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WASHINGTON DC AREA EVENTS
 

Conference Tips

Thank you for registering to attend ASTD's 2009 International Conference & Exposition! We appreciate your commitment to ASTD.

Ground Transportation from the airport

Taxis
The Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the surrounding area. Taxicab stands are conveniently located near the Arrivals (baggage claim) exits of each terminal. Taxi fares to the convention center and the surrounding area are approximately $15-$20.

Metro Rail
Public transit is available via the Washington Metro Rail. There is a metro station at the airport that will directly go to the convention center. Please visit www.wmata.com for metro rail time schedules.

Driving Directions
From the Reagan National Airport – 10 - 15 minutes
• Take ramp on to George Washington Memorial Parkway
• Follow signs for I395 North toward Washington
• Take the exit towards 12th Street, keep left at fork
• Turn right at Constitution Avenue (US-1/US 50)
• Turn left at 6th Street, NW
• Turn left at New York Avenue

For other points please visit the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Website for additional directions.

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Hotel Information and Shuttle Service

Complimentary daily shuttle bus service will be provided between the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and all the official ASTD conference hotels except for the Renaissance Washington, the Grand Hyatt, Henley Park, Morrison Clark, Hampton Inn Convention Center, and the Embassy Suites Convention Center, all of which are within walking distance. Complete route information and schedules will be available at the convention center and conference hotels. For special needs transportation, please call the ASTD Shuttle Desk at 410.507.1974

Download hotel map.

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What to Wear

Business casual attire is appropriate for the conference, and comfortable shoes are a must. Bring a light jacket or sweater and don't forget to pack a swimsuit or clothes for your workout. Please check weather conditions on a regular basis so you can dress appropriately – we want you to be comfortable. The average daily high and low temperatures for June are 81°F and 62°F.

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Conference Hours

The conference begins on Sunday, May 31st at 9:45 a.m. with the Newcomers Orientation. The International Orientation will begin at 9:15 a.m. The opening general session with Tony Bingham at 8:00 a.m. will be on Monday, June 1st. The conference ends at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3rd after the closing general session with Annie Griffiths Belt.

Certificate programs are scheduled from Thursday through Saturday.
Preconference Workshops will be held on Saturday only.
Certificate programs and preconference workshops require additional fees.

Download the Schedule at a Glance.

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Registration Hours

Thursday 7:00 - 11:00 a.m., 3:00 - 6:00p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Monday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Registration is located on the street level in East Registration of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

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Special Conference and Networking Events

In addition to the educational sessions join other attendees at several all-conference events.

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ASTD Connection Center

The ASTD Connection Center will provide attendees with a one-stop shop for information on ASTD’s products and services.

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EXPO Prize Drawings

Try your luck for cash awards of $2,000, $3,000 and $5,000. Drop off your ASTD Prize Drawing ticket, located in your badge credentials for a chance to win on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Drawings will take place at 12:45 p.m. in the Prize Lounge located in the EXPO. You must be present to win.

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ASTD Celebration 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 7:00-11:00 p.m.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Celebrate the wonders of flight when the world’s most visited museum opens only for ASTD. Your evening at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall includes admission to galleries displaying aircraft and spacecraft from across the years; private screenings of “To Fly” in the Lockheed Martin Imax Theater; access to flight simulators, as well as dancing to a live band, and food and beverages.

Complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided from 6:45 to 11:30 p.m. to and from all official conference hotels.

Dress is casual and comfortable shoes are a must.

If you purchased tickets in advance, please go to the Celebration counter in East Registration to pick up your tickets between 7:00 a.m. Saturday and 12:00 p.m. Tuesday. Tickets may be purchased on site for $100 during those hours as well.

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SpeedMeets

How do you find those key people who share your organizational issues and concerns among all the attendees here in Washington, DC? SpeedMeets is a facilitated, fun, and fast way to meet people just like you from around the world.

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Meet-to-Eat

Want some company for dinner? Join other participants for dutch-treat dinners from Saturday to Monday. Stop by the Meet to Eat counter located in East Registration for restaurant descriptions and menus.
Here is a list of area restaurants that will be participating in the Meet to Eat Program (subject to change):

Article One American Grill & Lounge
Asia Nine Bar & Lounge
Bobby Van’s Grill
Cure Bar & Bistro
D’Acqua Restaurant
Georgia Brown’s
J. Paul’s
Neyla Mediterranean Grill
Old Glory All-American Bar-B-Que
Paolo’s
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Wasabi Sushi

For additional information on these and other events please visit our Networking Events page.

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Want to check e-mail?

To keep in touch with your home or office via the internet, please visit our Cyber Centers located in three different locations:

East Registration
L Street Bridge (Level 2)
Exhibit Hall A/B (open during EXPO hours only)

Complimentary wireless internet is available in the convention center excluding the EXPO. You must have a wireless card to access the internet.

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Meals at the Conference

Lunch will be sponsored on the EXPO floor on Monday and Tuesday to full conference attendees, exhibitors and attendees registered for a Monday or Tuesday daily badge.

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Maximize Your Conference Time

Plan your schedule before you arrive so you know which sessions you want to attend. Please visit our "SCHEDULE BUILDER" to create the conference experience that makes the most sense to you.

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Parking at the Convention Center

There are over 3000 parking spaces in a three block radius of the convention center. These spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis. We encourage exhibitors and attendees to use the public parking facilities, so that it does not impact the limited residential parking. There are also approximately 100 metered parking spaces within close proximity to the facility.

There are twelve designated public parking spaces designated for vehicles displaying disability parking placards/permits or license tags in the following locations:

* North end of 7th Street between L and Mt Vernon Streets (3 metered spaces)
* South end of 9th Steet between Mount Vernon Place and L Street (3 metered spaces)
* South end of 9th Street between L Street and M Street (3 metered spaces)
* South end of 9th Street between M Street and N Street (3 metered spaces)

Parking signs are posted indicating that the spaces are for two-hour parking from 7:00am - 6:30pm daily.

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