For planning your trip, read the conference accessibility information; it benefits everyone, not just those with special needs. The host chapter in Atlanta has dedicated a special section of their site for information about their city.

Meet with other Europe SIG members (or wannabe SIG members!) at the networking lunch on Monday, the business meeting Tuesday morning (with refreshments!), or the Monday evening community event sponsored by the host chapter. Or at any of the many sessions and social events throughout the conference.

All you have to do at the conference is enjoy, learn, share, network…!

See you in Atlanta May 3-6. (Or from May 2 if you attend the pre-conference workshops.)

PS Remember to read the information for international attendees if you are not a US citizen.

As STC members know, the STC Technical Summit for 2009 takes place in Atlanta, Georgia May 3-6. We have several updates about that conference, and we begin with the most important news for some potential attendees.

Members Can Split Conference Payment

All STC members in good standing may choose to spread their registration payment by paying half with their registration form and half onsite. The exceptions are who are encouraged to volunteer and retired members who have a special rate.

How does this work?

– Download the conference registration form (.pdf) Payments are manually processed by staff and cannot be completed by the applicant online.

– Make two equal payments, half paid with your registration and half to be paid onsite. (This potentially spreads your payment over two different credit card cycles.)

– Pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). Checks cannot be accepted for split payments.

– E-mail (or fax +1-703-522-2075) the registration form to Julia O’Connor.

International Attendees

STC conference planners offer general information about visas for entering the United States.

Be sure to read the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Web site for information about allowed items in baggage and carryons, traveling with a disability, acceptable luggage locks, and more.

Room Sharing at the Conference

Is the expense of a hotel causing concern? Why not try sharing a room to cut down on total conference expenses. A room-sharing forum is posted to the STC Forum. The forum is at http://stcforum.org/viewtopic.php?id=1659

Post your arrival and departure dates to the forum, and identify appropriate roommates and negotiate details off-line.

Choosing the conference hotel, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, supports the Summit and the Society. Single and double accommodations are available for $174 plus 15% tax, through April 15.

Rent a Scooter

STC has made arrangements for scooter rental with Scootaround again. You can save the bother of transporting your own wheelchair or scooter to the conference by renting one in Atlanta. Although the conference is being held in the hotel chosen for the conference, it may still be an effort for some people to get around the sessions, even with the help of a cane. Scootaround may be just what they need. Scootaround details are in the Accessibility section of the STC conference site.

Join us on LinkedIn

We hope to see you at the conference in Atlanta, 3-6 May 2009. Please let us know if you will be attending or presenting by adding your name to the LinkedIn Events calendar entry at
http://events.linkedin.com/STC-Tech-Comm-Summit/pub/37684

What to Do in Atlanta

When you’ve planned your trip to the conference, your next step may be wondering what else you can do in Atlanta. The STC Atlanta chapter, host chapter for this year’s conference, offers tips on what to see in Atlanta, where to eat, and places to visit.