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Travel
Attendees are responsible for travel arrangements and expenses. The nearest airport is the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Arrivals should be planned for Sun, 11 Oct 2009 and departures for after 2 p.m. local time on Thu, 15 Oct 2009.
Ground Transportation
Complimentary shuttle service is available, provided by the Sheraton, beginning at 5:00 a.m. and ending at 12:00 midnight daily. The shuttle runs on a 25-30 minute interval. No reservations required. Pick up location is in the Ground Transportation courtesy shuttle area. Taxi fare between the San Diego airport and the hotel is estimated at $8-10 each way exclusive of tip. Prices/services subject to change.
Planning your travel
Airlines have had numerous policy and fee changes recently. Updates on carrier policies, fees for baggage and other changes can be found on the airline's website. The latest security information for travelers can be found on the TSA website. Attendees from countries needing visa invitation letters for travel to the US should send a note to ils@us.ibm.com to initiate a visa invitation letter request. International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorization.
NEW! Take advantage of IBM discounted airfares
IBM Business Partners and Clients from within the US, or to the US from Canada, can take advantage of IBM's discounted travel fares. To check fares, and make reservations, please contact our travel program administrator, American Express Group Travel at 1-800-297-2437 (Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Central time) and reference Program Number 6965009165.
For more information about San Diego, please visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Hotel
All conference activities will be held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina located at 1380 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 291-2900. USD $188 single/double plus 12.5% tax. A government rate is available at $147 single/double plus tax. Cancellations permitted up to 24 hours prior to arrival date. Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is 12 p.m.
Please note that special room rates are only available through IBM at the time you enroll. Your lodging reservation can be made as part of the enrollment for the conference. Your reservation will be guaranteed for late arrival with your credit card number. If you enroll after all conference rooms are booked, IBM will provide you with information to make accommodations at a nearby hotel. A limited number of rooms are available for stays 3 days prior before and 3 days after the conference dates at the above rates. These rooms are on a space-available basis at this rate.
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is a 100% non-smoking facility and smoking rooms are not available.
Information regarding hotel reservations for Business Partners attending only the Business Partner Development Day session (and not the conference) will be sent in the reply to e-mail inquiries as outlined on the Business Partner Development Day page.
Attire
Suggested dress for all conference functions is business casual. It is recommended you bring a light sweater or jacket for your personal comfort as temperatures can vary in meeting rooms.
