FAQs
What airport do I fly into?
Fairbanks is serviced by the Fairbanks International Airport. As a jumping-off point for RV or train trips, attendees could consider flying into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Anchorage is approximately 360 miles (7-8 hours by RV or 12 hours by scenic train) from Fairbanks, so please be aware of additional transportation costs and time when considering flights into Anchorage. See Travel and Lodging for more information.
How far is Chena Hot Springs Resort from the Fairbanks International Airport?
60 miles, approximately 90 minutes.
Does Chena Hot Springs Resort have shuttle service from the airport?
Discounted shuttles between Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs Resort will be arranged Monday, Sept. 3, and Friday, Sept. 7, at a rate of $50 roundtrip. Fairbanks pick-up/drop-off points will be Fairbanks International Airport, the Fairbanks train depot and the Fairbanks CVB. For shuttle transportation outside of these dates, standard Chena shuttle prices will apply. To arrange a shuttle, please contact Jessica Pollett at jpollett@owaa.org or 406-728-7434 with arrival and departure information.
What car rental companies serve the Fairbanks International Area?
Car rental facilities are located on the first floor of the terminal building.
- Alamo/National 801-575-2277
- Avis 907-474-0900
- Budget 907-474-0855
- Dollar 907-451-4360
- Hertz 907-452-4444
- Payless Car Rental 907-474-0177
Be sure to visit the member discounts page for a list of car rental discounts available to OWAA members.
Do I have to pay for my spouse or family to come to the conference?
Since we are taking over the entire facility at Chena Hot Springs Resort, the ONLY dining option on-site will be at scheduled conference meals. Therefore, all individuals staying at Chena Hot Spring will need to register for conference so that they can attend meals. Alternatively, we are also making arrangements to accommodate spouses, families and guests at a single hotel in Fairbanks where there will be a much wider range of dining and recreation opportunities. Fairbanks CVB has already arranged a group rate at a quaint lodge outside Fairbanks with access to wildlife viewing and hiking trails as well as space for crafting and other group activities. Their office will work to develop specific outings and activities for spouses and families based upon interest and provide transportation opportunities for exploring Fairbanks and the surrounding area. For more information about spouse and family arrangements, please contact Jessica Pollett at jpollett[at]owaa.org or 406-728-7434.
What should I wear?
Casual (shorts, jeans, slacks) clothes to all functions except the awards ceremony. For the Awards dinner we recommend dress pants (khakis are fine) and a dress shirt, tie and sports jacket are optional. Temperatures tend to get down into the 30s and 40s at night in Fairbanks by September, so be sure to bring jackets and cold weather accessories such as hats and mittens. Snow is unlikely in early September, but possible.
Are there any airline discounts?
We will be working with the Fairbanks CVB to negotiate some kind of airline discount. More information will be provided if available. For more tips on how to save money on flights to Alaska, read “Fly free to Fairbanks” by Peter Schroeder.
Are there spouse activities?
Yes. Given the remote location of Chena Hot Springs Resort, alternative accommodations for spouses, partners, families and guests are also available in Fairbanks. Fairbanks will offer a wider range of dining, recreation and transportation options for attendees and the Fairbanks CVB will be able to coordinate a broader range of spousal programming out of Fairbanks, such as native craft workshops, birding tours, riverboat rides, museum tours or day trips to North Pole. We will also coordinate a day trip up to Chena Hot Springs Resort on Thursday, Sept. 6, so attendees can experience the range of activities available at Chena, including the hot springs, horse andATV rides, sled dog kennels tours and more. For more information on activities and accommodations for our 2012 conference, view the spouse, partner, family and guest agenda.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, families and children are welcome at conference, though children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent at all conference functions.
GENERAL INFO
Babysitting
Babysitting services are not available through Chena Hot Springs Resort, but may be able to be arranged out of Fairbanks, especially for families staying in Fairbanks. To dicuss any childcare needs, please contact jpollett[at]owaa.org.
Board Meetings
OWAA board of directors’ meetings are scheduled for Monday, Sept. 3, at 9 a.m., and Thursday, Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. Members may attend as silent observers.
General Attendance Policy
Conference attendance is restricted to registered individual members and supporting groups, spouses and guests. Conference attendees wearing green ribbons on their badges are first-timers; please make them feel welcome. Children may attend workshops if supervised by parents, but they may not attend Demo Day, the Shooting Program, or hospitality suites.
Hospitality Suites
Supporter hospitality suites will be open from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. You will receive a detailed schedule at registration.
Hotel Parking
Ample complimentary parking is available at Chena for cars. Numerous self-sustaining RV spaces are available for $40/day.
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.
Roommates
Due to limitations on hotel beds, OWAA will be handling ALL reservations and all attendees will be REQUIRED to share hotel rooms with at least one other guest. Attendees rooming with spouses or other family meet the 2 person per room requirement and will not be required to share with other attendees, but we would be happy to pair you with another couple if you would be willing. We will be taking roommate requests and we will also have a number of alternative lodging options for adventurous guests, including heated wall tents, yurts or RVs. The beds at the Resort will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. To discuss your lodging preferences and make arrangements, please contact Jessica Pollett at jpollett[at]owaa.org or 406-728-7434.
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 Wednesday. Entries are critiqued at a screening during the conference. Screening tentatively scheduled for Thursday Sept. 6, 4:30 p.m.
Special Rooms Assigned
- Working Press Room. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Activity Center.
Weather
Average temperatures in Fairbanks range from daytime highs in the 50s to overnight lows in the 30s in September, so be prepared with warm weather clothing and bring a jackets and multiple layers of clothing. While snow is unlikely in the early weeks of September, it is a possibility and for attendees planning to stay in Alaska post-conference, winter weather becomes more likely.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable shoes and casual clothes to the opening dinner, workshops and outdoor activities (demo/shooting programs). Evening meals are an opportunity to dress up. Business-casual attire is suggested as a minimum for the Awards dinner on Thursday night.
