Astrodynamics Specialist Conference ProposalSummer 2009 Pittsburgh, PA

Al CangahualaJet Propulsion Laboratory

The Pittsburgh/Western PA region is well-suited for a future AAS/AIAA meeting…

• Location, location, location– Within 500 miles of more than half the U.S. population.– Less than 90 minutes’ flying time from 20 states and

Ontario, Quebec.– Airport served by over 20 commercial carriers with 119

non-stop destinations • Weather

– August weather similar to former AAS Eastern/Central conference sites (see below).

– Many indoor activity options to minimize inconvenience of rainy days.

• Cost– Very competitive average hotel rates (see below)

*Ref: Omega World Travel (2006)

Location (Conference Year)

High Temp

(F)

Low Temp

(F)

Days > 90 deg

F

Days with T-storms

Humidity (%)

Average Hotel Rate*

Mackinac (2007) 74 52 1 5 62 Unk.

Providence (2004) 80 62 2 4 60 $208

Big Sky (2003) 82 48 8 6 30 Unk.

Quebec City (2001) 74 56 1 6 60 $158

Pittsburgh 81 61 2 6 54 $158

Nearby program activity options are fairly unique and can enhance post-session discussions…

Gateway Clipper (Dinner/Reception)

Allegheny Observatory (Tour)

CMU Robotics Institute (Tour)

Inclined Railways (Dinner/Reception)

“… we would all welcome the AAS conference visitors for a Robotics Institute [tour] in 2009. It's really a great match for us...and I suspect RI/all of us will be the beneficiaries of the visit. … So please note us in your proposal as appropriate. And most importantly, thanks for thinking of us/including us in your planning.”

– CMU Computer Science Dept.

Other nearby attractions are literally within walking distance of hotels…

Pirate Baseball at PNC Park

Fort Pitt Museum

Andy WarholMuseum

Heinz Hall - Home of the Pittsburgh Symphony

The Benedum Center - Home of the Pittsburgh Opera and BalletCarnegie Science Center – Over 250 hands-on exhibitsStation Square - Specialty Shops, restaurants

Other nearby attractions make for a nice evening or ‘extra day’ exploring…

Kennywood Park

Phipps Conservatory

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater

Hotel Options Being Pursued at Present

PittsburghHilton

Renaissance Pittsburgh

Sheraton Station Square

Hotel Option Evaluation (Tentative Dates: 9-13 Aug.)

Hotel Lodging Rate Meeting Room Rental

Comments

Sheraton Station Square

Sheratonpgh.com

80 rooms held at Government Per Diem.

Remaining rooms held at $150.

Complimentary provided that we hit 80% of the group block (120 rooms).

Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in accommodations.

Pittsburgh Hilton

HiltonPittsburgh.com

All rooms held at Government Per Diem.

Complimentary Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in accommodations.

Must hit 85% achievement of group block.

Renaissance Pittsburgh

RenaissancePittsburgh.com

70 rooms held at Government Per Diem.

30 rooms held at $149.

Complimentary with a food and beverage minimum of $3,000 per day

Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in accommodations and meeting rooms.