FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the meeting registration deadline? The registration deadline to receive the lowest price for the meeting is January 5, 2018. You may register online at www.magnoliasociety.org or by returning the printed registration form as directed. Participation is limited. Registrations will be accepted in the order in which they are received. The final registration deadline is February 9, 2018. If possible, however, we will attempt to accommodate late registrations.

Where will the meeting be held? At the host hotel, the DoubleTree Inn-Brownstone-University

What is the host hotel information?

DoubleTree Inn-Brownstone-University (known locally as “the Brownstone”)
1707 Hillsboro Street
Raleigh NC 27605
(919) 828-0811
(800) 331-7919

Do I have to make my own hotel guest room reservations? Yes.

You can go online to http://group.doubletree.com/MagnoliaSocietyInternational

You can also make your room reservation by calling The DoubleTree Inn-Brownstone-University at (919) 828-0811 or (800) 331-7919. When booking your reservation, be sure to identify your affiliation with the Magnolia Society International to ensure that you receive our preferential room rate of $139.00 per night, excluding taxes. This is for single or double occupancy in Standard Two Double rooms. Reservations must be made before March 2, 2018. After that, accommodations will not be guaranteed at the same rate.

Do I have to stay at this hotel to attend the meeting? No, but the evening events will be held at this hotel

Is breakfast included in the room rate? No, but the hotel does offer a full breakfast menu. See http://doubletree3.hilton.com/resources/media/dt/RDUDNDT/en_US/pdf/en_RDUDNDT_BreakfastMenu_Mar17.pdf

Does the hotel have high speed internet? Yes. The Brownstone is pleased to provide this service at no charge to their guests.

Do I have to pay to park? No. Free parking is available.

What if I want to arrive before or leave after the meeting dates? The MSI special rate will be honored by the Brownstone three days prior and three days following the meeting dates: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 20, 21 and 22 and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26, 27, and 28.

Which airport should I use? Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Is airport ground transportation available from the Raleigh-Durham Airport? Yes, although the hotel does not offer shuttle service. In addition to rental cars, taxis, Lyft and Uber are available. Fares and taxi information may be found at https://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Raleigh-NC&lang=en. As of October, 2017, fares from the airport to the host hotel were around $43 (US).

If I decide to attend the workshop on propagation, what do I do? The JC Raulston Arboretum organized and will collect payment for the seminar. Sign up and get information at https://jcra.ncsu.edu/magnolia-seminar/

Where do I pick up my meeting registration materials? At the Brownstone’s Capital Board Room on March 23 from noon on.

Where will we go for the meet-and-greet before the Annual Meeting? The Brownstone’s Sessions Room.

Where will we have our banquets? In the Roosevelt Room at the Brownstone.

What if my traveling companion wants to join me for dinner, but would prefer to explore the area during the day rather than come on the field trips? Your companion does not need to register for the meeting. The Registration Form includes an option to pay for dinner only on Saturday and/or Sunday.

I don’t eat red meat. Is this a problem? No. There is a space on the Registration Form to indicate special requests, such as vegan or gluten-free meals. Dinners and lunches will address dietary requests.

Will there be opportunities to buy plants on any of our tours? Yes. During the trip to Juniper Level Botanic Garden at Plant Delights Nursery, you will be able to buy mostly perennials and a few small woody plants. (plantdelights.com) There will be some plants at the gift shop at Duke Gardens also. If you want to purchase magnolias and other trees or shrubs, you should consider staying on for the self-guided post-meeting visit to one or both sites belonging to Camellia Forest. (camforest.com)

I want to donate a magnolia or other material for the auction. Whom should I contact? Contact Cheryl Kearns at cherylkearns513%gmail.com     Note: please replace the "%" with @ for emailing Cheryl. 

When I arrive in Raleigh, where should I take my auction donation? To the Capital Board Room at the Brownstone.

What kind of weather should I expect? The daily temperatures for March 23-25 range from 49° F (9° C) to 61 F. (16 C) Nightly lows range from 32 F (0 C) to 40 F (4 C). Rain or a sleet/snow mix is always a possibility, although late March weather during the last two years was mild. Rain gear and a jacket are a good idea.

What is the cancellation policy? There will be a 5% administration fee if you cancel your meeting registration request.