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Do you
have questions about the SRI in the Rockies Conference? Select from
among the following categories to view answers related to that category.
Agenda
| Q: |
What's on the agenda this year? Who will be speaking? |
| A: |
Our 2008 agenda will be available in June 2008. Each year, SRI in the Rockies offers a Professional Education Track focused on investment and practice management issues, and a Social Issues Track, which will present expert commentary and interactive dialogue on various timely social issues, shareholder advocacy strategies, and community investment opportunities. We expect to provide 6-8 hours of CE credit to Certified Financial Planners. |
| Q: |
Will presentations be recorded? |
| A: |
Yes. The conference content is so rich that we record all presentations. The printed conference agenda that you will receive at registration will identify which sessions are recorded. You can order CDs and/or MP3 files onsite to be shipped to you after the conference. You may also go to the Events dropdown box on the home page of this website to order CDs from previous conferences. |
Attendance
| Q: |
Who attends SRI in the Rockies?
How many conference attendees do you expect this year?
Do I need to be a licensed investment professional to participate? |
| A: |
SRI in the Rockies is designed to stimulate, inspire and serve the needs of people who are actively involved in the socially responsible investment industry (SRI). About one-third of the expected 600+ participants will be licensed investment professionals serving investor clients; about one-third will be representatives of SRI mutual fund companies, asset managers, social research organizations and other product/service providers to the industry; and about one-third will represent non-profit organizations, community development banks and credit unions, religious organizations, and other groups that work with the SRI community on various social change initiatives. |
| Q: |
This will be my first conference experience; is there anything special that I should know? |
| A: |
Be prepared to discover that SRI in the Rockies feels a lot like a BIG family reunion. Many participants know each other, work closely together in a variety of ways, and have been attending the conference for many years. We try to make it easy for first-time participants to begin to feel like part of the family. You will want to attend our New Participant Orientation at 2:15 PM Sunday, October 26th. This session will assist you in understanding the size, scope and dynamic nature of the group that gathers at SRI in the Rockies; give you a feel for the flow of the agenda; and introduce you to some of the leaders in the industry. In addition, there will be several other events and sessions designed to help you meet as many new friends and colleagues as possible, and quickly come to feel an integral part of the SRI community. |
Conference Hosts, Producers
| Q: |
Who hosts and produces the conference? |
| A: |
SRI in the Rockies is produced by First Affirmative Financial Network in collaboration with the Social Investment Forum. You will see a lot of your conference hosts throughout your stay at the Marriott Starr Pass?on stage, in the hallways, on the dance floor... Our goal is to make your conference experience as valuable and memorable as possible. |
Handicap Access
| Q: |
I am physically challenged and cannot walk very far. Should I attend?
I am in a wheelchair. Will I be able to get to all of the sessions? |
| A: |
If you would like handicap assistance, please notify Krystala Kalil at 888.774.2663 /Krystala@SRIintheRockies.com. The Fairmont provides some lodging rooms with special provisions for physically challenged guests. Lodging rooms are a short distance from the meeting rooms. Sleeping rooms, meeting rooms and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. There is Braille signage throughout the hotel. |
| Q: |
I am hearing/sight impaired. Is it possible I could have an assigned seat in the front row of the sessions I attend? |
| A: |
Yes. Just let us know which sessions you want to attend and we will be happy to reserve a front-row seat for you. |
Internet Access
| Q: |
Will there be internet workstations available for participant use? |
| A: |
Yes. There will be two CyberStations in the exhibit area with high-speed internet access available free of charge for participant use. High speed internet connectivity is available in the lodging rooms for a charge of $14.95 (Canadian) per 24-hour period. In addition, wireless internet access is available in public areas such as lobbies and lounges.
To receive free wireless during your stay, sign up for the President's Club (www.fairmont.com/fpc/) before arriving in Whistler. The regular charge is $14.95 per 24 hour period, and may be charged to a credit card or a lodging room. |
Location
| Q: |
Where is the Fairmont Chateau Whistler?
How do I get there?
Where is the Conference Center? |
| A: |
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a 2.5 hour drive from the Vancouver, British Columbia airport along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. It is a AAA Four Star resort located in the resort municipality of Whistler, British Columbia.
The municipality of Whistler and the city of Vancouver have joined together to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. You will see evidence of preparation for the Games while at the conference.
Both for sustainability reasons, and for ease of traveling, we recommend that you take one of the buses the conference is providing, or take a shuttle from the airport, rather than rent a car. Please contact us after September 15, 2008 for details regarding the conference-sponsored buses.
The conference center and all meeting rooms are in the same building as the lodging rooms. |
| Q: |
What kind of climate can I expect in October?
What do I need to know about the altitude?
Are there bears in Whistler?
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| A: |
The hotel is nestled in an alpine valley at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain. The elevation on the valley floor is 2000'; the elevation at the top of the mountain is 2700'.
In late October, the weather is tough to predict. Plan for both warm and cold weather. The maximum high is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, minimum is 43 degrees; the mean is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to bring sunscreen and wear it when outdoors during the day.
If you come from lower elevations, we suggest that you give your body some time to acclimate to the altitude before drinking alcoholic beverages (at least a day, or two). Headaches are a common occurrence among those new to higher elevations and are generally due to dehydration, so drink lots of water.
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Lodging
| Q: |
What kind of lodging is available at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler?
What amenities are included in the rooms?
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| A: |
Lodging is handled separately from conference registration. The Fairmont has very limited guest room availability left at this late date.
Four Seasons Resort
Guest rooms are currently available at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, the only AAA, Five-Diamond Award resort in Canada. The Four Seasons is just a short 2 minute walk from the Fairmont. Please go the Four Seasons website to learn more about the amenities. (www.fourseasons.com/whistler)
The discounted conference room rates are: (exclusive of tax)
Superior Room (500 sq. ft.) $159/night (Canadian)
Deluxe Room (550 sq. ft.) $179/night (Canadian)
Executive Suite (800 sq. ft.) $229/night (Canadian)
In order to receive these discounted rates, please contact Four Seasons as follows.
Please identify yourself as being with "SRI in the Rockies."
Phone: 888-935-2460
E-mail: reservations.whi@fourseasons.com
Be sure to include your arrival & departure date, full contact information, number of guests in room and any special requests. The hotel will contact you directly for your credit card information to guarantee the reservation.
Four Seasons cancellation policy: Reservations not cancelled within 7 days of arrival date will forfeit one night's room and tax.
Please contact the Fairmont if you wish to check on available rooms:
The conference room rate of $159./night (Canadian), exclusive of taxes and service charges, will be in effect for the period from October 21st through November 3rd, 2008. In order to receive the conference discount, you must book your lodging by September 21st, 2008.
Please go to the Fairmont website to leave more about the amenities that are available: www.fairmont.com/whistler.
You may book a room:
By phone: 800.606.8244
By email: reservations.chateauwhistler@fairmont.com
Or Online
If you are interested in sharing a room, use our room
matching service. |
| Q: |
I'd like to share a room with another conference participant. Do you have a roommate matching service? |
| A: |
Please post your interest in sharing a room in the Room & Ride Sharing page of the conference website. Be sure to include your contact information so others looking to share rooms can connect with you.
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| Q: |
Are spouses and families welcome?
Is childcare available?
Are there recreation breaks that I could spend with my family?
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| A: |
Feel free to bring family members along to Whistler. We offer a special discounted registration rate for spouses and children of $500, which essentially covers our cost for food. Family members will need a conference badge to access conference meals. Please contact the Fairmont directly about childcare needs.
We start early and work late every day, but we take a two and a half hour break in the afternoon (Monday and Tuesday) for recreation. Do a hike, ride a bike, take a nap, or a dip in the pool (if necessary, have a meeting). We hope you enjoy the Canadian Rockies!
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Meals
| Q: |
Are meals included in my registration fee?
Will there be vegetarian choices at the meals?
Is it possible for the kitchen to accommodate special needs? |
| A: |
All meals, breaks and receptions are included in your registration fee: dinner Sunday, October 26th through brunch on Wednesday, October 29th. There will be vegetarian choices available at all meals. Other special needs must be arranged for separately?let us know what you need. |
Networking
| Q: |
What kind of networking opportunities can I expect? |
| A: |
From start to finish, from our New Participant Orientation session to the Closing Circle, a primary goal of SRI in the Rockies is to provide participants with multiple networking opportunities. You will find conference attendees extraordinarily friendly. Don't be shy! |
| Q: |
Are there opportunities for small groups to gather around a topic of special interest? |
| A: |
Yes. In addition to the presentations and sessions listed on the conference agenda, lunch on Monday (October 27th) and breakfast on Tuesday (October 28th) features Topic Tables. These are popular conversation circles that provide an informal opportunity for participants to share ideas on topics of mutual interest. Topics range across a broad spectrum of issues. Look for a table sign that sparks your interest and join the group. A few tables will have blank signs to allow groups to form spontaneously?just write your topic, post your sign, and others will join you. |
Packing Suggestions
| Q: |
What suggestions do you have for packing? |
| A: |
Before packing, please check the weather online to avoid any surprises! Go to the Canadian Weather Office to check the forcast.
Attire for the conference is mountain casual (no ties!). In late October, we can expect cool, dry days and clear, crisp evenings.
Most conference events will occur indoors, but you will want to be prepared to enjoy the clean mountain air. Bring your swimsuit for use in the outdoor pools and hot tubs, as well as shoes and clothing appropriate for your favorite outdoor recreation activities. |
Recreation
| Q: |
What kind of recreation is available near the Fairmont and in the Whistler area? |
| A: |
A wide range of recreational activities are available. Whistler offers horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, swimming, hiking, the Vida Wellness Spa (ask about a conference discount), and golf at the award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. designer golf course. |
Registration
| Q: |
How do I register for SRI in the Rockies? |
| A: |
You may register online using a credit card. Or you can print out a registration form and mail it in with a check. We will accept onsite registration, but would much prefer to have a name badge and registration packet ready for you. If you have a question about registration, feel free to contact Krystala Kalil at 888.774.2663 /Krystala@SRIintheRockies.com.
Lodging must be booked separately by calling the Fairmont Chateau Whistler directly at 800.606.8244 or by visiting their website for online reservations. |
| Q: |
I can't come to the full conference. Can I register and pay for a portion of it? |
| A: |
No. The cost of attending SRI in the Rockies is significantly lower than any comparable financial conference. The conference operates on a very tight budget. Participants are expected to pay for a full conference registration even if arriving late or departing early. |
| Q: |
What is the cancellation policy? |
| A: |
Refund requests will be granted less a $100. administrative fee through October 1, 2008. Thereafter, no refunds will be available. |
Special Events
| Q: |
What's the Moskowitz Prize? |
| A: |
The Social Investment Forum awards the annual Moskowitz Prize for excellence in academic research on a topic germane to the socially responsible investment industry. The Prize is named after research pioneer Milt Moskowitz, one of the first to look for the connection between good corporate citizenship and profitability. |
| Q: |
What's the SRI Service Award? |
| A: |
Presented each year at SRI in the Rockies, the annual SRI Service Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the socially responsible investment industry. Conference participants cast ballots during the first two days of the conference for nominees who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, high standards of professional conduct, and accomplishment in collaboration with other industry leaders. |
| Q: |
Is the Social Investment Forum's Annual Meeting open to all conference participants? |
| A: |
Each year at SRI in the Rockies, the Social Investment Forum reviews its progress, announces new initiatives, and explores ways we can all work together to strengthen the socially responsible investment industry. Forum board members highlight opportunities for action and collaboration in the areas of public policy, advocacy and community investing. This session will also serve as the Forum's Annual Membership Meeting and Election of Directors. All are welcome. |
Sponsorships
| Q: |
Is there an exhibit hall?
What kind of exhibitors are involved? |
| A: |
SRI in the Rockies is so inexpensive primarily because of the support of conference sponsors. Sponsoring organizations have found that the conference provides valuable visibility and exposure to the socially responsible investment community. The three-day gathering is fertile ground for creating business partnerships, networking, and marketing. After dinner on Monday night, we will all join the Exhibitor Fair to mix and mingle, meet conference sponsors, and learn about socially responsible investment products, services, and resources designed to enhance our ability to serve SRI-oriented investors. For sponsorship information, please contact Krystala Kalil at 888.774.2663 / Krystala@SRIintheRockies.com or Steve Schueth at 303.442.8400 x101 / steveschueth@firstaffirmative.com. |
Transportation
| Q: |
Does the conference provide transportation to/from the Vancouver airport?
Do I need a rental car at Whister?
Can I sign-up for a carpool list?
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| A: |
Registered conference attendees can reserve a seat from the Vancouver airport to Whistler through CanTrav. This service is free to registered conference attendees and must be booked by October 11. After October 11, you will be responsible for paying for your own transportation. (Please have your registration confirmation number available). For more information visit the CanTrav website above.
We are strongly recommending against the use of rental and private cars this year because of the long drive between the Vancouver airport and Whistler, and the confusing route through downtown Vancouver.
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| Q: |
Are there any airline discounts available?
Are there any rental car discounts available? |
| A: |
Continental Airlines
When 20 or more passengers fly to Vancouver, British Columbia for the SRI in the Rockies conference, a discount is available depending on the price of your ticket. For further information, call your travel agent or Continental Airlines MeetingWorks at 800-468-7022 and provide "Z Code: ZDZC" and "Agreement Code: BFHW58". Travel agents must list the Z Code in the Ticket Designator Box and Tour Code Box on the ticket. There is a $15. service fee, per ticket. Valid travel dates: October 21 - November 1, 2008.
To avoid the service fee and gain an additional 3% discount, you may book online. Both Z code and Agreement code (without a space) need to be placed in the Offer Code Box as "ZDZCBFHW58".
Please contact Continental Airlines directly with any questions regarding these discounts: 800-468-7022.
Avis Car Rental
We are highly recommending AGAINST renting a car this year, because it is a long drive from the Vancouver Airport to Whistler. There are no freeways and the drive is a confusing route through downtown Vancouver. The conference will be providing shuttle service between the Vancouver Airport and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
If you still feel you need to rent a car, Avis has discounted rates for attendees of SRI in the Rockies. These rates are available October 19 - November 5, 2008. |
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