Dear Institute Class of 2006: The Institute of Newspaper Technology is less than a week away and everything looks great as preparations are finalized. Folks traveling from the south and west will be excited to know that the leaves are beginning to change and the mountains should look like they're on fire as you travel to Knoxville. Most recent forecasts call for high temperatures in the upper 60s and low 70s during the Institute. It's a little early to know for sure, but scattered showers are predicted for Thursday and Friday. You might want to bring a light jacket and raincoat. Watch for weather updates at: http://www.weather.com (zipcode: 37901) John, Anne and I will be working over the weekend to finalize the software installations. Our friends at Adobe have been especially helpful as we've overcome the usual last minute "crises." A couple of reminders: - If you are planning to take the Photography class on Thursday, please bring a camera (if you have one). Rob says it's not a problem if you don't have one. - If you are planning to attend the Basics of Page Layout class on Friday (instructor: Rob Heller), please bring at least two copies of your newspapers. Rob will be making suggestions to improve design elements. - The InDesign classes on Thursday and Friday are very full. This is not a problem. There will be room for everyone who signed up. Just be prepared to share a computer if you come with a friend/spouse/coworker/whatever. There will be around 26 students and 20 computers. - The lab temperatures are never perfect. Bring a light jacket in case you get cold during classes. - The bus will leave the Crowne Plaza Hotel at exactly 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning. Knoxville is in the Eastern time zone. - If you get lost - or need to contact someone on the morning of the Institute, please call Kathy at (865) 405-7137 or Robyn at or Robyn at (865) 384-5963. - Dress is CASUAL for all sessions of the Institute. Jeans are fine. Plan on business casual (no ties needed) for the banquet on Saturday night. - If you are driving on your own to the Institute, pick up a parking pass at the Information Booth on Circle Park Drive (near the statue of the guy with the flame) between 7:30 and 8:00 Thursday morning. - The Saturday evening banquet will take place at Greene Hills Grill. The banquet room is on the second floor. There is no elevator. Please let us know if you will require assistance. It's going to be an exciting three days. We'll be exhausted and inspired by the time we leave. I look forward to seeing you Thursday morning. Kevin Slimp Institute Director