|
General Information    
The Washington Convention and Trade Center, Seattle, WA, USA Congress LocationThe Congress will take place at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (WSCTC) located at 800 Convention Place, Seattle, WA 98101. The WSCTC is nestled in the heart of Seattle and within steps of the finest hotels and restaurants and only 11 miles-17.7 kilometers north of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and 5 miles-8 kilometers north of the King County International Airport. Visitor's InformationThe Concierge Center located on the first level of the WSCTC has an array of brochures, pamphlets and maps for tours, restaurants and other local attractions. The friendly staff can assist with information, tickets, transportation, and reservations. Banking and Foreign ExchangeThe official currency in the United States is US Dollars. The US Dollar ($) is divided into 100 cents; notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Banking hours in the United States are generally Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00. A few banks are open on Saturdays as well. You can withdraw money from ATM bank machines using your credit card and make purchases in stores and restaurants. Signs display accepted credit cards or you can ask the retailer. Check with your local financial institution to verify if you are able to use your home bank card or credit card prior to travel.
There are two ATM bank machines located inside the WSCTC and several banking institutions within walking distance. Currency may be exchanged at Banks or currency exchange stores for a fee. Travelex currency exchange kiosks are available in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. International Currency Converters ClimateThe average temperature in month of May is 64.8 °F - 18.2 °C; 1.51 in - 3.84 cm rain.
Dialing CodesThe International access code for the United States is 1. The area code in downtown Seattle and City of Seattle is 206. If you are in the city of Seattle or downtown Seattle, you do not need to dial 206 before making a call. While in the United States, you can call the directory information service number 411 for assistance in finding a phone number. Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free in the United States. To make an international call, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and telephone number. Eating OutDowntown Seattle is filled with a variety of dining options; from fine dining to casual as well as coffee shops and bars within walking distance of the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. There are several cafés and other dining options inside the center as well. ElectricityVoltage in the United States is 120 voltage (60 HZ). Outlet sockets use either a Type A plug which is a class II ungrounded plug with two flat parallel prongs, or a Type B plug which is a class I plug with two flat parallel prongs and a grounding pin. Language The official language of the Congress is English. Translation service is not be provided. Name BadgesThe ISAC badge must be worn at all times for admission to the scientific sessions, exhibits, and social events. Smoking PolicySmoking is not permitted in public buildings, restaurants or bars. TaxSales tax in Seattle is 9.5%. TippingRestaurant prices do not generally include a service charge; it is customary to give a tip of 15-20%. Transportation Airport Transfers At the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, dial 55 from any travelers’ information board at the base of the baggage claim escalators for ground transportation information. A ground transportation information booth is located on the third floor of the parking garage. Public Transportation LINK Light Rail The light rail service connects the Sea-Tac International Airport to Downtown Seattle in only 36 minutes for $2.75. For more information about how to ride the LINK Light Rail, click here. Shuttle Service Shuttle Express offers Scheduled Share Ride Service with several departures to every zip code each hour, 24 hours a day. You can save money with the multiple-rider Share Ride discounts and children 12 years of age and under always ride free with a paying adult for airport transfers. The cost of shuttle service to the Downtown Seattle area is approximately $17 one way/$28 roundtrip. Passenger pick up/drop off is located on the third level of the Seattle-Tacoma airport garage on Inner Drive. For information or to make a reservation, please call (425) 981-7000. You may also book your service online at http://www.shuttleexpress.com/ShareRide.html. The Downtown Airporter service provided by Gray Line offers shuttle service to a number of downtown Seattle hotels. The cost of service is approximately $11 one way/$18 roundtrip with discounts for children under 12 years of age. Passengers pick up/drop off is located in the parking lot outside of door 00 (zero-zero) at the south end of the baggage claim level. For further information or to make a reservation, please call (206) 624-5077 or (800) 426-7532. You may also visit their website at http://www.graylineseattle.com/airportexpress1.cfm. Taxi Cabs and Limousines Taxi cabs are available on the third floor of the Parking Garage. Sedans, station wagons, and large vans are available. For more information, please call (206) 246-9999 or use the curbside phones on the Baggage Claim Level. The fare to a downtown hotel is approximately $40. STILA offers both town cars and stretch limos and picks up passengers on the third floor of the Parking Garage. To arrange for a limousine or town car, dial #55 from a Travelers Information Board or use curbside phones. You may also make arrangements at the Ground Transportation Booth (inside Door #16 on the Baggage Claim Level) or on the third floor of the Parking Garage. Photos courtesy of Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau.
|