AFA’s 2009 National Convention and Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition

The Air Force Association’s 2009 National Convention and Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition are scheduled September 12-13 and 14-16, respectively. The convention and conference will be held at our new location, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center on the Potomac, in National Harbor, just across the river from Alexandria and minutes from downtown Washington, DC.

Speakers for 2009 include the Secretary of the Air Force, the USAF Chief of Staff, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, and other top Air Force, government, and aerospace industry leaders. Our national conference attracts the top echelon of USAF senior leadership, including the commanders of every USAF command.

The Technology Exposition will feature aerospace exhibitors from around the world that will display and demonstrate the latest breakthroughs in air and space technology. The exhibits at AFA’s Technology Exposition highlight the most current developments in aerospace technology and education.

Registration and reservation information will be provided in next month's Newsline. And, the latest information will continue to be posted online.

Message from Joe & Geri Sutter

This past week I had the opportunity to again visit the Gaylord National Hotel, the site of our '09 Convention and Conference. Geri was with me and I can summarize our impression in a word: WOW!

The exhibition halls and meeting rooms are first class, state-of-the-art facilities which will enhance the whole package -- board, committee, and convention meetings; Air and Space Conference; the technology exposition; and the dinner events.

The Gaylord National is a "destination resort" complete with beautiful pools, spa, indoor and outdoor gardens, a variety of dining options, and shops. We really enjoyed the salads and burgers at the "National Pastime" sports grille -- casual, with a 30 foot video wall and dozens of flat screens all around. The prices for the hotel are identical to what we would be paying this year at the Marriott (and virtually the same as last year’s prices for those staying two-to-a-room). And the meal prices should be very close to last year as well.

We walked to the adjacent retail shops where you could find many choices of great food -- from Ben and Jerry's ice cream to McCormick and Schmick's seafood. The water taxi ride to and from Old Town Alexandria was great. It docks right at the hotel and provides convenient access to the restaurants, Torpedo Factory Art Center, and other shops in Old Town.

From Geri: "For those of you deciding on whether or not to bring your spouse: do it!! You will both have a great time. And I personally recommend the fresh guacamole (made right at your table) at the Rosa Mexicano."

Below are Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that will assist you in planning to attend this event.

FAQ for AFA Delegates: Moving to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

1. Why are we moving? Nearly five years ago, the Marriott Wardman Park notified us that they were planning to convert a section of the hotel to condos, which would have removed too many sleeping rooms from our contracted block. Sleeping rooms and meeting space of the quantity and size that we require must be contracted years in advance to secure dates, space, and rates. Coincidentally, the Gaylord National was being constructed and was beginning to look for business. We signed the ten-year contract in June 2005. Please visit the hotel website for more details about the hotel (http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-national/.)
2. How much will the rooms cost? AFA’s only room block will be at the Gaylord. Please keep in mind that AFA’s pricing for meals and sleeping rooms depends on us being able to fill our room block. Delegate rooms will be at the government per diem rate, as in previous years. In September 2009 that rate will be $233 single/double plus tax (roughly $280) for all delegates and government employees (2008 prices were $201 single/$230 double). The government per diem rate is the lowest rate available, and it would have been the same rate had we stayed at the Marriott Wardman Park (although for those staying two-to-a-room, Gaylord will actually be cheaper because they do not charge for the second occupant). Included in the $280 per night charge is an amenity fee that covers high speed internet in your room, 2 bottles of water in your room each day, fitness center access, newspaper, and local/toll free telephone calls. Reservation instructions will be provided in the May issue of Newsline.
3. What about transportation, directions and parking?
   • From airport? The Gaylord is accessible primarily by car, taxi, or shuttle bus. Just like at our previous location, AFA will not provide transportation to/from any of the area airports. However, the Gaylord is operating an express shuttle to/from Reagan National Airport. It departs every twenty minutes from the Gaylord’s front door and every twenty minutes from baggage claim. It runs between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and costs $18 one-way, per person or $32 roundtrip, per person. To make shuttle reservations, please call 800-660-8000. Super Shuttle is t he same cost; however, it might make additional stops and not go straight to your destination. A taxi will cost approximately $20 one-way from Reagan National.
   • What if we want to take the METRO? The preferred METRO stop to use is the King Street Station in Old Town Alexandria, which is across the river from the hotel. There is a free trolley from King Street METRO to a commercial water taxi ($8 each way for a 20- minute trip; it runs daily 10:50am – 11:15pm from Old Town; more details at http://www.potomacriverboatco.com/). AFA will run a free shuttle between the King Street Station and the Gaylord on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
   • Will AFA provide shuttles? AFA will provide shuttles on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from the following four locations: Andrews AFB, Bolling AFB, King Street Metro, and the Pentagon. A shuttle schedule is being fine tuned and will be posted on our website shortly. The Gaylord offers a shuttle from the main entrance of the hotel to the Old Post Office (1100 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) and Union Station (H Street & 2nd Street). The shuttle runs continuously between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. seven days a week. The cost is $13 one-way, $20 roundtrip or $49 for an unlimited 3-day pass. Stop by the hotel’s Tour Transportation Desk to purchase tickets.
   • Need directions? Please visit http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-national/ directions-transportation/#map for assistance.
   • Parking costs? There is plenty of parking available at the Gaylord. AFA will have discounted self parking at $10 per day at the hotel. During check-in, please make sure to communicate you are with AFA in order to get the discounted parking rate on your hotel folio. (Our local delegates that just come for the day, you will need to stop by AFA Registration for details.) Valet parking is available at $28 per day at the hotel.
4. What else is in the National Harbor neighborhood? Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is one of the anchors to the whole National Harbor project. National Harbor is nearing completion and will be home to over 500,000 square feet of office space, over a dozen shops and a dozen restaurants, two art galleries, a marina, and much more. Please visit their website for more information (http://www.nationalharbor.com/).
5. Will the AFA schedule be the same as last year? Yes, the same schedule is planned for both the AFA National Convention and the Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. Delegates can expect meetings on Saturday and Sunday, Field Awards Dinner on Saturday evening, Wreath Laying at the Air Force Memorial on Sunday morning, Outstanding Airmen Dinner on Monday evening, Congressional Morning Reception on Tuesday morning, and the Anniversary Dinner on Wednesday evening. The full agenda can be found online.
6. What about the meals: will they cost more or about same? Delegate ticketed meals, unlike previous years, will not increase this year. When it comes to restaurants, there are four hotel restaurants that are staggered in their pricing, as well as a dozen restaurants within short walking distance of the hotel.
7. What else do I need to know? Send your questions to (bbuckwalter@afa.org). Those will help us think of some of the answers we need to add to this list of FAQ’s.

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