:: Frequently Asked Questions ::
- When should I book my hotel room?
Quickly navigate the FAQs page:Hotel
Student and Volunteer Info
Registration
Conference Program
Pre-Conference Training & Workshops
Accessibility & Special Needs
Childcare
Special Events
Books and Crafts at the Conference
Hospitality
Hotel
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BE SURE TO BOOK RIGHT AWAY TO GUARANTEE THE BEST RATES AND HELP US MEET OUR BOOKING REQUIREMENTS. There are a certain number of rooms at the San Diego Hilton Mission Valley set aside at the special AWP conference rate. If we don't book them, we lose them, so go to hotel link above and reserve your room NOW. Simply enter AWP as the group/convention code to get the discounted rates - $140/night for a king room; $155/night for a 2 queen beds.
- Are there any discounted rates at the conference hotel?
Yes, typical rates at the Hilton during this time of year range from $209-$409 per night. The AWP conference rate is $140 per night for a room with one king bed and $155 per night for a room with 2 queen beds.
- How do I reserve a hotel room at the conference rate?
Follow the link to the Hilton San Diego Mission Valley and enter 'AWP' under GROUP/CONVENTION code on reservations page.
- Can't I get a better rate through an online travel service or travel agent?
No. The hotel has blocked rooms especially for AWP at the lowest possible rate. You will likely waste valuable time searching. Besides, AWP can only afford the meeting space at the hotel if we get credit for booking the rooms set aside for us.
- The AWP rates are still pretty steep for me. Are there any additional discounts for students or folks with limited means?
Yes! If you volunteer 4 hours of your time during the conference, you can get a shared room at an even more affordable rate. See volunteer page for details.
- I have signed up to be a conference volunteer. Do I need to contact the hotel to reserve my room?
NO! All volunteer hotel room reservations are made by the conference volunteer coordinator. See volunteer page for more information.
- Are there scholarships available for students to offset the cost of the conference?
In order to make the conference more affordable for students, student registration fees are intentionally set very low. (See registration page for details)
There are also opportunities to get discounted hotel rates ($20-$50/night) if you volunteer four hours of your time during the conference. (See volunteer page for details.)
- What if I am a local student and don't need a hotel room? Do I get anything for volunteering?
Yes, local volunteers will receive further discounts on registration as well as other benefits. (See volunteer page for details.)
- I am not a student, do you still want me to volunteer?
Of course! You are also eligible for discounted room rates and other benefits for volunteering. (See volunteer page for details.)
- How do I reserve a hotel room at the volunteer rate?
You must go to the volunteer link and follow instructions for volunteer sign up. All volunteer room reservations will be made by our volunteer coordinator Theo Burnes. There is no need to contact the hotel directly and we will NOT be able to reimburse reservations made through the hotel.
- Do I need to register for the conference if I am volunteering?
YES! Please follow registration link above and register for the conference NOW!
If you are a local San Diego volunteer who will not be staying in a discounted hotel room, register as "SD Coordinating Committee - Local Student Volunteer" to get your discount.
AND DON'T FORGET TO JOIN/RENEW YOUR AWP MEMBERSHIP when registering!
- How do I register?
Visit our registration page for details, or go directly to our registration site.
- Once I've registered, how do I go back and view my info?
Visit the account information page on the registration site.
- How much will it cost to register?
The registration fees are outlined on the registration page. Online registration will close on March 9; after that time, you will only be able to register onsite. In addition, one-day registration will only be available onsite.
- What if I have trouble registering online or prefer to register by mail?
If you have questions about the system, or prefer to register by mail, please contact Marie Thomas (mthomas@csusm.edu, 760-750-4157).
- What if I register but cannot attend?
Requests for refunds must be made to the Conference Registrar Marie Thomas by email (mthomas@csusm.edu) or in writing (AWP 2008, 3089-C Clairemont Drive #166, San Diego, CA 92117). Requests received by February 12 will be refunded at 80%; requests made between February 13 and February 29 will be refunded at 50%; no refunds will be made after this date. Only conference registration-related fees (not membership dues) will be refunded.
- Where can I find the conference schedule?
Please click schedule to view conference highlights and follow the link to search or browse the preliminary conference schedule.
- My presentation was accepted. Is AV equipment available?
If you requested AV at the time you submitted your proposal, your presentation will be in a room that is equipped with AV. The program committee worked very hard to accommodate all requests submitted. The program committee will contact you soon with details of what we need from you to set up the AV equipment for your presentation. Contact the Program Committee (program@awpsd.org) if you have additional questions or concerns.
- How much are the preconference workshops?
Half day workshops are $40 and full day workshops are $80, although there are discounts for the full day programs sponsored by the WOC Caucus and the Implementation Collective. There are also discounts for students at select workshops.
- What types of presentations have been proposed and accepted?
The conference program includes symposia, workshops, invited presentations, structured discussions, wellness activities, films, entertainment and other activities.
Pre-Conference Training & Workshops
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- 21st Century Racism and White Privilege
- Ethical Internet Use in Psychology: Professional Listservs & Online Therapy
- Fearless Speaking in Action: Empowering Our Voices
- Feminist Qualitative Research Methods: An Introductory Training
- Psychotherapy with African American Women: Psychological Diversity, Resilience & Vulnerability
- Teaching Cultural Competence in Mental Health
- The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Girls: Treatment, Advocacy and Public Policy
- The Common Clinical Problem of Adult Intimate Partner Violence: Learning How toIncorporate Routine Assessments into Your Practice
- The Multiple Ways in which We Experience, Identify, Resist and Cope with Racial Microaggressions in Professional Psychology Contexts
Continuing Education for Psychologists, MFTs and LCSWs! Earn 4 CE's for each half-day workshop! Sign up for any of these trainings that will enrich your work and help you meet your licensure requirements:
This program is cosponsored by Division 35 and the Association for Women in Psychology. Division 35 is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Division 35 maintains responsibility for the program.
UC-San Diego Psychological and Counseling Services, La Jolla, CA, is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to provide continuing education for MFTs and LCSWs (Provider #PCE 1115).
Accessibility & Special Needs
..............................Anyone needing special arrangements to accommodate a disability is encouraged to contact our Accessibility Coordinator Talissa Camacho (tcamacho@rohan.sdsu.edu) as soon as possible to discuss your needs and make advance arrangements.
The hotel is accessible and you should notify the hotel in advance to reserve an appropriate guest room to accommodate your needs.
Childcare
..............................Anyone needing childcare should contact the conference committee immediately (before February 29th) at conference@awpsd.org to allow us to determine demand and make arrangements.
Special Events
..............................Thursday evening Welcome Reception
Join us in the Atrium at 5:30 for appetizers, beverages, and good company. This will be a great way to get acquainted with new members and reconnect with old friends!
Friday Night Buffet & Entertainment
We are planning a night to remember with delicious food, spoken word, and local musicians that will get you moving! Stay tuned for more details....
Feminist Shabbat
The Feminist Shabbat will integrate sexuality and Jewish spirituality as well as incorporate songs, prayers and traditions from diverse Jewish communities within the U.S. and abroad. Everyone is welcome, especially participants who identify as queer, of color and/or those who want to explore ways to connect spiritual practice, gender, sexuality and race/ethnicity. Please bring photos, objects, or creative writing that you feel speak to your experiences of being “in the borderlands.”
For more information download the Feminist Shabbat flyer or e-mail Abby Gondek: abbygondek@yahoo.com.br
Coming Out Ceremony
The coming out ceremony celebrates individuals choosing to address a stigmatized or invisible aspect of their identity in a safe and supportive environment. The ceremony is a simple, powerful, and sacred event that includes both individuals coming out and supporters for their process. Individuals are welcome to come out about any aspect of their sexual orientation or gender, or about any aspect of their identity for which they would like community support. Please consider attending the ceremony, whether you would like to "come out" or support someone else in her or his coming out process.
Croning Ceremony
It's an AWP tradition to witness and celebrate members' life passages. The Croning Ceremony welcomes women who have reached their 50th year or beyond, who have entered menopause, retirement or other life-transitions that entitle them to name themselves Crone.. Let's join together in honoring our venerable Crones. Crones will share a memory, a quote, or a wish as wisdom for the younger generations.
Annual AWP Dance
You won't want to miss it! Saturday night, 9pm- Midnight, $10 per person, open to the public. DJ Tova Roth will be spinning your favorite tunes (email her now with your requests tovaroth@cox.net so we're sure to have something for everybody).
Wellness
Thursday, March 14th
...................7am :: Tai Qi with Susan Orlofsky (Wellness Room)
All levels welcome! Susan Orlofsky is a student of Chen-style Taiji-quan at the Taoist Sanctuary in San Diego, and is presently participating in the Teacher Training Program there. She has been an assistant instructor for beginning Chen Taiji-quan students for the past year and a half.
7am :: Run with Jessica Tartaro (meet in lobby)
Looking to start your morning with a little sweat and sunshine? Join Jessica Tartaro before the conference each day for a scenic, thirty minute run along a nearby canal, a well hidden secret tucked beneath the land of strip malls. Meet in the lobby at 7am starting Thursday for the short walk over to the start of the trail. (Please note: on Sunday meet at 7:30am)
Friday, March 15th
...................7am :: Tai Qi with Susan Orlofsky (Wellness Room)
7am :: Run with Jessica Tartaro (meet in lobby)
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10:45am-12:30pm :: Identity Altars with Sandra Pacheco (Wellness Suite)
This wellness activity will provide participants with the opportunity to construct their own identity altars. Materials will be provided for approximately 10 participants. However, participants are encouraged to bring small meaningful objects and images with them from home to create an even more personal and powerful expression. Additional participants are welcome. Box lunches will be available for $5.
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6pm :: AA meeting (Wellness Room)
Saturday, March 16th
...................7am :: Tai Qi with Susan Orlofsky (Wellness Room)
7am :: Run with Jessica Tartaro (meet in lobby)
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6pm :: AA meeting (Wellness Room)
Sunday, March 17th
...................7am :: Tai Qi with Susan Orlofsky (Wellness Room)
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7:30am ::Run with Jessica Tartaro (meet in lobby)
Chair massage will be strategically available onsite between conference events. Signup sheet will be available each morning.
Books and Crafts at the Conference
..............................Will there be books for sale at the conference?
Yes, several publishers have been invited to sell their books and we are working with a local bookstore to sell additional books onsite.
I'm an author! Will there be a book signing event?
Yes, there will be a book signing and wine and cheese reception on Saturday 5-7pm in the Atrium. Contact Abbie Padgett for more info (apadgett1@san.rr.com).
How do I ensure that my books will be for sale?
All conference presenters will receive an email from the program committee with details regarding how to ensure that their titles are available for sale at the conference. Check back for updates or contact Abbie with questions (see above).
Will there be other items for sale at the conference?
Yes, we will be selling conference souvenirs (T-shirts, mugs, etc.) and local craftswomen will be onsite selling their wares, so bring your cash and checkbooks (a few vendors may also take credit cards) and enjoy shopping!
Hospitality
..............................For more information on Hospitality, download the Hospitality Resource Flyer.
The Hotel
Hilton San Diego Mission Valley (This hotel is 100% nonsmoking).
901 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, California 92108
Tel: 1-619-543-9000 Fax: 1-619-543-9358Amenities & Services available: Audio/Visual Equipment Rental, Business Center, Express Mail, Fax, Modem, Photo Copying Service, Printer, Cribs, High chairs, Vacation Station, ATM, Baggage Storage, Car Rental Desk, Concierge Desk, Guest Activity/Recreation Desk, Laundry/Valet Service, Local Area Transportation, Lounge, Luggage Hold, Multi-Lingual Staff, News Stand, Room Service, Safety Deposit Box, Fitness Room, Pool, Sight Seeing Tours
Airport transit
From Interstate 8 East to the Mission Center Road exit. Turn right going south at light at the end of the off ramp. Then turn right on Camino Del Rio South. Hotel is on the left side.
From Interstate 8 West to the Mission Center Road exit. Turn left on Camino del Rio North towards Mission Center Road. Turn left on Mission Center Road going south, then turn right on Camino Del Rio South. Hotel is on the left side.
From LINDBERGH FIELD
Distance from hotel: 6 mi. Drive time: 10 min.
Directions: I-5 NORTH TO I-8 EAST, EXIT MISSION CTR RD, TURN RIGHT ONTO CAMINO DEL RIO SOUTH, HOTEL ON LEFT SIDE.
Transportation Options from Lindbergh Field:
Type = Super Shuttle, Typical Minimum Charge = 11.50 USD
Type = Taxi, Typical Minimum Charge = 17.00 USDWeather
The city of San Diego is located on San Diego Bay in the southwest corner of southern California. The prevailing winds and weather are tempered by the Pacific Ocean, with the result that summers are cool and winters warm in comparison with other places along the same general latitude.
A marked feature of the climate is the wide variation in temperature within short distances. In nearby valleys, daytimes are much warmer and nights much cooler. Daily temperature ranges only about 15 degrees between the highest and lowest readings; while a few miles inland the ranges increase to 30 degrees or more. Eighty-five percent of the rainfall occurs from November to March, but wide variations take place in monthly & seasonal totals.
As on the rest of the Pacific Coast, a dominant characteristic of spring is nighttime & early morning cloudiness. Low clouds form regularly and frequently extend inland over the coastal valleys & foothills, but usually dissipate during the morning, with afternoons generally clear. Thunderstorms are rare, averaging about three a year in the city. Visibilities are good as a rule. The sunshine is plentiful for a marine location with a marked increase towards the interior.
Excerpted from the ISMCS Station Climatic Narrative for San Diego.
What to expect in March:
In some years, winter rains extend into these months. In others it's reasonably dry. Spring-blooming trees and flowers are at their best. Bring a mid-weight jacket, long-sleeved shirts, &/or a sweater—layer with short sleeves.
For more information on Hospitality, download the Hospitality Resource Flyer.