Location
When and where is the conference being held?
The conference is being held at the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 25-27. There are pre-conference events being held on September 24, including the Giant Screen 101 professional development session, the New Members and First-Timers Reception, committee meetings, special interest group meetings, and film and award rehearsals. Dome Day will be held on September 28 at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Chattanooga is a vibrant city nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River and surrounded by scenic beauty. US Airways said this “re-engergized river city” is “one of the most livable cities in the South.” The Tennessee Aquarium is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, the highest-rated aquarium in the U.S. and one of America’s top 10 tourist attractions for overall guest satisfaction.
Registration
How do I register?
Are there special deals for registering early?
If you’re a GSCA member, register by July 30 to get the early registration rate. Standard registration is from July 31-August 31. Late registration rates take effect on September 1. Registration rates can be found here:
Registration information.
Can I attend the conference if I am not a GSCA member?
Yes, nonmembers are welcome to attend the conference. However, we recommend you become a member before you register for the conference. You’ll not only save hundreds of dollars on conference registration fees--you’ll gain all the benefits of GSCA membership too.
Click here to join GSCA.
Will I get a refund if I have to cancel my registration?
Cancellations must be sent in writing to GSCA via e-mail at
tammyseldon@giantscreencinema.com or fax at 540-872-3906. Cancellations received before July 24 are subject to a $150 USD cancellation fee. Cancellations received between July 24 and September 3 will receive a refund of half the registration fees paid. Regrettably, no refunds will be issued after September 3 for any reason.
Hotel
What is the conference hotel, and how do I book a reservation?
The official conference hotel is the Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center. We highly recommend that you stay at this hotel during the conference. Since professional development sessions and other meetings will be held at the hotel, it will be much more convenient for you to stay at the Marriott, and GSCA has negotiated a conference rate of $149 per night.
If you are attending Dome Day and wish to stay in Birmingham, GSCA has negotiated a $99 per night rate at the Sheraton Birmingham.
Additional hotel information and the link to make reservations (with the GSCA group code already added to the form) can be found here:
Hotel information
How do I get from the airport to the Marriott?
The Marriott is about 11 miles from the Chattanooga airport.
If you are renting a car
Take 153 South to Interstate 75 South to Interstate 24 West to Highway 27 North exit 1A. From MLK Boulevard turn right onto Carter Street and hotel is two blocks on the left.
Hotel Shuttle
A hotel shuttle is available for $15 one way/$30 roundtrip with 24-hour advanced notice. Hotel shuttle service is also available upon request for $25 one way.
Taxi
Estimated taxi fare is approximately $30 one way.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Onsite parking is available for $3/hour, $10/day, or $14/day for valet service.
Is there wireless internet access at the hotel? If so, how much will it cost?
There is complimentary wireless internet service in the hotel, including the public areas, meeting rooms, and guest rooms.
Travel/Transportation Info
How do I get to Chattanooga?
Fly to Chattanooga
The following airlines fly to Chattanooga (CHA): Delta, American Eagle, US Airways, and Allegiant Air. There are several nonstop and 1-stop flights into Chattanooga. Nonstop flights in and out of Chattanooga are available from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Memphis, Washington DC, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg. Please note: If you're flying through Atlanta, keep in mind it's the busiest airport in the U.S. Please make sure you have plenty of time between connecting flights. You'll need at least an hour between flights, and longer is recommended, to make sure you can get to your connecting flight gate.
Shuttle from Atlanta or Nashville
If you prefer a nonstop flight and do not want to take a connecting flight(s) to Chattanooga, Groome Transportation runs shuttles to and from the Atlanta (ATL), Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee (BNA), airports. The first shuttle to Chattanooga from Atlanta leaves at 6:00 AM, and the shuttle back to Atlanta begins as early as 3:00 AM. The first shuttle to Chattanooga from Nashville leaves at 5:30 AM, and the shuttle to Nashville begins as early as 3:30 AM. Shuttles are approximately $40 each way, and reservations must be made in advance. Please note that shuttle reservations are the traveler’s responsibility. GSCA will not make travel arrangements for attendees. To contact Groome Transportation for shuttle information and reservations:
www.groometransportation.com, (423) 954-1400, (800) 896-9928.
Drive
When should I arrive/depart?
Most of the conference events start on September 25 and end on September 27. However there are some pre-conference events and meetings on September 24, with Dome Day on September 28. It's a good idea to arrive the day before the first meeting or event you plan to attend so you can become familiar with the hotel layout and the route from the hotel to the theater. And you’ll definitely want to make sure you stay for the Distributors Party on the evening of September 27. Check the schedule for further details:
Schedule
Will transportation between venues be provided during the conference?
The Marriott is a 10-minute walk (about .7 miles/1 km) from the Tennessee Aquarium. Great River/Rhythm & Blues (the distributor party location) is next to the Tennessee Aquarium. Here's a map of the venues we'll be using during the conference:
Conference map
Stops at the Marriott and the Tennessee Aquarium are also included on the downtown electric shuttle line, CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority). Shuttle buses run about every five minutes, and the rides are free! You’ll find more information here:
CARTA
What attractions are there to see in Chattanooga?
General
What is the dress code?
The dress code for the entire conference, including the Awards Gala, is business casual.
What is the weather going to be like?
In September, the average high temperature in Chattanooga is 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius), the average low is 61 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius), and average precipitation is 4 inches (102 millimeters). Dress for warm, somewhat humid weather, but bring a jacket or light sweater to wear in the air-conditioned theater and meeting rooms.
Dome Day
Dome Day will be held at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, on Tuesday, September 28. Attendance is included with an All Events Pass. If, however, Dome Day is the only conference event you will be attending, you must register for a Day Pass. The online registration form will ask you to indicate whether you will be attending Dome Day.
Chartered roundtrip transportation from Marriott in Chattanooga to the McWane Science Center in Birmingham will be provided at a cost of $50 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no discount for taking the bus only one way. The bus will go from the Chattanooga hotel to the science center and back only. No extra stops to the airport, etc. will be made. There is a section on the registration form where you can reserve Dome Day transportation.
If you have other questions, please contact Tammy Seldon at tammyseldon@giantscreencinema.com or 540-872-3905.
Location
When and where is the conference being held?
The conference is being held at the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 25-27. There are pre-conference events being held on September 24, including the Giant Screen 101 professional development session, the New Members and First-Timers Reception, committee meetings, special interest group meetings, and film and award rehearsals. Dome Day will be held on September 28 at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Chattanooga is a vibrant city nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River and surrounded by scenic beauty. US Airways said this “re-engergized river city” is “one of the most livable cities in the South.” The Tennessee Aquarium is the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, the highest-rated aquarium in the U.S. and one of America’s top 10 tourist attractions for overall guest satisfaction.
Registration
How do I register?
Are there special deals for registering early?
If you’re a GSCA member, register by July 30 to get the early registration rate. Standard registration is from July 31-August 31. Late registration rates take effect on September 1. Registration rates can be found here:
Registration information.
Can I attend the conference if I am not a GSCA member?
Yes, nonmembers are welcome to attend the conference. However, we recommend you become a member before you register for the conference. You’ll not only save hundreds of dollars on conference registration fees--you’ll gain all the benefits of GSCA membership too.
Click here to join GSCA.
Will I get a refund if I have to cancel my registration?
Cancellations must be sent in writing to GSCA via e-mail at
tammyseldon@giantscreencinema.com or fax at 540-872-3906. Cancellations received before July 24 are subject to a $150 USD cancellation fee. Cancellations received between July 24 and September 3 will receive a refund of half the registration fees paid. Regrettably, no refunds will be issued after September 3 for any reason.
Hotel
What is the conference hotel, and how do I book a reservation?
The official conference hotel is the Chattanooga Marriott at the Convention Center. We highly recommend that you stay at this hotel during the conference. Since professional development sessions and other meetings will be held at the hotel, it will be much more convenient for you to stay at the Marriott, and GSCA has negotiated a conference rate of $149 per night.
If you are attending Dome Day and wish to stay in Birmingham, GSCA has negotiated a $99 per night rate at the Sheraton Birmingham.
Additional hotel information and the link to make reservations (with the GSCA group code already added to the form) can be found here:
Hotel information
How do I get from the airport to the Marriott?
The Marriott is about 11 miles from the Chattanooga airport.
If you are renting a car
Take 153 South to Interstate 75 South to Interstate 24 West to Highway 27 North exit 1A. From MLK Boulevard turn right onto Carter Street and hotel is two blocks on the left.
Hotel Shuttle
A hotel shuttle is available for $15 one way/$30 roundtrip with 24-hour advanced notice. Hotel shuttle service is also available upon request for $25 one way.
Taxi
Estimated taxi fare is approximately $30 one way.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Onsite parking is available for $3/hour, $10/day, or $14/day for valet service.
Is there wireless internet access at the hotel? If so, how much will it cost?
There is complimentary wireless internet service in the hotel, including the public areas, meeting rooms, and guest rooms.
Travel/Transportation Info
How do I get to Chattanooga?
Fly to Chattanooga
The following airlines fly to Chattanooga (CHA): Delta, American Eagle, US Airways, and Allegiant Air. There are several nonstop and 1-stop flights into Chattanooga. Nonstop flights in and out of Chattanooga are available from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Memphis, Washington DC, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg. Please note: If you're flying through Atlanta, keep in mind it's the busiest airport in the U.S. Please make sure you have plenty of time between connecting flights. You'll need at least an hour between flights, and longer is recommended, to make sure you can get to your connecting flight gate.
Shuttle from Atlanta or Nashville
If you prefer a nonstop flight and do not want to take a connecting flight(s) to Chattanooga, Groome Transportation runs shuttles to and from the Atlanta (ATL), Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee (BNA), airports. The first shuttle to Chattanooga from Atlanta leaves at 6:00 AM, and the shuttle back to Atlanta begins as early as 3:00 AM. The first shuttle to Chattanooga from Nashville leaves at 5:30 AM, and the shuttle to Nashville begins as early as 3:30 AM. Shuttles are approximately $40 each way, and reservations must be made in advance. Please note that shuttle reservations are the traveler’s responsibility. GSCA will not make travel arrangements for attendees. To contact Groome Transportation for shuttle information and reservations:
www.groometransportation.com, (423) 954-1400, (800) 896-9928.
Drive
When should I arrive/depart?
Most of the conference events start on September 25 and end on September 27. However there are some pre-conference events and meetings on September 24, with Dome Day on September 28. It's a good idea to arrive the day before the first meeting or event you plan to attend so you can become familiar with the hotel layout and the route from the hotel to the theater. And you’ll definitely want to make sure you stay for the Distributors Party on the evening of September 27. Check the schedule for further details:
Schedule
Will transportation between venues be provided during the conference?
The Marriott is a 10-minute walk (about .7 miles/1 km) from the Tennessee Aquarium. Great River/Rhythm & Blues (the distributor party location) is next to the Tennessee Aquarium. Here's a map of the venues we'll be using during the conference:
Conference map
Stops at the Marriott and the Tennessee Aquarium are also included on the downtown electric shuttle line, CARTA (Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority). Shuttle buses run about every five minutes, and the rides are free! You’ll find more information here:
CARTA
What attractions are there to see in Chattanooga?
General
What is the dress code?
The dress code for the entire conference, including the Awards Gala, is business casual.
What is the weather going to be like?
In September, the average high temperature in Chattanooga is 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius), the average low is 61 degrees Fahrenheit (15 Celsius), and average precipitation is 4 inches (102 millimeters). Dress for warm, somewhat humid weather, but bring a jacket or light sweater to wear in the air-conditioned theater and meeting rooms.
Dome Day
Dome Day will be held at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, on Tuesday, September 28. Attendance is included with an All Events Pass. If, however, Dome Day is the only conference event you will be attending, you must register for a Day Pass. The online registration form will ask you to indicate whether you will be attending Dome Day.
Chartered roundtrip transportation from Marriott in Chattanooga to the McWane Science Center in Birmingham will be provided at a cost of $50 per person on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no discount for taking the bus only one way. The bus will go from the Chattanooga hotel to the science center and back only. No extra stops to the airport, etc. will be made. There is a section on the registration form where you can reserve Dome Day transportation.
If you have other questions, please contact Tammy Seldon at tammyseldon@giantscreencinema.com or 540-872-3905.