Hotel and Travel

All SVM events will take place at the host hotel except for the Gala Event at Windows on Minnesota, which is a short walk from the hotel.

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403 USA
612-370-1234
Fax: 612-370-1233
Reservation number: 800-233-1234

Hotel Accommodations
The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis on Nicollet Mall offers enchanting views of the city and sights and is in a prime location to explore the city’s many offerings.

SVM has negotiated with the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis to offer the special rate of $159 per night for single occupancy and $179 for double occupancy. All rates are subject to state and city taxes.

To reserve a room at the discounted rate, go to http://minneapolis.hyatt.com/groupbooking/msprm5tct2008   
or call Hyatt Regency reservations 800-233-1234.

Be sure to identify yourself with the SVM meeting. Discounted rooms are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and discounted rooms apply only to SVM attendee reservations received before May 5, 2008, provided rooms are still available in the SVM room block. Reservation requests made after this date will be confirmed on a space available basis at prevailing hotel rates. Make any necessary cancellations at least 48 hours before the scheduled date of arrival to avoid a cancellation charge. Discounted room rates are available one day before and after the meeting dates.

For general information, visit the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Web site at http://minneapolis.hyatt.com.

Gala at Windows on Minnesota
Plan to join fellow attendees at the meeting’s premier networking event at Windows on Minnesota. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the 50th floor of the IDS Center while connecting with SVM colleagues and friends. The gala is open to all attendees of the Scientific Sessions, Hands-On Workshops and Board Review Course.

Air Travel Discounts
Northwest Airlines is offering air travel discounts to SVM meeting attendees. To take advantage of this special offer, go to www.nwa.com and click on the “NWA Discount Travel E-Cert Redemption” link under the Flights tab. Enter your flight search information then use the drop down menu under “E-Cert” in the lower right corner to choose the “Meeting Agreement (WorldFile Number)” option. Enter the five-letter WorldFile Number: NMDHA. Click the “Search for Flights” button.

Or, call the airline at 800-225-2525 and reference WorldFile number: NMDHA.

Ground Transportation
The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is approximately 12 miles by car from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Taxi fare is approximately $30 (gratuity and applicable taxes not included.)

Light rail trains run every seven or eight minutes during peak hours and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times of the day. Light rail fares are $2 during rush hours and $1.50 at other times. For more information, visit www.metrotransit.org/rail.

Super Shuttle runs from the airport to the hotel every half hour between 4:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. One way fare from the airport to the hotel is $15. At the airport, follow the signs for “Hotel Shuttles and Scheduled Vans” to the Ground Transportation Atrium. The Super Shuttle guest service desk is located near the center of the shuttle area. No reservation is needed from the airport to the hotel. Return reservations may be made by calling Super Shuttle at 800-258-3826.

Parking
Self-parking is available at the hotel for $17 per day. Valet parking is available for $25 per day.

Minneapolis Climate
Temperatures in the Minneapolis area in June can range from 58-79 degrees Fahrenheit (14-26 degrees Celsius). Because people have varying sensitivities to temperatures in hotel meeting rooms, please bring a sweater or other warm clothing to wear inside the hotel.

Foreign Visas
Travelers coming from qualified countries to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Visitors entering on the VWP cannot work nor study while in the United States and cannot stay longer than 90 days or change their status to another category. Visitors entering on the VWP need to have machine-readable passports. Travelers without machine-readable passports will need to apply for a visa to enter the United States. Applicants for visitor visas should generally apply at the American embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. Though visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

For additional information regarding obtaining a visa, visit the U.S. government Web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html.  

Travelers entering the United States from all countries (including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean) must present a passport.

About Minneapolis
Minneapolis is one of the largest cities in the upper Midwest, and, with the adjacent city of Saint Paul to the east, dominates the economic and cultural life of this extensive region. Minneapolis is a world-class city, with fabulous shopping, dining and entertainment.

A survey in 2005 by travelers from around the world ranked the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport 20th in the world, the highest-ranking airport in North America. Getting around is a snap using light rail transit, with stops in downtown, the airport and Mall of America. No matter what the weather, easily travel between many hotels and attractions using the skyway system.

Other interesting facts:

• Forbes named Minneapolis the 8th-best city for young professionals in July 2007
• Forbes Magazine named Minneapolis the fifth cleanest city in the world in 2007
• A study in 2005 by Milken Institute’s Life Sciences Index rated the Minneapolis metro area as the 8th most vibrant life sciences cluster and the leader in the medical devices industry.
• There are more than 40,600 health care practitioners and technical workers in the West Metro area according to figures compiled in 2000.
• In November 1999, UnitedHealth Group ranked Minnesota as the healthiest state in the U.S.
• Minneapolis was named "Most Athletic City" by Men's Fitness magazine in 2006.