General Information
ABRF 2020 Annual Meeting Location
The ABRF 2020 Annual Meeting took place in Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs from February 29- March 3, 2020. The Palm Springs Convention Center is located in downtown Palm Springs, California.
The Palm Springs International Airport is only 1.7 miles away from the Palm Springs Convention Center. Click here for directions to the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Hotel Reservations
A block of rooms was secured at the Renaissance Palm Springs and Hilton Palm Springs Resort for ABRF attendees at discounted rates. Government Rates are also available. Please visit the Hotel and Travel page for more information.
Visitors Information
Please click here for visitor information.
Banking and Foreign Exchange
The official currency in the United States is US Dollars. The US Dollar ($) is divided into 100 cents; notes are in denominations of $100, 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1. Banking hours in the United States are generally Monday through Friday, 09:00 – 17:00. A few banks are open on Saturdays as well. You can withdraw money from ATM bank machines using your credit card and make purchases in stores and restaurants. Signs display accepted credit cards or you can ask the retailer. Check with your local financial institution to verify if you are able to use your home bank card or credit card prior to travel.
ATM bank machine service is available in the Hilton Palm Springs Resort.
City Map
Click here to view a city map Palm Springs.
Climate
The average high and low temperatures in March are 80oF and 51oF respectively. March is a wonderful month to visit Palm Springs.
Dialing Codes
The USA country code is +001, while Palm Springs landlines start with a 760 area code, followed by a 7 digit number. The International access code for the United States is 1. While in the United States, you can call the directory information service number 411 for assistance in finding a phone number. Calls to area codes 800, 877, and 866 are toll-free in the United States. To make an international call, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and telephone number.
Dining Out
Whether you’re looking for the finest seafood or just a hearty, affordable breakfast and a fun, family-friendly place to eat dinner, the restaurants in Palm Springs offer something for everyone. For a list of great places to dine and to make reservations, please visit the Palm Springs website by clicking here.
Electricity
Electric power is standardized in all states across the USA. It is set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles. If you bring any electrical appliance to the USA, you may need an adaptor to fit the US electrical receptacles. You may also need a converter to change the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts.
Language
The official language of the meeting is English. Translation service will not be provided.
Name Badge
The ABRF badge must be worn at all times for admission to the scientific sessions, exhibits, and social events.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is banned in all public places including all enclosed or partly enclosed public areas.
Scholarships
ABRF Members may apply for the Outstanding Scientist Scholarship to offset conference expenses. Click here for additional information.
Tax
The combined sales tax rate for Palm Springs is 9.25%.
Tipping
Restaurant prices do not generally include a service charge, unless dining with a large group. It is customary to leave a tip of 15-20%.
Transportation
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
Getting to downtown Palm Springs is easy and convenient from cities across the U.S. and around the globe. The city offers daily nonstop flights to and from over 30 cities and thousands of domestic and international flights weekly. The airport terminals are easy to navigate. Click here to visit the Palm Springs International Airport’s website.
Rental Cars
A variety of car rental options are available at the Palm Springs International Airport.
Click here for a list of rental car agencies available at the Rental Car Center.
Train
If you would like to travel by train, the closest Amtrak station to downtown Palm Springs is located in North Indian Canyon Drive and Palm Springs Station Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262. This station is located approximately 11 minutes away from the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Public Transportation
Bus Service
Local bus service is available by Sunline Transit Agency. Sunline Transit Agency offers bus transportation in the Coachella Valley. It provides bus and paratransit service for the community and operates daily from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. Sunline Transit Agency was honored with the Transit Innovation Award at the 49th Annual California Transit Association Conference and Expo. More information is available at https://www.sunline.org/
Taxi
The Palm Springs Convention Center is about 1.7 miles from the Palm Springs International Airport. Taxis are located at the airport, most hotels, attractions, and shopping centers.
Base fare and rates are displayed on the meter and include a flag drop charge plus a per-mile and/or a per-hour charge. Many companies provide taxicab service at Palm Springs International Airport. If you need a taxi, simply follow the signs leading to the Ground Transportation. Fare to downtown Palm Springs is around $11.
Taxi Service in Palm Springs
Desert City Cab: (760)328-3000
Yellow Cab of the Dessert: (760)340-8294
American Cab: (760)300-0000
Lucky 777 Cab: (760)660-9115
Desert Sun Cab: (760)362-8282