Renaissance Weekend

Dramatically perched over Monterey Bay, the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa combines elegant European architecture, wide-sweeping coastal views and sophisticated style to create the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the gentle sounds of the surf, the fresh scent of sea air and the sight of otters at play.

The Monterey Plaza's central location on Cannery Row makes it easy to enjoy the area's many attractions and activities, including the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium just three blocks away. The range of activities and attractions nearby is nearly limitless. Launch an ocean kayak from the Hotel's beach, play a round of golf at one of 19 championship courses, go sailing, whale watch or scuba dive in the protected marine sanctuary of Monterey Bay. Walk to Fisherman's Wharf, Old Town Monterey or the Maritime Museum, or take a scenic drive to Carmel, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive or Big Sur.

The Program

PANELS

The Weekend is comprised of hundreds of programs in which participants with in-depth knowledge reflect off-the-record on a wide variety of current issues. Lively discussion by all participants is encouraged, and the tone is decidedly relaxed and family-oriented. Afternoons are set aside for recreation, and all participants are encouraged to come and go as they like.

Because panel assignments are not completed until just before the event, the Final Program is only available at Registration, which begins at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 1. (However, a Tentative Draft Program will be sent by e-mail to all registered lead participants mid-August.)

Participants are assigned roles in the program based on the information provided on the PARTICIPANT PROFILES page of your on-line registration or, if requested, on the equivalent printed form. Thus, it is most important to complete your Profile online as early as possible.

Camp Renaissance / Teens / College Students

CHILDREN

Camp Renaissance is an action-packed program tailored for children ages 3-12.  Typical children’s programs include hands-on experiments, indoor and outdoor games, nature walks, musical performances, story-telling and arts & crafts projects. These activities are organized by the Camp Renaissance Counselors, with involvement from adult Renaissance participants whose experiences are of interest to young people. The children’s program runs concurrently with the adult program, and thus does not provide full-time child care. Camp-related costs are included in the children’s Registration Fees for the Weekend.

Younger Children:  There is no organized program or child care provided for children under the age of three.  However, younger children are welcome at Camp Renaissance programs when accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.  Participants should make arrangements for babysitters at least three weeks prior to arrival at the Weekend by calling the concierge at the Monterey Plaza Hotel (831-646-1700, extension 5310) for assistance.  To maximize enjoyment of the full program, families with young children are encouraged to bring a baby-sitter/“au pair.”  While there is no Registration Fee for such individuals, they are to be registered for Meals at the Children’s rate.  It is understood that they are attending solely for child care and that, if practical, they will assist periodically with Camp Renaissance.  Baby-sitters/“au pairs” are free to attend programs and panel discussions designed specifically for Camp Renaissance participants.

TEENS & COLLEGE STUDENTS

Young people are welcome at all functions. Most teens and college students participate in the regularly-scheduled activities. In addition, they often 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 PROFILES.

The final agenda (available at Registration) will note programs especially for teens, other panels designed with teens in mind, and details for additional teen gatherings.

College students have traditionally integrated themselves into the adult program while also creating a strong bond during a few programs planned specifically for them.

Parents are expected to oversee their children’s and teens’ comings and goings throughout the Weekend. Renaissance Institute and Renaissance Weekend staff can assume no liability regarding children or teens.

Sports & Recreational Activities

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:

• www.montereyinfo.org
• www.monterey.com
• Wine Tasting
• Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association
• A Taste Of Monterey
• Adventures By The Sea
• Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
• Championship Golf Courses
• World Class Tennis
• Pebble Beach & Tennis Club
• Carmel Valley Racquet Club
• Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club
• Spanish Bay Club
• Monterey Tennis Center At Jack's Park
• Monterey Bay Sailing
• Monterey Bay Cruises
• Monterey Dive Spots
• Additional Activities

Golf tee times may be made at one of the Monterey area’s world-renowned courses. For a list of courses and contact information, please visit http://www.montereyinfo.org/page/monterey_golf.

The Fitness Center at the Monterey Plaza Hotel is available to all Hotel guests from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Use of the Fitness Center is included in the $25.00 per day resort fee.  The Monterey Sports Center is a full family recreation and fitness facility located a few blocks away on East Franklin Street.  Adult day passes are $6.50.

Spa services are available at the Monterey Plaza. For additional information please visit www.montereyplazahotel.com/spa.html. You may call 800-334-3999 for spa reservations.

Transportation & Rental Cars

Discount airfares (sometimes better than internet fares) and information regarding travel to Hilton Head Island are available from Abbott & Hill Travel at (843) 971-0170.  For reservations, ask for Ted Walker and refer to Renaissance Weekend.

A rental car is not necessary. However, if you are driving to Monterey, driving directions are available at www.montereyplazahotel.com/directions.html.  Parking is included in the $25.00 per day resort fee.

Shuttle Service is available from San Francisco or San Jose:  For those arriving or departing through airports in San Francisco or San Jose, the Monterey-Salinas Airbus offers round trip shuttle service.  For rates and schedule information visit www.montereyairbus.com, or call (831-373-7777.  Reservations are required.

It is essential that you advise BOTH the hotel and Renaissance Weekend if you must cancel at any time! (Otherwise, you may not be eligible for applicable refunds.)

Starting & Ending Times

Registration opens on Thursday, September 1 at 4:00 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 5. More specific advance information will be provided in the Tentative Program and other materials sent to all registered lead participants in mid-August.

Arrivals & Departures

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.

Weather & Dress

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 (www.weather.com) shortly in advance of the Weekend.  During the Weekend, dress is informal, “resort casual.”  Jeans are acceptable for day-time programs; men typically wear jackets for dinners.

Meals

Conversation over meals is an important part of the Weekend, and it is assumed that all guests will participate in the Common Meals. (Thus, only children under age three are not charged for Common Meals.)

Meals On-Your-Own: Saturday’s dinner and Sunday’s lunch will be “on-your-own,” providing you with the opportunity to experience and enjoy Monterey’s world-class restaurant offerings. For recommendations and reservations, please contact the Hotel concierge at (831-646-1700, extension 5310).

Cancellation Policies

Registration Fees will be refunded for cancellations received in writing (via fax, e-mail or mail) by Renaissance Weekend as noted below. Registrants who cancel in time to receive a full refund will nonetheless incur a $250 processing fee.

• Maximum Refund: Before July 1, 2009 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• 50% Refund: July 1, 2009 – July 30, 2009 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• 25% Refund: July 31, 2009 – August 16, 2009 (Less $250 Processing Fee)
• No Refund: After August 16, 2009

Common Meals and Meeting Service Charges can only be refunded if written cancellation is received by Renaissance Weekend on or before August 16, 2009. Because “head counts” are guaranteed in advance of the Weekend, there is no refund for meals or meeting service charges after August 16, 2009. Nor can there be reductions of charges for early departures or absence from meals.

Lodging deposits, refunds and payments are handled in accordance with the Monterey Plaza Hotel’s policy, as noted on the LODGING FORM. (Deposits will be refunded if cancellation is received 48 hours or more in advance of arrival.)

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, 2009, and if space is available:

It is essential that you advise BOTH the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa and Renaissance Weekend if you must cancel at any time! (Otherwise, you may not be eligible for applicable refunds.)