ACI Convention

FAQs

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Q: Where will the convention be held?
Q: Where can I check e-mail during the convention?
Q: What are the hours of the Speaker Ready Room?
Q: How will I identify ACI Members and ACI Board Members?
Q: Can I attend the Technical/Educational Sessions?
Q: Are session handouts available?
Q: Can I attend Committee Meetings?
Q: How do I join an ACI Committee?
Q: What networking events can I attend?
Q: I'm a first-time attendee. Is there an orientation I should attend?
Q: What is the weather like in October?
Q: How do I find more information about the local area?
Q: Are tours or local attractions available?
Q: Is there shopping available nearby the hotel?
Q: What are the exhibit hours?
Q: What is the size of an exhibit booth?
Q: What is the cost of an exhibit booth?
Q: How can my company become an exhibitor?
Q: What are the hours of registration during the convention?
Q: If my guest is only attending the networking events, does he or she need to register?
Q: Can my children attend the networking events?
Q: Is Internet access available?
Q: What are the hotel's applicable taxes?
Q: Does the hotel have a fitness center on the property?
Q: What restaurants are in the hotel and nearby area?
Q: What are the hotel's check-in and check-out times?
Q: Does the hotel have AAA, AARP, or government discounts?
Q: Are discounts available for packages or group rates?
Q: What are the latest airport security guidelines for travel?
Q: How far are the Westin Convention Center and Omni William Penn Hotels from the Pittsburgh International Airport?
Q: How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
Q: Do I need to purchase tickets for the airport shuttle or make reservations in advance?
Q: Is the SuperShuttle service available for all arrival times?
Q: Where do I catch the SuperShuttle at the airport?
Q: Do I need to make departure reservations for the SuperShuttle?
Q: What is the cost for a taxi to and from the airport?
Q: What is the fee for parking?

 

Q: Where will the convention be held?
A: Convention events will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and Westin Convention Center Hotel.

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 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday-Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

High-speed Internet access is also available in your sleeping room for a fee of $12.95 per day.

Q: What are the hours of the Speaker Ready Room?
A: The Speaker Ready Room, located in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, will be open to moderators, speakers, and committee Chairs during the following hours:

Saturday 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

All speakers are requested to check in at the Speaker Ready Room 1 day prior to their scheduled 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 neon green ribbon that says "Convention #1" 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: Are session handouts available?
A: Yes! Session handouts will be available on the ACI Web site begining September 30 through November 30.

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 (C), Education (E), Students (S), 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! Also, check the message board at registration for a list of committees looking for new members.

Q: What networking 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, October 24, at approximately 6:30 pm at the Convention Center in Ballroom A. A cash bar and snacks will be available.
ACI CONCRETE MIXER—The Concrete Mixer will be held on Tuesday, October 26, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Heinz History Center. Two drink tickets and light hors d'oeuvres are included.
STUDENT AND YOUNG PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT—The Student and Young Professional Networking Event will be held on Sunday, October 24, from 9:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

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 "Convention #1 Breakfast" for an orientation of the ACI convention. This free breakfast will be held Sunday, October 24, 2010, from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Additional first-time attendee events include coffee at the Meeting Spot, Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 am to 8:30am.


Destination Information

Q: What is the weather like in October?
A: 64°F high (18°C); 41°F low (5°C); 7 inches of precipitation on average in the month of October.

Q: How do I find more information about the local area?
A. For additional information on the local area, please visit the ACI Pittsburgh Area Chapter table located outside Ballroom A at the Convention Center.

Q: Are tours or local attractions available?
A: The ACI Pittsburgh Area 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, both hotels are located near shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Click here for a list of restaurants.


Exhibits

Q: What are the exhibit hours?
A: The exhibits will be open Sunday through Tuesday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Q: What is the size of an exhibit booth?
A: 10' x 10' or 10' x 20'

Q: What is the cost of an exhibit booth?
A: $1600 for 10' x 10'

Q: How can my company become an exhibitor?
A: Complete the exhibitor application form here or contact Dave Farone at dfarone@essroc.com.


Registration

Q: What are the hours of registration during the convention?
A: Registration hours are as follows:

Saturday 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Monday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Q: If my guest is only attending the networking events, does he or she need to register?
A: Yes, he or she must register as a convention guest to attend.

Q: Can my children attend the networking 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 a fee.

Q: What are the hotel's applicable taxes?
A: 14% tax.

Q: Does the hotel have a fitness center on the property?
A: Yes, both the Westin and Omni have complimentary fitness centers.

Q: What restaurants are in the hotel and nearby area?
A: Please see the hotel concierge for a list of restaurants near the hotel.

Sleeping Rooms

Q: What are the hotel's check-in and check-out times?
A: Check in: 3:00 p.m. Check out: 12:00 p.m.

Q: Does the hotel have AAA, AARP, or government discounts?
A: Yes, please contact the hotel you wish to stay at 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 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 are the Westin Convention Center and Omni William Penn Hotels from the Pittsburgh International Airport?
A: Pittsburgh International Airport is 17 miles from both hotels.


Transportation

Q: How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
A: We recommend using the SuperShuttle from the Pittsburgh International Airport for $19 each way or a taxi for approximately $35-$45 each way depending on the time of day and traffic volume.

Q: Do I need to purchase tickets for the airport shuttle 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: Is the SuperShuttle service available for all arrival times?
A: The shuttle service is available from 4:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Q: Where do I catch the SuperShuttle at the airport?
A: Shuttles are located outside of baggage claim.

Q: Do I need to make departure reservations for the SuperShuttle?
A: Yes, please visit the hotel concierge desk to make arrangements for a return transfer.

Q: What is the cost for a taxi to and from the airport?
A: Rates average $35-$45 each way depending on time of arrival/departure, traffic volume, and destination.

Q: What is the fee for parking?
A: On-site parking is available at both the Westin and Omni hotels. Contact the hotel directly for fees and additional information on alternative parking locations.