As you are probably already aware, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has moved its 2002 Convention & Exposition dates in New Orleans to January 26-29, so the Super Bowl can take place in New Orleans on February 3.

"By making this change, America's new car dealers are doing their part to help the country's healing process and to maintain important traditions, despite the horrific events of September 11," reads a statement fron NADA.

NADA says has it taken the following specific steps to show its appreciation for dealers' continuing support and flexibility:

- Pre-paid registration fees for the convention are waived for dealer and manager members. NADA will refund in full the registration fees you have paid in advance. If you paid a registration fee for one guest/spouse, that fee will also be refunded.

- Non-member dealers, managers and one guest/spouse, will be refunded 50 percent of the registration fee already paid or pre-paid up to December 10, 2001.

- The cut-off date for pre-paid (advance) registration is December 10, 2001. If dealer and manager members register for the convention before that date, registration fees will be waived for you and your guest/spouse.

- All other categories of registrant, such as non-member dealers and managers, affiliates, manufacturers and allied industries will receive a refund of 50 percent of the registration fee up to December 10, 2001.

According to NADA, if you plan to register on site at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, your over-the-counter registration fee will be discounted by 50 percent, regardless of the category of registration.

New Orleans hotels and NADA will be mailing new confirmations of hotel reservations very soon.

NADA says it is working with the airlines in an effort to have any change fees for pre-purchased airline tickets waived.

For more information, call the NADA Convention Services Department at (703) 821-7188 or e-mail conven@nada.org or visit www.nada.org.