Dear Albert,
It's just a few short weeks until your poetic accomplishments will be honored at Poetry.com's and the International Society of Poets' 2006 Convention and Symposium, to be held at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada from July 20-23, 2006.
I'm writing to tell you exactly what to expect and how to prepare for this special moment in your life.
First, we have scheduled you to receive your Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Imported Lead Crystal Award Trophy immediately after you present your poetry in front of your fellow poets. You can count on a true international audience for your poetry as we already have poets registered from 52 countries around the world!
Second, the award you will be receiving is so large and heavy that it may be a good idea for you to bring an extra suitcase to carry it home. The award, a magnificent work of art (a $300.00 value) that measures over 13 inches tall, is made from hand-engraved imported lead crystal and mounted on a three-tier solid marble base (see it here). I'm sure it will merit a special place of pride in your home.
Third, it's my pleasure to inform you that we have also decided to create and present to you a beautiful and colorful Commemorative Award Medallion in appreciation of your poetry presentation at this prestigious international symposium.
Fourth, you need to submit your registration to the convention as soon as possible as our available space is nearly sold out. While we regret having to turn poets away, we purposely limit space to ensure a close-knit atmosphere where lasting friendships will be made. Poets consistently tell us they appreciate this policy and that the opportunity to make new friends is one of their favorite reasons for returning again and again.
And Albert . . . there's much more . . .
50 POETS WILL SHARE $100,000.00 TOTAL IN PRIZES--INCLUDING THE SINGLE
LARGEST POETRY CASH PRIZE EVER AWARDED--$20,000.00 AND A $10,000 BOOK PUBLISHING CONTRACT!
And don't forget the most lucrative amateur poetry contest ever! Your contest entry poem can be written in any style, on any subject . . . and can be up to 40 lines long.
Just think . . . for this poem alone, you will have the opportunity to win one of 30 cash and gift prizes to be awarded at the Symposium . . . including a Grand Prize of $20,000.00--the largest cash prize ever awarded in an amateur poetry competition. There's also a Second Prize of $10,000.00, Third Prize of $5,000.00, two Fourth Prizes of $2,500.00, and five Fifth Prizes of $1,000.00, and 15 other cash prizes of $500.00 each. The hit Fox TV show American Idol winner Ruben Studdard will be on hand to present the Grand Prize.
Your society is also encouraging today's youth to develop and utilize their poetic talents in a positive manner. This year we will award five $1,000.00 cash scholarships to talented young poets attending the Symposium.
In all, $100,000.00 in cash and prizes will be awarded at this single event!
LIGHTS . . . CAMERA . . . ACTION!
And that's still just the beginning . . . we've got three very special days planned for you . . . ones you'll never forget!
** You will be officially inducted as an honorary "International Poet of Merit" for 2006.
** You and your poetic achievements will be honored at a Gala Banquets and Award Ceremonies.
** You will enjoy dazzling world class entertainment created especially for you featuring Grammy Award-winner Tony Orlando.
** You will learn more about your craft in seminars, reading rooms, rap sessions, and workshops, where you can read and discuss your poetry in informal settings with other poets from all over the world. Back by popular demand are the ISP rap rooms, our famous sunrise poetry readings, the ISP Open Microphone Rooms, and workshops on how to fine-tune your poetic talents.
** You will have the rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet W. D. Snodgrass, Academy of American Poets Past Chancellor David Wagoner, Dr. Len Roberts, Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin, and over twenty other poetry celebrities who will be in attendance.
** You will participate in a fantastic international poetry competition featuring 50 prizes totaling $100,000.00. A Grand Prize of $20,000.00.
** You and your guests will also be eligible to win one of many door prizes, valued at over $10,000.00.
** You will make friendships that will last a lifetime and will return home with wonderful memories, your Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Imported Lead Crystal Award Trophy, your Commemorative Award Medallion, and lots of other special gifts.
DON'T BE LEFT OUT
Don't miss this opportunity. Space is limited, and our Conventions routinely sell out. Plan to join your fellow poets at the most amazing city in the world Las Vegas, Nevada at the legendary Riviera Hotel and Casino from July 20-23, 2006 for the poetic event of the year! I am also looking forward to meeting you and celebrating the power and beauty of poets and poetry!
Sincerely,
Steve Michaels
Convention Chairperson
International Society of Poets