Hotel, Travel, & Accommodations
The conference was held at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel, Overland Park, Kansas. Hotel reservations were to have been made by Friday, April 30, 2004, to ensure the per diem rate. The room block at the conference hotel was filled, and the hotel was sold out for our conference week.
The Sheraton Overland Park Hotel is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990. Accessible rooms are available; please identify any special requirements when making your hotel reservations. Amenities include a Starwood Turbo Net High Speed Internet Access in All Rooms (daily charge), fitness center, indoor heated pool, business center, and convenient restaurants and shopping.
Conference Support
The conference desk was staffed from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm each day. FTS phones were not available. Incoming calls were directed to the main hotel switchboard at 913-234-2100. Faxes were received at 913-234-2110. Messages were posted near the registration desk.
Transportation
Transportation to Overland Park is available from a variety of national airline, train, and bus services. The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is served by many US and domestic carriers, including Midwest, Southwest, USAir, United, Delta, and others. Approximate flight time from most parts of the country is 3 hours or less. Amtrak (800-872-7245) also provides a daily service from many cities through Chicago and St. Louis; please check the Amtrak website for more schedule information.
The hotel is approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) from the airport. Due to its suburban location, car-pooling and shuttle services to and from the hotel are recommended. MCI offers most major car rental companies, and hotel parking is free-of-charge. Shuttle services are also available; please read the information on each service to select the one most cost-effective for you.
KCI Shuttle - (816) 243-5000 or (800) 243-6383
The KCI Shuttle runs daily departures between Kansas City International Airport and Overland Park. Ticket counters are located at baggage claim areas in all three terminals. Tickets can be purchased from agents at ticket counters or by dialing "5000" on any white courtesy phone. One-way service is $45 for up to three riders (this option is best for groups traveling together).
#1 Limo Service - (913) 208-6811 or (866) 856-LIMO
This 24-hour limousine service will transport to or from the airport for $65 one-way for up to four passengers. Same day appointments are welcomed, but requests between 8 pm and 5am require a minimum 8-hour notification.
Quicksilver - (913)262-0905 or (800)888-8294
Quicksilver Airport Service specializes in shared rides to and from Kansas City International Airport. Advance reservations (24-hour notice preferred) are required. One-way service is $21 per person, with adjusted rates for groups traveling together.
Weather and Dress
Average May temperatures in the area range from highs in the lower 80s to lows in the mid 60s. Please remember that conference rooms are generally cool; layering your clothing for air conditioning will help you enjoy the conference more fully. Dress for the conference is business casual; please dress appropriately (no jeans or shorts), and bring a sweater or jacket.
Refreshments
In-room coffee service is provided for overnight guests, and beverages will be offered in the conference room at 7:30 am, mid-morning, and mid-afternoon.