What is the dress code for GPS?
The GPS dress code is “smart casual.” You’ll be meeting with scholars and international experts throughout the week, so you’ll want to look nice, but we also want you to feel comfortable. Most days you can wear trousers or jeans and a nice shirt, a casual dress, or a skirt and top combination. You’ll be doing a bit of walking from the bus to the meeting space and between buildings during the week, so keep that in mind when you select your shoes. On Tuesday, you will be provided a GPS T-shirt to wear during the Service Projects, we also recommend you wear comfortable shorts or jeans in order to be active and hands on. You should also bring a pair of close-toed shoes (e.g., sneakers or other type of athletic shoes) to wear for the community service activity. Please bring a nice business casual outfit for Wednesday, when you will be meeting with a sitting Head of State, taking a group photo, and attending an elegant evening garden party. You are welcome to wear your national dress at any point during the week; it is always in style at GPS! Our team will offer daily updates about dress code on the GPS app.
What do I need to bring to GPS?
You may want to bring an umbrella in case of rain, and a light sweater or jacket in case you get cold in the meeting room. Don’t forget business cards if you have them, and / or other materials that you may want to hand out for networking purposes.
What if I’m unsure of my travel arrangements?
Travel and logistics details for all GPS participants were sent out via email on May 2, 2019. If you are still unsure about travel and logistics, please contact gps2019@presidentialprecinct.org as soon as possible and we’re happy to help. If you have any travel challenges (e.g., significant flight delay, cancelled flight, missed connection) while you are in transit, please go to the airline desk for assistance or contact the travel agency phone number listed on your itinerary. Please keep us posted about your revised travel plans by emailing gps2019@presidentialprecinct.org while en route, if possible.
Where will I be staying during GPS?
The official GPS hotel is the
Omni Charlottesville Hotel:
212 Ridge McIntire Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 USA
When will I receive my rooming assignment?
Rooming at the Omni is double occupancy (unless you have made a special arrangement in advance), and you will find out who you are rooming with at check in. You have been paired with another GPS participant of the same gender, but not necessarily from the same country or even from the same region. Our team has seen double occupancy accommodations lead to great, lasting friendships among participants in programs like GPS; it’s great for community building!
Where should I park my car if I’m driving to Charlottesville to participate in GPS?
There is complimentary parking at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel for all overnight guests.
Will I have access to Wifi during GPS?
You’ll have two primary wireless networks to connect to during the Summit. Press the “WiFi Instructions” icon on the app home screen for further instructions.
Who should I contact in an emergency during GPS?
In the unlikely situation that you find yourself in an emergency that requires urgent assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance, call 911 immediately from any wired or wireless phone. For other situations, Larisa Aleksandrov (Program Officer at the Presidential Precinct) will serve as your 24-hour emergency contact for GPS, including during transit to Charlottesville. You can reach her by phone at +1-757-645-8229 or email at gps2019@presidentialprecinct.org. Please keep Larisa updated if you experience any travel delays. Additionally, if you aren’t in immediate danger but require medical care, please contact Larisa Aleksandrov. A hospital emergency room and an urgent care clinic are close by:
UVA Medical Center Emergency Room (open 24 hours)
1215 Lee St.
Charlottesville, VA 22908
434-924-2231
MedExpress Urgent Care (open 8 am to 8 pm, no appointment needed)
1149 Seminole Trail
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434-978-3998
Any non-emergency questions during GPS can be directed to our team by email at gps2019@presidentialprecinct.org.
How will my dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Any dietary restrictions that you provided our team in your registration form are being taken very seriously, and we’re doing our best to accommodate them. GPS participants who indicated that they are fasting during Ramadan will receive a dedicated email communication about special arrangements for early and late meals. Should any of your meals not suit your dietary or religious accommodation needs, please feel free to let a member of our team know how we can help.
Where do I find the full GPS agenda, and how will I know which workshops or community service activity I am supposed to attend?
A full and up-to-date GPS agenda is available on the Global Pathfinder Summit website AND on the GPS event app. We recommend using the app for the most up-to-date information during the week, including your individual assignments for breakout sessions and site visits.
How do I download the GPS app?
The GPS app is available for download on Android and iOS mobile devices. It is also accessible through most web browsers. Click here and enter the password pathfinder01 to access the app. The app is terrific! It includes the full GPS schedule, breakout assignments, an activity feed to connect with other GPS participants, the social media toolkit (for both international and Virginian participants), a link to the GPS website, a link to the “American Evolution Stories” site, and details about your hosts for the week, American Evolution and The Presidential Precinct.
What is the official hashtag for GPS?
#2019GPS is the official event hashtag. You can access the full social media guides on the app home screen.
How do I know which event sessions will be live streamed so my friends, family, and colleagues can participate from home?
You can learn more about scheduled live streams on the GPS website.