ACI Convention
Frequently Asked Convention Questions
Please check periodically for updates on guest events, event locations, and any other schedule changes.
General Convention Questions
Q: Where will the convention be held?
A: Convention events will be held at the New Orleans Marriott.
Q: Where can I check e-mail during the convention?
A: Stay connected to home and work! Take advantage of the Cyber Café and FREE wireless hot spot in the exhibit area during the following hours:
| Saturday | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pmn |
| Sunday-Tuesday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00 am - 2:00 pm |
High-speed Internet access is also available in your sleeping room for a fee of $14.95 per day.
Q: What are the hours of the Speaker Ready Room?
A: The Speaker Ready Room, will be open to moderators, speakers, and committee Chairs during the following hours:
| Saturday | 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
| Sunday-Tuesday | 7:00 am - 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:00 am - 2:00 pm |
All speakers are requested to check in at the Speaker Ready Room 1 day prior to their presentation to ensure that ACI has downloaded their presentation on the network in the session rooms.
Q: How will I identify ACI Members and ACI Board Members?
A: ACI uses color-coded badges and ribbons to identify members, staff, guests, students, and the Board of Direction. Those with a Mardi Gras mask on their name badges are first-time attendees. Please welcome them, thank them for attending, and help answer any of their questions!
Q: Can I attend the Technical/Educational Sessions?
A: Yes! These are free and open to all registered attendees. You'll find the times, speakers, and topics listed in the "Sessions" section of the Convention Program Book.
Q: Can I attend Committee Meetings?
A: Yes! Committee meetings are also open for all registered attendees to attend and are listed in the "Daily Program" and "Numeric" sections of the Convention Program Book. Additionally, signs are posted outside each meeting room. To help identify meetings of interest to you, please note ACI's technical committees are classified as follows:
- 100s - General
- 200s - Materials and Properties of Concrete
- 300s - Design and Construction
- 400s - Concrete Reinforcement and Structural Analysis
- 500s - Specialized Applications and Repair
Convention attendees are also encouraged to attend ACI's committee meetings for Certification, Education, the ACI Foundation, and ACI Standing Board Committees.
Q: How do I join an ACI Committee?
A: If you are interested in becoming a member of any committee, simply ask the committee Chair or Secretary for an application—he or she will be pleased to provide you with one. Alternatively, you can apply for committee membership anytime at www.concrete.org. ACI encourages diverse international representation on each committee from all sectors of the concrete industry and across all career levels—from students to established professionals!
Q: What social events can I attend?
A: ACI provides numerous opportunities to relax and network with other convention attendees. As a registered attendee, you are invited and encouraged to attend the following free social events:
- OPENING RECEPTION—The Opening Reception will take place following the Opening Session on Sunday, November 8, at approximately 6:30 pm in the exhibit area at the New Orleans Marriott.
- ACI CONCRETE MIXER—The Concrete Mixer will be held on Tuesday, November 10, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm off site at Mardi Gras World for a Mardi Gras-themed Concrete Mixer.
For additional information on enjoying the sights and sounds of the New Orleans area, please visit the ACI Louisiana Chapter Chapter table located outside the exhibit area.
Q: I'm a first-time attendee—is there an orientation I should attend?
A: As a first-time attendee, you are invited to attend the "First-Time Convention Attendee Breakfast" for an orientation of the ACI convention. This free breakfast will be held Sunday, November 8, 2009, from 8:00 am - 9:00 am.
Destination Information
Q: What is the weather like in November?
A: 70 °F high (21 °C); 50 °F low (10 °C); 4.1 inches of rainfall on average in the month of November.
Exhibits
Q: What are the exhibit hours?
A: The exhibits will be open during the following hours:
| Sunday-Tuesday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Q: What is the size of an exhibit booth?
A: 10 x 10 ft
Q: What is the cost of an exhibit booth?
A: $1500 for 10 x 10 ft
Registration
Q: What are the hours of registration during the convention?
A: Registration hours are as follows:
| Saturday | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am - 5:00 pm |
| Monday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Q: If my guest is only attending the social events, does he or she need to register?
A: Yes, he or she needs to register as a convention guest.
Q: Can my children attend the social events?
A: Yes, if registered as a convention guest.
Hotel Information
Q: Is Internet access available?
A: Yes, in the business center, cyber stations, and hot spots in the exhibit area, and in your hotel room for $14.95/day.
Q: What are the hotel's applicable taxes?
A: 13% tax and 3% occupancy charge per night.
Q: Does the hotel have a fitness center on the property?
A: Yes, the New Orleans Marriott has a fitness center on site. There is no charge to use the fitness facility.
Q: Are tours or local attractions available?
A: The ACI Louisiana Chapter has developed a guest program with a variety of tours for guests and attendees. Click here for information on these tours.
Q: Is there shopping available nearby the hotel?
A: Yes, the New Orleans Marriott is located near shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Visit the concierge for a walking map of the area.
Sleeping Rooms
Q: What are the hotel's check-in and check-out times?
A: Check in: 3:00 pm. Check out: 12:00 pm.
Q: Does the hotel have AAA, AARP, or government discounts?
A: Yes, please contact the hotel at 504-581-1000 for more information on discounts.
Q: Are discounts available for packages or group rates?
A: Discounts such as AAA, AARP, and government rates cannot be combined with other promotional discounts, packages, or group or convention rates.
Travel
Q: What are the latest airport security guidelines for travel?
A: To find out the most up-to-date information regarding airport security guidelines, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/.
Q: How far is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from the New Orleans Marriott?
A: 14 miles.
Transportation
Q: How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
A: We recommend using the Airport Shuttle New Orleans from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for $15 each way or a taxi for approximately $35 each way.
Q: Is the Airport Shuttle New Orleans service available for all arrival times?
A: The shuttle service is available from 3:30 am - 2:00 am, 7 days a week.
Q: Do I need to purchase tickets for the airport shuttle transfers or make reservations in advance?
A: You do not need to make reservations for airport departures. Tickets may be purchased at the shuttle counter outside of baggage claim. Please visit the hotel concierge desk to make arrangements for a return transfer 24 hours in advance.
Q: Where do I catch the Airport Shuttle New Orleans at the airport?
A: Shuttles are located outside of baggage claim.
Q: Do I need to make departure reservations for the Airport Shuttle New Orleans?
A: Yes, please visit the hotel concierge desk to make arrangements for a return transfer 24 hours in advance.
Q: What is the cost for a taxi to and from the airport?
A: Rates average $35 each way depending on time of arrival/departure and destination.
Q: What is the fee for parking?
A: On-site parking is available at the New Orleans Marriott for $33 per day. Valet only. Additional self-parking is available off site. Contact the hotel directly for additional information on alternative parking locations.