Frequently Asked Questions

Where, When? To my complete surprise I received two inquiries this week from Bracelanders wanting to know when and where the seminar was being held. They said they couldn't find this information on the blog. In my defense, right under the blog title it says, Honolulu, Hawaii, 13 May 2011. On the right, without having to scroll down, there is a speed link to The Hotel, on which page is the address and telephone number of the Hale Koa Hotel.

What Are We Wearing? If you go to the Annual Meeting page of the American Psychiatric Association, the second paragraph says, "Attire is 'aloha business/casual, no suits, ties or fancy dresses." We are going with that, which means Aloha shirts and nice pants. On Fridays in Honolulu, even white-shoe law firms wear Aloha shirts. There is a difference, however, between an Aloha shirt and what Admiral Mateczun calls a Hong Kong liberty shirt. If you are not sure what the difference is, please google "Aloha Shirt" then click on Reyn Spooner. Our relaxed dress code for the Braceland Seminar does not include shorts, sandals, flip flops or blue jeans. I usually insist that men wear socks, but I won't be checking ankles this year. If you don't have an Aloha shirt, maybe you'll want to get one when you arrive. The fallback is to go with your standard polo or other tasteful casual shirt.

What Time? Show up at 0730 to get your registration name badge and have breakfast. Presentations start at 0800. Lunch is served at 1130. If you have a guest coming for lunch, please ask them to be prompt. We are back in session at 1230. The seminar ends at 1430, earlier than we usually get out, but this is one of the peculiar quirks of the Hale Koa. They want us out of the room at 1430, and they are giving us a $700 incentive to vacate on time.

Did You Mention Food? Yes, there will be plenty of food. We start with a continental breakfast. Mid-morning we have a coffee break with assorted cookies. A plated lunch is served in a separate room at 1130. In the past few years we have had lunch buffets, which allows a little wiggle room. But this hotel steered us to plates, which is why I have to have an accurate head count. The lunch entrée is herb roasted chicken. Dessert is macadamia nut cream pie. If your diet does not include chicken, now would be a good time to notify me. Please don't be like the attendee last year who walked up to me at the end and told me she couldn't eat. Gosh, if she had only told me ahead of time, I would have made arrangements.

Other Questions? I love questions, because answers eliminate uncertainty and doubt, which are the worst things about planning an event. If you have a question, please hit reply to all. Someone else may have the same question. My reply will go back to everyone, and uncertainty and doubt will be vanquished.

Could I Talk With You? Absolutely. My home number is 619-235-4047. Only I answer the phone. I do not have a cell phone, a television or a laptop with wi-fi. If you need to get me in Honolulu, say the evening before the seminar when suddenly you determine that you can't make it to the seminar, I'll be staying at the Marriott Courtyard Waikiki Beach Hotel on Royal Hawaiian Avenue, 808-954-4000. Please call me if there are any last minute fiascos. You know how you hate it when a patient no shows? It's worse for me when someone no shows at the Braceland. If you can't come at the last minute, it is only common courtesy to call me. We can talk about whether it is possible to refund your fee. Last year in New Orleans three speakers failed to show and only one called me the night before. That's really nasty, and I can tell you, it is difficult for those two psychiatrists to attend in the future. Not from my point of view, but from theirs. While they created a problem for me, which I rolled with and easily recovered, they brought shame on themselves. If you can't come at the last minute, call me when you call your friends. If you don't call me, I'll find out that your called your friends, then it will be shame on you. Okay, now I feel better, carry on.