Frequently Asked Convention Questions

General Convention Questions

Q: Where will the convention be held?
A: Convention events will be held at both the Renaissance Grand & Suites Hotel and America's Center. The America's Center is across the street from the 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:

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 at the America's Center, will be open to moderators, speakers, and committee Chairs during the following hours:

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 an airplane 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 – Research and Administration
• 200s – Materials and Properties of Concrete
• 300s – Design and Construction Practices
• 400s – Structural Analysis
• 500s – Special Products and Processes

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 SESSION—Start off your convention week by attending the Opening Session to be held on Sunday, November 2, from 5:15 pm to 6:30 pm at the America's Center.
• OPENING RECEPTION—The Opening Reception will take place following the Opening Session on Sunday, November 2, at approximately 6:30 pm at the America's Center.
• ACI CONCRETE MIXER—The Concrete Mixer will be held on Tuesday, November 4, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Oktoberfest-inspired Majestic Ballroom at the Renaissance Grand & Suites Hotel.
  

For additional information on enjoying the sights and sounds of the St. Louis area, please visit the ACI Missouri Chapter table located in the Renaissance Grand Hotel.

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, Novemer 2, 2008, from 8:00 am-9:00 am. Check your program book for the location.

Destination Information

Q: What is the weather like in November?
A: 54 °F high (12 °C); 38 °F low (3 °C); 4.06 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:

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

Q: What is the cost of an exhibit booth?
A: $1500

Registration

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

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 a fee.

Q: What are the hotel’s applicable taxes?
A: 15.491% room tax.

Q: Does the hotel have a fitness center on the property?
A: Yes, the Renaissance has a health club on site. The health club offers cardio-vascular equipment, free weights, universal gym, treadmills, bikes, and stairmaster.

Q: Are tours or local attractions available?
A: The ACI Missouri 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, Union Station is just minutes away by taxi. Also, see the hotel conceirge for a local list of shopping areas.

Sleeping Rooms

Q: What are the hotel’s check-in and check-out times?
A: Check in: 4:00 pm. Check out: 12:00 pm.

Q: Does the hotel have AAA, AARP, or government discounts?
A: Yes, please contact the hotel at 314-621-9600 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 Lambert-St. Louis International Airport from the Renaissance Grand?
A: 15 miles.

Transportation

Q: How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
A: We recommend using the TransExpress Shuttle from the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport for $15 each way or a taxi for approximately $35 to $40 each way.

Q: Is the TransExpress Shuttle service available for all arrival times?
A: The TransExpress is available from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm, 7 days a week.

Q: Do I need to purchase tickets for the airport transfers or make reservations in advance?
A: You do not need to purchase shuttle tickets. Departing guests only need to make reservations 24 hours in advance if you plan to depart after 6:30 pm.

Q: Where do I catch the TransExpress Shuttle at the airport?
A: There is a TransExpress Shuttle counter outside of the baggage claim area in the main terminal near the MT-12 exit.

Q: Do I need to make departure reservations for the TransExpress Shuttle?
A: We recommend securing reservations with the hotel no later than 24 hours prior to your departure time if departing after 6:30 pm.

Q: What is the cost for a taxi to and from the airport?
A: Rates average $35 to $40 each way depending on the number of passengers, time of arrival/departure, and destination.

Q: What is the fee for parking?
A: On-site parking is available at the Renaissance Grand & Suites Hotel for $2.00/hour or $14.00/day and valet is available for $25.00/day.

Q: Is there public transportation available?
A: Yes, MetroLink is available to the American's Center for $2.00 each way. For additional information go to www.metrostlouis.org.