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Las Vegas, NV - The International Society of Poets, the world's largest poetry organization, is set to hold its 22nd Annual Poetry Convention and Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they will announce the 2008 Poet of the Year and award the largest poetry cash prize of $20,000.00 and a $10,000.00 Book Publishing Contract to one talented amateur poet. The organization was founded in 1986 to promote peace, humanity, charity, and poetry, and it has awarded over $1,000,000.00 to amateur poets from around the world. The event will take place at the famous Riviera Hotel and Casino on July 24 - 27, 2008.

Watch the Highlights Video!
Singer, Dancer, Producer, and Television Star Tony Danza Will Join Us In Las Vegas!

Scheduled to perform at this year's Poet of the Year Gala Banquet is one of America's most recognized and likeable television personalities, Tony Danza. The talented actor, singer, dancer, and producer is a quadruple threat both on stage and on the big screen. After starring in his first television show, "Taxi," he went on to receive four Golden Globe nominations for his hit series, "Who's the boss?" that ran for eight seasons on ABC. Danza has worked in dramatic series and the Oscar-winning movie, "Crash." Danza's talents go beyond acting in movies and television, as he has performed in Tony-award winning Broadway musicals, such as "The Producers," and hosted the very popular comedy variety show, "Saturday Night Live," on NBC on several different occasions. The ISP is pleased to have this popular Brooklyn-born entertainer who will have you laughing on the floor and grinning from ear to ear at this year's Poetry Convention.

Also kicking off the Friday night, ISP Dance Party is the first vocal group to ever be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cornell Gunter's "Coasters." Topping the charts with several #1 hits like "Yakety Yak" and "Poison Ivy," they paved the way for bands through the 50s, 60s and 70s. Their other top 10 hits, like "Charlie Brown," "Searching," and "Sweet Georgia Brown," won the group six Gold Records during a career that has spanned over four decades! "We even have a few surprises in store for this year that should help our poets and their guests have the time of their lives," said Steve Michaels, ISP Coordinator.

Win Our $100,000.00 Poetry Contest!
You Could Be The Next $20,000.00 Winner!

For the 22nd Annual International Society of Poets Convention, we have planned the richest and most extravagant amateur poetry contest in American history. The International Society of Poets has increased the cash and prize money to over $100,000.00. The top prize of $20,000.00 cash, plus a book publishing contract, push the value of this year's Grand Prize to over $30,000.00. There is no amateur poetry contest in the world that comes close to providing a bigger prize.

When you attend the ISP Convention and Symposium, you will present your poetry in front of your fellow poets from around the world (our last convention was celebrated by over 1,800 poets and guests from 50 countries worldwide!), and you will be presented with your Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Crystal Award Trophy. The Award is a magnificent work of art in itself ($300.00 value), made from imported lead crystal. It is hand-engraved and mounted on a beautiful wood base. This will be the first time ever that we have bestowed these crystal awards. It has been crafted by artisans that we have commissioned specially for this year's event. It is so valuable that we have designed a special carrying case just for you to take it home.

As a poet attending this year's convention, you have an excellent opportunity to claim your share of the $100,000.00 in cash and prizes that will be awarded in one weekend. Just imagine... after three days of nonstop poetry and attending all the workshops and lectures, you are called up on stage. Imagine an audience of your fellow poets, many of whom you have gotten to know personally, standing and cheering your name. Amidst this thunderous applause, your name is announced and you are handed the Grand Prize check. It happened to John Crawford($20,000), it happened to Laveta Harvey($1,000), and it happened to Shelly-Ann Harris($5,000). This time, it could happen to you!

Grand Prize:	$20,000.00 Cash and a $10,000.00 Book Publishing Contract
Second Prize:	$7,500.00 Cash
Third Prize:	$5,000.00 Cash
Fourth Prize:	$2,500.00 Cash
Fifth Prize:	$1,000.00 Cash
18 Runners-up Prizes:	$500.00 Each
5 Young Poet Prizes:	$1,000.00 Each

Young Poet Runners-Up Will Receive Apple iPods . . . Plus Much, Much More!
Each attending poet will receive a personalized
Outstanding Achievement in Poetry Crystal Award Trophy.

Get Ready, Young Poets, Because We're Ready For You!

Over the past five years, the interest in poetry has grown by leaps and bounds. With the popularity and ease of the Internet, poetry has become more accessible to young people. In a recent survey, ISP was amazed to learn that the amount of poets under the age of eighteen that are interested in expressing themselves in poetry and learning more about their craft is at an all-time high. "Young poets are the future of our society and of the poetry world," said Steve Michaels. Because of this, Michaels commissioned a team of educators to develop workshops and activities at the 2008 ISP Convention and Symposium that are geared toward our young poets. Added Michaels, "If we don't nurture them and help them grow as writers, we would really be doing an injustice to them and to the future of the literary world." In addition to the many young poet workshops and activities, the 2008 ISP Convention will also feature a special Young Poet category in the convention competition that will award $1000.00 scholarships to deserving young poets at this year's event, as well as Apple iPods for the runners-up. And don't forget about all of the new family activities found in Las Vegas. You can attend hit Broadway shows, visit art exhibits and museums, or take a tour of the Grand Canyon or the Hoover Dam. Other family attractions include the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage Hotel and Casino and the Adventuredome at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, the first amusement park in Las Vegas history. All of this, along with the poetic experience of a lifetime, awaits you in Las Vegas!

All Of This Will Take Place In Beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada!

Whether you're coming with your family and friends, or enjoying the weekend in the company of
fellow attending poets, it's an experience you'll never forget. We hope to see you there!

When You Register For The Convention, You Will Receive The Following:

Three Easy Steps To Register:

1. Click here to register online or call (410) 356-2000, extension 101.
   
   
2. Click here to book your hotel room at the famed Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they are providing specially discounted rooms for convention attendees. You can also call the Riviera Hotel & Casino to book your room at (800) 634-6753. Make sure you tell them you are with the ISP to ensure your room discounts. Please register with the hotel as soon as possible because space is limited.
   
   
3. Make your travel arrangements. Las Vegas is one of the easiest places to reach. Call your local travel agent, book online, or check the following carriers for low rates: