International Attendees

New Orleans Welcomes You to the GCSAA Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show

The entire international golf course management community will come together in New Orleans for the industry’s premier education and trade show experience.

The cultural riches, sensual indulgences and unparalleled service that define the New Orleans experience continue to flourish, as they have for centuries. The most celebrated and historic core of the city – including the Faubourg Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street, Garden District, Audubon Park and Zoo and St. Charles Avenue – is thriving.

The historic and cultural experience that has attracted millions of visitors for decades is as rich, charming and welcoming as ever. It’s no surprise that Orbitz and Travel + Leisure have chosen it as one of their top destinations for 2007 and The Today Show in August 2007 named New Orleans as number two in its America the Beautiful series.

Come see and celebrate New Orleans’ unique culture while you attend the largest gathering of golf course management professionals in the world.

Obtaining a Visa

The U.S. has updated its visa policies to increase security for our citizens and visitors. For more information on how to get a visa and current policies, visit http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html. If you require a visa to attend the GCSAA Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show, we suggest you obtain your visa before registering for the events.

Passports

The U.S. government is now enforcing new passport requirements for all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for more information on obtaining a passport and current policies

Air Travel and Hotel Accommodations

Golf Industry Travel is open and securing reservations for the international attendees of the 2009 GCSAA Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show.

A special room block for international attendees has been arranged at The Astor Crowne Plaza. The deadline for making a reservation in this block is Dec. 12, 2008. A limited number of rooms are available, and these will be secured on a first-come, first-served basis. The Astor Crowne Plaza does offer smoking rooms. If you prefer a property other than The Astor Crowne Plaza, reservations for additional official hotels can be made beginning Aug. 1, 2008.

For personal service from a Golf Industry Travel representative, call 203-772-0470, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern) or e-mail your request to meetings@worldtek.com.

Registration

The conference and show brochure, which contains hard-copy registration forms that can be faxed, will be poly-bagged in your September issue of Golf Course Management magazine. GCSAA members can register online beginning Oct. 1, 2008 at gcsaa.org/conference.

Currency Exchange

The Universal Currency Converter allows you to perform interactive foreign exchange rate calculations. Currency can be exchanged at the New Orleans Louis Armstrong (MSY) Airport.

International Resource Center

Presented in partnership with Syngenta Professional Products and Phillip Jennings Turf Farms

The International Resource Center will be located in the registration area of the New Orleans Morial Convention Center and will be staffed with a multi-lingual interpreter who can offer assistance to international attendees. Light refreshments are available. Official conference badges are required for admittance to the center.

The International Resource Center and on-site registration will be open:
Monday, Feb. 2 – 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 – 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 – 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5 – 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6 – 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7 – 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Interpretation Services 

The official language of the GCSAA Education Conference and the Golf Industry Show is English. The International Resource Center will be staffed with a multi-lingual interpreter.

Tax Free Shopping

International visitors to the state of Louisiana are finding a shopping paradise in Louisiana – providing a sales tax refund for international shoppers on purchases made at nearly 1,000 tax free stores.