| AGENDA |
| | Workshops usually begin with an informal orientation meeting on the Sunday prior to the start of the Workshop week. The orientation is normally held a nearby hotel where the majority of the participants are housed. The purpose of the orientation is to review the agenda for the week and to explain administrative information that will enhance the NIST visit. During the hotel check-in, the participant should identify themself as a member of the NIST group and be sure to receive an envelope in their name from NIST. It will have information about the Sunday orientation. The technical sessions of the workshop will be held at NIST (unless otherwise specified) and will be from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day with a one-hour break for lunch. Group discussions and a brief tour of the NIST campus will supplement workshop presentations. There are usually hosted dinners or events for the participants during the week. - Copy of the Draft Agenda for the Workshop will be posted here.
- Guidelines for Presentations for the Workshop Participants will be posted here.
|
| HOTEL |
| | Hotel information for workshop attendees can be found at the following URL: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascg-courtyard-gaithersburg-washingtonian-center/ |
|
| |
|
| VISA |
| | If a visa is required for travel, you may use the NIST letter of invitation to present to the U.S. Embassy to expedite processing your request. You must cover any costs associated with obtaining your visa. Information on some of the immigration and customs requirements to enter the US can be found at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/ |
| TRANSPORTATION |
| | Airline travel is normally arranged so that the entire delegation will arrive in the Washington, D.C. area simultaneously. Whenever possible, NIST representatives will meet you at the airport and to guide you to the transportation. Transportation by bus will be provided throughout the duration of the workshop from the hotel to NIST and for the site visit and hosted events. Excursions on your own will be convenient by subway, taxi, or the local bus. Buses require exact change. Subway fees are posted in the stations. Taxi fares are determined either by an electronic meter inside the car or a flat rate. Drivers can give you an approximate cost for destinations. |
| CURRENCY EXCHANGE |
| | Banks in the U.S. are closed on Sunday. Therefore, prior to your departure, you may want to exchange a small amount of your currency for U.S. dollars to cover any immediate personal needs. ATM machines are readily available throughout the U.S. in convenient areas and in the hotel. You may exchange Travelers checks for cash at the hotel. You will need your passport for identification.
|
| FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES |
| | NIST and the workshop sponsors will cover workshop expenses including lodging and meals. However, NIST is unable to cover the cost of mailing materials for you at the conclusion of the workshop. Please be prepared to include the shipment of workshop materials with your luggage and allow for luggage restrictions imposed by the airlines. At the Sunday orientation you will be given a U.S. Government per diem stipend to pay for meals and incidentals not included in the program. You must pay for any items or services you charge to your room. You will be responsible for the cost of purchasing items such as the following products or services: snacks, drinks, laundry or dry cleaning, alcohol or bar drinks (except hosted events), overweight luggage costs, telephone calls or faxes, medical costs souvenirs and gifts, personal transportation. As you plan for your visit to NIST and attempt to determine the amount of money you should bring, please consider the approximate costs (US $) of the following items: T-shirt -$18.00; bar drinks - $4.50; movie - $10.00; short taxi ride - $10.00; snacks/drinks - $3.00; toothpaste - $3.00.
|
| MEALS |
| | Breakfast is included as a part of your stay at the hotel. With the per diem provided by NIST, you will pay for lunches and dinners not provided as a part of the workshop program. You will not pay for the hosted events. To express your satisfaction with service, it is the American custom to give the wait staff at full service restaurants a tip of 15-20% of the bill. If you eat as a group of 8 or more, the gratuity often is included in the bill. It is not the custom to tip at fast food establishments such as McDonald?s.
|
| ATTIRE |
| | Business casual attire is appropriate for the workshop. Jeans are not appropriate attire for the workshop sessions. Here are links to the climate summary information for Washington, D.C. area and the current weather in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
|
| MEDICAL |
| | If you are taking any prescribed medications, it is recommended that you bring an ample supply of the medication with you.
|
| SMOKING |
| | In recent years, many Americans have displayed strong attitudes against smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, within restaurants, elevators, and on buses. Violators are subject to fines. Smoking is also prohibited in museums, supermarkets, stores, and government buildings. When in doubt please ask the workshop organizers.
|
| NIST INFORMATION |
| | |
| MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION |
| | - CUSTOMS: You will be asked to proceed through Customs at your first port of entry in the U.S.
- INTERNET ACCESS: There is no wireless connection available inside the NIST conference rooms. Your hotel will have internet access available in the rooms for free or a nominal charge.
|
