Where is the Forum?
The Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
http://www.thehrcc.com

What breaks/meals are included with the registration fee?
* Continuous beverage service each day
* Morning and afternoon breaks Monday
* Buffet lunch on Monday (Governor’s SWaM Awards Program)
* Networking Buffet lunch with Suppliers on Tuesday at the Expo
* Afternoon Break Tuesday
* Mid-morning break Wednesday

Are tickets required for meals?
Tickets are required for the Expo buffet lunch and will be issued with your name badge at registration.

Registration & Payment
Register and pay for the Forum online using the appropriate link:

Buyer Conference
Construction/Facilities Conference
Exhibit Booths

Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.

Credit Cards: American Express, VISA and MasterCard payments are accepted online.
E-mail confirmation is sent as card is processed. Print and save
e-mail as your receipt.

Checks: Complete and print the appropriate registration form.
Make check payable to:
Treasurer Virginia Tech – CE
Mail registration form and check to:
Conference Registrar
Outreach Program Services
810 University City Blvd., Suite D
Virginia Tech, Mail Code 0272
Blacksburg, VA 24061
E-mail confirmation is sent when check is received and processed. Print and save e-mail as your receipt.

Exception for P-Card Payment
The Division of Purchases and Supply has been granted an exception by the Department of Accounts to accept the Small Purchase Charge Card to pay for training. With this exception, P-Cards can be used to pay for class registration, including the Forum.

"The purpose of the P-Card is to reduce administrative efforts and provide cost savings for the Commonwealth in general; therefore, given the description of the process and the effort (and money) that would be required for DPS/DGS to accept IATs given the volume of attendees, an exception is granted to the current SPCC Topic 20355, item IAT for State Classes & Services dated December 2004." Source: Department of Accounts

In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, Virginia Tech, on behalf of the Department of General Services, will fully refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including cancellation or change charges assessed by airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.

Forum Hotel - Embassy Suites is sold out!

Please use overflow hotel below.

Embassy Suites Hampton Roads Hotel SOLD OUT!
1700 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 827-8200 - ask for "In-House Reservations"
or 1-800-Embassy

Reserve online at: www.embassysuites.com
Group Code: PPI
Group Name: Public Procurement
Block room rate: Buyers - $81 (or prevailing state rate)
Suppliers - $109

A state identification card is required at check-in to secure the state rate.
Hotel check-in/out times, parking and directions are all available on the hotel website.

Overflow Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott
1917 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 838-3300 or 1-800-321-2211
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/phfch-courtyard-hampton/

Group Name: 2009 Public Procurement Forum
A state identification card is required at check-in to secure the state rate.

Hotel check-in/out times, parking and directions are all available on the hotel website.

Springhill Suites by Marriott
1997 Power Plant Parkway
Hampton, VA 23666
(757) 310-6333 or 1-888-236-2427
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phfhc-springhill-suites-hampton/

Group Name: VA Dept. of General Services
Group Code: GME
Block Room Rate: Buyers $81 (or prevailing State rate)
A state identification card is required at check-in to secure the state rate.

Hotel check-in/out times, parking and directions are all available on the hotel website.

Is the hotel rate subject to change?
The current state hotel per diem for Hampton is $81. This rate will change if the state adopts revised Federal per diems in October. You can check the Department of Accounts website for updates to travel regulations at:

http://www.doa.virginia.gov/Admin_
Services/CAPP/CAPP_Topics/20335.pdf

Do the Forum hotels allow direct bill?
No, in the conference industry, it is general practice for hotels to allow direct bill only to the organization that has a lodging contract, in this case DGS. Although your agency may use direct bill for lodging on other agency business, conference lodging is treated differently and you should not anticipate being able to secure individual direct bill arrangements with any of the Forum hotels.

Why do the Forum hotels put a hold on funds?
Hotels require proof of ability to pay for incidentals that may be charged to your room. This can take the form of a credit or debit card or cash. Each is handled differently as follows:

Credit Card – The hotel authorizes $50 per day of your stay but does not actually process the charges or place a hold on funds provided there is a sufficient credit limit on the card.

Debit Card – The hotel places a hold of $50 per day of your stay against your card. These funds are not available to you until 72 hours following your departure or later if your bank requires further hold.

Note: As a general practice, it is best to guarantee your room with a credit card during your stay. You have the option of changing the payment method at checkout, which avoids the requirement for held funds against a debit card or cash deposit.

Buyer Conference - Buyers can earn a maximum of 2 ½ VCA or VCO recertification points for attending the Buyer Conference. To receive full credit, register before the sessions on Monday, November 16 and attend all Forum events through their close on Wednesday, November 18, including the Expo.

Construction/Facilities Procurement Conference -
Earn up to 1 VCA/VCO recertification point for attending the one-day conference. To receive full credit, register before the sessions on Tuesday, November 17 and attend the full day, including the Expo. (Meets Category B recertification requirements.)

Recertification Document – (Buyer Conference) Track all of your attendance hours on the tear-out recertification document included in the back of your Forum Guide. Pro-rated hours are awarded for partial Forum attendance. Attach the Recertification Document to your Recertification Application when submitting it to DPS/VIP for VCA or VCO recertification.

Recertification Document - (Construction/Facilities Conference)
Attendees to the Construction/Facilities Procurement Conference will will be issued an attendance tracking document at registration. Attach the document to your Recertification Application when submitting it to DPS/VIP for VCA or VCO recertification.

Recertification Documents for the Forum will not be available after the Forum.

Certificates will NOT be issued at the Forum. This step is being taken to conserve paper and because it follows the practice used by other certifying entities.

Forum Attire
Forum attire is business casual; comfortable shoes and clothes are suggested. A sweater or jacket is useful as meeting rooms tend to be cool.

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