I have restricted dietary needs, and/ or require unique accommodations for a medical condition. How do I ensure that my needs will be met?
Note your request in the Airlie Online Reservation System when you are completing step 1 of the registration instructions detailed on the NLS page of the Commerce Learning Center @ NOAA. Airlie staff will do their best to ensure that all of your needs are met and that you are comfortable during your stay. If you have additional concerns, please email onlinereshelp@airlie.com or the NLS Program Manager at Tracy.Scott@noaa.gov.
Participants who stay overnight on Sunday (July 27) will be provided dinner on Sunday night, as well as breakfast and lunch on Monday. Participants who stay overnight Thursday (July 31) will be provided dinner Thursday and breakfast on Friday morning, with check-out on August 1.
The cost per night for either an early arrival or late departure is $246.75 and must be registered for and paid for separately by the NLS attendee on their government travel card via the Airlie online registration system and included on their travel orders. Please check with your home office for approval before you register for early arrival and/or late departure.
Is it a requirement that participants stay at the Airlie Center or can I stay elsewhere?
All NLS participants are required to stay at Airlie for the duration of the event.
What is the closest airport to the Airlie Center?
The Airlie Center is about 45 minutes from Dulles Airport and an hour from Reagan National Airport, during non-rush hours, so please allow extra time to travel to and from the venue. You may rent a car at the airport or take a taxi to and from the venue if you are from out of town.
What is the start time and end time for the NLS?
Participants are expected to arrange their travel to ensure full attendance at all NLS sessions. Check-in will take place at Airlie on Monday, July 28th from 1:30pm-3:00pm. The first NLS session will begin promptly at 3:00pm. The NLS concludes on Thursday, July 31st at 12:30pm. Lunch will be optional that day from 12:30pm-1:30pm.
Each Line/Corporate Office (LO/CO) has been allocated a set number of slots for the NLS. If you are not available to attend, it is very important that you notify your NLS LO/CO Coordinator listed below as soon as possible so that they can offer the slot to another employee.
When is check-in?
Check-in at the Airlie Center is from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 28, 2008. The NLS starts at 3:00 p.m. that day. The first meal available to participants will be dinner on Monday from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. A light snack will be available from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., but lunch is neither provided nor available on Monday (unless you registered for an early arrival package), so please don't arrive hungry.
Where is the NLS being held?
The NLS is held at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA. Information about the center and travel information can be found at the Airlie Center web site. Note that the Airlie Center is about 45 minutes from Dulles Airport and an hour from Reagan National Airport, during non-rush hours, so please allow extra time to travel to and from the venue. You may drive your own car if you are from the area, or rent a car at the airport or take a taxi to and from the venue if you are from out of town.
What is the dress code and what should I bring?
The dress code for the entire NLS is Business Casual. For NOAA Corps Officers, the Uniform of the Day at the event will be Business Casual for all events per OMAO leadership. It is suggested that you bring a sweater or jacket as meeting room temperatures may vary. It is also suggested that you bring an umbrella as you will be walking from your lodging to the NLS events.
Airlie has walking trails, bikes and bike paths, fishing poles and ponds, an exercise room, and an outdoor pool available for your use during the NLS (weather permitting), so you may wish to bring appropriate clothing and shoes for such activities.
Are guests allowed?
This is a NOAA employee only event. Please do not bring guests. If a participant disobeys this rule, the Airlie Center will charge that participant an additional $125 per day + taxes, which will be that participant’s personal responsibility to pay.
Are telephones and high speed internet available in the lodging rooms at Airlie?
Airlie offers two telephones in each sleeping room. Local, toll-free, and calling card calls are free up to 60 minutes and 10 cents per minute after 60 minutes. Long distance phone calls are 50 cents per minute. It is suggested you use a calling card for long distance calls. Please check with the Airlie Front Desk to verify current long distance rates.
High speed internet access is complimentary in all Airlie sleeping rooms. If you use dialup internet access in sleeping rooms, there are data ports in each guest room for dial up modem access. Please make sure your ISP number is a local number in order to avoid high long distance charges. Also note that calls lasting over 60 minutes are charged 10 cents per minute after the first hour. To avoid this charge, you can terminate the call before it reaches 60 minutes in length and reconnect after a few seconds. Make sure to disconnect from the web when finished.
