Dateline: 05-16-2010

May 16, 2010 Hotel News

Now is an exciting time as we march steadily towards CONvergence 2010. We hear daily from the Sheraton how excited they are that we are coming; ours is one of their most favorite conventions!

CONvergence will be requiring badges in more areas of the hotel this year than in previous years. The main difference you will see is a few more badging stations in new places. Badges will be needed for the following areas, among others: programming-discussion rooms, Art Show, Theater Nippon, Cinema Rex, Harmonic CONvergence, mainstage events, CONvergence Central, consuite, Connie’s Space Lounge and all parties rows on the 1st and second floors. These new badging measures will not only simplify the work of our diligent badging volunteers, but it will ensure that all of our members will be able to experience all that CONvergence offers. So, please be sure to have your badge with you because it’s a long trek back to your room!

If you’re still looking for a room, it is wise over the next few weeks to ping hotel@convergence-con.org, starting AFTER May 25, 2010, for last minute cancellations. There are always a few, though our hotel team notes that this year, there are fewer than ever have been before by this point in the calendar! But they do happen, even as all the attendees arrive for the convention. The Sofitel assures they have more rooms available, and the Staybridge Suites and Crowne Plaza are all wide open, and a short 5 minute drive away. The Staybridge will also be running a shuttle bus until midnight each day. Please see the hotel contact info below.

If you have a reservation at the Sheraton that you need to guarantee, please call them at (952) 893 - 8438. This is a direct line to their in-house reservations person. Please do not call the Sheraton’s 800-number; also, if calling the Sheraton’s main line, choose the option for the Operator and ask for Group In-house reservations. Again do not choose the reservations option as that will send you to the 800 number. The centralized 800-number is not set-up to handle the special needs of individuals from a group reserving rooms; they leave that to the on-site expert. So again, when contacting the Sheraton about your reservation, please call (952) 893 - 8438.

Need to change the dates of your stay or need to cancel your room? Those details are still being handled by our hotel team - hotel@convergence-con.org.

We hope to see you at CONvergence!

The Sofitel can be reached by dialing (952) 835-1900. Be sure to request the CONvergence rate.

Other hotels in the area prepared to offer a convention rate are:
The Crowne Plaza at (952) 831-8000
The Staybridge Suites at (952) 831-7900. This hotel includes free hot breakfast, and free shuttle to the convention. CLICK HERE to book the CONvergence rate online.

The convention dates for 2010 are Thursday July 1, Friday July 2, Saturday July 3, and Sunday July 4.

As always, if you have any further questions, please email us at hotel@convergence-con.org.