Advanced Photonics Congress
17 June - 21 June 2012, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Housing and Travel
Welcome to Colorado Springs!
Experience much more than just the Congress!
Home to Pikes Peak Colorado Springs, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, Garden of the Gods Park, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, Royal Gorge Bridge, Seven Falls, Flying W Ranch, and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs has more than enough to offer the adventurous visitor. Defense, High-Tech, and Tourism are the city's main industries.
Visit the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau website for coupons and information on Colorado Springs.
For those looking to relax, the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, home to the Advanced Photonics Congress, has pools, spas, tennis courts, an 18-hole golf course, and many other amenities designed to let you take a break.
Travel
Weather
The climate is semi-arid, with 300 days of sunshine annually and the first snow of the year in September.
It is located over one mile (1.6 km) above sea level.
June Weather in Colorado Springs
Average High Temperature: 79 °F (26°C)
Average Low Temperature: 51 °F (11°C)
Average Rainfall: 2.34 inches (59.44 mm)
Current weather predictions
Electricity:
Standard 120v/60Hz voltage electricity is used in hotels.
Currency:
The local currency is the US Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted; VISA and MASTERCARD are the most popular. Traveler's checks are accepted at currency exchanges or banks, but are not as widely accepted. For the latest currency exchange click here.
Letters of Invitation
The visa application process to enter the United States has become subjected to greater degrees of scrutiny. For this reason, the application process can take up to six months or more. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible, but no later than three months before you wish to enter the United States. Invitation letters take management 7–10 days to process.
One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview which is now required for most applicants as a standard part of the visa processing. Once it is known that a visa is necessary for travel the individual needs to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for screening.
For detailed information about applying for a visa refer to the Department of State website and the National Academies International Visitor Office website.
Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas may submit their request by one of the following methods:
- Apply Online
- Fax: +1 202.416.6100
- Mail
Renewable Energy OPC
c/o OSA, Meetings Dept.
2010 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036
All those requesting letters of invitation should provide the following information:
(When requesting letters for more than one individual, please include all the following information for each person.)
- First name
- Family name (as in passport)
- Job title
- Date of birth
- Your complete mailing address
- Your phone and fax numbers
- Passport number
- Date of passport issue
- Date of passport expiration
- If you are presenting a paper, include the title and the session in which that paper will be presented
- If you are exhibiting, please indicate that in your request
- Individuals from China should include the gender of each person requesting an invitation letter
- Indicate which meeting you will be attending
All letters of invitation will be sent by airmail or by fax unless a Federal Express account number or credit card number with expiration date is provided on the original request. Please allow ample time for processing requests. Requests can take up to 7 days to process. OSA is not able to contact Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend an OSA meeting.
There are 27 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. If your country is on this list, and you are traveling to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less with a valid passport that meets U.S. requirements, and the listed conditions do not apply to you, you do NOT need a visa. Otherwise, you need to obtain a visa. Click here for a passport requirements timeline.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
As of 12 January 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security though a U.S. government website.
Register Online for entry to the United States
Visa Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions
Hotel Reservations
Mark your calendar!
Housing Deadline: 20 May 2012
Reservations will be accepted in February 2012. Continue to check back for more information.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road
Colorado Springs, CO80906
Tucked away quietly amid breathtaking vistas awaits 316 finely appointed guest rooms and suites arranged in eight residential lodges across Cheyenne Mountain Resort. Surrounded by extraordinary mountain backdrops and picturesque views, each room has been designed to provide the ultimate escape from the everyday. Modern amenities and supreme comfort are perfectly paired with an understated Rocky Mountain inspired décor for the ideal setting for rest and relaxation.
Room Rates:
Rates will be honored 3 days prior and post conference dates
Single/Double |
US$169 |
Extra Person |
US$10 |
Resort Fee |
US$8 |
Stay within the block!
If you book within the block, the following services are included in your resort fee to make your stay more enjoyable
- Parking, either Self or Valet
- Fitness classes
- Outdoor tennis
- Boating and fishing (seasonal)
- Wireless internet access in guestrooms and public areas
- Bell and Room Attendant gratuities
- 800 and Local call access
- Newspaper and in-room coffee and tea
- Fitness Center and Aquatics access and parking
Check-in: 1:00 p.m.
Check-out: 3:00 p.m.
Hotel Dining
Golf Course
Recreational Activities
Area Attractions
Transportation
Area Airport
Colorado Springs is served by the Colorado Springs Airport (COS). It is approximately 20 minutes from the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. COS is served by 10 commercial airlines and their affiliates, offering 120 daily flights. Another option is the Denver International Airport (DEN), located approximately an hour from the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. DEN is served by 15 commercial airlines and their affiliates.
Airline Discount
For your convenience, OSA management has arranged discounted air travel with the American Airlines. You may visit the American Airlines website at www.aa.com to search for available flights and use the authorization code A7532AX to receive your discount. You may also call the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk directly at 1 800.433.1790 for assistance with reservations and ticket purchases.
Shuttles
Super Shuttle
SuperShuttle is the nation's leading shared-ride airport shuttle, providing door-to-door ground transportation and provides service to and from 28 major airports in 23 cities. Service is available at Denver International Airport (DEN), but not at Colorado Springs Airport (COS). Super Shuttle is pleased to offer a discount to participants attending the Advanced Photonics Congress. Please refer to code FY4VN. Discounted reservations may be made on the Super Shuttle website or by phone at 1 800.BLUE VAN (258.3826).
A shuttle service provide by the resort is available from COS for approximately US $30 per person roundtrip or US $18 per person one-way.
Taxi
A one-way taxi from COS to the Cheyenne Mountain Resort is approximately US $25.
Yellow Cab: +1 719.634.5000
Spring Cab: +1 719.444.8989
Rental Cars
A selection of rental cars is available from Colorado Springs Airport and Denver International Airport.
Rental Discount
Avis Rent-a-Car is pleased to offer low rates with unlimited mileage to participants attending OSA Optics and Photonics Congresses. For reservations call 1 800.331.1600 or consult the worldwide telephone directory and refer to Avis Worldwide Discount #D004076. Reservations may also be made on the Avis website.
Driving Directions to Cheyenne Mountain Resort
From Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
- Go west on Mark Proby Pkwy approximately 3 miles to Academy Blvd.
- Turn left on Academy and stay in the left-hand lane.
- Follow Academy approximately 4 miles to Highway 115.
- Exit north at Highway 115.
- Proceed approximately one mile to Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.
- Turn left on Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. and go one block to Broadmoor Valley Rd.
- Turn left and go three blocks to Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
From I-25
- Exit 138 - Circle Drive.
- Turn West (toward the mountains).
- Two miles to Highway 115 South - Canon City.
- Continue under the overpass and LEFT turn onto ramp.
- First traffic light, Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard, turn RIGHT.
- Take the first LEFT, Broadmoor Valley Road - (Resort's sign on the corner).
- One half mile to Cheyenne Mountain Resort - Main Entrance on the LEFT.
Other driving directions can be calculated from MapQuest.
Parking
Complimentary self-parking and valet-parking is available in a secure outdoor lot at the resort.
