Hotel Reservations

Beginning September 26, to make or change a reservation at one of the six conference hotels, contact the hotels directly using the telephone numbers listed at the end of this article. Although guaranteed conference rates may no longer be honored, rooms might be available. 

Ground Transportation from Airports

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is located in the middle of the Phoenix metropolitan area, less than 10 minutes from downtown. A taxi trip downtown will cost roughly $16–$20, tip not included; alternatively, light rail will cost $1.75.  For more information, visit www.phxskyharbor.com. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is located in the southeast valley right off the San Tan Freeway (Loop 202) approximately 40 minutes from downtown Phoenix and is served by a variety of rental car agencies, shuttles, and on-demand taxis. For more information, visit www.phxmesagateway.org.   

Getting Around Phoenix

Phoenix is a convenient, clean, safe, and attractive city, and the compact downtown is easy to maneuver. All of the conference hotels are within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center, where most conference sessions and events will take place.

In addition, the Valley Metro Light Rail is a low-cost and easy way to access other areas of Phoenix. The light rail runs from central Phoenix through downtown Tempe and right by some of the area’s top attractions.

Location of Conference Sessions and Events

Located at 100 North Third Street, the Phoenix Convention Center is the primary site for most of the ICMA conference activities. The convention center’s North Building is the site for conference registration, the exhibit hall, the Host Committee area, Internet Express stations, and most sessions and meetings. The West Building is the site for general sessions; ICMA University workshops; the Annual Leadership Institute; the Assistants’ and Women’s Luncheons, and the Inspirational Breakfast. The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel at 340 North Third Street is the site for Monday evening’s affiliate/alumni/state association receptions. 

Registration

The conference registration area is located on the lower-level of the convention center’s North Building outside Exhibit Hall 5/6. Registration hours are Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All conference participants (members, nonmembers, partners, children, and guests) must register and wear badges for admission to sessions, educational exhibits, and partners’ events. Full payment of conference fees must be received by the time you pick up your registration materials. Payments received by ICMA after September 30 will be treated as an on-site registration and will be processed onsite. Payments can be made by check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. 

Cancellations

Those who registered for the conference but are unable to attend should send cancellation notices in writing to ICMA by September 30. There is a $75 processing fee for the refund of conference registration fees and an additional $35 fee for ICMA University workshop cancellations. Requests for evening social event and field demo ticket refunds also must be received in writing by September 30. No ticket refunds will be given onsite. After the conference, ICMA will process refunds for registration and ticket cancellations that were submitted in writing by the deadlines 

Tours

The deadline for requests for tour refunds was September 21. Tickets may still be available for sale at the Circa Arizona tour desk located in the registration area.

Saturday Evening Reception

If you plan to attend the “Native America at the Heard Museum” reception at the Heard Museum on Saturday, October 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m., stop by the registration area first to pick up your registration packet containing your event ticket, which you will be able to redeem for one free drink compliments of the Host Committee. Buses will depart at 5:30 p.m. from the ICMA Bus Stop outside the 3rd Street entrance of the convention center’s North Building. Participants may also arrive and depart via the Valley Metro Light Rail; the museum is located at the Encanto stop. 

Opening Session and Welcoming Reception

The Opening General Session will take place at 3–5 p.m. on Sunday, October 7, in Meeting Room 301 on the third level of the convention center’s West Building. The “Arizona Sports” Welcoming Reception will follow immediately at 5–7 p.m. in Exhibit Hall 5/6 on the lower level of the North Building.  Be sure to bring your event ticket, which you will be able to redeem for one free drink compliments of the Host Committee. 

News and Updates

Look for the Stay Connected news brief in your conference registration bag. In support of ICMA’s commitment to sustainability, Stay Connected is going paperless after Sunday’s edition with news and updates available through a variety of digital communication vehicles:

ICMA Conference website (icma.org/conference2012) is your home for:

• ICMA Conference Final Program (PDF File) 
• Stay Connected Conference Blog (accessible directly at icma.org/conferenceblog)
• Session presentations and handouts (listed in the daily schedule as well as under the “handouts” menu)
• Real-time list of conference registrants
• ICMA Conference Mobile App: With the app, you have access to the entire conference program, session handouts and presentations, lists of registrants and exhibitors, floor plans, highlights of the Phoenix area, and more. To download it, enter www.tripbuilder.com/icma2012apps into your device’s browser. The first time you open the app, use the same information as when you sign onto the ICMA website.
• Blackboard Connect™: Don’t have a smartphone? You can still get the latest conference news and updates on your cellphone by signing up to receive voice and text message announcements at http://icmaconference.bbcportal.com. ICMA thanks our Strategic Partner Blackboard Connect™ for Government for providing the use of its mass notification communications solution.
• Twitter: Follow @icmaconference and include the hash tag #icma12 in your tweets.
• Facebook: “Like” us on facebook.com/ICMAORG page. Get the latest information in your newsfeed!

Internet Access

Internet Express stations will be available in Exhibit Hall 5/6 and in the lobby outside Exhibit Hall 5/6 (lower level, convention center’s North Building).  There will be no printed copies of session handouts and presentations, but you can print those that you need using printers at the Internet Express stations. 

Free Conference Wireless

ICMA is providing attendees with free wireless Internet in the Phoenix Convention Center. Just connect to the network “ICMA12.” (There is no password or terms of use page.)

Supply Drive for Teachers

New this year, conference attendees are invited to contribute to a supply drive to benefit Treasures for Teachers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and resource center providing free and low cost supplies to teachers from community reusable resources. Visit Treasures 4 Teachers’ website for a list of accepted supplies, which you can bring to the Host Committee area in the lower level of the convention center’s North Building outside Exhibit Hall 5/6.

Hotel Phone Numbers

Holiday Inn Express Phoenix Downtown: 602-452-2020

Hyatt Regency Phoenix: 602-252-1234

Renaissance Phoenix Downtown: 602-333-0000

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel: 602-262-2500

Springhill Suites Phoenix Downtown: 602-307-9929

The Westin Phoenix Downtown: 602-429-3500