From: ASAP
Thousands of screen printing executives, entrepreneurs, plant owners, operators and production staff from around the world will soon be arriving in St. Louis, Missouri for SGIA ‘02, the SGIA International’s 53rd annual Convention & Exposition.
The industry’s largest annual – and only complete imaging "technology" – show takes place October 30-November 2 at the America’s Center in downtown St. Louis.
Screen printing equipment, products, supplies and services – as well as related production platforms (including digital graphics, pad printing, embroidery, and others) – will promote new and improved ways to produce materials on literally every imaginable substrate … quicker, easier and more cost-effectively.
Attendees will be able to choose from more than 50 seminars, panels and hands-on workshops focusing on technical specialties, management issues, sales and marketing, industry research and government compliance.
Samples of the finest technical precision and interpretation of literally every product created by industry members will also be displayed at the Golden Image Competition.
Following are the most often-asked questions about SGIA ‘02. With the Convention & Exposition literally "around the corner," the information below will be helpful to many of you who are planning to attend. More complete details about literally every aspect of SGIA ’02 are conveniently posted on the Association’s web site: www.sgia.org.
When are the Exposition and Golden Image Awards areas open?
The Exposition is open Wednesday, October 30, through Saturday, November 2. The Expo opens each day at 9:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm on all days but Saturday … when it closes at 3:00 pm.
The Golden Image Awards display is open Wednesday, October 30, through Saturday, November 2. The display opens each day at 9:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It closes at noon on Saturday.
Is there a charge to attend just the Exposition?
Yes. The fee covers all four days of the show. On-site registration, for those who didn't register by October 4, is $35. For those who registered in advance, the fee was $30.
Can I register for events when I arrive at the Convention Center?
Of course. Use the form on our computer on-site, though, not the registration form you received in the mail.
Where is the Convention Center?
The America’s Center is located at 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101 USA. For driving directions, go to www.mapquest.com.
Is parking available at the Convention Center?
Yes … both at the Convention Center and in surrounding areas. The rate is $8.00 per car with no in/out privileges. Parking fees at the hotels are listed under the description of each hotel on the housing form and on our website.
Is complimentary shuttle service available?
No. Complimentary shuttle bus transportation will NOT be provided.
The St. Louis MetroLink has been called one of the best mass transit systems in the country. A one-way ride on MetroLink costs just $1.25. Tickets can be purchased and validated at each station. Daily passes for MetroLink and buses are $4. Trains run every seven minutes during rush hour … every 10 minutes throughout the rest of the day … and every 15 minutes in the evening hours during the week.
What about transportation from the airport?
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport is about a 25-minute ride to downtown St. Louis. Archway Cab offers taxi service from Lambert-St. Louis Airport to downtown hotels, starting at $25 each way. Call 314-535-9377 for reservations. Shuttle van service to The America’s Center and downtown hotels is available from TransExpress for $19 round-trip (code # SGIA02). MetroLink light rail is an inexpensive alternative, with stops near The America’s Center and Convention hotels ($1.50 each way).
How do I make my hotel reservations?
Call the Housing Bureau: 800-984-6058 (USA only) or 404-584-7458.
You can also make your hotel registrations online through the Housing Bureau’s website: www.ambassadorstechnology.com. Or fax your reservation form – found in the Convention literature – directly to the Bureau at 404-584-0685.
Please … DON’T SEND IT TO SGIA!
Where are most people staying?
SGIA staff members will be staying at all the hotels. Our headquarters hotel is the Adam’s Mark.
I just received my hotel acknowledgment form and found an error on it. What should I do?
Have it corrected by calling the Housing Bureau, 800-984-6058 (USA only) or 404-584-7458.
Why are you combining SGIA ’02 with DPI–St. Louis?
SGIA and DPI registrants will have full access to the Exposition, as well as to all Convention and Conference programs. The intent is to maximize the value of attending for all participants … and to encourage interaction.
To whom do I address questions about the educational programs?
Answers to most questions are found in the program descriptions printed in the Convention literature and posted on the web at www.sgia.org/sgia02. For answers to specific questions about the educational programming, please contact either Dona MacMurdy or Al Anderson at Association headquarters.
What about questions regarding the social or guests program?
Contact Sylvia Hall or Anita Beard at Association headquarters.
Questions about the Golden Image Awards Competition?
Contact Dona MacMurdy or Al Anderson.
I’m coming from a country other than the U.S.A. Where can I convert my currency?
International attendees can convert their currency at U.S. Bank, 721 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. Telephone: 314-418-2803. Fax: 314-418-8539.
If people need to get a message to me, what should they do?
Best bet is to have them leave a message at your hotel. Since we cannot page during the Convention or at the Expo, you can also ask people to leave messages for you at SGIA's Message Center by calling 314-342-5900. The Message Center is open Wednesday through Saturday during Exposition hours.
Are there any special airfares and/or rental car rates available?
Of course! Special air fares are available on American and United Airlines. Please refer to page 19 of your Convention literature. Special car rental rates, offered by Alamo, are found in the Convention literature, too.
This information is also posted on the Association’s website: www.sgia.org.
I have some special needs. Where can I rent a wheelchair?
Telephone Medical West Healthcare at 314-725-1888.
What’s the weather like in St. Louis at time of the year?
The average temperature in October is 58 degrees … with an average rainfall of 2.70 inches.
How do I get a St. Louis visitor brochure mailed to me?
Telephone 314-992-0618 … or visit the St. Louis web site on the Internet: www.explorestlouis.com.
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