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Conferences The Division recognizes the important role that conferences can play in the professional development of emergency managers. Rule 691-42.002(3), Florida Administrative Code, defines the term conference as: The coming together of persons with a common interest or interests for the purpose of deliberation, interchange of views, or for the removal of differences or disputes and for discussion of their common problems and interests. The term also includes similar meetings such as seminars and workshops which are large formal group meetings that are programmed and supervised to accomplish intensive research, study, discussion, and work in some specific field or on a governmental problem or problems. A conference does not mean the coming together of agency or interagency personnel. For travel to a conference or convention to qualify for reimbursement, the cost must be reasonable and attendance at the conference must be necessary for the successful completion of a task required by this Agreement. Provided the cost qualifies as reasonable and necessary for the successful completion of a task required by this Agreement, travel to a conference that complies with the requirements of Rule 691-42.004, Florida Administrative Code, satisfies the minimum level of service for conference travel under this Agreement. In pertinent part, Rule 691-42.004(1), Florida Administrative Code, states "No public funds shall be expended for attendance at conferences or conventions unless: • The main purpose of the conference or convention is in connection with the official business of the state and directly related to the performance of the statutory duties and responsibilities of the agency participating; • The activity provides a direct educational or other benefit supporting the work and public purpose of the person attending; • The duties and responsibilities of the traveler attending such meetings are compatible with the objectives of the conference or convention; and • The request for payment of travel expenses is otherwise in compliance with these rules. Provided the cost qualifies as reasonable and necessary for the successful completion of a task required by this Agreement, and provided any related travel complies with the requirements of Rule 691-42.004, Florida Administrative Code, conferences may qualify for reimbursement under this Agreement: Requests for reimbursement for payment of the registration fee or for a conference or convention must include: • A statement explaining how the expense directly relates to the Recipient's successful performance of a task outlined in this Agreement; • A copy of those pages of the agenda that itemizes the registration fee; • A copy of local travel policy; and • A copy of the travel voucher or a statement that no travel costs were incurred, if applicable. When a meal is included in a registration fee, the meal allowance must be deducted from the reimbursement claim, even if the traveler decides for personal reasons not to eat the meal. See section 112.061(6)(c), Florida Statutes ("No one, whether traveling out of or in state, shall be reimbursed for any meal or lodging included in a convention or conference 33 189