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Getting Around At SIGGRAPH 2003
Audience: Conference Attendee (any registration)
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!
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, Thursday. Plan accordingly.
Shuttles
The conference provides free shuttle service between most official
conference hotels and the convention center. 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
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 Pathfinders, a volunteer group
dedicated to mentoring of first-time conference visitors.
Please take a moment to help us help you. Share with us how this information improved
(or could have improved) your conference experience. You can find us at SIGGRAPH
2003 at the Pathfinder booth in main registration or via email.
Thank you.
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