The countdown to ShiftCon 2015 is on! With just two weeks left until the big day, we want to make sure you have everything you need before you join us in Manhattan Beach. If you have other questions or concerns, please leave a comment here or on the ShiftCon Media Facebook Page and we will answer it as quickly as possible.
ShiftCon 2015 FAQ:
How Do I Get to the Hotel?
From LAX, it is less than 5 miles to the conference hotel, which is the Manhattan Beach Marriott. Unfortunately the hotel does not provide shuttle service, but you can grab a taxi (approximately $20) or uber car very easily from the airport. Another option is Roadrunner Shuttle, which is approximately $15. Check the ShiftCon Facebook Group for others arriving at the same time as you to save on transportation costs!
Driving Directions: From the 405 Freeway going South, exit 43B and take a right on Rosecrans Ave. From the 405 Freeway going North, exit 43 and take a left on Rosecrans Ave. Stay on Rosecrans for 1 mile, and make a left at Market Place,and you’re there.
Parking: If you are bringing a car to the hotel, the parking fee is $24 USD per day for self parking or $29 USD per day for valet parking. If you have an electric vehicle, the hotel parking garage has six complimentary charging stations! If you are local and not staying the night Manhattan Beach also offers two 10-hour limit parking lots, one with meters and one without. More info on that can be found here.
What do I do when I get to the hotel?
Check in to the hotel! Put your bags in your room, refresh yourself and be ready to have an amazing weekend. If you are arriving on Wednesday, you can relax and enjoy the city. No official ShiftCon events will be happening on Wednesday. For some things to do in Manhattan Beach, check out the city website.
Where to go for the Conference: The conference will be held in various areas of the hotel. There will be signs to direct you from the front desk of the hotel to the different conference areas.
Registration for the Conference: The registration and information desk will open at 3:00pm on Thursday. All you need is yourself and your identification to be checked in. Upon check-in you will receive your swag bags, badge, and itinerary. The helpful volunteers can also answer any questions you still have! Registration will also be open Friday and Saturday morning for those who are only able to attend one or two days.
What time does the conference start? The expo hall will open at 3:o0pm on Thursday, so you will be able to stop in directly after you get your badge. For the full conference schedule, check out the agenda page.
What should I pack/wear?
Weather: The forecast for the weekend is supposed to be in the high 70’s. Coastal weather tends to be cooler at dawn and after dusk and warmer in the middle of the day. Dress for warm weather, with the option to add layers when it’s colder.
Activities: There are two main activities happening at ShiftCon 2015. The FREE morning yoga class and the FREE 5K run. Please bring running shoes and appropriate work-out clothing for these events.
Receptions: There will be three dinner receptions at ShiftCon 2015, you are welcome to wear any comfortable outfit you would like. It is not formal, but you may want to bring a fresh change of outfit to wear to each dinner. Business casual dress is common but not required. And don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Conference Sessions: Conference rooms tend to be heavily-air conditioned, so bring a jacket or sweater along with you throughout the day! There is a lot of walking back and forth, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Eco Clothing Swap: If you want to participate in the FREE Eco Clothing Swap on Thursday night, you are welcome to pack up any unwanted clothing items to bring with you. There is no limit to how many you can bring, but you will only receive enough tickets to take 10 items home. The extra clothing will be donated to a local women’s shelter. You are also encouraged to bring any baby or children’s clothes – the ladies at the shelter would really appreciate that!
Swag: There will be A LOT of swag, so you might want to pack an empty duffel bag to bring all the goodies home!
What are we doing during the conference?
Workshop and Panel Attendance: Seating is first come, first served. No need to sign up beforehand, but you may want to get there early if you are worried about not getting a seat.
Taking Notes/Audio/Video: You are welcome to take notes, and you are encouraged to share quotes from the speakers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook during the sessions, with the conference hashtag. If you would like to record audio or video, you may do so, as long as you are not obscuring anyone’s view.
Expo, Snacks, and Hospitality Suites: In between the speakers, workshops, and panels, you will be given ample time to visit the expo hall, try the featured snacks, and chat with our brand representatives. There will also be time after each reception to visit the hospitality suites, and time on Thursday night to do the Eco Clothing Swap.
Lunch: Your lunch will not be covered as part of the conference. There will be two hours on Friday and Saturday for lunch breaks, and you can choose to leave for lunch, pay for the lunch the hotel is serving, or just hang out at the expo and eat samples from the brands. Most brands will be sampling food, so you won’t go hungry! Breakfast and dinner will both be plentiful.
Optional Activities: The 5K and Yoga Class are both optional activities, but we recommend participating! Both include some extra swag, and they’re a great way to get to know the other attendees better!
Swag Swap Suite: There is going to be A LOT of swag! For those of you who are flying and have limited luggage space, or if you simply don’t want to take some of the things home, drop them in the swag swap suite, and pick up some extra things you do want!
What kind of food will be served?
Breakfast: You can expect a wide range of healthy breakfast options. From eggs and meat, to cereals and granolas, yogurts and milk, and breads. We know that everyone has different dietary needs so we will do our best to accommodate everyone.
Snacks: Many of the brands that are attending the conference will have all kinds of snack samples!
Dinner: Each reception will have a different dinner, but there will be a variety of passed appetizers and buffet-style food. There will be all kinds of options for different dietary needs, and lots of food, so come hungry! There will also be kombucha cocktails, and you’re not going to want to miss that.
What if I don’t know anyone?
You will have no problem making friends at ShiftCon! If you’re nervous or shy, please reach out to one of the volunteers or tribal leaders. They will be happy to introduce you to other attendees who you might get along with.
See you soon at ShiftCon 2015 in Manhattan Beach!
Thanks Angela!! I’m so excited to be around like minded individuals next week!! Xo