Logistics

Logistics and Transportation

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 19. Please make travel arrangements so that you will be able to attend this opening session. We will conclude at 2:00pm on Tuesday, March 20.

Travel by Air

Air travelers should fly into the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. We recommend arriving no later than 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 18, and departing after 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20. Travel to and from the airport takes 45 minutes. Ground transportation to and from the airport will be arranged for you based on your travel information that you submit to us via the registration form (registration deadline is February 28, 2007).

Travel by Car

Directions from Minneapolis/Saint Paul to Northfield
  • I-35W South to Highway 19 East (exit 69, Northfield exit).
  • Drive east on Highway 19, 11 miles to Northfield.
  • At the first stop light (where Highway 19 merges with Highway 3), turn left.
  • Country Inn is immediately on your left.

If you are driving north to Northfield, the directions from I-35 are the same. Just watch for exit 69 from the other direction. If you choose to drive but not come on I-35, please contact John (507-222-5749) for directions coming into Northfield on another highway.

Expenses Reimbursement

SERC will reimburse participants for their airfare or mileage to the meeting. You should book a competitively priced economy class airfare if you will be flying. This will assure that your travel expenses conform to federal regulations. If you are driving you will be reimbursed at the rate of 44.5 cents per mile. Participants should bring documents to support their travel reimbursement requests to the meeting. We will need the following documents:

  • an original receipt or invoice for the airfare for those that will be flying,
  • evidence of mileage, such as a printout of driving directions, between your home and Northfield for those that are driving,
  • and a completed W-9 form.

Reimbursement checks will be issued between 2 to 4 weeks after the meeting concludes.

Lodging, local ground transportation, and meal costs during the meeting will be paid directly by SERC. Participants are responsible for any expenses and reservations associated with early arrivals or extend stays.

Lodging

Room reservations at the Northfield Country Inn have been made for everyone attending the meeting. Each participant will have a private room with a phone. (See above for location of The Country Inn if you are driving yourself. The airport shuttle will deliver you there.) Directions to the meeting room (Sayles-Hill Lounge on the Carleton Campus) will be available at the hotel desk.

Communications

You will have a telephone in your room at the Country Inn and messages can be left at the hotel desk - 507.645.2286. The Country Inn also offers free wireless internet access throughout their building. Internet access will also be available in the meeting room.

Meals

Breakfasts will be served at the Country Inn. Other meals will be served on campus and/or excursions to local restaurants. All meals will include vegetarian offerings. Please provide information on the registration form if you require special meals. The price of all meals and gratuities during the meeting is covered. However, the NSF grant does not cover alcoholic beverages.

What to expect

Northfield is a small town about 35 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. During March temperatures are typically between 20 and 40 degrees with a possibility of snow. It's about a five-block walk to the meeting space from the hotel and downtown is about 2-3 blocks from the hotel. Please let us know if you have any concerns about accommodations or mobility. Shuttle service between the hotel and campus will be available upon request.

The Country Inn has a heated indoor pool.