Below are frequently asked questions regarding the 2008 Esker Americas User Conference (EAUC). If your concern is not addressed here, please contact Jennifer Buchli, Conference Manager by phone at: 608-828-6147 or by e-mail at jennifer.buchli@esker.com.
Q: Who should attend the EAUC?
The EAUC is open to current Esker customers, Certified Partners and sponsoring technology partners.
Q: Can I bring family and friends to the conference?
Registered conference attendees may bring adult guests (21+ only) with them to the social activities that highlight the evening hours of the program by purchasing a Guest Pass for $300. A Guest Pass allows entry into the following events:
Monday Evening Welcome Reception
"Fat Tuesday” Dinner Event
Thursday Evening Gala Event
To purchase a Guest Pass, please contact Jennifer Buchli, Conference Manager by phone at 608-828-6147 or by e-mail at jennifer.buchli@esker.com
Q: What is the Conference Fee and what does it include?
The Early Bird Discount Fee of $995 is available through February 1, 2008. After February 1, the Conference Fee increases to $1,195 per person.
Monday Evening Welcome Reception
General Session Attendance and Materials
Class materials for all Technical and Business Sessions attended
Breakfast, Lunch and Breaks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
“Fat Tuesday” Dinner Event
Thursday Evening Gala Party
A CD of all presentations at the conclusion of the Conference
Please note that your hotel accommodations and airfare ARE NOT included in the Conference Fee.
Q: Where will the conference be held and what is the room rate?
Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-2201
The discounted room rate for 2008 Esker Americas User Conference attendees is $179 per night (single/double), plus applicable city and state taxes at 13% and a $2 per room, per night occupancy tax. This rate is available to conference attendees two days prior and three days after the conference dates based on availability. For additional information on hotel accommodations, click here.
Q: Do I need to make my own hotel reservations?
Yes. Please contact the Group Reservations directly at Hotel Monteleone by calling 1-800-217-2033. Reservations may also be made via fax at 504-528-1019. In order to secure the group rate of $179 single/double, you must mention that you are with the Esker Inc. group. Reservations must be guaranteed with a one-night deposit or a major credit card. Individual guest room deposits will be refunded if reservations are canceled 72 hours prior to the date of arrival.
Q: What expenses will I be responsible for?
You will be responsible for your own hotel accommodations, gratuities, airfare, transportation to and from the New Orleans airport, personal gifts and non-Esker sponsored meals, entertainment and activities.
Q: How do I get from the airport to Hotel Monteleone?
Options for transport from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Hotel Monteleone (approximately 11 miles) include:
Taxicabs: A cab ride from the airport to the French Quarter for one or two persons is $28 and $12 (per passenger) for three or more passengers. Pick-up is on the lower level, outside the baggage claim area. A $1 fuel surcharge added to total fare.
Airport Shuttle: Shuttle service is available from the airport to all downtown hotels, including Hotel Monteleone, for $13 per person, one-way or $26 per person, round-trip. A $2 fuel surcharge added to total fare. For more details or to make a reservation, call 1-866-596-2699.
Rental Cars: Arrangements can be made with the rental car company of your choice by contacting them directly. Valet parking is available at Hotel Monteleone for $30 per day, per vehicle as space permits. Parking is not guaranteed. For conference attendees traveling by air, we recommend that you consider not renting a vehicle as taxicabs are readily available at the hotel.
Q: When is the last day I can register for the conference?
Registrations will be accepted until 5:00 CDT on Monday, March 31, 2008.
Q: What form of payment will you accept?
Conference Fee payments will be accepted by check, MasterCard or Visa card. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept American Express, Discover or Diners Club cards for payment at this time.
Q: What are the laptop requirements for the conference?
If you are participating in hands-on educational sessions, you will need a laptop. These VM (virtual machine) sessions will be based on Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition SP1. A limited number of laptops will be provided to attendees on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to reserve a laptop, please contact Jennifer Buchli by e-mail at jennifer.buchli@esker.com.
The laptop requirements are:
Processor: 2GHz or above
RAM: 2GB or above
Hard Drive: 8GB of free space
Connectivity: One free USB 2 port, a 100MB Ethernet port
Q: Is there Internet access available in hotel guest rooms?
Yes. Hotel Monteleone currently offers high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms. Access is through a DSL connection with average speed of 1.2 Mbps. An ethernet cable is provided in the room; however, you must have an ethernet card in your laptop. Rates are as follows: $9.95 per day with an option to purchase 1, 3 or 5 days.
Q: Does the hotel have a fitness center?
Yes. Hotel Monteleone has a 24-hour key access fitness center with Startrac Crosstrainers, Pro-Series Treadmill, Pro-Recumbent Bikes, Pro-Upright Bikes and Pro-Stepper — Strength Training Equipment: Leg Extensions, Abdominal Machine, Vertical Press, Lat Flexor and Bi-Cep Curls. Bottled water and fresh fruit available as well as a panoramic view of the Mississippi River.
Q: Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes. A heated rooftop pool is open from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. with a poolside bar that is available from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.
Q: Am I automatically registered for the conference if I received an invitation?
No. To register for the conference, please click here.
Q: Is there a business center at the hotel?
Yes. The hotel provides a 24-hour key access business center.
Q: What is proper attire for the conference?
April temperatures in New Orleans average 79 degrees for highs and 59 degrees for lows. Please dress comfortably and casually for all events, keeping in mind that layers work best for meetings, where room temperatures often vary. You will be notified if entertainment events require specific attire.
Q: Can prospective customers attend the EAUC?
Please discuss your attendance at this event with your Account Manager. The Esker Americas User Conference is a great way to see how Esker products work in a variety of settings while networking with current users and Esker staff.
Q: What is the cancellation and substitution policy for the EAUC?
Conference cancellations received by Monday, March 4, 2008, are eligible for a 100% refund of the conference fee paid. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after March 4, 2008. Hotel cancellation policies may apply.
There is no charge for name change substitutions within your organization. Please email your substitution requests to Jennifer Buchli at jennifer.buchli@esker.com no later than Monday, March 31, 2008.
If any circumstance beyond the control of Esker causes the cancellation of the event, Esker agrees to refund the registration fee for which Esker is reimbursed by insurance or any other third party and shall not be liable for any of the refund or payment arising from the cancellation or for other liabilities or damages arising from the event. No refunds shall be provided for cancelled entertainment or outings due to inclement weather.
Q: Who is the contact for additional questions not covered here?
You may contact Jennifer Buchli, Conference Manager, by phone at 608-828-6147 or by email to jennifer.buchli@esker.com with any additional questions.
