Attendee Information

If you are a registered Convergence attendee, below are some key logistical details to assist with your planning and onsite experience:

For more details and information, please see Frequently Asked Questions.

You will receive a hard copy Conference Guide when you check-in onsite at Registration that includes full agenda information, session abstracts and additional logistical details. You may also download the Conference Guide for a sneak peak at the details.

Event Venues

Convergence sessions and activities will be located in two venues – the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) and Hilton Americas. They are conveniently connected by two sky bridges on Levels 2 and 3. For a visual picture of these venues, download this Adobe Acrobat file.

Onsite Registration Hours

Registration & Information is located at the GRBCC on Level 1 near the Plaza C entrance and is open during the following times (times listed are Central Time):

  • Sunday, March 18 11:30am – 6:00pm
  • Monday, March 19 7:30am – 9:00pm
  • Tuesday, March 20 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 21 8:00am – 5:45pm

Shuttle Schedule

Complimentary shuttle service will be provided between Convergence hotels and the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). Shuttles operate on a split schedule every 10-15 minutes, and every 5 minutes during peak periods, during the times below. The following hotels will not have shuttle service as they are within walking distance to the GRBCC and Minute Maid Park: Hilton Americas and the Embassy Suites Downtown. For specific route information, please consult your conference guide or the signage posted in the lobby area of your hotel:

Sunday, March 18
11:15am – 6:15pm Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC
5:45pm – 10:15pm Continue shuttles between Convergence hotels and the Reception at Minute Maid Park.

Monday, March 19
7:15am – 11:45am Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC
3:45pm – 9:45pm Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC

Tuesday, March 20
7:45am – 11:45am Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC
2:30pm – 6:30pm Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC

Wednesday, March 21
7:45am – 11:45am Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC
1:30pm – 6:00pm Continuous shuttles between Convergence hotels and the GRBCC

Airport Transportation

Airport transportation is the responsibility of each attendee. However, airport shuttles are available to Convergence attendees for only $20 USD, payable with credit cards or cash. This non-stop airport service will be offered from the GRBCC to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) on Wednesday, March 21 only.

Airport Shuttle Schedule
Wednesday, March 21 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Attendees can make reservations with the Airport Transportation Kiosk, located at Registration on Level 1 during the following hours:

Shuttle Reservation Hours
Tuesday, March 20 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday, March 21 8:00am – 5:00pm

Shuttles depart every 30 minutes beginning at 12:00pm on Wednesday, March 21. Recommended departures for domestic flights is two hours prior to flight time, while international flights require three hours prior to flight times. Please visit the Airport Transportation Kiosk for additional information.

Getting Around Houston

For city maps and more information about Houston public transportation options, including the “Six in the City” taxi program where all taxis charge a flat $6 fee for trips made within the downtown area, please see the Visit Houston website.

Parking at the GRBCC

For those attendees who’ll be driving to the George R. Brown Convention Center, this venue features a 1,600-space parking garage located at the corner of Polk Street and Avenida de las Americas. It is conveniently connected to the GRBCC and the Hilton by Level 2 skywalks. Visit the Houston Convention Center website for directions and maps. Cost is $10 USD per day.

Luggage Check

For your travel convenience we have complimentary luggage check available each day of the conference, located in the Convergence Experience Center by Registration on Level 1 of the GRBCC. Only luggage will be accepted, no coats or laptops. Please be sure to pick up your luggage each day prior to closing. Luggage not claimed each day during Convergence will be held by the GRBCC security; you may pick up your item the next day or call them at 713-853-8087. Please note: Convergence is not responsible for items damaged, lost or stolen. Hours of operation are below:

  • Sunday, March 18 11:30am – 6:00pm
  • Monday, March 19 7:30am – 9:15pm
  • Tuesday, March 20 8:00am – 6:00pm
  • Wednesday, March 21 8:00am – 6:00pm

Convergence Reception

Sunday, March 18, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Minute Maid Park

Join us as we kick off Convergence 2012! The Convergence Reception is the perfect opportunity to network with other attendees before the start of the conference. This year we’re taking you to one of Houston’s crown jewels, Minute Maid Park, an award winning major league sports facility. Built on the site of Union Station, an old rail depot, they incorporated part of the depot as a cornerstone to the park and one of its main entrances into the facility. Conveniently located just minutes from the convention center and downtown hotels, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience this spectacular park and all it has to offer. And as always, we’ll have great food & beverages, engaging music & entertainment, lots of places to sit and catch up with friends and colleagues, and for the first time ever, a headliner band that will perform on the main stage. It’s sure to be an unforgettable evening of fun and a great way to start your Convergence 2012 experience.

The Convergence Reception is open to registered Convergence attendees and registered guests (no one under the age of 21 will be allowed, including infants. Should you require child care, please contact your hotel for professional recommendations.) For information on purchasing Convergence Reception Only passes, please see the registration page.

Badge requirements: A wristband will be provided to attendees when they check-in at registration onsite at the conference and is required for entry to the Convergence Reception.

Transportation: Shuttle service will be provided from Convergence hotels to Minute Maid Park, 5:45pm – 10:15pm. There will be no shuttles to the Reception from the Hilton Americas Hotel, the Embassy Suites Houston Downtown, or the Convention Center as they are within walking distance.

Meals

Regular conference meals include breakfast and lunch and will be served at the GRBCC on Level 1 in Hall A. If you have pre-ordered a Kosher, Halal or other specific dietary meal you may pick it up at the designated Special Meal Buffet which is located in the back of the hall. Vegetarian, low-fat and carb-friendly options are available on all buffets. Meal times are listed within the Conference Guide or on the Agenda page.

Houston Information and Services

Explore Houston! is the official visitors’ center for the George R. Brown Convention Center – where the art, culture, fun and entertainment of Houston reach your fingertips. You can visit them on Level 2, next to Starbucks Coffee. Additional information about Houston, including dining & nightlife, maps, and more, can be found on a special website created for Convergence attendees.