Navigating Your Convening Leaders Experience

Hotel Confirmation

These will be sent out Jan. 4 in the "What to Know Before You Go" email.  If you need to change your reservation, please call the hotel directly. Cancellations must be made within the hotels' cancellation policy to avoid any penalties/charges and made directly with the hotel.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field) is located approximately 4 miles from the Official PCMA Housing Block: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Omni San Diego, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, San Diego Marriott Marquis, Embassy Suites San Diego Bay and Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.

Taxi cabs are available at the Transportation Plaza across from terminal 1 and 2, and curbside at the Commuter Terminal. A Transportation Coordinator will place you with the first available taxi. Cost is approximately $15 USD each way. 

Airport Shuttles are available at the Transportation Plaza across from terminal 1 and 2, and curbside at the Commuter Terminal. A Transportation Coordinator will place you with the first available shuttle. Please find a list of shuttles. There are a variety of public transportation options, please click here for more information.

BADGE PICK UP – AT YOUR PCMA HOTEL OR SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

Self-service kiosks are located at the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) and the following official PCMA hotels on Saturday and Sunday: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego; San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina; Omni San Diego Hotel; Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

• Saturday, January 7, 2012 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (SDCC and the hotels listed above)
• Sunday, January 8, 2012 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (SDCC and the hotels listed above)
• Monday, January 9, 2012 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (SDCC only)
• Tuesday, January 10, 2012 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (SDCC only)
• Wednesday, January 11, 2012 7:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (SDCC only)

Any/all attendees can register/pick up badge and materials at any of these locations – simply enter your email, show your photo ID and your badge/materials will be handed to you – it’s quick, easy and convenient!

GLOBAL ENTRY PASSPORT – YOUR PASS FOR CONVENIENCE

Tired of waiting in line at U.S. Border Control when your international flight arrives?  Take advantage of completing your Global Entry Passport at Convening Leaders and literally fly through customs next time you land from abroad. By Monday Jan. 9, fill out the application, email executiveadministration@pcma.org and let them know you have completed the application, and make sure you BRING YOUR PASSPORT to the meeting. More

Brought to you by PCMA partner, ExCeL London and London & Partners. 

GETTING AROUND

The SDCC is ideally located within a few blocks of all official PCMA hotels, and all hotels are within a short walk of one another and most of the PCMA special event venues.  Combined with the “always wonderful” weather in San Diego, this allows PCMA to make a conscious decision to reduce the number of shuttle buses, and thereby reduce our carbon footprint.

We ask that you support our efforts by enjoying a brief stroll to and from the SDCC.  For those who cannot or do not wish to walk, we will have a limited number of shuttle buses servicing all official PCMA hotels and the SDCC, as well as all PCMA Special Events.   

WHAT TO PACK – ATTIRE IS BUSINESS CASUAL

Bring a jacket! Once the sun goes down and the breeze comes up on San Diego Bay, evenings can slip below the enviable 70 degree daytime temps in to the low 40’s. 

Bring comfortable, low heeled shoes! To maximize your comfort during the day and especially for Party With a Purpose – the ship deck is a hard surface with multiple stairs to navigate. 

Bring new socks! Be sure to pick up a few extra pairs of new socks to donate at SDCC registration to Network for the Needy®. PCMA is supporting San Diego’s Monarch School for homeless children, Rachel’s House and Tomorrow Project with our Donation Drive of new socks (the goal is 5,000). 

Donation Drive is part of the PCMA Network for the Needy® initiatives that are supported through founding partner, Global Experience Specialists (GES).

Maximize Your Convening Leaders Experience

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE SCHEDULE

We are offering so many opportunities to customize your schedule you need to start now! If you plan to attend PCMA sessions, expanded Learning Lounge opportunities and Virtual Edge Sessions, you could have as many as 20+ choices in one timeframe. Sessions can run for 15, 30 or 45 minutes, with longer options from 1 hour, to 2+ hours. Familiarize yourself with the schedule now and map out your customized program to maximize your Convening Leaders experience. 

The Learning Lounge, on Level 1, will be open during all concurrent sessions – You can stop in for formal and informal presentations or hands-on demos and shared-interest discussion forums. Over three days, the four distinct HUBS play host to 150+ short, succinct options designed to meet your learning and pain point needs.Tip: You can access the full schedule of Learning Lounge activities on the Convening Leaders mobile app. A schedule of events will also be posted in each area of the Learning Lounge on-site.

Download the schedule of sessions (including the learning lounge details)

Download our Mobile App

Network and access the full conference schedule, your pre-planned schedule, and partner information on your mobile device. Visit pcma.org/mobile. Make sure to click on "browse by day" within the schedule to see sessions organized by day and time.

GET TO THE OPENING GENERAL SESSION EARLY

We’re starting immediately with our featured speakers and have moved the Business of PCMA to the Wednesday Town Hall. You won’t want to miss our riveting opening speakers Dr. John Medina, Jane McGonigal and Sally Hogshead on Monday morning, January 9 at 8:30 a.m.

First Time Attendees

Did you miss the orientation webinars? Watch them now pcma.org/pcma365

Don’t miss the Speed Networking Orientation session on Sunday, January 8 at 3:30 p.m. Get the most out of your time in San Diego while networking with fellow attendees. 

Book Signings

Don’t miss your opportunity to purchase Convening Leaders speakers’ important books available for sale onsite at the PCMA Bookstore. View the signing schedule

STOP BY THE PCMA EDUCATION FOUNDATION LOUNGE– UPPER LEVEL OUTSIDE ROOM 27

Learn about the benefits offered by the Foundation, how you can best support our initiatives. 

Party With a Purpose

Note: Cell phone service is sketchy on the USS Midway Museum during Party with a Purpose. Make arrangements to meet your friends ahead of time. Also - wear low-heeled shoes - the ship deck is a hard surface with multiple stairs to navigate. Tickets are still available - add them to your registration 

PCMA FUN RUN – WEDNESDAY – 6:30 AM -7:30 AM

Start your day with an invigorating Fun Run in San Diego. Run or walk with your friends on a course that takes you around the city’s most picturesque areas. Learn More

Brought to you by Visit Baltimore; Event Producer Sponsor: The Event Team

PLANNERS—YOU’RE INVITED

Stop by the AIBTM Pavilion Lobby D – near registration, to learn how a Hosted Buyer program can be your premier professional resource.

Drop by the Tourisme Montréal lounge by 4pm on Tuesday to sign up for Breakfast in Bed.

Free gifts, great interactive experiences and comfortable meeting areas await you in the FedEx Office Lounge – Plus Complimentary shipping of a medium-size box will be provided to the first 500 attendees (both planners/suppliers) that visit their lounge and pick up the buckslip  - Buckslip can be redeemed in the business center from Monday to Wednesday.

Visit the Toronto team at the IMAGINARIUM in Room 26AB and prepare to have fun.

Relax in PSAV’s Inspiration Café in Room 25BC and see how technology meets inspiration.

Max out San Diego

Plan a site visit while you're in San Diego for Convening Leaders. Learn more and register

Baja Site Visit: Enjoy wine country and tour of the outstanding meeting facilities in beautiful Baja California January 7-8 before Convening Leaders gets underway. Learn more 

Register for  ReThink Sessions  

ReThink The Role of 3rd Party Planners: Imagine New Ways to Provide Value
ReThink Pharma Funding: Imagine CME Events Without Industry Funding 

Share CL with your team – Virtual Meeting

Share your Convening Leaders experience with your team members – encourage them to attend the virtual extension! PCMA365 will be broadcasting live from San Diego. Learn more

Stay Connected Internet Zone

Check e-mail or print out documents at the Internet Zone on the Upper Level, Ballroom 20/Sails Pavilion Foyer.
Brought to you by Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation

Recharge your mind and body

Visit the Massage Therapy lounge on the Upper Level in the Ballroom 20 lobby for a little R&R and return to the meeting feeling refreshed and energized.Brought to you by BodyWorks, The Massage Sponsorship Company

Social Media

Stay connected through twitter hashtag #pcma12; post to facebook.com/pcmahq; and tag your photos as #pcma12 on Flickr