August 2013 is a far-flung date in the future, but I'm thinking of a road trip for the NCGR conference in Philadelphia. With pre and post con events, it's a three-day event from August 15th to the 19th and whimsically titled, "Everything Under the Sun: The Art of Astrology."
The NCGR stands for the National Council for Geocosmic Research -- a professional astrology association with chapters around the world (though not anywhere near me!) There are lectures on everything from death charts, to fixed stars, to Astro*Carto*Graphy and Your Heart.
It's also a chance to take Levels I to III of the NCGR professional astrologer's certification. These are proctored and based on a study guide available through NCGR's site. If you have the old version, like me, you'll want to know they've updated the study guide. The fourth and final level can be completed through correspondence, with a few different areas of specialization to choose from.
For more information, go to the NCGR 2013 Conference site.
NCGR Conference Flyer