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| CONFERENCE CHAIR Gerold W. Libby Holland & Knight LLP Los Angeles HOST COMMITTEE |
TRAVEL
Passport and Visa
All persons entering the United States from overseas, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a passport. For general information about the United States visa process, visit the U.S. State Department's U.S. Visas website, www.travel.state.gov/visa. This will provide you with links to information about visas, including processing time, locations, fees, application forms, border country requirements, and photo requirements. The U.S. Visas website will also provide information for United States Embassies and Consulates worldwide. NOTE: Interview requirements for obtaining a visa may be more stringent than in years past, and visas may take longer to approve. Delegates and accompanying persons requiring a visa to enter the United States are urged to begin the application process as soon as possible.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
NOTE: Visa waiver travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa. For the most updated information about the Visa Waiver Program and a list of eligible countries, please visit: www.travel.state.gov.
Customs
All individuals traveling into the United States must clear the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspection Process. For information on prohibited and restricted items, please visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml.
Invitation Letter
On request, the Conference Executive Producer will send a letter of invitation to participate in the Conference. Invitations are extended specifically to assist participants in obtaining travel funds or appropriate visas and do not imply a commitment to provide financial support. The letter will be forwarded to you upon confirmation of your registration.
Suggested Arrival Date
It is recommended that Conference attendees arrive in Los Angeles no later than Saturday, April 26, 2008. This will enable attendees to relax and familiarize themselves with the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza before the Conference registration and Welcome Cocktail Reception on Sunday, April 27, 2008. In addition, a variety of tours and activities available to both delegates and accompanying persons will be offered on Sunday prior to the Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Airports in Southern California
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest and closest airport to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Other airports around the area include:
Shuttles, taxis, buses, and limo services are available ground transportation options. Conference attendees may arrange for car service through the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza concierge by calling +1.310.551.3301. The cost from LAX to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is approximately US $100.
Super Shuttle offers 24-hour service, seven days a week from all local airports. Look for blue vans with yellow lettering marked “Super Shuttle” at the shared ride island outside the baggage claim area. The cost from LAX to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is approximately US $15.
Taxi service can be found curbside in front of each terminal under the sign indicating Taxis. Passengers will be presented with a ticket stating typical fares to major destinations. The cost from LAX to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is approximately US $40. Guests traveling from the hotel to the airport or to other local destinations may arrange transportation with the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza concierge.
Travel Insurance
The purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended. Travel insurance, in many cases, may cover unforeseen or uncontrollable situations that might affect your ability to attend an event.
KEY FINANCIAL FACTS
Currency
The accepted form of currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar ($) and U.S. cent (¢). Decimal currency is used in the United States with the dollar as the basic unit ($1 = 100¢). Notes come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Coins come in 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, and 25¢ denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks and airports and operate during normal business hours. Currency exchange services are also available at the front desk of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Credit Card
Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. The most widely used credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Selected establishments also accept Discover and Diners Club. JCB is typically not accepted in the U.S.
Sales and Hotel Tax
A Los Angeles County sales tax of 8.25% is charged on all items purchased in retail stores and restaurants. Sales tax is not charged on hotel rooms; however, a 14% hotel transient occupancy tax is added to each bill.
Gratuities
A gratuity charge is not automatically included in the bill at restaurants and other establishments, unless it is noted on the check. Including a gratuity is voluntary, but adding a 15% to 20% tip for restaurant and taxi service is customary.
Banking Services
Banks are generally open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Emergency Phone Numbers
Ambulance, Fire, Police: 911
Language
The official language of the IPBA 2008 Annual Conference is English.
Metric Conversions
Attire Definitions
Business Attire for Men: Business suit or collared dress sport jacket with tailored slacks, collared shirt with necktie, and closed-toe leather dress shoes.
Business Attire for Women: Tailored dress, business suit or pantsuit, or blouse with skirt or tailored slacks, and dress shoes.
Business Casual Attire for Men: Collared shirt with or without sports jacket, or turtleneck shirt with sports jacket, slacks, and closed-toe dress shoes.
Business Casual Attire for Women: Dress or pantsuit, or blouse, top or sweater with skirt or tailored slacks, and dress shoes.
Time Zone
During the month of April, Los Angeles is in the Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) Zone, which is 7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-7).
Climate
During the months of April and May, the temperature range is from 13 to 23 degrees Celsius (56 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit).
Electrical Current
The electrical current in the U.S. is 110 volts A/C. Flat plugs are standard. It is recommended that you purchase required converters before entering the country.
Telephones
All phone calls made to U.S. telephone numbers from a U.S. telephone number require 11-digit dialing: 1, followed by the three-digit area code of the city being called, followed by the seven-digit phone number.
Smoking
In Los Angeles, smoking is prohibited in most public buildings, including restaurants. Smoking rooms may be requested during check-in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Smoking rooms are subject to availability.
Postal Services
Post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Postage stamps are available for purchase at the front desk of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Conference Terms and Conditions
By registering for the IPBA 2008 Annual Conference, you acknowledge that neither the IPBA, IPBA 2008 Annual Conference, Inc., nor Pivotal Events, Inc. is liable for any personal injury or damage to or loss of personal property suffered or incurred before, during, or after the Conference.
Passport and Visa
All persons entering the United States from overseas, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a passport. For general information about the United States visa process, visit the U.S. State Department's U.S. Visas website, www.travel.state.gov/visa. This will provide you with links to information about visas, including processing time, locations, fees, application forms, border country requirements, and photo requirements. The U.S. Visas website will also provide information for United States Embassies and Consulates worldwide. NOTE: Interview requirements for obtaining a visa may be more stringent than in years past, and visas may take longer to approve. Delegates and accompanying persons requiring a visa to enter the United States are urged to begin the application process as soon as possible.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
NOTE: Visa waiver travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa. For the most updated information about the Visa Waiver Program and a list of eligible countries, please visit: www.travel.state.gov.
Customs
All individuals traveling into the United States must clear the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspection Process. For information on prohibited and restricted items, please visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml.
Invitation Letter
On request, the Conference Executive Producer will send a letter of invitation to participate in the Conference. Invitations are extended specifically to assist participants in obtaining travel funds or appropriate visas and do not imply a commitment to provide financial support. The letter will be forwarded to you upon confirmation of your registration.
Suggested Arrival Date
It is recommended that Conference attendees arrive in Los Angeles no later than Saturday, April 26, 2008. This will enable attendees to relax and familiarize themselves with the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza before the Conference registration and Welcome Cocktail Reception on Sunday, April 27, 2008. In addition, a variety of tours and activities available to both delegates and accompanying persons will be offered on Sunday prior to the Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Airports in Southern California
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest and closest airport to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Other airports around the area include:
- Burbank Airport
- John Wayne Airport
- Long Beach Airport
- Ontario Airport
Shuttles, taxis, buses, and limo services are available ground transportation options. Conference attendees may arrange for car service through the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza concierge by calling +1.310.551.3301. The cost from LAX to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is approximately US $100.
Super Shuttle offers 24-hour service, seven days a week from all local airports. Look for blue vans with yellow lettering marked “Super Shuttle” at the shared ride island outside the baggage claim area. The cost from LAX to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is approximately US $15.
Taxi service can be found curbside in front of each terminal under the sign indicating Taxis. Passengers will be presented with a ticket stating typical fares to major destinations. The cost from LAX to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is approximately US $40. Guests traveling from the hotel to the airport or to other local destinations may arrange transportation with the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza concierge.
Travel Insurance
The purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended. Travel insurance, in many cases, may cover unforeseen or uncontrollable situations that might affect your ability to attend an event.
KEY FINANCIAL FACTS
Currency
The accepted form of currency in the United States is the U.S. dollar ($) and U.S. cent (¢). Decimal currency is used in the United States with the dollar as the basic unit ($1 = 100¢). Notes come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. Coins come in 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, and 25¢ denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks and airports and operate during normal business hours. Currency exchange services are also available at the front desk of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Credit Card
Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. The most widely used credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. Selected establishments also accept Discover and Diners Club. JCB is typically not accepted in the U.S.
Sales and Hotel Tax
A Los Angeles County sales tax of 8.25% is charged on all items purchased in retail stores and restaurants. Sales tax is not charged on hotel rooms; however, a 14% hotel transient occupancy tax is added to each bill.
Gratuities
A gratuity charge is not automatically included in the bill at restaurants and other establishments, unless it is noted on the check. Including a gratuity is voluntary, but adding a 15% to 20% tip for restaurant and taxi service is customary.
Banking Services
Banks are generally open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
Emergency Phone Numbers
Ambulance, Fire, Police: 911
Language
The official language of the IPBA 2008 Annual Conference is English.
Metric Conversions
| 1 foot = 0.3 meter | 1 meter = 3.28 feet |
| 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers | 1 kilometer = 0.62 mile |
| 1 pound = 0.45 kilogram | 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds |
| 1 gallon = 3.784 liters | 1 liter = 0.26 gallon |
Attire Definitions
Business Attire for Men: Business suit or collared dress sport jacket with tailored slacks, collared shirt with necktie, and closed-toe leather dress shoes.
Business Attire for Women: Tailored dress, business suit or pantsuit, or blouse with skirt or tailored slacks, and dress shoes.
Business Casual Attire for Men: Collared shirt with or without sports jacket, or turtleneck shirt with sports jacket, slacks, and closed-toe dress shoes.
Business Casual Attire for Women: Dress or pantsuit, or blouse, top or sweater with skirt or tailored slacks, and dress shoes.
Time Zone
During the month of April, Los Angeles is in the Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) Zone, which is 7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-7).
Climate
During the months of April and May, the temperature range is from 13 to 23 degrees Celsius (56 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit).
Electrical Current
The electrical current in the U.S. is 110 volts A/C. Flat plugs are standard. It is recommended that you purchase required converters before entering the country.
Telephones
All phone calls made to U.S. telephone numbers from a U.S. telephone number require 11-digit dialing: 1, followed by the three-digit area code of the city being called, followed by the seven-digit phone number.
Smoking
In Los Angeles, smoking is prohibited in most public buildings, including restaurants. Smoking rooms may be requested during check-in at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Smoking rooms are subject to availability.
Postal Services
Post offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Postage stamps are available for purchase at the front desk of the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Conference Terms and Conditions
By registering for the IPBA 2008 Annual Conference, you acknowledge that neither the IPBA, IPBA 2008 Annual Conference, Inc., nor Pivotal Events, Inc. is liable for any personal injury or damage to or loss of personal property suffered or incurred before, during, or after the Conference.