golf Club.
  
  
• Experience Atlanta sponsored by Dryvit — This new social event will take place on Saturday night, Nov. 12, and will feature a night of fun and networking at the unique Virginia Highland area.

Please check the 2005 Custom Builder Symposium Web site for updates and more details for each of these events.  If you would like a brochure (available shortly) that will contain more information, please contact the NAHB University of Housing Office of the Registrar by calling 800-368-5242 x8338 or e-mailing registrar@nahb.com. [return to top]

Airlines, Airfares and Refunds
Many Custom Builder Symposium attendees took advantage of summer sales from airlines to purchase tickets to New Orleans.  If you have purchased tickets to New Orleans, the Custom Builder Symposium encourages you to speak directly with your ticket provider to seek a refund, reimbursement or re-allocation of your money.

You may also wish to visit the New Orleans Conventions & Visitors Bureau Web site to learn more about their efforts to work with airlines on cancellation or rescheduling of purchased tickets.

Atlanta is served by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  The airport is served by all major carriers and several low-cost airlines. [return to top]

Helping Those in Need: Katrina Relief Efforts
At its recent Fall Board of Directors meeting, NAHB pledged $2 million to help the citizens of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast rebuild their homes and lives. 

The Custom Builder Symposium is 100% committed to the relief effort and encourages you to visit the Home Builder Industry Disaster Relief Fund Web site (www.nahb.org/disasterrelief) to find out how you can become involved in the relief effort. [return to top]