Is it really easy to get around in Baltimore?
Definitely yes. Our convention hotel is conveniently located. Inner Harbor is just four easy walking blocks away. There is a free shuttle bus known as Charm City Circulator (www.charmcitycirculator.com) that stops in the front of our hotel (on the Orange Route). This bus goes to many places and you can get on and off at your pleasure. There is also a water taxi ($10 for all day) and it makes about 40 stops, including Fort McHenry National Monument Park. You do not need to have your car while in Baltimore.
Did I pay my DSA dues for 2011-2013?
Our registration combo rates include DSA membership for 2013-15 only. However, the DSA Board now considers those who have already registered for the conference to be members in good standing.
Where can I park my car?
There is self-parking available at the Hilton Hotel for $28 plus tax per 24 hours. There are parking garages nearby at varied rates. Although parking fees in Baltimore are not as expensive as other major cities, it still can be costly. The best way to save money on parking is to park at BWI Airport the long term parking lot for about $8.00 per day and you can take the Light Rail (train) from BWI Airport (Lower Level at Concourse E) to Hilton Hotel.
How can I get to Hilton Hotel from BWI airport?
There are a few ways to get to the hotel from the airport.
Light Rail service is available to downtown Baltimore (Hilton Hotel) from BWI Marshall Airport. The fare for the train is $1.60 each way. The senior discounted fare is just 55 vents one way (65 years old and up with identification card). For more information go to www.mtamaryland.com.
You can also take Super Shuttle and the fare is approximately $15 per person. Taxi is also available and the fare is approximately $30-35 per cab.
Will you offer pre conference tours?
We certainly are. We are planning tours, some walking, of Baltimore’s own highlights such as Fort McHenry National Monument Park, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, museums, and other sites. Also we are offering tours to Gettysburg, PA, Amish Country in Lancaster, PA, Annapolis, MD including the US Naval Academy, and Washington, DC. There are many sites such as the Baltimore National Aquarium, the B&O Railroad Museum, the Science Museum, and others of which you can visit on your own. Stop at the Hospitality Desk for additional information.
Click Tours in this website for more information .
Will there be a baseball game during the conference?
Yes, the Baltimore Orioles (2012 winner of the American League East Division wildcard) playing the Oakland Athletics (2012 American League West Division champs). We have purchased 323 tickets in the club level (left field) and all you can eat buffet is included in the ticket price ($40). For more information please see the flyer in your packet and on this website. You should purchase your ticket soon.
What services will you provide for deaf-blind attendees?
We plan to provide interpreters for those who needs tactual, close-up, or be in small groups in assigned seating sections. Those services will be offered for all workshop sessions, and official events such as Opening Session, evening entertainment, and Banquet.
Are you offering installment payment plan for registration?
Yes, we are. If you are interested, then please contact our registration chairperson, Holly Macfadden at registration@dsa2013baltimore.org for more information.
Why are you charging $10.00 to use credit card to pay for registration?
Bank fees have been increasing steadily, and it will cost us nearly $10 to process a registration with a credit card. We did not want to increase registration rates for everybody, and believe it is not fair to charge registrants this fee if they are paying with a check. We are not in the position to absorb the bank fees ourselves.
I noticed you are not offering Awards Luncheon during the conference. What is the reason?
There are a few reasons.
First, the awards luncheon has been the least popular event at the past DSA conferences. Second, the awards luncheon takes too much time during the conference week. Third, and the most important reason, the cost to provide this luncheon has become very expensive. In order to keep registration fees low, and with the approval and support of the DSA Board, we made the decision to discontinue this event. Awards will still be given out during other conference events.
Will there be Kosher meals served at the conference?
Yes, we will have a kosher caterer who will prepare kosher meals for two events only: opening reception and the farewell banquet. We have been working with the hotel and Rabbi Fred Friedman of Baltimore to ensure that all kosher requirements are met. For more information, contact Rabbi Fred Friedman directly at 443-453-5762 (videophone) or by email: friedman23@gmail.com.
When can I make a room reservation at the Hilton Baltimore?
Hilton is now accepting room reservations. The room rates for a room with either a king size bed or two beds are $159 (2 people in a room); $179 (3 people in a room); and $199 (4 people in a room). Call the hotel desk at 443 573-8700 and ask for the DSA 2013 rates.
I got my conference packet in the mail. Where do I find my ID number?
Your ID # is shown on your address label on the large white envelope.
How do I order tickets for the optional events such as tours, golf outing, baseball game, Red Hat Luncheon, Sports Luncheon, and Dingo?
You can order your tickets by using and returning the Order Form (yellow). The yellow form must be returned with your payment.
Do I need to make an entree selection for the Banquet?
Yes, if you want to select an entree consisting of chicken, chicken with crab cake, beef, beef with crab cake, or a vegetarian dish. If we do not receive your request then you will automatically be served chicken. It is important that you complete and return the menu selection form.
Do I need to fill out a table reservation form for the banquet? Why is there a reservation fee of $20 per table?
This is for your convenience. You get to have your friends (10 people) sit together. Your group need to have someone to be a table leader. This table leader needs to send back the form with ten names and their ID numbers. The processing fee ($20 per table) is to guarantee a reservation of a table in your name. You can collect $2 from each person in your table and make one payment of $20 to us.
You are not required to make a table reservation. At the time of the banquet you can sit at any unreserved table and we can not guarantee that you will be sitting with your friends.
What is the mailing address to where I can mail my Order Form (yellow), tour form, menu selection form, table reservation form, and other forms?
MDSC/DSA 2013 Baltimore, PO Box 6200, Silver Spring, MD 20916-6200
I find the DSA 2013 Baltimore web page to be too large to see on my computer screen. I have to scroll left and right to read it. How do I reduce the web page size?
Few things you can do.
For PC, you can press <CTRL> key and minus (-) key at the same time.
You can also press <CTRL> key and scroll mouse at the same time.
For Apple (Mac), you can press <command> and minus (-) key at the same time.
You can also do the following:
Internet Explorer: On the bottom right of the Interpret Explorer screen, click the arrow next to the CHANGE ZOOM LEVEL button, then click the percentage of screen size to 100% or 75% or you can customize the size you want.
Safari: On top of screen press VIEW and then click ACTUAL SIZE.
Firefox: On top of screen press VIEW then click ZOOM and then click RESET.
Chrome: On top of screen press VIEW and then click ACTUAL SIZE.
