GENERAL INFORMATION
The Hilton Americas-Houston is the headquarter hotel for IEEE GLOBECOM 2011 conference.   It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas, between Toyota Center & Minute Maid Park. It is also directly connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center & across the street from Discovery Green Park & the Pavilions.

LOCAL INFORMATION
Average Temperature in December: 64.0 °F (High) – 43.0 °F (Low)
Standard Time Zone: Central Time Zone

What can I do in Houston?
Houston is America's fourth largest city and with this accolade come numerous quality tourist attractions, with the Space Center Houston being number one for its excellent activities and out-of-this-world possessions. Other major tourist attractions in Houston can be found in the Hermann Park area of downtown Houston, which covers a massive area and is also awash with worthwhile attractions, including numerous museums, the Downtown Aquarium and Houston Zoo.

For more information, visit: http://www.houston.world-guides.com/houston_attractions.html

TIPPING
This is part of the American way of life, based on the principle that you should pay for any special service.
Here are some examples: restaurants: 15% of bill, unless a gratuity is already added to the bill; bartenders: 10%-15%; bellhops: at least $3.50 per bag or $5-$8 for a lot of baggage; taxi drivers:15% of the fare; airport attendants: $3.00 per bag or $5 - $8 for a lot of baggage; valet parking attendants: $2.

SOCIAL EVENTS
Welcome Reception/Exhibit Opening
Monday 5 December
19:30 -22:00
Grand Ballroom/Convention Center/3rd Level

Interact with exhibitors amidst the Exhibits at the Grand Ballroom/Convention Center! Join us as we kick off the IEEE GLOBECOM 2011 Expo. This event is included with the conference registration fee. Accompanying guests are welcome to attend.

Awards Luncheon
Tuesday 6 December
12:00 -13:30
Grand Ballroom/Hilton Americas Hotel/4th Level

Celebrate with your colleagues at this biannual event honoring the achievements of the IEEE and IEEE Communications Society members. This event is included with the full conference registration.

Conference Banquet
Wednesday 7 December
19:00 - 22:00
Grand Ballroom/Hilton Americas Hotel/4th Level

Join the IEEE GLOBECOM 2011 Committee for a relaxing evening of fine dining and entertainment at Grand Ballroom/Hilton Americas Hotel. This event is included with the full conference registration. Additional tickets are available. See registration form.

COFFEE BREAKS
Coffee breaks will be held at the George Brown Convention Center on Tuesday, 6 December, at 9:30 - 10:00 and 15:30 - 16:00, Wednesday, 7 December and Thursday, 8 December at 10:00 - 10:30 and 15:30 - 16:00. Don't miss the opportunity to network and win special prizes. You must be present to win.

COMPANION HOSPITALITY
Companions are invited to begin their daily activities in the Companion Hospitality room with coffee and a pastry. Room 328 /3rd Level at the Hilton Americas Hotel has been assigned as the Guest Hospitality Suite. Meet your friends prior to one of the daily tours or to make your plans for the day.

INTERNET ACCESS
Internet stations are located in the Grand Ballroom/Convention Center and will be open during registration hours. IEEE GLOBECOM 2011 will offer free wireless access. Additionally, sleeping room rates include free internet access.

SPEAKER READY ROOM
An area of the (TBD) is set aside for the Speaker Ready Room. The area is available for authors to rehearse Monday - Friday from 7:00 - 17:00 for any presenters who wish to rehearse and prepare for their presentations.

STUDENT TRAVEL GRANTS
Student Travel Grant Recipients can pick up their certificates at the Registration Desk during registration hours.

GENERAL ATTENDEE INFORMATION
The business center is open 24 hours for self-service for making copies or accessing the internet (credit card access), but is only full-service during the following business hours. Full service UPS Store is also on site.

Monday 7:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesday 7:00am – 7:00pm
Wednesday 7:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday 7:00am – 7:00pm
Friday 7:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK
Photo ID is required.  Individuals are respondible for picking up their own registration packages.

EVALUATION FORM
Please be sure to take the time to fill out the forms. We value your feedback. You will receive an email after the conference for the overall evaluation of the event.

HOTEL & TRAVEL INFORMATION
To reserve your room visit, www.americashouston.hilton.com.
Please reference IEEE when making online reservations.