About The Event:

The controllers with the Seattle Virtual ARTCC (part of the VATSIM Network), also known as “ZSE”, are hosting a 2019 Summer Meetup, with one surprising caveat. We’re inviting all VATSIM members– not just controllers– to join in the fun with us in Portland!  So even if you’re just a pilot you absolutely can and should attend. This event is running the entire weekend of August 16th to the 18th.

We’re pleased to receive generous support from Reality Flight Simulation (based at KSLE in the Salem Air Center) who are providing financial and logistical resources to support this great event to give back to those who volunteer their time and/or enjoy this great hobby! This support is resulting in subsidizing registration costs that are over half of the actual per-person costs for the event space.

Registration Fees Schedule

Earlybird registration:  Available through June 15th  (or first 15 registrations)
Standard Registration:  June 10th to July 15th   (+10 from early bird pricing)
Late Registration: July 16th to July 31st    (+10 from standard pricing)**
Last-call Registration: August 1st onward  (+15 from late pricing)**

**No guarantees can be made as to availability by late registration due to capacity. We will be unable to increase the capacity of the space after August 1st. If this is the case Late Registration will not be made available. We have the ability to increase capacity before August 1st to up to 50-60 attendees.

***ZSE Home controllers will be emailed a coupon code for $10 off the registration fee, which only applies to their own ticket. Any individual may purchase additional tickets for other individuals at a normal rate. For additional information please review the Terms & Conditions

• 3 Meals Saturday – By selecting this option you are committing to authorization for a charge of an additional $30 to receive three (3) full catered meals during the event on Saturday only. You will only be charged this additional amount should at least 30 people elect this option. If we do not have at least 30+ people committed to this, then meals will not be catered on Saturday. A great value if enough people elect this option as the value of the meals is approx $70+. Vegetarian options are available.

   

What’s on the schedule?

During this weekend event, the controllers at ZSE will be staffing two separate VATUSA events. The first will be a Friday Night Operation (FNO) which many pilots and controllers in the US are familiar with. The second will be another event on Saturday.

During the majority of the weekend, everyone will essentially be free to come and go and enjoy the time with your fellow hobbyists and VATSIM members! However, in addition to the two events being staffed by ATC, and likely enjoyed by the pilots, there will be several other things happening during the weekend.

A few other optional things we hope to have in store throughout the weekend include:

• We’re working to possibly arrange Tower or TRACON tour at KPDX, or perhaps a Tower tour at KTTD which also just down the road from the event location. ZSE Home controllers would have priority.
• A visit to the nearby Rocky Butte, which provides excellent views of Portland, the Columbia River, and aircraft on approach to KPDX.
• Opportunity to try using a simulator setup from Reality Flight Simulation, featuring a full G1000 instrument panel (yes, both MFD and PFD)
• Flight simulation competitions, like landing competitions, etc.
• Prizes! That’s right, we will have nearly $1,000 worth of prizes! Includes computers hardware, etc!  So if you’re needing that new graphics card you won’t want to miss out!

Hotel Accommodations

We were also able to arrange an incredibly discounted special group rate on the hotel stay at the Shilo Inn for all attendees, which is nearly 40% off the normal rate. This should remove a barrier that can often keep some from being able to travel to such an event! However, there is a limited number of rooms available at this rate as well, so it’s first come first serve.

The negotiated rate is $125 /per night for our attendees and is good for both their single and double bed suites. As of May the rate was $200+ per night, so that’s $150 in savings just on the hotel per room for 2 nights!   Upon registration, instructions will be provided to attendees so you can book this rate. This rate WILL NOT be available after our block is filled or after August 1st, whichever comes sooner. Remember, this is a prime season for hotels in the pacific northwest.

Computer Hardware & Table Space

All attendees can are guaranteed to have at least a 4-foot wide standard tablespace, though we expect to be able to offer 6-8 feet per person. However, we know many might have setups needing much more space than 4 feet and we will absolutely be flexible and reasonable as space permits.

If you know you’re likely to need more space though, you MUST provide this information in your Additional Comments during Registration with a detailed description of what you may need as far as space for your setup. You can also email justin@zseartcc.org with any details or questions to gain approval in advance by providing details of your systems setup requirements.

We also expect this for many controllers who may have a separate flight sim and  ATC system.

Travel & Carpooling

There are several options to get to the Shilo Inn Portland Airport. The first is to fly commercially or privately into KPDX. However, if flying privately you may find it easier to go to KTTD. There is a complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel from KPDX. Amtrak to downtown Portland could be an option, and anyone taking this route is welcome to contact us for assistance with getting transportation out to the event.

Those driving will most likely be coming up or down Interstate-5 and then turning off on Interstate 205. If you simply Google the address you shouldn’t have issues finding it, it’s very close to KPDX.  If you’re open to any carpool opportunities or able to offer to carpool, please indicate this in the Additional Information field when you register.

Questions?

Feel free to email justin@zseartcc.org  with any questions you may have

By registering for the event you agree to the Terms & Conditions