The 2009 NASPA Conference will provide opportunities for Nourishing Partnerships for Lifelong Learning. With intentional opportunities for networking and connecting with colleagues, outstanding featured speakers, and hundreds of high quality programs.
Important Dates:
- Program Submission Deadline:
Friday, September 5, 2008
- Hotel Reservations & The Placement Exchange Registration Opens
Wednesday, October 1, 2008 (online registration is currently available)
- Request for Meeting Space deadline:
Thursday, November 1, 2008
2009 NASPA Conference Registration Rates: Click here.
Schedule Highlights:
The conference officially opens Sunday evening, March 8 and closes by noon on Wednesday, March 11. Pre-Conference workshops will be held on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. Click here to view a preliminary schedule.
What are the Conference Hotels?:
Click here.
How early can I book my hotel?:
October 1st, 2008. You must be registered for the Conference in order to reserve a hotel room in the conference block. Hotel reservations can be made online, via phone, fax, or mail.
I want to extend my stay - what are the effective dates for the conference hotel rate?:
Rates are available three days prior to and three days after the official dates of the conference if the hotel has availability.
Is there a primary hotel?:
No. The Washington State Convention Center will host most program sessions, pre-conference workshops and featured speakers. The NASPA President suite and all regional suites will be assigned prior to the opening of Hotel registration on October 1st.
How far are the conference hotels from the Convention Center?:
Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers
1400 6th Avenue
Distance from Convention Center = 1 Block
Grand Hyatt Seattle
721 Pine Street
Distance from Convention Center = 1 Block
Homewood Suites - Seattle Convention Center
1011 Pike Street
Distance from Convention Center = 2 Blocks
The Westin Seattle
1900 5th Avenue
Distance from Convention Center = 5 Blocks
A Google map of the Convention Center area with hotels is available by clicking here.
Or, the Seattle Convention and Business Bureau has published a map of downtown hotels that can be downloaded as a PDF:
http://www.seattlesports.org/uploads/downtown.pdf
When can I make a request for a special meeting or reception?:
Requests for meeting and reception space will be accepted beginning July 15, 2008 through November 1, 2008. Please check the Meetings/Receptions link on the web for additional information.
How many attendees are expected?:
We anticipate over 3,000 colleagues will attend the NASPA Conference.
Are airline discounts being offered? What is the easiest way to get from the airport to the hotels?:
There are no airline discounts available at this time for the NASPA Conference. The most economical way to/from the airport will be the shared vans. Cost for a shuttle to the conference hotels is approximately $14-$17 one way. Click here for additional information. A shuttle discount coupon will be available online at a later date.
I'd like to get involved in the 2009 NASPA Conference. How can I volunteer?:
There are many opportunities for volunteers - and we welcome your assistance. When you register for the conference, indicate yes you are interested in volunteering and you will receive additional information in October.
Is food available in the Convention Center?
There are several food service outlets located in the Convention Center including Espresso Caffé Dior (Level 1), Juice It Café (Level 1), Moby's Restaurant and Lounge (Level 1), Subway Sandwiches (Level 4), Taco del Mar (Level 1), Tully's Coffee (Level 4), and Unconventional Pizza and Salad (Level 1). Additional information is available on the Washington Convention and Trade Center website at http://www.wsctc.com
Is parking available at the Convention Center?
The Convention Center has two adjoining parking garages for event attendees. Information is available online at http://www.wsctc.com/about_us/event_parking.aspx.
How can I get around the downtown area if I don't have a car?
King County Metro operates an extensive bus system in downtown Seattle, with connections to surrounding neighborhoods and communities. A "Ride Free Area" - which encompasses much of the downtown area - is available from 6 am - 7 pm daily. Additional information, including a map, is online at http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/ridefree.html
Information on other transportation options is available on the Downtown Seattle Association website at http://www.downtownseattle.com/content/visitors/TransportationOptions.cfm
What is the weather like in March?
In March, the average daily high in Seattle is 53°F and the average daily low is 39°F. The average monthly rainfall is 3.75 inches… significantly less than the 5.38, 5.24, and 4.37 inches that Atlanta, New Orleans, and New York receive (respectively).
For up-to-date forecasts, check the National Weather Service [http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/] or the Weather Underground [http://www.wunderground.com/US/WA/Seattle.html].
Additional information on Seattle weather, including information on averages/records and weather resources, is available on the City of Seattle website at http://www.seattle.gov/html/weather.asp
Where can I get free Wi-Fi access?
Free Wi-Fi access is available at the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library, located on 4th Avenue between Spring and Madison streets. It's also available in four downtown Seattle parks - Occidential, Freeway, Victor Steinbrueck, and Westlake - as well as the lobby of City Hall, located on 4th Avenue between Cherry and James streets. A list of Seattle restaurants and coffee shops offering free wi-fi access is available online at http://seattle.wifimug.org
How can I find out about child care options?
Contact the concierge at the hotel you'll be staying at for information on child care providers and children's programs.
How can I find out what's happening in Seattle in March?
The Seattle Convention and Visitor's Bureau offers an online, searchable calendar of events. It is available online at: http://www.visitseattle.org/cultural/events.asp
Do I need a passport if I'm planning to visit Canada before or after the conference?
Effective January 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens traveling to Canada (and Canadian citizens traveling to the U.S.) by land or sea must present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a passport. A complete list of accepted documents is available online at:
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