1. What does my Forum registration fee include?
Your registration fee is different from most other conferences because it includes
- 2 Nights Lodging with standard accommodations (Wednesday and Thursday night)
- 2 Breakfast Buffets (Thursday and Friday)
- 3 Lunch Buffets (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
- 2 Plated Dinners (Wednesday and Thursday)
- 2 Hosted Before-Dinner Receptions and After-Dinner Hospitality Functions (Wednesday and Thursday)
- 4 Refreshment Breaks (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
You will be asked if you choose to arrive earlier or stay later, or select upgraded accommodations, when you register online and you will be charged for the incremental expense then.
2. What’s the best way to get to Granlibakken from Reno-Tahoe airport?
Granlibakken is about 54 miles from the airport and is about a 70 minute drive. While some choose to rent a car, Granlibakken offers airport shuttle service from and to the Reno/Tahoe International Airport for $98/person (single rider, one-way) or $49/person (2 + passengers, one-way). Registrants wishing to book the shuttle should call (800) 543-3221 seven days or more in advance. The airport shuttle is by reservation only. There are also scheduled shuttles from North Lake Tahoe through www.northlaketahoeexpress.com and other shuttles are available at the airport terminal (see http://renoairport.com/tofrom-airport/shuttles).
3. What is the Forum attire?
The Forum attire is business casual. You may leave your suit, dress shirt and tie at home. Casual slacks, skirts, polo shirts, tops and sweaters are all acceptable. Some attendees opt for wearing jeans. Please, no shorts, t-shirts, or “flip flops”. The meeting room can vary in temperature, and if the weather is nice, meals may be held outside on the patio, along with some of the evening networking events, so dress in layers or plan to bring a sweater or jacket. The property is located on a paved inclines, and it can be a bit of a distance from some rooms to the meeting room, so plan to wear comfortable walking shoes.
4. How does Granlibakken Tahoe compare to a traditional conference hotel?
Granlibakken is primarily a rustic ski resort that occupies 74 wooded acres. A mixture of townhome and hotel-type accommodations offers an alternative to traditional conference hotels. Review the lodging choices at the on-line UEF registration form. Be aware that some of the lodging is privately-owned with rentals managed by Granlibakken. This results in a variety of room furnishings and layouts. For example, there is the potential you will be assigned to a hotel-like room with a private bath that can be locked but is accessible through a common living room area that is shared by 2-3 other hotel-like rooms. If you have strong preferences for your room type, please note this on the on-line registration form. Because the Utility Energy Forum is the most prominent group that will be at the resort during your stay, and because the accommodation cost is included with registration, all accommodation arrangements are handled by Randy Martin on behalf of the Utility Energy Forum instead of the front desk staff. You may contact Randy directly at randy@rlmartin.com or (970) 219-2605. Please note if you try to reserve a room from the Granlibakken Tahoe Reservation Center during this timeframe, they will refer you to Randy.
5. What if I plan to attend the Forum but stay overnight elsewhere?
The off-site Forum registration fee option includes all the conference benefits except sleeping accommodations for a discounted rate.
6. Are my guests welcome to attend the event?
Guests of registered Forum attendees who are sharing your accommodations and are not attending the Forum itself are welcome to participate in all the Forum meal and hospitality functions for a $175 fee that may be paid with your Forum registration or separately. There is no per-meal fee structure. Guests who share your accommodations and attend the sessions as well as the meal and hospitality functions will be expected to purchase a full conference registration at the lower off-site rate.
7. Is there a discount for multiple attendees from the same organization?
Yes, sponsorships offer the opportunity for “bulk rate” discounts for bringing multiple attendees from the same organization bundles with added benefits such as special recognition. Please see the sponsor page on the UEF website .
8. What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are given for cancellations received before April 30. You may designate a replacement at no additional charge if you cancel after this date. Another option is to donate your unused registration to our Scholarship Program so we may invite utility and government representative to participate who couldn’t otherwise.
9. Will there be Wi-Fi and electrical outlets in the conference and hotel rooms?
Granlibakken has Wi-Fi in the meeting room and throughout most of the property for no additional fee but internet and phone service can be intermittent due to the remote nature of the facility. A limited number of tables with electrical outlets are available just outside the meeting room.
10. Will there be any free time during the Forum?
The Forum agenda is full, but many attendees find time before and after the Forum to enjoy the recreation facilities at Granlibakken or minutes away in the Lake Tahoe area. The Planning Committee will have a sign-up sheet with optional activities posted near the meeting registration table.
11. How does the Forum plan the agenda and choose presenters?
Planning Committee members meet in-person and online to plan the agenda and recruit presenters. Most presenters are utility and government agency representatives or end-use customers. Trade allies are given a presentation opportunity as part of the exhibitor benefit package detailed on the sponsor page. If you have a story to share about a utility or government-sponsored program, research project or field application, consider submitting it for the Stand-up Challenge. The Stand-up Challenge invitation is sent each year to the Forum’s email list. To join the Forum’s email list, sign up on the home page.