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A TRUE COPY <br />CERTIFICATION ON LAST PAGE <br />a t RYAN L. BUTLER, CLERK <br />Conferences <br />The Division recognizes the important role that conferences can play, in the professional <br />development of emergency managers.. <br />Rule 691-42.002(3), Florida Administrative Code, defines the term conference as: <br />The coming together of persons with a common interest or interests for the <br />purpose of deliberation, interchange of views, or for the removal of differences or <br />disputes and for discussion of their common problems and interests. The term <br />also includes, similar meetings such as seminars and workshops which are large <br />formal group meetings that are programmed and supervised to.accomplish <br />intensive research, study, discussion_ , and work in some specific field or on a <br />governmental problem or problems. A conference does -not mean the coming <br />together of agency or interagency personnel. <br />For travel to a conference or convention to qualify for reimbursement, the cost must be <br />reasonable and attendance at the conference must be necessary for the successful <br />completion of a task required by this -Agreement. <br />Provided the cost qualifies as reasonable and necessary for the successful completion of <br />a task required by this Agreement, travel to a conference that complies with the <br />requirements of Rule 691-42.004, Florida Administrative Code, satisfies the minimum level <br />of service for conference travel under this Agreement. <br />In pertinent part, Rule 691-42.004(1), Florida Administrative Code, states "No public funds <br />shall be expended for attendance'at conferences or conventions unless: <br />• . The main purpose of the conference or convention is in connection with the <br />official business of the state and directly related .to the performance of the <br />statutory duties and responsibilities of the agency participating; <br />• The activity provides a direct educational or other benefit supporting the <br />work and public purpose of the person attending; <br />• The duties and responsibilities of the traveler attending such meetings are <br />compatible with the objectives of the conference or convention; and <br />• The request for payment of. travel expenses is otherwise in compliance with these <br />rules. <br />Provided the cost qualifies as reasonable and necessary for the successful completion of <br />a task required by this Agreement, and provided any related travel complies with the <br />requirements of Rule 691-42.004, Florida Administrative Code, conferences may qualify <br />for reimbursement under this Agreement:. <br />Requests for reimbursement for payment of the registration fee or for conference or <br />convention must include: <br />• A statement explaining how the expense directly relates to the <br />Recipient's successful performance of a task outlined.in this <br />Agreement; <br />• A copy of those pages of the agenda that itemizes the registration fee; <br />• A copy of local travel policy; and . <br />• A copy of the travel voucher or a statement that no travel costs were, incurred, if <br />applicable. <br />When a meal is included in a registration fee, the, meal allowance must be deducted from <br />the reimbursement claim, even if the traveler decides for personal reasons not to eat the <br />meal. See section 112.061(6)(c), Florida Statutes ("No one, whether traveling out of or in <br />state, shall be reimbursed for any meal or lodging included in a convention or conference <br />33 <br />