WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Additional general conference information can be found on pages 45-49 of your Conference Program book onsite. For the most up to date information at your fingertips, download the conference app!
Travel
Weather – October average high: 73° F / 23 °C October average low: 61° F / 16 °C. However, the weather has been unseasonably warm.
Source: Accuweather.com, October 11, 2015
Attire – Business attire is the standard meeting dress code. The attire for the Monday Night Reception is resort casual (flip flops or sandals and a sweater are recommended). The attire for the Awards Banquet is black tie. Although we attempt to keep the meeting rooms at a comfortable temperature, we recognize that “comfortable” is a relative term. We recommend that you bring a light jacket, sweater or shawl.
Arrival in San Diego - Upon arrival, please be sure to pick up your conference identification badge or ticket PRIOR to attending the “Welcome to San Diego Reception,” Sunday, October 18, 7-10 pm at OMNIA Nightclub San Diego. There will be no ticket sales at the door.
Official Conference Hotels
The Bristol Hotel
1055 First Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
1960 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101 NMSDC shuttle service is not being provided to/from this hotel.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101
Hotel Z
521 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Marriott San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter
660 K Street
San Diego, CA. 92101
Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Residence Inn San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter 356 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
1380 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101 NMSDC shuttle service is not being provided to/from this hotel.
Westin San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter
910 Broadway Circle San Diego, CA 92101
OMNIA Nightclub San Diego
Check-in time at the hotels is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 12 p.m. Guests arriving before check-in time will be accommodated as rooms become available. Should a later departure be necessary, arrangements for the storage of luggage can be made with the bell captain. Smoking is prohibited in hotel rooms.
Airport Ground Transportation
For information on taxis, shared-ride shuttles or rental cars, visit http://www.san.org/Parking-Transportation.
Hotel Loop and Special Event Shuttles
Most conference hotels are within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC). NMSDC will provide complimentary shuttle bus service as follows:
Daily Shuttle Service to the Convention Center: There will be no shuttle service between the San Diego Convention Center and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Omni San Diego, Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island or Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina hotels; Limited complimentary shuttle service will be provided from/to the Bristol, Hotel Z, Marriott Gaslamp, Residence Inn Gaslamp and Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotels to/from San Diego Convention Center on Sunday, October 18 to Wednesday, October 21. Complimentary General Motors-branded pedicabs will be also available during designated hours for rides within the Gaslamp District. (You will be required to display your conference badge to utilize this service.)
Sunday Night, October 18, Welcome to San Diego Reception: OMNIA Nightclub San Diego is walking distance from the Conference Hotels. Shuttle service will be provided from/to the Bristol, Hilton San Diego Bay front, Omni San Diego, Marriott Gaslamp and Westin Gaslamp hotels only to/from OMNIA.
Monday Night, October 19, Sand & Surf Reception: Shuttle Service will be provided from/to the Bristol, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Hotel Z, Marriott Gaslamp, Omni San Diego, Residence Inn Gaslamp and Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotels to/from Wave House Beach Club.
Wednesday Night, October 21, Awards Banquet and Farewell Reception: Shuttle service will be provided from/to the Bristol, Hotel Z, Marriott Gaslamp, Omni San Diego Hotel, Residence Inn Gaslamp and Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotels to/from the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
A valid event QR barcode is required for access to transportation and admission into events. HOURS OF SERVICE
SUNDAY,
OCTOBER 18 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Approximately 30 minutes)
6:15 p.m. - 11 p.m. (Approximately 15 minutes)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Approximately 30 minutes)
7:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. (Approximately 30 minutes)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Approximately 30 minutes)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Approximately 30 minutes)
5:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.
(Approximately 15 minutes)
Shuttle pick up locations:
The Bristol Hotel – Front Entrance Hilton San Diego Bayfront – Gull Street Hotel Z – Northwest corner of 6th & Island Ave.
Marriott San Diego Gaslamp – corner of K & 7th Ave (east side)
Omni San Diego Hotel – Front Entrance
Residence Inn San Diego Gaslamp – Front Entrance San Diego Convention Center – Hall D
Westin Gaslamp – On 1st Ave at Broadway Circle
Important Notes:
Schedule may vary due to traffic and weather conditions.
Please allow extra time to catch the shuttle on Monday morning for the Power Breakfast. Last bus leaves 30 minutes prior to end time with no return service.
MBE Survey - Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs
Now thru December 2015, NMSDC is conducting a survey of our certified MBEs in collaboration with researchers at Columbia Business School. We want to learn more about your perspectives as a minority entrepreneur. Share your experience about the barriers and challenges you experience on this short survey. Your feedback matters!
You may take the survey on a kiosk in the NMSDC Information Center (in SDCC Hall E Lobby thru Monday and on the upper level on Tuesday and Wednesday), on the conference app or online
(https://emory.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_4Mi9RqOil3g9u5v).
The Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs NMSDC Survey is anonymous and should take about 15 minutes to complete.
This survey is to be completed in one sitting - you will not be able to save your responses or start again where you left off on a different device.
Please note that you may also complete the survey on your smart phone, tablet device, or computer. Thank you for your contributions.
Registration and Check-in
For quick and easy check-in, take your email confirmation to one of our new Scan & Go kiosks. San Diego Convention Center – Lobby D
Saturday, October 17, Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, October 19, 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. San Diego Convention Center – Ballroom 20 Foyer
Tuesday, October 20, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Badges
A valid barcoded event name badge or ticket is required for admission to all events. No exceptions. This identification badge is your ticket of admission to the plenary sessions, workshops and Signature Sessions, as well meal functions and receptions. There is a $150-$350 charge (depending on type of registration) for name badge replacement. Certain events and activities have additional fees or limited seating available.
Exhibitors
If you purchased a Business Opportunity Exchange only pass or if you are listed as exhibitor booth personnel, your conference name badge does not include entry to the meal functions or special events. You must purchase tickets to attend those events.
If you are an exhibitor and also registered for the conference, you do not need to check-in at the exhibitor registration counter if your conference registration includes a name badge. You can go directly to the Advance Registration area to check-in. If you purchased tickets only, you must collect them at any of the Advance Registration counters at any time. Note: The registration cancellation deadline was September 30. There are no refunds.
Lead Retrieval
The NMSDC instituted lead retrieval for exhibitors, enabling them to scan the QR code on a participant’s badge using their own iOS or Android device and capture valuable contact information for future follow up. If you are an exhibitor and would like to purchase lead retrieval services for the Business Opportunity Exchange, stop by the Lead Retrieval des k, near Exhibitor Registration, in Lobby D.
Only participants with printed QR barcodes on their badges can be scanned. Complimentary booth personnel do not have barcodes and can only be scanned if they purchase an upgraded pass with a QR barcode for $150 at the conference registrant desk.
Policies
By registering for NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange you agree to comply with all state, local, facility and NMSDC rules, regulations and laws.
Registration for attendance at, and/or participation in, NMSDC meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to NMSDC’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s name, likeness, image, voice, comments and/or appearance in any and all media, including the Internet, for any purpose consistent with the NMSDC’s mission, without compensation.
Substitution of a registration may be made prior to badge usage at any time. Sharing of attendee badges is not permitted. Additional I.D. may be required for entry.
Children under 18 are not allowed to attend any NMSDC function, and are not permitted in the exhibit hall at any time. Persons under the legal drinking age of 21 may not consume alcoholic beverages at NMSDC events.
Solicitation by non-exhibitors is strictly prohibited.
“Suitcasing” refers to the practice of attending a trade show but “working the aisles” from a suitcase or briefcase, soliciti ng business from other attendees and exhibitors. For the good of the show and the exhibitors supporting the show, the only legitimate place to conduct business during show hours is within a contracted exhibit space on the show floor. Exhibiting companies are encouraged to protect their investment and report any violations to NMSDC exhibit management. Attendees observed soliciting business in the aisles or other public spaces, or in another company’s booth, may be ejected from the trade show and may be banned from future events at the NMSDC’s sole discretion.
A Check Room is available on site on Monday only for attendee use. Please utilize the Check Room for bags and wheeled carts, especially if you are attending the Business Opportunity Exchange. Suitcases, wheeled carts and roller bags are prohibited in the Exhibit Hall.
WI-FI (Broadband Wireless Access)
The San Diego Convention Center has complimentary wireless service in Lobbies A-H (outside of the exhibit halls). If you want to purchase internet service for other areas, please call Smart City at 619-525-5500.
Mobile App
Plan your visit to NMSDC 2015 while on the go with the official mobile app. Download the appropriate FREE mobile app today. Use the app to view the most current information about the Conference, including schedule, speaker bios and handouts; locate specific exhibitor booths in the Business Opportunity Exchange; and create personalized Expo itinerary plans.
Search: NMSDC 2015 or key words: supplier diversity, NMSDC, Chirpe.com/nmsdc2015
During the conference, please be sure to complete the workshop surveys within the app to evaluate each session. After the conference, tell us how well we did and how we can improve your experience through the Conference Profile and Business Opportunity Exchange Exhibitor surveys. Your feedback is of utmost important to us!
On Tuesday, October 20, view exclusive interviews with supplier diversity leaders, as well as business opportunity exchange highlights, on the mobile app. Hilton San Diego Bayfront and Omni San Diego hotel guests can view this content from the comfort of their hotel rooms. View channel 59 in the Hilton and channel 42 in the Omni.
Social Media
Share, learn and connect through engaging conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Use the official
conference hashtag #NMSDCConference and you may find your message or photo on our social media hub displays and photo stations throughout the event.
Mobile Device Charging Stations
Charging stations for your mobile device(s) can be found near the NMSDC Information Center (in SDCC Hall E Lobby thru Monday and on the upper level on Tuesday and Wednesday); in the lounges during the Business Opportunity Exchange in Hall H (aisles 200 and 2400); in the Connect Zone in Room 33; and outside the plenary sessions, near Ballroom 20.
Food & Beverage
Full Conference Registration includes the following meals: Monday, October 19, 2015
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Power Breakfast (Doors close at 8:00 a.m.) 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. Luncheon (Doors close at 1:00 p.m.) Tuesday, October 20, 2015
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Networking Continental Breakfast 12:45 - 2 p.m. Luncheon (Doors close at 1:15 p.m.) Wednesday, October 21, 2015
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Networking Continental Breakfast 12:45 - 2 p.m. Luncheon (Doors close at 1:15 p.m.)
7 - 9:30 p.m. Awards Banquet (No meals served after 8:00 p.m.)
For your comfort and convenience, Hydration Stations with fresh fruit-infused water, coffee and tea are positioned in the lounges in the Business Opportunity Exchange on Monday, and on the upper level of the SDCC on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Dietary Restrictions and Special Needs
NMSDC strives to accommodate guests with special diets. Many of our meals are self-serve or buffet-style and include enough alternatives to accommodate most diet requirements and preferences.
For plated meals, a limited number of alternative meals (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) are available on a first-come, first served basis. Advise your server of any dietary restrictions when you arrive at your table to learn your entrée options. Please note that our caterers do not have separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items or separate dining areas for guests with allergies or intolerances. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that cross contact with allergens will not occur.
Special Events
Welcome to San Diego Reception Sunday, October 18, 2015
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. OMNIA Nightclub San Diego
454 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 Sand and Surf Reception
Monday, October 19, 2015 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Belmont Park (Wave House, Cannonball and Draft) 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Awards Banquet Reception, Awards Banquet and Farewell Reception
Wednesday, October 21, 2015 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 9210
Connect Zone
Business networking is that much easier in the Connect Zone! This business lounge is the perfect place to continue the conversation with clients and business associates when Conference activities have concluded for the day. Sidebar in a relaxed and convenient atmosphere. With comfortable seating, mobile charging station, snacks and beverages, the only detail you need to focus on is making the right connections. The Connect Zone is open Tuesday, 4:30 - 7 p.m.; and Wednesday, 2:30 - 5 p.m.
Business Services
FedEx Office, located in Lobby D, offers shipping, mailing, faxing, photocopying and other business services. Phone: 619-525-5450.
Lost and Found
NMSDC Conference Lost and Found, is located in the Volunteer Center, Room 25A, on the upper level of the SDCC.
First Aid
For minor, non-emergency injuries, First Aid is located in Box Office G, near room Hall G, on the ground level of the SDCC.
Destination Information
Flip through the official Guide to San Diego (http://issuu.com/visitsandiego/docs/sdagdigital?e=5407535/3740396) to see what the city has to offer in your free time.
