SSDP2016 is just two months away! That means now is the time to get all of your ducks in a row to make sure you’re able to attend. To make things easier, we’ve laid out the 3 most important steps that students should take right away:

1. Register
2. Arrange travel
3. Arrange lodging

Step 1: REGISTER

If you’re using CAT points to register, let your Outreach Coordinator know how many registrations you would like to use points for. They’ll set you up with a special registration code to use to register here.

If you’re not using CAT points to register, purchase your registration here. Prices go up after February 28th, so don’t miss your chance to get the lowest available rates!

Step 2: ARRANGE TRAVEL

Please see this page for more detailed information on when and where you should plan to arrive and depart.

Flight prices are typically lowest about 6-8 weeks out from your travel date. That window starts now and ends around March 4th. We recommend using Kayak.com and Southwest.com to find the lowest fares.

If you’re planning to drive, make a plan for when you will leave, who will drive, etc. You can use a trip calculator like this one to estimate how much gas will cost.

If you’re interested in using CAT points for (up to half the cost of your) travel, please contact your Outreach Coordinator as soon as possible.

Step 3: ARRANGE LODGING

If you’re planning to use CAT points to pay for conference lodging, let your Outreach Coordinator know as soon as possible. Check-in is on Friday, April 15th and check-out is the morning of Monday, April 18th. Conference registration begins at 5:00pm on Friday so you may want to plan on arriving earlier to get settled in. 

If you’re not planning to use CAT points for lodging, you can book your room at the hotel using this link. Or you may call (703) 807-2000 to make your reservation, just be sure to mention you’re with the SSDP conference (group code: “SD6”). Our group rate on hotel rooms is available 3 days before and after the conference, so you’re welcome to utilize our discounted rate as early as 4/12. Hotel rooms will likely sell out though so be sure to reserve yours as soon as you can.

If you are planning on participating in SSDP’s UNGASS demonstration on Monday April 18th, we will be boarding buses early Monday morning to head for New York. We recommend staying overnight in New York on Monday and departing on Tuesday so you can enjoy the full day of activities in the city and not be rushed to get to the airport or train station. Information on lodging options in New York on the 18th is forthcoming. If you do need to depart Monday evening, the SSDP bus will be making stops at La Guardia Airport, JFK Airport, and back to Arlington, VA in the evening.

Visit the SSDP2016 conference homepage for more information and for answers to frequently asked questions.  See you in Washington DC in April!