BbWorld 2009
Platinum Level Sponsors
Gold Level Sponsors
Silver Level Sponsors
Bronze Level Sponsors
Hotel & Travel
Click Here for Hotel Reservations for BbWorld '09 and the Blackboard Developers Conference!
The Blackboard Hotel Reservation Service will guide you through the process of selecting a room at an official Blackboard hotel for BbWorld® '09. Official Blackboard hotels have been pre-selected and offer a discounted rate to Blackboard attendees.
Please do not make your hotel reservations with the hotels directly. Events like BbWorld make a significant room block commitment in order to keep prices low and availability high for conference attendees. By making your hotel reservations through our reservation site, you help us keep these commitments and ensure that we'll be able to provide a variety of affordable room options at future events.
Please do not make your hotel reservations with the hotels directly. Events like BbWorld make a significant room block commitment in order to keep prices low and availability high for conference attendees. By making your hotel reservations through our reservation site, you help us keep these commitments and ensure that we'll be able to provide a variety of affordable room options at future events.
BbWorld ’09 and the Blackboard Developers Conference Hotels
For your convenience, Blackboard has contracted room blocks and negotiated preferred rates at the host hotel and several other hotels within walking distance to the Gaylord National. We encourage attendees to book their rooms through the official BbWorld hotel reservation site!
Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center
Single/Double Occupancy: $224.00 per night* (includes guestroom internet)
*taxes not included
Residence Inn by Marriott
Single/Double Occupancy: $209.00 per night*
*taxes not included
Hampton Inn & Suites
Single/Double Occupancy: $165.00 per night*
*taxes not included
Click here to make your hotel reservations. You may reach Blackboard Hotel Reservations at (888) 839-8523 (from the U.S. only) or 001 937-824-8338, from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET, Monday-Friday or via email at Bbworld@eim-inc.com for assistance.
Destination
Washington, DC
Come join Blackboard in its home city during the most beautiful time of year! A renewed and energetic Washington, DC awaits you, your colleagues and your family to explore. As the nation’s capital, there is never a lack of anything appealing to do. Visitors will be awe-struck by the enormous snow-white monuments, wide avenues, traffic circles and spacious parks that define the landscape. By law, no building can be higher than the Washington Monument, and this restriction, coupled with the city’s 8,000 acres of parkland, gives Washington, DC a special beauty and openness.
Metro Washington’s population now stands at over 4.5 million people. Despite the area’s growth, Washington doesn’t have the sprawling metropolitan feel of other large cities. The city is alive with outdoor cafes, colorful neighborhoods and inviting parks. Few places in the world have a more truly international mix of culture, which allows Washington to offer the country’s best museums, impressive architecture, spectacular dining options and nightlife for everyone.
Come join Blackboard in its home city during the most beautiful time of year! A renewed and energetic Washington, DC awaits you, your colleagues and your family to explore. As the nation’s capital, there is never a lack of anything appealing to do. Visitors will be awe-struck by the enormous snow-white monuments, wide avenues, traffic circles and spacious parks that define the landscape. By law, no building can be higher than the Washington Monument, and this restriction, coupled with the city’s 8,000 acres of parkland, gives Washington, DC a special beauty and openness.
Metro Washington’s population now stands at over 4.5 million people. Despite the area’s growth, Washington doesn’t have the sprawling metropolitan feel of other large cities. The city is alive with outdoor cafes, colorful neighborhoods and inviting parks. Few places in the world have a more truly international mix of culture, which allows Washington to offer the country’s best museums, impressive architecture, spectacular dining options and nightlife for everyone.
National Harbor, Maryland
Located on 300 acres of prime real estate along the scenic Potomac River in Prince George's County, MD, National Harbor is the new gateway to the nation’s capital region. This spectacular urban-waterfront community offers stunning views of downtown Washington, D.C. and Old Town Alexandria, and is just a 15-minute drive - or water taxi ride - to the heart of the nation's capital.
Weather
Washington, DC weather in July can be hot, sometimes humid, with a chance of showers. At night, the temperatures are usually very comfortable.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Rainfall |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 70°F / 21°C | 66 inches / 9.3 mm |
Must See & Do's
There is so much to see and do in the nation’s capital. A small sampling of activities to explore in DC and the surrounding area is listed below. Be sure to ask your hotel concierge if you’re looking for specific things to do or need more suggestions.
There is so much to see and do in the nation’s capital. A small sampling of activities to explore in DC and the surrounding area is listed below. Be sure to ask your hotel concierge if you’re looking for specific things to do or need more suggestions.
-
Visit one of the many Smithsonian Institution Museums (http://www.si.edu/), especially the newly restored Star Spangled Banner at the American History Museum (http://americanhistory.si.edu/)
-
Tour the National Monuments and Memorials (http://www.thedistrict.com/placestogo/monumentsandmemorials.html)
-
Take the kids to the National Zoo (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/)
-
Explore DC’s great neighborhoods: Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and more! (http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/)
-
Explore Mount Vernon, historic home of George Washington (http://www.mountvernon.org/)
-
Watch real money being printed at the Bureau of Printing & Engraving (http://www.moneyfactory.gov/)
-
Take a walking tour of Old Town, Alexandria (http://visitalexandriava.com/)
-
Take advantage of one of the best theatre towns in the nation and see a show or concert at Kennedy Center (http://www.kennedy-center.org/), The Folger Theatre (http://www.folger.edu/), and more (http://dctheatrescene.com/).
-
Pay tribute to our nation’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/)
-
Check out the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress (http://www.loc.gov/)
Time Zone
The District of Columbia follows Eastern Standard Time during the fall and winter months and Eastern Daylight Time during the spring and summer months. BbWorld '09 will operate on Eastern Daylight Time.
The District of Columbia follows Eastern Standard Time during the fall and winter months and Eastern Daylight Time during the spring and summer months. BbWorld '09 will operate on Eastern Daylight Time.
When it is 12:00 pm (noon) in Washington, DC it will be:
9:00 am (Pacific Daylight Time) San Francisco
10:00 am (Mountain Daylight Time) Denver
11:00 am (Central Daylight Time) Chicago
12:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Time) New York
9:00 am (Pacific Daylight Time) San Francisco
10:00 am (Mountain Daylight Time) Denver
11:00 am (Central Daylight Time) Chicago
12:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Time) New York
Conference Venue
Conference Venue
Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center
The Gaylord is a world-class hotel featuring 2,000 guestrooms, 470,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet facilities, 6 restaurants, a nightclub, retail shopping, a full service spa and fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pool and outdoor event space. The hotel and grounds cover 41.7 acres and have spectacular views of the Potomac River and Old Town Alexandria.
Conference Attire
Attire for BbWorld '09 sessions and special events will be business casual. Since meeting room temperatures and personal comfort zones vary widely, it is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions.
Business Center Access at the Gaylord
The 11th Hour Technology Center is centrally located on the main floor of the convention center offering convenient access to everything you need to get the job done. Services available include shipping, faxing, copying, office equipment rentals and even large document reproduction, offset printing and bindery services.
Attire for BbWorld '09 sessions and special events will be business casual. Since meeting room temperatures and personal comfort zones vary widely, it is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket to the sessions.
Business Center Access at the Gaylord
The 11th Hour Technology Center is centrally located on the main floor of the convention center offering convenient access to everything you need to get the job done. Services available include shipping, faxing, copying, office equipment rentals and even large document reproduction, offset printing and bindery services.
Hours of Operation:
Open everyday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
24-hour Internet Access
24-hour Self-service Printing and Copying
Travel and Transportation
New Requirement for International Travel to the United States
A new requirement for International Travelers arriving from Visa Waiver Program countries began January 12, 2009. Those travelers will need to have advance travel authorization from U.S. Homeland Security before their trip.
A new requirement for International Travelers arriving from Visa Waiver Program countries began January 12, 2009. Those travelers will need to have advance travel authorization from U.S. Homeland Security before their trip.
Please click here for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (apply online for International Travelers arriving from Visa Waiver Program countries)
Please click here for the U.S. Department of State website (for more information about ravel requiring Visas)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located in Arlington, VA just across the Potomac River from the Nation’s Capital and is the closest airport (approximately 8 miles) to National Harbor. With nearly 19 million passengers yearly, the airport offers up to 74 nonstop destinations. For more information please visit the Reagan Washington National Airport web site.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located in Chantilly, VA on 12,000 acres of land 26 miles from downtown Washington, DC and about 36 miles from the Gaylord National. Nearly 25 million passengers go through Dulles airport yearly and the airport offers 88 nonstop US destinations and 42 nonstop international destinations. For more information please visit the Washington Dulles International Airport web site.
Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI) is located outside of Baltimore, MD, about 42 miles from the Gaylord National. With an average of 62 nonstop US destinations, BWI is a great alternative to the other DC area airports, and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. For more information please visit the Baltimore/Washington Airport web site.
Taxicabs
Taxicab stands are conveniently located near the Arrivals (baggage claim) exits of each terminal. Dispatchers at each stand will help you select a taxicab based on your destination in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland. No advance reservations are required—service is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Gaylord National Airport Shuttle to Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Gaylord National is proud to offer an exclusive, express shuttle to and from Reagan National Airport for hotel guests. This convenient service will depart every twenty minutes from Gaylord National's front door to Reagan National Airport, and every twenty minutes from the Reagan National Airport baggage claim. Reservations are recommended, but tickets also will be available from the SuperShuttle desk, located on the lower level of the airport, near baggage claim.
Daily Shuttle Schedule (subject to change):
6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ticket Prices (subject to change):
$18 one way
$32 per person, round trip
$78 for exclusive van service, booked in advance
To make your shuttle reservation, call 1-800-660-8000.
$18 one way
$32 per person, round trip
$78 for exclusive van service, booked in advance
To make your shuttle reservation, call 1-800-660-8000.
Car Rental
For car rental agencies serving Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), please click here.
For car rental agencies serving Dulles International Airport (IAD), please click here.
For car rental agencies serving Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI), please click here.
Parking
For those driving to the conference, there are several parking options available.
Gaylord National Hotel
Daily Parking Rates (subject to change):
$12.00 for 0-3 hours self parking
$19.00 per day self parking/overnight*
$17.00 for 0-3 hours valet parking
$28.00 per day valet parking/overnight*
Daily Parking Rates (subject to change):
$12.00 for 0-3 hours self parking
$19.00 per day self parking/overnight*
$17.00 for 0-3 hours valet parking
$28.00 per day valet parking/overnight*
Public Parking
Garage Locations:
• Fleet Garage: Entrance located on Fleet Street
• Mariner Garage: Entrance located on Mariner Passage
• St. George Garage: Entrance located on St. George Blvd
Garage Locations:
• Fleet Garage: Entrance located on Fleet Street
• Mariner Garage: Entrance located on Mariner Passage
• St. George Garage: Entrance located on St. George Blvd
Operating Hours: 24 hours a day / 365 days a year
Parking Rates at above garages (subject to change):
0-1 hours - $2
1-2 hours - $3
2-3 hours - $4
3-4 hours - $5
4-5 hours - $7
5-6 hours - $9
6-10 hours - $10
Daily Max - $10
Pay & Display: Public garages listed above do not have parking attendants. They accept cash and credit cards for payment. There is a 20 minute time window to pay and exit the garages.
Driving Directions to National Harbor Hotels
National Harbor is directly accessible from the Capital Beltway, I-95, I-495, I-295, and the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and is minutes away from all three area airports. There are interchange and multi-lane fly-off ramps exiting exclusively into the community from Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.
From Washington, DC:
- Take I-295 South for approximately 5.5 miles
- Take National Harbor Exit 1B
- Take I-295 South for approximately 5.5 miles
- Take National Harbor Exit 1B
From Maryland:
- Merge onto I-495 S / I-95 S (Capital Beltway – Inner Loop) toward Richmond
- The lanes will divide after you pass Exit 4. Make sure to stay in the right lanes in order to follow the “Local Lanes”
- Take National Harbor Exit 2A
From Virginia:
- Merge onto I-495 E / I-95 N (Capital Beltway – Outer Loop) toward Baltimore
- As you are approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge stay in the right hand lanes in order to take the “Local Lanes”
- Cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
- Take National Harbor Exit 2A
From Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA):
- Follow signs to George Washington Parkway South (to Alexandria)
- Take GW Pkwy South toward Alexandria
- Veer Right at the sign to Slaters Lane. Take a right at the traffice light onto Slaters Lane
- Follow signs to US Route 1 South and merge onto US Route 1 South (N. Henry Street). Proceed on Henry Street through Old Town Alexandria
- Follow signs to I-95 N (Maryland)
- Veer Right at signs toward I-95
- Veer Left toward I-95 (Baltimore/Maryland signs) and merge onto I-95 N / I-495 E (Capital Betlway – Outer Loop)
- As you are approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge stay in the right hand lanes in order to take the “Local Lanes”.
- Cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
- Take the National Harbor Exit 2A
From Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD):
- Follow Airport Exit signs
- Take VA-267 East toward and follow signs to I-495 South toward Richmond
- Take I-495 S (Capital Beltway – Outer Loop) toward Richmond
- Continue on Capital Beltway, but merge with I-495 E / I-95 N toward Baltimore
- As you are approaching the Woodrow Wilson Bridge stay in the right hand lanes in order to take the “Local Lanes”
- Cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
- Take National Harbor Exit 2A
From Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI):
- Follow Airport Exit signs toward Washington DC
- Take exit 2B for MD 295-South / Baltimore Washington Parkway toward Washington
- Merge onto 295-South toward Washington
- Stay on 295-South for about 35 miles
- Take Exit 1B (the very last exit on 295-South) toward National Harbor
- Once on National Harbor property, turn right on St. George Street
- Follow signs to Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center