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Getting Around At SIGGRAPH 2002
Background
From the day you leave home until the moment you return,
when you attend a SIGGRAPH conference you will always
be "on the go." The conference will also drain
you of every ounce of energy you have, so rest up before
you arrive!
Essentials
Prepare to trek. The number-one mode of transportation
at a SIGGRAPH conference is by foot. Don't forget to wear
comfortable walking shoes and have fresh changes of socks,
too. If you are prone to blisters, hikers "moleskin"
can help reduce your chances of getting them.
Flights
SIGGRAPH conferences are usually in quite popular locations.
Plan early to book the best fares to the destination city.
Heaviest flight times usually occur on the Saturday before
the conference begins and the last day of the conference,
Friday. Plan accordingly.
Shuttles
The conference provides free shuttle service between most
official conference hotels and the convention center as
well as to and from conference receptions. When you use
the shuttle service, allow plenty of time to reach your
destination. Many other attendees may have the same time
and place in mind. If you do not book yourself at a conference
hotel, you will be expected to provide your own transportation
to and from the convention center or walk to the closest
conference hotel and catch the shuttle there.
Airport Shuttles and Cabs
There is no official conference shuttle service for transportation
from the airport to your hotel. Large companies such as
SuperShuttle often provide very economical service to
your conference hotel. Taxi cabs are often expedient (and
sometimes expensive) ways to get to where you need to
go in a hurry. You may wish to consult a phone directory
ahead of time (or ask your hotel concierge) for a number
that you can carry with you in case you need a cab during
the conference.
Driving
While most people fly to the conference, there are some
attendees who drive. If you’re planning to drive,
you should check ahead of time with your hotel about parking
rates and in/out privileges. Also, unless you plan to
drive to places not served by the conference shuttle,
it probably is not a good idea to rent a car for the week.
Convention center parking can usually be quite expensive
and sometimes inconvenient. Conference shuttles usually
get you where you need to go during the conference week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any good travel discounts for being
a SIGGRAPH conference attendee?
A: Yes, there are sometimes great discounts available
to SIGGRAPH-conference attendees. Check with the official
SIGGRAPH travel agent for more details. This number is
available through conference documentation or the conference
Web site. Don't forget to mention your frequent-flyer
ID number to the travel agent, too!
Q: Are there hints for using the conference shuttles?
A: Allow plenty of time to get where you need to
go. Morning and evening hours, and lunch time, can generate
heavy traffic to and from the convention center, though
shuttles run more often then.
Checklist
- Book flights as early as possible
- Check desired hotel for parking rates and privileges
- Keep a local cab company number with you for convenience
Feedback
This information was brought to you by SIGGRAPH 2002 Pathfinders,
a volunteer group dedicated to mentoring first-time conference
visitors. Please take a moment to help us help you. Let
us know how this information improved (or could have improved)
your conference experience. You can find us at SIGGRAPH
2002 at the Pathfinder booth in the main lobby or via
email: pathfinders@siggraph.org.
Thank you.
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