FAQ and General Info

What airport do I fly into?
The Rochester area is served by two airports: The Rochester International Airport (RST) and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). See the Travel and Lodging page for more information.

How far is Rochester from Minneapolis?
80 miles.

Does the Kahler Grand Hotel have shuttle service from the airport?
No; however, you can arrange for a shuttle from both the Rochester International Airport and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Check out the Travel and Lodging page for more info.

What car rental companies serve the Rochester area?
Rochester International Airport - Car rental agencies located in the terminal building.
Avis: (507) 288-5655, (800) 331-1212
Budget: (507) 252-5055, (800) 527-0700
Enterprise: (507) 289-3366, (800) 736-8222
Hertz: (507) 288-2244, (800) 654-3131
Thrifty: (507) 252-5045, (800), 847-4389

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport - Car rental agencies located in both terminals.
Alamo: (800) 327-9633
Avis: (800) 831-2847
Budget: (800) 527-0700
Dollar: (800) 800-4000
Enterprise: (800) 325-8007
Hertz: (800) 654-3131
National: (800) 227-7368
Lindbergh Terminal*
On-airport rental car counters at the Lindbergh Terminal are located on the second and third levels between the Blue and Red parking ramps. Passengers can take the underground tram to the Blue and Red parking ramps and then take an elevator to the second or third floor.
Humphrey Terminal*
At the Humphrey Terminal, on-airport rental car counters are located in the Ground Transport Center on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp directly across from the terminal building.
*All on-airport rental car companies have counters at both terminals.

How far is it to the Kahler Grand from the airports?
Situated in the heart of downtown Rochester, Minn.; convenient to Highway 52 and 63 as well as Interstate 90, and just 6.1 miles from Rochester International Airport (RST). The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is 80 miles away.

Do I have to pay for my spouse to come to the conference?
Spouses have to pay the registration fee only if they attend official conference functions--meals, hospitality suites, Breakout Day, Shooting Progam, workshops. If they are coming to Rochester, but will not be participating in any conference activities, they do not have to register.

What should I wear?
Casual clothes (shorts, jeans, slacks) to all functions except the awards ceremony. For awards dinner, dress pants (khakis are fine) and dress shirt; tie and sports jacket are optional.

Are there any airline discounts?
TBA

Are there spouse activities?
A spouse welcome party will take place on Thursday, a spouse tea on Sunday and spouse tours will be available throughout the conference. A separate room will be reserved for spouses who wish to meet.

Can I bring my children?
Yes, but children under 18 are not allowed to attend any conference functions.

Babysitting
Babysitting services are available for members who bring their children to conference. Please make arrangments with the Kahler Grand as they can provide you with additional information and pricing.

Board Meetings
OWAA board of directors’ meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, June 9, at 8:30 a.m., and Sunday, June 13, at 1:13 p.m. Members may attend as silent observers.

General Attendance Policy
Conferenc attendence is restricted to individual members and supporting groups, spouses and guests. Conference attendees wearing green ribbons on their badges are first-timers; pleas make them feel welcome. Children may attend workshops if supervised by parents, but they may not attend Registration Day Displays, Breakout Day Shooting Program, sponsored meals, receptions or hospitality suites. All registrants must be at least 18 years of age.

Hospitality Suites
Supporter hospitality suites will be open from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You will receive a schedule at registration.

Hotel Parking
The Kahler Grand Hotel will provide attendees with complimentary parking in the adjacent Kahler Grand parking ramp and Center Street City Parking Ramp. One vehicle per room.

Miscellany
Bring plenty of business cards; you’ll need them. Personal messages, conference information, etc. will be displayed on a bulletin board near the registration area. Some Supporters conduct prize drawings; entrants must abide by drawing rules. Failure to do so may be a violation of the OWAA Code of Ethics.

Photo Critique Session
Have OWAA’s most discerning eyes critique your photos. Critics will discuss strengths, weaknesses and photo publish-ability. Information is forthcoming. To inquire, please contact krhoades@owaa.org.

Roommates
OWAA headquarters is keeping a list of OWAA members interested in sharing a room at the Rochester conference. Contact headquarters at (406) 728-7434 or email rginer@owaa.org.

Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest
Request and pick up rules and subject matter at the OWAA registration desk. Using your own digital camera, take one photo of each of the five pre-selected assignments, have editors critique your entries (anonymously) and maybe win a prize donated by our supporters. Shots are due midday Saturday. Entries are critiqued at a screening on Sunday, June 13.

Special Rooms Assigned
Working Press Room: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Literature Room: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Materials and press kits supplied by supporters will be available Thursday through noon Sunday.
Interview Room: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A schedule will be posted. Please pencil in appointment times.
Spouse lounge: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weather
During mid-June, Rochester experiences temperatures ranging from the mid to high 70s and lows in 50s.

What to Wear
Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes to the opening dinner, workshops and outdoor activities (Breakout/Shooting Programs). Evening meals are an opportunity to dress up. Business-casual attire is suggested as a minimum.