NCSB 2012 Conference Q and A

Conference Announcement (pdf)

What airports are available for travel to Williamsburg, VA?
The airports that are available for the best travel to Williamsburg, VA are the Richmond, VA. Newport News, VA or Norfolk, VA airports. Newport News is the closest airport to Williamsburg.

What are the transportation options from the various airports to Williamsburg, VA?
Tidewater Coach (www.tidewatercoach.com) has established a NCSB dedicated web address for 2012 Conference attendees. This service transports from all of the above mentioned airports. The NCSB dedicated web link is www.tidewatercoach.com/NCSB.  Their phone number is 757-218-9539. Ask for Steve, if you call. They are offering fees of $75.00 for a single passenger from the Richmond or Norfolk airports and $35.00 for a single passenger from the Newport News airport. The fee for transportation decreases significantly with additional passengers on the same shuttle.

Additional shuttle service is available through James River Transportation (www.jamesrivertrans.com).  Their phone number is 866-823-4626. Their fees are $104.50 per passenger from the Richmond or Norfolk airports, with no availability from the Newport News airport.

Also available for airport transportation is Marrow Transportation (www.marrowtransit.com).  Their phone number is 757-564-5466. This service provides chauffeured limo service to and from all area airports. No fees are available.

For transportation within Williamsburg, Colonial Capital Cabs is an excellent choice. When the NCSB Board of Directors conducted their Conference planning meeting in March of this year at the Conference site, this was the cab service we used to travel to area restaurants. We had an outstanding driver named Juma. We would recommend contacting him directly at juma1@cox.net. The cab company phone number is 757-345-2224. You could request him specifically if you don't wish to email him.

What are my other travel options?
If you live on the east coast, you may want to consider Amtrak! This is a particularly good option if you have more time than money! For example, the trip from Philadelphia to Williamsburg is about 7 hours long, but the fare is under $100. Check out www.amtrak.com to see what makes sense for you.

If you do decide to travel by rail, there is courtesy transportation from the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel to the rail shuttle.

How do I reach the Conference hotel to make my reservation directly?
The Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Conference Center is the site for the 2012 NCSB Conference. The hotel is located at 105 Visitor Center Dr., Williamsburg, VA 23185. Their direct dial phone numbers are 757-220-7960, 757-253-2277 or 1-800-HISTORY. Room rates for the 2012 NCSB Conference are $114.00 for a standard room and $144.00 for a suite. Taxes are 10% plus a $2.00 per night occupancy tax. The special guest room rate will apply for 3 days before and after the dates of Conference. There is a complimentary continental breakfast each morning in the lobby. Reservations must be made on or before Monday, September 10, 2012 by calling 1-800-261-9530 between the hours of 8:30am - 5:00pm EST, Monday through Friday. You must provide the NCSB group name to obtain the group rates. Check in time is after 4:00pm and check out time is 11:00am. There is no charge for self-parking at the hotel. The Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Conference Center is one of the best Conference venues NCSB has had in years. It is set near a pine grove adjacent to the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. The hotel is a family haven with lots of recreational choices on the property such as miniature golf, shuffleboard, table tennis, bike rentals and swimming. Conference attendees should be aware, however, that although the Woodlands Conference Center is on the hotel property, it is not attached to the hotel itself. Depending on the location of your hotel guest room, the Conference Center is an easy 1 - 2 block walk through the beautifully landscaped property.

What's the best way to enjoy Williamsburg?
NCSB would encourage you to bring your family and children to fully enjoy the historic culture and atmosphere of Williamsburg, VA. This outstanding site for the 2012 NCSB Conference is full of marvelous historic museums, galleries and revolutionary exhibits. If you are a registered Conference guest at the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel and Conference Center, you are eligible to purchase "Length of Stay" tour tickets which will provide you unlimited access to all of the wonderful historic sites of Williamsburg. As a Conference hotel guest, these tickets are $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for children. The tickets are valid for your entire length of stay, from check - in to check - out dates. Stay for extra days and enjoy the history!!

How can I explore information regarding Williamsburg attractions and restaurants?
Conference attendees need to visit two wonderfully informative Williamsburg websites to explore information on all historic sites, shopping options and restaurants. Those sites are www.colonialwilliamsburg.com and www.visitwilliamsburg.com.  You will find a wealth of information on all of the local attractions and eateries at these sites. A sampling of local restaurant menus will be available at Conference. Many of the historic restaurants require reservations made through the www.colonialwiliamsburg.com website or you can call 1-800-447-8679.

What will the weather be like in Williamsburg in October?
Williamsburg is beautiful in October, as the leaves develop their vibrant fall colors. Temperatures may range from the 70's during sunny days to the 50's in the evenings.

How should I dress for the conference?
Dress comfortably in casual clothes, with shoes appropriate for walking around the lovely grounds during breaks. As with any conference, be prepared for variable meeting room temperatures by dressing "in layers". And, an umbrella may be needed!

How will my cell phone access be affected in Williamsburg?
Williamsburg is served mostly by Verizon, with only a few AT&T towers, so connections at the Conference Center can be difficult for AT&T customers. You may want to share the Conference Center's direct dial numbers 757-220-7960 or 757-253-2277 with anyone likely to call you.

Conference Announcement (pdf)