Date:         Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:37:41 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike Rhoads <RHOADSM1@WESTAT.COM>
Sender:       "SAS(r) Discussion" <SAS-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Mike Rhoads <RHOADSM1@WESTAT.COM>
Subject:      SAS Global Forum housing
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Folks,

Registration and housing for SAS Global Forum 2009 opened yesterday:
http://support.sas.com/events/sasglobalforum/2009/index.html

I took a field trip to National Harbor a couple of weekends ago to check things out.

The good news, if you're on a budget, is that the Hampton Inn and the Residence Inn offer rates that are significantly cheaper than the Gaylord itself.  Both are "across the street" from the Gaylord -- there is a plaza and circular driveway between Waterfront Street and the Gaylord main entrance, but it's still a relatively short walk.

I'd guess that these might sell out relatively quickly, so booking early might be a good idea if you're planning to attend.  This may be particularly true of the Hampton, since it is the only National Harbor hotel that offers government rates, and the only one with any smoking rooms.

The bad news, if you're on a budget, is that there are NO other hotels (other than these 3 and the Westin) that are even remotely within walking distance of the convention center.  (The other 3 conference hotels are across the river in Alexandria.)

Mike Rhoads
Westat
RhoadsM1@Westat.com