2009 IEEE PES
Joint Technical Committee Meeting
January 11 - 15, 2009 • Sheraton Atlanta Hotel • Atlanta, Georgia, USA
January 11 - 15, 2009 • Sheraton Atlanta Hotel • Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Think spirit! In 1864 Atlanta was burned to the ground, but that did not stop the community from coming together and rebuilding this Southern city with metropolitan flair. Atlanta is known for its adventurous spirit and rich history. As host to neighborhoods of houses with white-picket fences, as well as a lively metropolitan city with strong economic vitality, Atlanta has been described as the “Next Great International City”.
Atlanta is one of the best cities in the world to do business, with companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Holiday Inn and many other high-profile businesses choosing Atlanta as their hub for international business. Atlanta continues to prove its ability to accomplish great tasks as the host of the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996, as well as the host of the Super Bowl in 2000, to name a few. There is no limit to the energy, culture, entertainment, and vibrancy Atlanta has to offer, so get ready to have some fun as you explore Atlanta, Georgia!
Atlanta has a somewhat temperate climate throughout the year, with four distinct seasons and relatively short summers and winters. The average daytime temperature of Atlanta in January is about 48°F (9°C) with approximately 5.03 inches (12.7 cm) of rain. It is recommended that you bring an umbrella or a raincoat.
If you need a VISA, you will need to apply as quickly as possible! Visa applications are taking longer to receive and individuals are subject to a much higher degree of scrutiny. Applications may take time and are subject to delays. Please apply as early as possible.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables national of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
Each Visa Waiver Program traveler must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter into the United States with a Visa. The passport must be valid for six (6) months past your expected stay in the United States. Visa applications and further information can be obtained on line at www.travel.state.gov.
The US-VISIT program requiring foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed before entering the United States is being expanded to include millions of travelers from 27 countries who had been allowed to travel within the US without visas for up to 90 days.
To-date, the 27 countries are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - This airport is the world’s busiest passenger airport, comparable in size to a small city and only ten miles south of the downtown area. The Hartsfield-Jackson Airport has six concourses and a $24 million atrium with shops, restaurants, and other services. Concourse E and the Atrium operate currency exchange areas with fees that run $4-$5, or 1 percent of the foreign exchange.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has now implemented a new Airport Information and Ground Transportation Center conveniently located in the Arrivals Lobby next door to Hertz Car Rental. The Center provides assistance to travelers requesting information pertaining to transportation services before they leave the terminal building. The hours of operation are 7:00am – 11:00pm Monday – Friday (07:00 – 23:00). For additional information, call +1 (404) 530-4249.
For further information concerning the travel to and from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport call +1 (800) 897-1910 or visit http://www.atlanta-airport.com.
The U.S. monetary system includes denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. There are also six denominations of coins: 1¢ (1 cent or a penny), 5¢ (a nickel), 10¢ (a dime), 25¢ (a quarter), and 50¢. There are also $1 coins.
Currency exchange bureaus can be found in many banks, especially in the downtown area. It is best to consult any hotel concierge for the nearest supplier. It is also wise to check for currency exchange services through American Express or +1 (800) 525-7623. Additionally the Thomas Cook Currency Services also has several locations inside the Hartsfield Airport. Additional information can be found at www.us.thomascook.com or by calling +1 (800) 287-7362.
Traveler’s checks are widely accepted and used as well as credit cards and ATMs. The most used credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and Carte Blanche. Some Atlanta venders may accept international cards like enRoute, Eurocard, and JCB. ATMs are plentiful in Atlanta as well.
The United States has no value-added tax or other indirect tax at the national level. Sales tax in Atlanta is 7% on meals, most goods, clothing, and services. Hotel tax is 15%, sales and room taxes combined. Car rentals at the airport are assessed 20% in taxes, but rentals in the metro area incur only the local sales tax.
MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority is Atlanta’s mass transit system. MARTA operates over 248 electric rail cars traveling through 38 stations and about 702 buses. On an average weekday about 550,000 passengers are said to board the transit system. MARTA Breeze™ Card can be purchased for multiple rides with each single ride fare costing $1.75, including four free transfers within a three-hour period. MARTA Breeze™ Cards also can be purchased for 20-trips and seven and 30-day passes for flat fees, with unlimited rides for three-days, four-days, seven-days, or a 30-days for flat fees. Breeze™ vending machines are located in all train stations. The seven-day card is $13.00 and the 30‑day Breeze™ card is $52.50. A Multi-Day Visitor Pass (1-4 days), including unlimited rides, is $8.00 - $12.00. Schedule and route information is provided by calling +1 (404) 848-4711 or by visiting www.itsmarta.com.
Cobb Community Transit, CCT in northwest Cobb County runs its own bus system around Cobb and Atlanta. Local fares run about $1.25 and express fares are $3 one-way or $4 round-trip. For more information call +1 (770) 427-4444.
Atlanta has three interstate highways and a constant flow of traffic on all major roads and highways. Take caution while traveling in the Atlanta area. The Hartsfield Airport offers a variety of rental car services. The following are numbers for airport offices that might be helpful:
| Dollar | +1 (866) 434-2226 |
| Budget | +1 (404) 530-3000 |
| Hertz | +1 (404) 530-2925 |
| Avis | +1 (800) 831-2847 |
| Thrifty | +1 (770) 996-2350 |
| National/Alamo | +1 (404) 530-2800 |
Taxis are plentiful at the Atlanta airport. From the airport to the downtown business and convention district, the fare is $30 for one passenger, with $2.00 for each additional passenger. For information on the taxi system in Atlanta call +1 (404) 658-7600. The following is a list of some cab companies in the area:
| Atlanta Lenox | +1 (404) 872-2600 |
| Buckhead Safety Cab | +1 (404) 233-1152 |
| Checker Cab | +1 (404) 351-8255 |
| Rapid Taxi | +1 (404) 222-9888 |
Limousine services and other hired car services are also available from the Hartsfield Airport. Rates vary depending on the destination, company, and number of passengers. Typically, sedans to the downtown area cost $65.00 plus tax and gratuity, and limousines cost $105 plus tax and gratuity. Atlanta Limousine +1 (770) 432-LIMO and Carey Limousine +1 (404) 223-2000 are two reputable car companies. It is helpful to know that most of these services do accept major credit cards.
Please note that construction of the Consolidated Rental Car Facility has begun. Passengers using limousine services, please note the new temporary location of the lots: Limousine (Sedan) – South Hourly Parking Deck – 3rd Level; Limousine (Stretch) – North and South Parking Decks – Lower Level.
Amtrak provides transportation services to and from Atlanta and surrounding cities, such as New York and New Orleans. For more information call +1 (800) USA-RAIL (872-7245). Similarly, Greyhound Bus Lines operate 90 buses a day that travel outside of Atlanta. For details concerning Greyhound options call +1 (800) 231-2222 for more information.
MARTA–—Atlanta’s modern, clean, safe, state of the art integrated train and bus system is convenient and inexpensive way to travel around Atlanta. MARTA’s train lines and busses connect to most of your destinations, including Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and the Peachtree Center Station near the Sheraton Downtown Atlanta Hotel, sightseeing, shopping, and restaurants.
MARTA has a Special Deal for events. MARTA has Breeze™ ticket vending machines in ALL 38 stations. Purchase options include a seven (7) day Visitors’ Breeze™ Card, which is good for unlimited rides, for only $13.00 per Breeze™ Card. The standard one-way ride Breeze™ Card is only $1.75. (Taxi Flat Rate Zone from/to the Airport to Downtown is $30.00 plus $2.00 charge for each additional person.)
MARTA has 38 stations including the Airport Station, and the Peachtree Center Station, which is two (2) short blocks to your hotel. The Airport Station is located down the hall from airport baggage claim area. MARTA cashiers and station agents are on duty in the airport station. The train ride is only 16 minutes from the Airport Station to the Peachtree Center Station. Luggage areas are on each train.
MARTA has over 24,000 FREE Parking spaces. The convention attendees traveling from the Atlanta metro area can park at one of the many MARTA stations with FREE Parking and take the train to Peachtree Center Station for the Sheraton Downtown Atlanta Hotel.
Trains run Monday–Friday 5 A.M. to 1 A.M., Saturday & Sunday 6 A.M. to 1 A.M., Monday-Friday every 8-10 minutes, 5 A.M. till 9 P.M., and every 15 minutes on Saturday & Sunday and after 9 P.M.
MARTA Police Force with 285 officers, patrol the MARTA stations, trains, buses and parking lots.
For more information about this great deal, visit www.itsmarta.com or call 404 848 5501.
There are several options available for getting from the airport to the conference hotel.
Driving directions can be found under the Local Area tab on the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel website – www.sheratonatlanta.com.
Downtown Atlanta offers a rich set of dining options. Please visit Atlanta Citysearch (http://atlanta.citysearch.com) for a detailed list of restaurants with the location and price information. You can also read customer reviewers and decide accordingly. A detailed search engine is also available.
This is Atlanta’s thriving business center and skyscraper area. Downtown is home to several large hotels, many restaurants, a variety of stores, and some nightclubs. The Georgia Dome, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia State University are only a few of the many exciting attractions in the area.
Sweet Auburn, also known as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District, is just east of Downtown. This area was designated a park in 1980 in honor of King. Sweet Auburn has recently been revitalized, making it one of the major sightseeing areas in Atlanta.
North of Downtown, Midtown houses Piedmont Park, the city’s major recreational area, as well as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and major office complexes including AT&T, IBM, and Bank of America.
One of the most affluent areas in Atlanta, Buckhead is north of Midtown. This area is lined with upper-class residential neighborhoods, high-end boutiques, and high-rise office buildings. The major sightseeing attraction in Buckhead is the Atlanta History Center.
Virginia-Highland, located northeast of Downtown, is a lovely district with ethnic restaurants, cafés, bookstores, art galleries, and antique shops. The numerous shops sell just about anything one desires. Visitors can also visit streets bordered by trees and quaint restored cottages.
Due east of Downtown lies Little Five Points, a bustling area catering primarily to a crowd craving a funky and fun atmosphere. There are several fascinating Victorian homes to see as well as the Jimmy Carter Library and Presidential Center.
West End is Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood and can be found southwest of Downtown. Beautiful Victorian homes can be seen in this area as well.
In the outskirts of Atlanta, east of Downtown, is Decatur. This is a unique area rich in diversity and entertainment that hosts a variety of annual events, including concerts and festivals. Decatur is also the home of DeKalb Farmers Market, a spectacular international food market.
This museum spotlights a variety of African-American achievements in all arenas. It is currently in a small facility next to the Library on African-American Culture, but is expected to expand. Artifacts of the slave era and more are on display. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. +1 (404) 521-2739
Located just a few miles from downtown, this museum features acres of gardens and beautiful plants and flowers. This facility features the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory that houses a plethora of endangered and valuable plants. There is a lot to see at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and admission is only $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $9 for children 3-17. +1 (404) 876-5859
Learn about the history of Atlanta, from the Native Americans to the Civil War. The Atlanta History Center will answer all your questions and share with visitors the value, significance, traditions, and cultures that have made Atlanta what it is today. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $10 for children 4-12. Free for children under 3. +1 (404) 8144000
Although the fatal bombing during the Olympic Games still lingers in the minds of many visitors as they venture through the park grounds, tourists can still enjoy the beautiful open area, victims’ memorial, Fountain of Rings, and other cafés and shopping spots within the park.
Enjoy a day in the life of a renowned news empire with a tour of Ted Turner’s CNN Center. Spend some time touring the studios, browsing the Atlanta-themed shops, or walking across the street to the Centennial Park, Georgia Dome, or World Congress Center. Studio tours, such as “Inside CNN Atlanta,” sell out quickly, so purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $9 for children 4-18. Call +1 (404) 827-2300 for advance ticket purchase.
Originally the Yaarab Temple Shrine Mosque, Fox Theater was designed in the late 1920’s as headquarters for an international organization; however, financial difficulties forced partnership with movie-mogul William Fox, and the Temple instead became a grand movie theater and retail space. Through many monetary ups and downs, closings and re-openings, today the theatre is a famous venue for concerts and Broadway shows. The 140-foot-wide stage is still one of the largest ever built and the entire theatre is ornate and striking to any visitor. +1 (404) 881-2100. Tours are offered by the Atlanta Preservation Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5.00 for students and seniors. +1 (404) 688-3353
The Georgia Aquarium is a new aquarium constructed in Atlanta, Georgia, which is being billed as the “world’s largest aquarium,” featuring over 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe in tanks holding approximately 8 million US gallons of water. General admission is $26.00 for adults, $21 for seniors and $19.50 for children 3-12. +1 (404) 581-4000
Just outside of metropolitan Atlanta is the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture, Stone Mountain, a stunning, gray-granite, carved monument. The sculpture illustrates Confederate leaders Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, and Stonewall Jackson galloping on horseback throughout eternity. This distinct landmark attracts thousands of visitors and is said to be one of the top ten most visited attractions in the United States. Stone Mountain itself rises 1,683 feet above sea level and covers over 583 acres. Visitors can take a Skylift to the top with a stunning view of Atlanta and the Appalachian Mountains. The Lasershow Spectacular is a colorful, exciting show featured at night; set to surround-sound music, this is a magnificent sight not to be missed. Ticket prices to Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park vary depending on the attractions selected. For more information call+1 (800) 317-2006
Margaret Mitchell is the famous novelist and author of Gone With The Wind. This restored house and now museum was the home of Mitchell and her husband while her epic novel was written. The museum and house tells the story of the famous author and also contains memorabilia from the movie. Admission is $12. +1 (404) 249-7015
This national site includes the King Center and the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. With exhibits about King and guided tours, tickets are free, but required, and can be obtained at the National Park Service. Call +1 (404) 331-5190 for ticket information.
This is Atlanta’s premiere science and technology museum. Interactive and entertaining for people of all ages, SciTrek features many interesting permanent and traveling exhibits, as well as a special play area for kids. Tickets are $9.50 for adults, $7.50 for students and children 3-17, $6 for seniors. +1 (404) 522-5500
This Coca-Cola museum reveals the history of the world’s favorite soft drink, complete with a collection of memorabilia, interactive stations, and replicas of old-fashioned soda fountains. Be ready to taste samples of a variety of international sodas distributed by Coca-Cola and purchase Coca-Cola merchandise at the souvenir shop. About one million visitors frequent the museum yearly. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children. +1 (404) 676-5151
The Atlanta Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in operation in the United States and ranked among the top great zoos in the nation. This zoo is home to over 250 species of animals, including rhinos, tigers, gorillas and pandas. Admission is $17.99 for adults, $13.99 for seniors, and $12.99 for children 3-12. Be sure and pick up a copy of the animal feeding times so that you can plan your day accordingly. +1 (404) 624-5600
This organization offers several one-to-two-hour guided walking tours throughout Atlanta. The cost of each tour is about $10 for adults and discounts are available for students and seniors. Tours of the Fox Theatre, Historic Downtown, Sweet Auburn/Martin Luther King Jr. District, Inman Park, Ansley Park, and others are available daily. Visit www.preserveatlanta.com or call +1 (404) 688-3350 for tour information.
Since 1978, The Center for Puppetry Arts has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry, and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops and the hands-on museum. For more information, call +1 (404) 873-3391 for details.
Tipping is generally not included in service charges in the United States unless there is a large party. The general rule is to tip 15% to 20% of the entire bill for most service staff. Porters and doormen should get about $1 to $2 a bag and maids should receive about $2 per person per day ($3 in luxury hotels). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.
| Atlanta Conventions & Visitors Bureau: | +1 (404) 521-6600 |
| Medical Care: | |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Medical Center | +1 (404) 265-4000 |
| Georgia Baptist Medical Center | +1 (404) 265-4000 |
| Grady Memorial Hospital | +1 (404) 616-1000 |
| Northside Hospital | +1 (404) 851-8000 |
| Piedmont Hospital | +1 (404) 605-5000 |
| 24-Hour Pharmacies: | |
| CVS, 1943 Peachtree Rd. | +1 (404) 351-4932 |
| CVS, 1554 N. Decatur Rd. | +1 (404) 373-4534 |
| CVS, 2350 Cheshire Bridge Rd. | +1 (404) 486-7289 |
| Emergencies: | |
| Police, fire, and ambulance | 911 |
| Transit Information MARTA: | +1 (404) 848-4711 |
| Atlanta Citysearch | http://atlanta.citysearch.com/ |
| Atlanta Travel Guide | http://www.atlanta.net/ |
| Access Atlanta | http://www.accessatlanta.com/ |
| Your Guide to Atlanta | http://www.atlanta.com/ |