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FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
2010
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2010 |
The Pacific Astronomy and Telescope Show premiered in September of 2008 with large crowds of amateur astronomers enjoying dozens of presenters, exhibitors, and vendors. Not all details for 2010 have been finalized. But here are some of
the answers to your questions.
If you have corrections, better information, or more questions, please contact clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org.
Check back occasionally for updates. This information was last updated at noon, August 9, 2010.
Who, What, Why, When , and Where
How can I get tickets for my local club to sell?
Do I need to "register" as an attendee?
What will the presentation schedule look like?
Are we looking for volunteers for presentations?
Are there other presentations going on (in addition to formal speakers)?
What are the details on the Mt. Wilson Tour?
What are the details on the Brian Warner "Measuring the Universe" Workshop?
What are the details on the reduced-price club tickets?
What are the details on the club tables/chairs at the event?
May clubs register for a booth?
Can a club or Astro-Organization schedule a meeting or presentation around or during PATS?
What space is available for Vendors?
How do I reserve Vendor Exhibition Space?
Is there space for vendor demonstrations?
What time can we set up and take down?
ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
Where, specifically, is the conference center?
How about RV's, trailers, and Motor Homes?
Where are the nearest airports?
Will there still be an RTMC Astronomy Expo?
When will the Door Prizes be handed out?
Who, What, Why, When, and Where?
PATS will bring together dozens of exhibitors, clubs, and presenters to a downtown setting for a weekend of astro-related activities. This is an opportunity to share our hobby and science with each other and to people new to astronomy. This happens on September 18 and 19 at the Pasadena Center (300 E Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101), a modern facility easily accessible from throughout Southern California and the country. The exhibit hall will be open from 9:00 to 5:00 on Saturday, and from 9:00 to 3:00 on Sunday. Speakers and presenters from the ranks of space explorers, national astronomy-related organizations, and well-known authors will be sharing their experiences both days. Related events, like the Riverside Astro-Imaging Workshop, will take place during the weekend. The facility can hold about eighty vendor booths and thousands of attendees.
On the day of the event at the box office a ticket will cost $20.00 per day. A discount of about 15 per cent is available for early-purchase and for "weekend pass" purchases. Youth (15 and under) accompanied by a paid adult are admitted free without ticket on the day of event. Students (16 and over with a current valid student ID) may purchase tickets for $5.00. (An additional approximately 5% Pasadena Facilities Restoration Fee is added to these prices.) Ticketmaster fees are added to ticket prices for purchases at those outlets. Clubs may set their own price for tickets if they are participating in the club ticket program. (See Club Information for details on club purchases.) New for 2010 is a "Happy Hour" after 3:00 Saturday, and 1:00 Sunday, when admission will be half price.
RTMC itself does not sell tickets to individuals. Tickets are available from:
Your Local Astronomy Club ( contact clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org if your club is not yet participating.)
As part of a package with registration for the Riverside Astro-Imaging Workshop
Pasadena Box Office (310 E Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101, (626) 449 7360 in person or by self-addressed, stamped envelope.
How can I get tickets for my local club to sell?
Your club may buy discount tickets and re-sell them to members at the price they choose as a fund raiser, or for other purposes. Participating clubs will be selling tickets at meetings, through their websites and newsletters, or in other ways. See the Club Information section here for more information or clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org to participate.
Pre purchase your ticket (click here for where to buy tickets) before coming to the event, or purchase at the door on the day of event. All tickets are identical, allowing admission for either Saturday or Sunday. Bring your ticket to the Pavilion entrance, and exchange it for a hand stamp. The hand stamp allows admission for that day to all presentations, and to the exhibit hall.
A "Weekend Pass" consists of two tickets, one for Saturday and one for Sunday. Such passes are available only at the Box Office or Ticketmaster. Club tickets can be used either Saturday or Sunday. So, if you are purchasing for both days from a club, you simply purchase two tickets.
Refund policies are set by the organization (Ticketmaster, Pasadena Center Box Office, or club) where you purchase your ticket.
Do I need to "register" as an attendee?
No. As an attendee, simply purchase a ticket and exchange it for a hand stamp at the door. We do not need your name or other "registration." Registration is required only for clubs or vendors requesting space in the exhibition hall (In which case see Vendor/Club Registration ).
What will the presentation schedule look like?
We have reserved a set of rooms for large and small presentations. Saturday includes (in this order) Alex Filippenko, Bob Naeye, Wolfgang Promper, and Gary Palmer. Sunday includes Dave Doody, Dave Jurasevich, and Geoff Marcy. Brian Warner will conduct a Workshop Saturday morning (see here) and Bryan Cogdell will have one Saturday afternoon (see here). Our detailed schedule is not yet finalized.
Are we looking for volunteers for presentations?
We are still open to product demonstrations from interested vendors. Time will be reserved for you in the meeting halls. In general, however, we are not looking for other presenters at this point. This will not be like RTMC Astronomy Expo where we solicit volunteers throughout the astronomical community to make the presentations. Nevertheless, if you are a vendor, or would like to make a presentation, or your astro group or astronomical point of interest would like to schedule an additional meeting or event surrounding PATS, please contact Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org ).
Are there other presentations going on (in addition to formal speakers)?
The Riverside Astroimaging Workshop will take place on Friday, September 17, and requires a separate registration (see patsimage.org). That program will feature two strands: General and Advanced.
There will be a large public outreach on Paseo Colorado, the beautiful shopping mall next to the convention center on Friday and Saturday nights. This will include the Astronomy Outreach Foundation, local clubs, and others. Please contact Alex McConahay clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org to help in this effort.
In addition, we will have solar telescopes on display outside the exhibition hall. Several vendors will have product demonstrations in a more formal setting than their booths. We will set aside meeting rooms and schedule such events. If your astro group or astronomical point of interest would like to schedule an additional event surrounding PATS, please contact Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org )
What are the details on the Mt. Wilson Tour?
Observatory Superintendent Dave Jurasevich will lead a small group tour of the historic and still very productive site starting at 5:00 p.m. Saturday. The tour includes visits to the monastery, visitor center, and other historic places, overview of the CHARA, and an intimate visit to the solar scopes, 100 inch, and 60 inch scopes, and an evening of observing through the 60 inch scope. The tour will require advance registration, and costs $120. This includes dinner and refreshments during observing. See here for details. Participation is limited, so register early.
What are the details on the Brian Warner "Measuring the Universe" Workshop?
Brian Warner, of the Society of Astronomical Sciences, will conduct a special workshop for PATS attendees on "Measuring the Universe." The event starts at 7:45 Saturday, and runs until 1:30 (with a break while Filippenko is presenting in the main hall!). It costs $40 (before September 5, $50 after) and includes a full copy of the Canopus software system. See here for details. Participation is limited, so register early.
We encourage your club to participate in several ways. Several clubs and organizations have gone so far as becoming "vendors" and getting a regular vendor booth. Others have taken advantage of a free table and chairs to advertise yourself and your activities. (See here for either of these options.) Secondly, you may raise funds for your programs by purchasing tickets at a reduced price and then reselling them to your members (and keep any profit with no further obligation to RTMC or PATS). We are soliciting the few volunteers we need through the clubs. And we may be able to send a speaker to your club meeting to talk about PATS. For information on club participation, contact Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org )
What are the details on the reduced-price club tickets?
Contact Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org ). In general, your astro organization (club, school, etc.) will name one representative, who will communicate with Alex. The organization's representative will purchase the tickets, and then resell them to members and others. The organization may return unused tickets (timelines apply), and owes no further accounting or obligation to RTMC or PATS for their sales. This program is meant to be a source of revenue for the organization's outreach or other programs. Note that this program takes some planning on the part of the club--so, get started early!
What are the details on the club tables/chairs at the event?
We have set aside various areas where we will provide a table and two chairs to recognized clubs, academic groups, and other non-profit astro organizations. See Vendor/Club Registration for registration materials. (Note that this offer does not include a full "booth" but a table and chairs.) Please register immediately if you would like to be considered. Note that admission tickets for those who will staff the table would be the responsibility of the club or individual and is not included in this free offer. Your group may conduct some activities involving money (registration for your activities or membership, for instance) but may not sell anything (including goods, software, souvenirs, or services). We do expect that the table will be staffed in general, and not just left as an unattended display. There is no electricity, cart service, or such, at these tables. Two members of your organization may enter the hall one hour before general opening to set up materials. This is open to non-commercial entities only. Commercial vendors must register for a booth, whether they plan to sell items or not.
May clubs register for a booth?
Certainly they may. They would be required to do so if they plan to sell items or services. When they register for a booth, they would receive all the benefits of being a vendor. The free registration for a table and chairs does not include a full booth.
Can a club or Astro-Organization schedule a meeting or presentation around or during PATS?
Yes, and you are encouraged to do so. It is an excellent way to expand your reach, and provide a common ground for a meeting. If everybody is coming to PATS anyway, why not put on a show and tell others what you do? Please contact Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org ) and tell him what you want. If you can be accommodated, we will make arrangements.
What space is available for Vendors?
An exhibitor (vendors and clubs) information packet is available at Vendor Info .
The floor plan at the Pasadena Center provides for about 80 booths. Some of these are already reserved, but some are still available. Prices range from $325 to $375 (NOTE AFTER September 1, THESE PRICES INCREASED TO $400/475) and more per booth. These 10 x10 and larger booths come with pipe and drapes, and tables and chairs. For an extra fee, electrical power, high speed internet, and cart service can be made available. Detailed information is available by contacting Allan Guthmiller (vendor@rtmcastronomyexpo.org)
How do I reserve Vendor Exhibition space?
Detailed information is available by contacting Allan Guthmiller ( vendor@rtmcastronomyexpo.org). Note that some space has already been reserved, and prices go up after September 1. An exhibitor (vendors and clubs) information packet is available at Vendor Info .
Is there space for vendor demonstrations?
We have room available (in addition to vendor booths) for special presentations by vendors, manufacturers, and others who wish to demonstrate new products or techniques featuring their products. Space for these "Infomercials" must be arranged with Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org) in advance.
What time can we set up/take down?
Details are available from Allan Guthmiller (vendor@rtmcastronomyexpo.org). In general, paid vendors (not free club tables) may set up starting Friday, and may be on the exhibit floor from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
Where, specifically, is the conference center?
The center is located at 300 E Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101. There is a map, here.
There are many hotels in the area. The Sheraton and the Hilton have agreed to offer special discounts or arrangements. However, there are limitations and restrictions regarding deadlines and the number of rooms. So, act sooner rather than later. Be sure to tell these establishments that you are with the PATS event to get the special rates. (Note that sometimes not everybody in the chain gets the memo! You may need to do some work getting them to recognize the PATS event and the appropriate discount. It might help to use the term RTMC Astronomy Expo.) More information regarding hotel accommodations in the area is available from http://www.pasadenacal.com/visitors.htm
You are making individual arrangements with these hotels. RTMC/PATS is not responsible for any arrangements.
Parking is available for autos and similar sized vehicles downstairs from the meeting hall for $9 a day, with no in and out privileges. Parking is also available in several parking structures within a block or two of the facility. If you are staying in a nearby hotel, special parking arrangements apply. There is no nearby parking for larger vehicles. VENDORS NOTE: If you have a larger delivery vehicle, contact Allan Guthmiller (vendor@rtmcastronomyexpo.org) as soon as possible so that loading, temporary parking, and remote parking can be worked out for the vehicle.
How about Camping, RV's, trailers, and Motor Homes?
There is no nearby parking or facilities for large vehicles. The nearest camping appears to be in Pomona, some 29 miles away at a KOA. This is at 2200 N White Ave, Pomona, CA, 91768. 909 593 8915.
We will have a snack bar serving at the event. In addition, you will be within walking distance of hundreds (if not millions!) of restaurants in downtown and Old Town Pasadena. You will not go hungry.
Where are the nearest airports?
Burbank is the closest, followed by LA International and Ontario. Shuttles connect most Pasadena hotels to LAX and Burbank (for a fee). In addition to hotel airport shuttles public transportation can get you back and forth with a bit more time and a lot less money.
Contrary to the song, people do walk in LA. And they use public transit. The Del Mar station on the Metro Gold line is about four blocks from the Conference Center. Connections can be made (through transfers, including bus and Metrolink trains) to LAX and Burbank airports, and much of the LA basin. Buses and the Metrolink can also be utilized. Activities, lodging, restaurants, shopping, and all will be fairly concentrated in the convention center area. So, one can use public transportation and forego the rental car. Details on public transportation are available using the trip planner at http://metro.net/default.asp
No, sorry. The physical setup is not conducive to such an effort at the Pasadena Center. You'll have to wait until May and RTMC Astronomy Expo to feed that hunger.
RTMC is an organization of about a dozen volunteer board members, with a few dozen other volunteers. It is dedicated to bringing astronomy to amateurs already in the hobby, and extending it to others not yet part of it. The group meets periodically throughout the year to plan and produce three events. The RTMC Astronomy Expo is held late May in Big Bear, California, and has become one of the largest star parties in the country, if not the world. Nightfall, held in the fall in Borrego Springs, California, is a star party with a difference--a luxury hotel/RV Resort. PATS, the Pacific Astronomy and Telescope Show, held for the first time in September, 2008, is a new production, bringing the spirit of RTMC to a downtown, indoor venue. In addition, RTMC, Inc. funds Holmes grants to further outreach efforts among astronomical groups. RTMC, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization and corporation under the laws of the state of California.
Will there still be an RTMC Astronomy Expo?
Yes, we will continue to produce the spring event. PATS is not a replacement.
Generally, you can volunteer through your club representative to PATS. He or she is the person selling the tickets at your club meeting. If your club is not participating in discount ticket sales, you can volunteer by contacting Alex McConahay (clubs@rtmcastronomyexpo.org ). It should be noted that PATS will not require as many volunteers as the RTMC Astronomy Expo, since the venue itself does not require many volunteers.
When will the door prizes be handed out?
Generally, the vendors may be having drawings and raffles at various times throughout the weekend. In addition, we will set aside a time both Saturday and Sunday for door prizes.