SDDC Symposium

The Symposium is geared to transportation professionals (military, government and industry) who are involved in the Defense Transportation System. The Symposium will target current issues and policies as well as future projects and programs.

What services are participating in the 2005 SDDC Training Symposium?

Each of the military services, including the Coast Guard, will participate in this year's Symposium.

What is the registration fee for attendees?

The early attendee rate is $200.00 on or before April 1, 2005. After April 2, 2005, or on site in Nashville, the registration fee will be $225.00.

When will my credit card be billed for my Symposium registration fee?

All attendees who register on or before April 18, 2005, shall have their Symposium registration fees charged to the credit or charge card listed within their registration information on April 18. All attendees who register on or after April 19, 2005, or on site in Nashville, shall have their fees charged on the day they register. Those attendees registering on site must have their physical credit or charge card in their possession at the time of registration. A receipt will be sent via e-mail to confirm payment after your card has been processed.

What does the registration fee include?

The registration fee includes the welcome social, one breakfast meal on April 27, 2005, one dinner meal on April 27, 2005, 12 refreshment breaks, admission to all general sessions, service tack-ons, seminars, award program, motivational speaker, exhibit hall access, name identification badge and all Symposium materials.

What is the cancellation policy?

Attendees who cancel their registration on or before April 18, 2005 will receive a full refund. Registration cancellations received after April 19, 2005 will be non-refundable. All cancellations must be made via the web, help@sddcsymposium.org.

Why must I cancel my Symposium registration on the web?

Cancellations via the web are required to ensure each attendee has written documentation of registration cancellation for their own protection.

Is the registration fee reimbursable for military and government attendees?

Yes. In order to be reimbursed for the registration fee, all military and government attendees must ensure that their travel orders indicate the Symposium "registration fee is a reimbursable expense and includes one breakfast and one dinner meal on April 27, 2005." Be sure to keep your registration fee receipt and attach it to your travel voucher as proof of payment.

I have registered for the Symposium. Is my hotel room reserved?

Yes. Part of the registration process is reserving your hotel room. You should receive a seperate confirmation for your hotel room in addition to the confirmation you receive for your conference registration.

As a "Newcomer" to the Symposium, what is the value of my attendance?

Some of the values of attending the event are:

Network with peers
Meet Industry representatives
Address questions
Share lessons learned
Plan for the future
Attend valuable training sessions

What types of vendors can I expect to see in the exhibit hall?

Meet Industry partners, and see the latest products, services, and solutions they offer. Visit over 100 booths of exhibitors that are prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.

What is the cost for government activities to exhibit?

Booth space is complimentary to the Government activity exhibiting.

What is the cost for industry exhibitors to exhibit?

For industry exhibitors, please contact Mr. Denny Edwards at NDTA for booth costs at 703.751.5011 or denny@ndtahq.com.

I am an Industry Exhibitor and I paid a booth rental fee to NDTA. Do I still have to register via the web and pay a registration fee to attend the Symposium?

Yes.

Are all meetings and exhibits being held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center?

Yes.

Will there be Functional Breakout Sessions?

There will be numerous dynamic breakout sessions scheduled addressing a variety of transportation and distribution issues. Please see the Symposium Agenda.

Will the training session presentations be available as handouts?

Many of the presenters will offer handouts to attendees, however all training session presentations will be loaded on the web site approximately two weeks following the conference.

I'm a presenter. Where is the closest place that I can make copies of my presentation handouts? What other amenities are available at the Opryland Hotel?

We recommend presenters prepare significant copies of handouts before they arrive at the Symposium. If copying services are required, you may contact the hotel Business Center and or Kinko's located in the presidential lobby of the Opryland Hotel. Please refer to the Opryland Hotel & Convention center web site for additional details at: www.gaylordhotels.com. SDDC is unable to provide copying services to presenters.

I'm interested in attending many training sessions. Will there be repeated sessions for each training session?

The Functional Breakout sessions will be repeated four times allowing you to attend all of the training sessions that interest you without a conflict.

I am interested in attending the Tack-on Sessions only. Do I have to pay the entire registration fee?

The daily registration fee for Tack-on Sessions is $40. This registration fee is available on-site only Monday, Thursday, and Friday. This fee will not grant access to any other Symposium activities outside of the Tack-on Sessions. Payment can be made at the SDDC on site registration desk.

I would like to bring a guest to the awards dinner and welcome social. May single tickets be purchased for these events?

Yes, individual special events tickets may be purchased on-site. Cost is $50 for the welcome social and $50 for the award's dinner.

Are there reserved seats at the awards dinner?

No. It is open seating except for the award winners and special guests.

Will there be any after hours events during the conference?

No after hour's events are planned at this time.

What is the Conference attendee lodging rate?

The sleeping room rate for government attendees will be $94.00 per night. Industry/exhibitor attendees will be charged a rate of $130.00 per night single/double occupancy. A 9.25% tax will be added to each rate per night. Taxes are a reimbursable expense for all military and government attendees when claimed on travel orders.

When can I make my hotel reservation?

On-line registration begins at this website on January 10, 2005 at 7:00am EST.

May I contact the hotel directly to reserve my hotel room?

No. All reservations must be made via the SDDC web site. A confirmation number will be sent to you via e-mail once your reservation request has been submitted and approved.

If I use my credit or charge card to reserve my hotel room on or after January 10, 2005, will my account be billed immediately?

No. Although your credit or charge card is required to guarantee a room, it will not be scanned for billing purposes until you check-in with the hotel. The card you present at hotel check-in will be the card hotel charges will be billed to. Please note, however, that in the event your hotel reservation is not cancelled within 72 hours of your expected arrival date, or your credit or charge card used to guarantee your reservation will be charged a penalty of one night room and tax.

How do I cancel my hotel reservation?

Cancellations are made via the SDDC web site. You will be provided a cancellation number once your reservation has been cancelled.

What is the per diem and M&IE rate for Nashville, Tennessee?

The per diem rate in Tennessee is $94.00. For government employees, a Tennessee Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate is available by clicking here. The certificate MUST be completed and submitted to the hotel upon guest room check-in along with appropriate government identification. The M&IE rate is $47.00 per day.

Does the hotel have a fitness center?

Yes. The fitness center is complimentary to registered hotel guests.

Are wheelchairs available?

No. Wheelchairs are the responsibility of the guest. Please contact 1-800-315-4333 for assistance in obtaining a wheelchair.

Is there an access fee charged by the hotel for phone calls made from my room?

Yes. The fee is $1.09 per outgoing call. It is the same charge for 800 numbers. Calls over 30 minutes will be charged 10 cents per minute.

If a traveler has a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, will there be someone on the premises to assist?

Should a medical emergency take place, in-house security should be contacted immediately via house phone and necessary assistance will be provided.

Do the hotel rooms have a complimentary hair dryer?

Yes.

Is there a charge for shipping boxes to the hotel?

Yes. It is $4.00 - $7.00 per box based on the size and weight.

Should I bring a sweater or a jacket & what kind of footwear is appropriate?

Yes. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center's meeting rooms tend to run cool. Please wear comfortable shoes due to the size of the facility.

What is the dress code for the Symposium?

For all sessions, meetings, tack-on sessions, breakfast:

Military: Army Class B or equivalent
Civilian: Business Attire

For Welcome Social:

Military: Casual Dress
Civilian: Casual Dress

For the banquet dinner:

Military: Army Class A or equivalent
Civilian: Business Attire

For speakers:

Military: Army Class A or equivalent
Civilian: Business Attire

What airports service Nashville, TN?

BNA (Nashville International Airport)

Does the hotel offer complimentary airport transportation?

No. The cost is $20.00 roundtrip and $13.00 one way. Transportation is available at the airport kiosks located in the baggage claim area.

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

There are several options. A taxi runs $20.00 one way. The Opryland shuttle is $20.00 roundtrip and $13.00 one way. There is also car rental at the airport.

How much time should I allow to travel from the airport to the Opryland Hotel and vice versa?

About fifteen (15) minutes, depending on the time of day.

Where can I get information on things to do in Nashville?

The Nashville Convention and Visitors Center is a great resource. They can be located online at www.nashvillecvb.com.

Are there any restaurants or attractions close in proximity to the hotel?

Yes. Please check with the Concierge for up-to-date information upon check-in to the Gaylord Opryland Resort. There are many options available on property.

What is the weather like in Nashville during the month of April?

April days in Nashville range from lows in the 50s to highs in the upper 70s (F). Please note, even though the days are cool, the interior hotel temperature is set at 72 degrees year round to maintain the nine acres of tropical plants found inside the resort and convention center. Please layer to ensure comfort.

What services are participating in the 2005 SDDC Training Symposium?

Each of the military services, and the US Coast Guard, as well as many Department of Defense activities, participates in the Symposium.

2005 SDDC Training Symposium • THE NEW NORMALCY
Executing Distribution and Logistics Changes

Nashville, Tennessee
April 25-28, 2005
Gaylord Opryland
Resort and
Convention Center