General Information for Attendees to the 2011 Boston Conference

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Below is a summary of the basic information about the Westin Waterfront Boston, and the Conference itself, that ICA members who are planning to attend the 2011 conference may need to know. This information will also be available in the front of your Conference program.

Westin Waterfront Boston: Connected to the largest convention center in New England, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), the Westin Boston Waterfront is an ideal location. A AAA Four Diamond, the Westin Boston Waterfront is less than three miles from Logan International Airport, and a short cab, water taxi, or T train ride away from Back Bay, the Financial District, and family attractions such as the New England Aquarium and the Boston Children's Museum.

Parking: Covered and valet parking is available on a $42.00 USD per day basis. Self Parking is available for $32.00 USD per day. This charge will be added to the guest bill. In-and-out privilege passes are issued daily.

Business Office: A full-service Business Center is located in the hotel.

Food and Beverage: Although many of the world's finest restaurants are located just outside the hotel doors, guests can have a meal without having to leave the hotel. M.J. O'Connor's Boston, offers guests a taste of traditional Ireland. City Bar offers an eclectic bar menu featuring select menu items. Sauciety is a modern American grill with a culinary twist that builds upon high-quality regional cuisine, and focuses on a variety of unique and flavorful sauces, spreads, dips and chutneys. Birch Bar offers both locals and hotel guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing cocktail mixed by veteran Birch bartenders or sample a variety of creative and indulgent plates.

Tour Desk: Tours of the Boston area can be arranged through the concierge desk on the Lobby Level. You can also obtain information about transportation to all airports there. Tour desk personnel can assist with plans for transportation to and from the hotel to all destinations.

Fitness Center: Get a first-class workout in the state-of-the-art fitness facility featuring a variety of cardiovascular conditioning and weight training equipment. There is also an indoor pool and spa.

Medical Information: No doctors reside on hotel premises. The hotel security department is fully trained to handle emergencies. In case of emergencies, hotel security personnel can be in touch immediately with nearby medical facilities.

Hotel Concierge: Hotel personnel can provide guests with restaurant recommendations, directions to specific sites, reservations, and general information about what's going on in Boston. There are many sights located within walking distance of the hotel or easy access on the "T". The concierge staff will assist you.

Registration: Registration will be in the Grand Ballroom A/B on Thursday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 8a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration on Sunday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Monday 8a.m. - 12 p.m. in Elm 1 & 2 in the Grand Ballroom Foyer.

Exhibits: Exhibits will be located in the Grand Ballroom A/B. Wednesday, May 23, is booth setup ONLY. The Exhibit hall is open Thursday, 8a.m. - 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.. There are no exhibits on Sunday and Monday.

Wireless Cyber Cafe: This year, as a service to ICA participants, conference attendees will be able to check for email messages in the Wireless Cyber Café located in the Exhibit Hall in the Grand Ballroom A/B. Each person wishing to use the service may utilize it for a 10-minute period each day. For those who require access during nonexhibit times, free internet is available in all public areas of the hotel. Every guest room is equipped with Internet connections for a fee. In addition, the hotel business center offers Internet access. Hours of the Cyber Café are Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8a.m. - 5p.m. There will be no cyber café on Sunday and Monday. Wireless internet is available in all meeting rooms during the conference hours.

Membership: To join ICA, please consult with any person at the ICA registration desk. Forms will be available at the registration desk throughout the conference.

Opening Reception: Everyone attending ICA's 61st Annual Conference is invited to attend the opening reception on Thursday evening immediately following the opening plenary session. It is the first opportunity to connect with colleagues and make plans for the remainder of the conference. The traditional gathering is in the Galleria of the Westin, on the Galleria level.

Special Events: Special events include several division and interest group parties following their business meetings. A large number of university, colleges, and departments of communication will host parties for their graduates and guests.

Paper Distribution Center: The Paper Distribution Center (PDC) is online. As part of your conference registration, you have been given a password allowing access to all a special section of the ICA website. Conference papers will be available in this section for 45 days after the conclusion of the conference.

ERIC: The ERIC Clearinghouse is always interested in having papers from the ICA conference submitted for possible inclusion in the ERIC system. Authors may submit papers to ERIC directly: Coordinator of Documents, ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading and Communication Skills, 2805 East Tenth Street, Smith Research Center, Suite 150, Bloomington, IN 47408-2698 USA.

Audiovisual Equipment: ICA makes every effort to provide audiovisual equipment needed for conference presentations:

• Each meeting room scheduled for an ICA presentation will have a screen and an LCD projector.
• Presenters who have not preordered AV equipment or who have last-minute needs must arrange and pay for equipment themselves through the authorized audiovisual provider for this conference. ICA will order no equipment once the conference has begun.