Logistics

Funding

All expenses (meals, housing, etc.) at the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) will be covered for all conference attendees. There is no registration fee for this conference. In addition, we hope to be able to provide travel funding for the majority of attendees. Please indicate on the application form whether you request travel funding.

Travel

Attendees are recommended to fly into Washington Dulles International Airport (airport code IAD) or Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (airport code DCA). Driving from these airports to the Green Bank Observatory in Green Bank, WV, is around four hours.

There is no public transportation between the airports and GBO. We will likely charter a 40-passenger bus between Washington, D.C. and GBO on the afternoon of August 8 and the morning of August 12. Attendees who are provided travel support by us will be offered a seat on the bus, and those who do not request travel support may be offered seats on the bus based on availability. Rental cars will also be provided to those who are provided travel support by us. More details will be provided later.

Lodging

Housing will be provided on site at GBO or in nearby houses (within a 15-minute drive from GBO) rented through Airbnb. Most attendees will be housed in double-occupancy rooms, with a very limited number of single-occupancy rooms available. Two bunkhouse rooms will be used as overflow housing. More details will be provided later.

Food

Food will be catered by GBO. You may indicate any dietary restriction on the application form or email contact@theorderoftheoctopus.org after you apply.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) Policies

GBO is located in the National Radio Astronomy Zone and the West Virginia Radio Astronomy Zone. There are various policies and laws regarding the use of electronic devices that may interfere with GBO operation. You may read about many of these restrictions on the GBO website. More details on the RFI policies will be provided later.

Guest Policy

We understand that some attendees may wish to invite guests to accompany them to the conference. However, it is unlikely that we can accommodate any guest with the dining and lodging resources at Green Bank. If you wish to bring guests with you to the conference and wish to use the dining and/or lodging resources at Green Bank, you may request that in the application form. Any approved guest may be charged a registration fee. More details will be provided later.