Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are equal distance from Sonoma County and serviced by an airport shuttle that drops off at the conference hotel. Both SFO and OAK offer service from a variety of nationwide and international airports.
Conference attendees traveling from the west coast can fly into Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS), serviced by Alaska Air with flights to and from Sonoma County, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
When does the airport shuttle run?
Sonoma County Airport Express runs regularly from each of the regional airports (SFO, OAK, and STS). The schedule varies by airport Be sure to review the schedule for the last pickup time of every day and read the pickup location instructions carefully. Tickets must be purchased through the Airport Express website, cost is $38 each way. The shuttle drops off in Rohnert Park at the Double Tree Hotel, 4 miles from campus. Shuttle service to and from the hotel will be at specific intervals on conference days only.
What hotel should I stay at?
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Double Tree Hotel, in Rohnert Park, a quick 4 miles from campus. Rooms are available at a discounted group rate from November 3 to November 8, 2020. Room reservations may be made directly through the hotel's website, or by calling 707-584-5466. When calling be sure to mention the AIS conference to ensure your discounted group rate.
Will there be shuttle service from the hotel to the conference site?
Yes, there will be bus service from the Double Tree Hotel to SSU before the morning session starts, returning to the Double Tree Hotel after the last session of the day concludes.
What if I drive to the conference?
Directions to SSU from various places in California can be found through this link: Directions to SSU.
Can I park my car on campus?
Conference attendees who bring their own car must comply with all SSU parking regulations. Parking permits are available for purchase at the yellow kiosk in each lot, or at any Information Booth. Short-term parking permits are $5.00 per day for general and $8.00 for reserved parking. Multiple day permits are available for consecutive days at the daily rate. Multiple day permits and reserved permits are available only at the Parking Information centers or purchase parking permits online. To park close to the conference site, general permits should use parking lot J, and reserved permits should use parking lot D. For all campus parking options, please review the SSU campus map.
What meals are provided?
Welcome dinner will take place on Wednesday. Thursday will include breakfast, lunch, and snacks during breaks. Friday will include breakfast, lunch, snacks during breaks, and a closing dinner. Saturday breakfast will be the last meal of the conference.
What does the schedule look like?
There will be a mix of plenary and smaller breakout sessions, with Thursday evening providing a chance to explore Sonoma County. A final schedule will be shared ahead of time.
What will the weather be like?
Sonoma County in autumn is an amazing time of year. Sonoma County has a Mediterranean climate, mild during the day with cool evenings. It is always best to have layers to wear once the sun goes down. Check the weather forecast.
Will I have time to explore Wine Country?
Thursday evening will be an opportunity to explore local dining with your colleagues. For those who choose to extend their stay, Sonoma County has an abundance of hiking, wine tasting, beer tasting, and dining to enjoy. Sonoma State University staff are happy to provide recommendations for the many choices available in the region.
Is space available for special meetings?
If you want to organize meetings of networks, associations, or other target groups (e.g. graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows, groups of researchers and educators, community or professional organizations), please contact the AIS2020 office at Sonoma State University (AIS2020@sonoma.edu). Special meetings can be held Thursday, October 22nd and Friday, October 23th, 2020 between 5:15 pm and 7 pm. We will provide the infrastructure and announce your meeting in the conference program.
Is travel funding available for graduate students?
If you are a current graduate student (verification of student status is required), you are eligible for up to $200 in travel funds from the AIS if your proposal is accepted. Awards are granted on a first come, first served basis. Please contact the AIS Office Manager Shaunda Mankowski (mankowski@oakland.edu) for more information as soon as you have received your notice of acceptance.