U.S. Department of State

On May 13, 2009, the U.S. Department of State will host the Council of the Americas’ 39^th annual Washington Conference on the Americas: Renewing the Promise of Prosperity. This year’s conference will focus on stimulating regional growth and development in the context of the current economic downturn. The schedule of speakers is attached.

Morning and afternoon sessions are open to the press and will be held in the Loy Henderson Conference Room. The luncheon session is closed to the press.

Morning pre-set time for cameras: 7:30 a.m. from the 23^rd Street entrance.
Final morning access for all press: 8:15 a.m. from the 23^rd Street entrance.
Afternoon pre-set time for cameras: 1:00 p.m. from the 23^rd Street entrance.
Final afternoon access for all press: 1:45 p.m. from the 23^rd Street entrance.

Media representatives may attend this event upon presentation of one of the following: (1) A U.S. Government-issued identification card (Department of State, White House, Congress, Department of Defense or Foreign Press Center), (2) a media-issued photo identification card, or
(3) a letter from their employer on letterhead verifying their employment as a journalist, accompanied by an official photo identification card (driver's license, passport). Press should allow adequate time to process through security.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Office of Press Relations, U.S. Department of State
(202) 647-2492

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State
whapress@state.gov

Council of the Americas
Michelle Morton
mmorton@as-coa.org
(202) 659-8989