ACCOMMODATIONS, ETC.

The picture above shows the venue, which (for authenticity's sake) was chosen for its

similarity to the Martian surface.  The tent-like structure is one of the group "cabins."

General Information:    

   Sorry, but we couldn't resist the joke.  The workshop will actually be held at the Outdoor Lab facility of Clemson University in the foothills of South Carolina (see map below).   The venue is a cross between a summer camp and a conference center, nestled in the woods on the shores of Lake Hartwell.  At this time of year, it should be beautiful (check out the pictures page) with temperatures in the high 70's or low 80's and the leaves just beginning to change color.

   With the generous assistance of many groups we have sufficient funding to put the workshop on at very low cost (potentially even free) for attendees.  Specifically, we will cover all expenses for:

     - meals

     - snacks, beer/wine, s'mores, etc.

     - transportation to/from airport and local hotel

The only things attendees will have to pay for is their airfare to Greenville, SC, their lodging (if they choose one of the two more expensive options) and perhaps a very modest registration fee.  In addition, graduate students who are members of ISHPSSB can apply for a travel grant, which will reduce the cost of travel.

Lodging:

   Attendees have three options in terms of lodging.  If you are on a strict budget, you can stay in one of the group cabins (pictured below) for free.  These have 8 alcoves around a central area with a table.  It's not shown in the pic, but each alcove will be curtained off and occupied by just one person (even though  there are two beds).  We will put up to 4 people in one of these cabins, with separate cabins for men and women.  Everyone in a cabin shares a single bathroom (one toilet, one shower).  These  accomodations are fine if you don't require a lot of privacy at night, but you would want to spend your free time outdoors.  Fortunately, this is easily done at this venue.

We also have some cabins with private bedrooms.  These vary in terms of whether they are a separate cabin or a "duplex," how many beds are in each room, and whether they have a separate or shared bathroom.  They will be available for a nominal fee, probably $150 for the duration of the workshop (three nights).  The advantage of the cabins, whether group or single, is that you stay on site, which lets you avoid shuttling and maximizes your time around the campfires, etc.

Finally, for those who wish to stay in a regular hotel, we have arranged a conference rate of $115 (plus 11% tax) at the Martin Inn, which is both the closest and the nicest hotel in town.  Attendees will have to make their own reservations but we ask that attendees not stay elsewhere unless they have their own vehicle, as we will be running shuttles only to the Martin Inn.  The block of rooms and the rate are guaranteed through August 10th - just mention "Socia 2016" when making the reservations.

Registration:

   We hope to avoid a registration fee altogether, but if we charge one, it will be modest ($100 or less).   Once we have sent out acceptances, we will collect your personal particulars, housing preferences, etc.  We will also post details on how to pay any fees.