If you wish to speak with someone about the Weekend, perhaps to get a firsthand account of “what it’s really like,” we will be happy to fax, e-mail or mail you a telephone list of some Renaissance Weekend veterans who have volunteered to answer such general questions.  If you have other questions not answered here, please contact Renaissance Weekend by fax at 843-577-2250 or e-mail at Register@Renwkd.org.  We appreciate your understanding the need to communicate with us by fax, mail and e-mail rather than by telephone.  This facilitates prompt responses, ensures the accuracy of our records, and enables us to coordinate all details more efficiently. 

If your plans change over the coming weeks, please advise us by e-mail or fax with any questions or concerns you may have.  All lodging inquiries should be directed to Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa at the number noted below.  During the Summer Weekend, you can reach us through the operator at the Resort.  That number and other useful contact information follow:

All Renaissance Weekend® panel discussions are strictly “off-the-record,” which has been the policy since the first Weekend in 1981.  A participant’s express permission is required for quotes or attribution, although no restriction is placed on participants using their own Renaissance remarks elsewhere.  Media references may be made only to topics and discussion themes or to general descriptions of the gathering.  Journalists are requested not to seek interviews with fellow participants so as not to distract them from family time, recreation or participation in discussions. 

Any commercial use of lists of Renaissance Weekend participants is absolutely prohibited.  Because of media attention and a proliferation of similar events in recent years, trademark protection has been secured for Renaissance Weekend®, Renaissance Institute®, Renaissance Academy®, Camp Renaissance® and other traditional Renaissance Weekend topics and terms.  Any use of these and related phrases must be authorized by the Renaissance Institute.

 Renaissance Weekend materials are not for distribution or discussion with the media or any individuals not in attendance.

Transfer of Registration from the Labor Day Weekend to any of the next four Renaissance Weekends may be possible, without penalty, if notice is received in writing by August 16, 2007, and if space is available.

Thanksgiving        Kiawah Island, South Carolina        November 21 – 25, 2007
New Years’            Charleston, South Carolina              Dec. 28, 2007 – Jan. 1, 2008
Presidents’ Day    Santa Barbara, California                February 14 – 18, 2008
July 4^th                   Deer Valley/Park City, Utah           July 2 – 6, 2008

Registration opens on Thursday, August 30 at 2:00 p.m.  (Help with Registration is most welcome from early arrivals, who are encouraged to notify the Renaissance Weekend staff of their availability.)  The first program begins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.  Please note that some Committees—including Music, Fun & Sizzle and Proctors & Moderators—meet between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.  In addition to obtaining materials at the Renaissance Weekend Registration Desk, participants will need to check in separately with the Monterey Plaza Hotel.

The final program ends by noon on Monday, September 3.  More specific advance information will be provided in the Tentative Program and other materials sent to all registered participants in August.

Participants are encouraged to arrive early or extend their stay to enjoy Monterey and nearby Carmel.  Stated room rates and privileges apply three days prior and three days post program dates (subject to certain limitations and availability).  Check with the Hotel and, as always, request “Renaissance Weekend Group Reservations.”  Please advise us of your flight information or arrival/departure time as soon as it is confirmed.

Monterey’s weather in late August/early September can range from the 60’s to the mid 70’s though you are urged to check weather reports shortly in advance of the Weekend.  Dress during the day is informal — “resort casual.”

Young people are welcome at all functions.  Most teens and college students participate in the regularly-scheduled activities.  In addition, they have designated gathering places and their own activities and discussions.  Teens and college students are usually placed on panels reflective of their interests, according to the information provided on the Participant Profile.   

Participants are assigned roles in the program based on the information provided on the Participant Profiles Form included with your invitation.  Thus, it is most important to submit your completed form as early as possible.

Most afternoons (from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) will be set aside for personal and family recreation.  “Launch an ocean kayak from the beach adjacent to the Hotel, play a round of world-class golf, or skate along a picturesque recreation trail.  Sail, whale watch or scuba dive in the protected marine sanctuary of Monterey Bay.  Walk to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Old Town Monterey, or the Maritime Museum.  Carmel, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive and Big Sur are just a short, scenic drive away.”  All of this and more can be arranged through the Hotel concierge (831-646-1700, extension 5310).  In addition, the following websites will provide additional information regarding activities in and around Monterey: