Conference Information

Conference Dates

The SGI User Group Conference SGIUG2004 will be held May 23-27, 2004.

Conference Location

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Our conference hotel is the Orlando World Gate Resort, located in the Orlando, Florida suburb of Kissimmee, 22 miles from the Orlando International Airport. This hotel has both excellent meeting facilities and fine hotel rooms. Located just one mile from Disney World, it is the ideal location for our conference.

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Hotel Reservations

CUTOFF DATE for Reservations is May 8th, 2004. The room rate for our Conference is $85 per night, single or double occupancy, plus 12% tax. This rate is available to our Conference Delegates from Friday May 21st to Sunday May 30th, in case you would like to come early or stay late to vacation. Some rooms will be availability at US Government rates. Please help us cover our expenses by staying at this hotel.

Please call the hotel direct to reserve your room, toll free, 1-866-705-7676 or directly at, +1.407.396.1400. Please mention SGI User Group to get this rate. At the present time you cannot register for the conference on-line.

Note: The rooms in the North Tower of this hotel are closer to the meeting rooms, but the rooms in the South Tower from the 3rd floor to the 7th floor have wireless networking available at no extra charge IF you have your own wireless card and a laptop computer. If you want to have your room in the South Tower you will need to ask them to place you there.

Conference Registration

Conference Registration fee is 695 USD for early registration, and after April 30th it is 749 USD.
Please visit SGIUG 2004 online registration page for more information.

Conference Meals

Your conference fee includes a continental breakfast and lunch, often with SGI technical staff. There will be refreshments during breaks on full conference days. If you have any special dietary requirements, please note them when you register for the Conference.

People with Disabilities

The Conference hotel claims to be compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The conference organizers will make every possible accommodation to those attending the conference with disabilities. Please note any needed accommodations when you register for the conference.

Airport Information

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located at One Airport Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32827-4399, Phone: +1.407.825.2001. The distance from the airport to the hotel is ~22 miles, taking ~30 minutes to drive.

Taxi Services

Many Taxi companies operate out of Orlando International Airport. Ace Metro/Luxury Cab: 407-855-1111 Diamond Cab Company: 407-523-3333 Star Taxi: 407-857-9999 Town & Country Transport: 407-828-3035 Yellow/City Cab: 407-699-9999. Taxis are Available at the airport on Level 1 on the A and B sides of the Terminal, in locations A16, A17, B20-B22 on the Commercial Lane.

Van Services

Mears is the company that operates vans from the Airport to Kissimmee. You need to buy a ticket inside the terminal at one of the Mears counters. The Mears counters on Level 2 are located in Terminal A – Directly across from American Airlines baggage claim, carousel number 5, or Southwest Airlines at carousel number 12. In Terminal B – Directly across from United Airlines baggage claim carousel number 8 or at Delta Airline baggage claim, carousel number 13. All transportation will depart from Level 1.  The counter personnel will direct you to your vehicle. Arrival reservations are encouraged, but are not required. 

Car Rentals

Orlando is the largest rental car market in the world, with all major car rental companies easily accessible from the airport. Click here to find all the companies available. AVIS has a desk at our Conference Hotel.

Faxes

Faxes can be received at the hotel desk. The number is 1-407-396-0660

Telephone Messages

All hotel rooms come complete with voicemail

Email and Computers

Each hotel guest room is equipped with a modem data port. The Conference organizers will provide email capabilities with a limited number of personal computers. We are planning to have a few ports that you may use to bring your laptop to the email facility and plug into the network using RJ-45/CAT5 connecters. Our fantasy is to have a wireless network (801.11b) operating inside the Conference meeting rooms, but you would have to provide the wireless cards and power supplies for your laptop.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not allowed in any Conference meetings. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas inside the hotel.

Business Services, Photocopying

The hotel operates a full service business center, including a PC and a printer.

Voltage

The United States operate on 120 volt, 60 cycle power. Delegates traveling from outside the United States may need an adaptor.

Passports and Visas

A visitor visa may be required for travel to the United States, along with a valid passport. Check with the American Embassy or Consulate for detailed information or ask your travel agent. U.S. Customs tips for visitors are available here

Currency

Travelex Currency Exchange has three kiosks at the Orlando Airport. One in the West Hall, East Hall and at Baggage Claim “B”. The phone number is +1.407.825.4988

There is NO currency exchange at the Conference hotel. There are local banks available in Kissimmee.

Weather

The weather in May is normally 88F (31C) during the day, 66F (19C) evenings and an average of 3.6 inches of rain during the month.

Social Events

A tour of the Apollo/Saturn V Rocket building is planned with dinner served under the rocket. This is going to be a very special evening.
We will load the bus at 4:00 PM Wednesday and return to the hotel about 10:00 PM. You may invite guests to attend with you by purchasing tickets for $130 for each guest.

Please visit Kennedy Space Center for more details.

Bringing companion, children, etc. to the social events

You may bring your companion to Monday's Informal Reception from 18:00 - 20:00, and Tuesday's SGI Reception from 18:30 - 20:00 at no charge. No children are allowed at the receptions. Wednesday Evening at the Kennedy Space Center will require you to purchase your companion a ticket for $130 USD. Children may attend the Kennedy Space Center.

For more information:

Please send email to info@sgiug.org or call Gary Jensen at +1-801-400-5050