On behalf of the Space Generation Congress 2019 Organising Team, we are pleased to welcoming you to Washington DC to join us for the 18th SGC. The annual SGC brings together delegates and colleagues from government, industry, academia, policy-makers, and entrepreneurs to debate and discuss issues affecting our fast-growing sector.
Please find below a list of commonly asked questions and their respective answers. For further details, the SGC2019 Delegate Handbook is linked below.
Where is the SGC Venue?
Lockheed Martin
2121 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, USA
How do I get to the SGC Venue?
Please plan to arrive in Washington DC (airport codes are Dulles International – IAD and Ronald Reagan National – DCA) on October 16th. There will be social events beginning at 19:00 on the 16th, so if you wish to attend, please plan to arrive in time to meet us along at the events.
On October 17th, registration opens at 08:00 at the Lockheed Martin and the programme begins promptly at 08:30. If you are staying only for the Space Generation Congress, please plan on departing late on 19th of October or 20th of October. For those also staying for the International Astronautical Congress, which takes place from 21- 25 October, you may wish to depart later. More information can be found on the International Astronautical Congress web page (https://www.iac2019.org/).
Arrival by flight into Washington DC Dulles Airport: International delegates will likely be flying into Dulles International Airport (IAD). Dulles is further from DC, and not accessible by Metro Rail. Public buses are available to the nearest Metro stations, or shuttles directly to Reagan National airport in Arlington, VA. The 5A bus (link to timetable) offers the most direct route to SGC venues. The cost of the bus is $7.50 per ride and can be paid in cash or with a pre-loaded metrorail card (only obtainable at metro stations). On first arrival, you will need cash to you the 5A bus. PLEASE NOTE: You must have exact change. Bus operators do not carry money.
To go the venue stop at Rosslyn Station; from there, take the Blue metro line south toward Franconia Springfield; alight at Crystal City Metro station as above.
A taxi or rideshare from Dulles can be prohibitively expensive; plan to share a car with other delegates if possible. Alternatively, shuttle rideshare services can be booked online in advance that will pick you up at Dulles airport and drop you off at a location of choice https://www.supershuttle.com/ride-choices/shared-ride-shuttle/ (round trip approx. $30).
Arrival by flight into Washington DC Ronald Reagan Airport: If arriving by air, delegates will find it easiest to fly into Reagan National Airport (DCA). National does not service international flights, but it is possible to connect through another (domestic) international airport to National from abroad. DCA is directly behind the SGC venue: once you leave the secure area, follow signs for Metro Rail , and take the Yellow or Blue line one stop toward Greenbelt and Largo Town Center. Alight at Crystal City Metro Stop; to reach the Lockheed Martin venue, walk east on 18th St, take the first right onto Crystal Drive, and the venue will be on your left.
How much shall I plan for my discretionary spending during SGC?
Individual preference may vary with regard to discretionary spending.
What is included in my SGC Delegate Tickets?
Your Congress ticket includes the following:
- SGC Delegate Welcome Pack
- Catering onsite (Lunch and Coffee Breaks)
- SGC International Night
- SGC Space Night
- SGC Closing Dinner
- Free Wi-Fi at the venue
- Speakers, staff and materials needed for the Congress
Not included with your ticket:
- Tours and optional excursions
- Optional Pre-Congress Dinner
- Any other expenses not directly listed above
What is planned during the SGC2019?
SGC will last three days, the 17th through 19th of October, 2019. A schedule of events during the Congress will be provided soon.
When should I arrive for SGC2019?
Programming will start promptly at 09:00 on 17th October 2019. Arriving a day early will help in getting oriented to the city of Washington DC and allow for sightseeing before the Congress kicks off.
What do I need to bring to the conference?
- Eventbrite registration receipt
- Laptop or notepad
- Passport or ID
- Business casual and formal attire
Where can I stay during the SGC?
All Space Generation Congress delegates are required to make their own hotel arrangements in Washington DC. SGAC recommends the Hilton Crystal City (2399 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202) a 10 minute walk from the main venue, the Lockheed Martin Global Vision Center. To reach the venue from the Hilton, turn left out of the Hilton entrance on Clark Street, take the first right onto 23rd Street, and turn left onto Crystal Drive. The venue will be on the right.
Cancellation: Reservations must be cancelled 72 hours before set arrival date. Any cancellation after this time will result in one night’s room and tax charge to credit card used to reserved room.
Room rates include complimentary breakfast and internet.
Delegates are free to stay where they wish and may also refer to the IAC lodging website (link) for other hotels in the area with reduced rates.
What is planned for the evening of SGC?
Check our Evening Events page!
What is the dress code for the conference and evening events?
The dress code for the Congress is business casual. Attire for the Closing Dinner is formal attire or one’s country’s formal, traditional attire. Attire for the evening events are also business casual, and for International Night please feel encouraged to wear traditional clothing from your home country. Please note that punctual attendance is required for all sessions. This requirement is to show respect for the speakers as well as for SGC Working Group peers.
Are there any SGAC activities during IAC?
Yes! SGAC will have several activities during IAC (in addition to SGC).
We are planning to host workshops, an alumni event, a booth reception and more. Check out SGAC at the 70th IAC page and stay tuned for more details coming.
Do I need a VISA for the US?
All visitors to the United States must have a valid passport and visa for travel unless subject to the visa waiver program. Delegates must apply for a visa with the U.S. embassy (consular division) or a U.S. consulate with ample time for processing. Please visit Travel.State.Gov for more information about the visa application process and U.S. Department of State requirements for travel to the United States.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of 37 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor [B] visa purposes only) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Nationals of VWP countries must meet eligibility requirements to travel without a visa on VWP, and therefore some travels from VWP countries are not eligible to use the program. VWP travelers must have a valid authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel which you have to obtain through the ESTA website ($14 fee).
Who can I contact in case of an emergency?
In case of emergency, dial “911” from any phone. This will connect you with local 911 operators who can dispatch fire, police, and ambulance services to you. Do not call “911” if the incident does not require immediate attention or is not an emergency, as this can often result in a fine or imprisonment.
How can I get around in Washington DC?
Washington, DC public transportation consists of Metro Rail, Metro buses, and local buses. All of these can be accessed through a Smartrip Card, which must be purchased for $2 at any Metro station and preloaded with riding credit using cash or card. Buses charge a flat fee of $2. Metro Rail trip costs varies based on an overly-confusing system factoring distance traveled and time of day, but are generally between $1-$5. For complete fare listings see the Metro site or any Metro station (link).
Uber, Lyft, and Via are all available in both Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, where the SGC venue and hotel are located. Via offers the cheapest service and is for rideshares only.
What currency is used in Washington DC?
The US uses the American Dollar ($). In the US, the best option is to use an ATM (known as a “cash machine” in other parts of the world) with your credit or debit card to withdraw money. This will provide the best rates. Outside of ATMs, you may change currency at most large-national banks such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase. Note, banks close early on Saturday (generally around noon) and are not open on Sunday. Also, not all branches will exchange money, so please check beforehand on the services provided. Some hotels will also provide currency exchange; however rates are generally unfavourable. Additionally, currency exchange is available at most major airports, however similarly, rates are also unfavourable. It is recommended to avoid exchanging currencies at these locations unless absolutely required. Credit and Debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and are frequently used instead of cash. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
