Do you want to attend NMEA 2009 in California, but your budget is tight?
Keep reading for some money-saving tips!

• Stay at the beautiful Asilomar Conference Grounds.  Delicious, sustainable food is included in your housing fee.  It’s less expensive than dining most anywhere else on the Monterey Peninsula, and the setting is more relaxing and scenic than many restaurants and hotels.
   

• Bring a roommate…or ask for one when you reserve your lodging.  Booking a double room instead of a single for four nights at Asilomar saves $310!  Triples and quads cost even less, but the larger rooms are limited, so book now.
   

• Invite your family to join you on the central coast of California.  While they play, you experience great professional development, and your trip just might qualify as a tax write-off.
   

• Search for the cheapest flights by checking all four nearby airports: San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), Monterey (MRY) and Oakland (OAK).  See the FAQ’s page for more details.
   

• Plan to fly home on July 4th.  Flights are much cheaper!
   

• Don’t rent a car!  Take an airport shuttle or carpool.  You won’t need a car at the conference, because we’ll provide free buses to all the off-site activities. But if you do want to rent a car, please check this link for a discount through the Monterey Bay Aquarium corporate account:
  http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/deeplinkmap.do?bid=002&cust=NA23D20
   

• Save fuel by using alternative transportation.  If you live on the west coast, consider a train trip, bus ride or vanpool to get to Asilomar.  Leave the driving to others while you enjoy the scenery!  See the FAQ’s page for more details.
   

• Pack your own reusable mug and water bottle.  Help save the environment while you save money.  Disposable cups and glasses will not be available at Asilomar.  If you can’t fit these reusable items into your suitcase, you may purchase them when you register for the conference.