Once again the Gathering has contracted with major properties in New Orleans to provide great accommodations for our participants. New for 2012 is our plan to house synods as closely together as possible, so that all the great work congregations have done before and at the Gathering can be nurtured and grow during the morning and evening hours. It is our hope that congregations return home more connected to their synods and that our young people can engage in work already being done by the church in their communities.
Our hotels range in price from $115 to $155 (before the 13% tax), and we’ve worked to get as many double/doubles (aka quads) as possible. Hotels generally give us as many as they are allowed, along with some king rooms, and together that makes up the inventory that we then assign to congregations. We know that everyone wants the quads, and we do our best to give all congregations a mix of quads and kings. So if you plan on 2.5 people to a room and budget at the high end, you’ll be okay!
Housing will be assigned at the beginning of February. The Primary Leader for the congregation will receive an email notification, telling them to log into their congregational account and find their housing confirmation and housing form. You will be instructed to print the housing form, create your rooming list, and mail the complete form to the hotel, along with a deposit check. The check will be made payable to the hotel, and the amount of the deposit will be printed on the form. The deposit has always been the price of the room times the number of rooms. So for example, if the rate is $100 and you have 10 rooms, your deposit would be $1000.
If you plan to attend the 2012 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in New Orleans (Feb. 8–12, 2012) you will be able to visit your hotel and see where your group will stay!
When will we get our hotel assignment?
Beginning Monday, Feb. 6, you can log in to your Gathering congregational account and see two things: your rotation schedule — Practice Discipleship, Practice Justice and Practice Peacemaking — and corresponding color; and your hotel assignment.
When can we register at our hotel?
On Feb. 15, you will be able to click on and print out your Hotel Reservation Form/Rooming List (in your congregational account), which you will complete and send with the deposit to your assigned hotel. Your room configuration and deposit amount are embedded in this form, along with the name and address of the hotel.
Will we be housed with other congregations from our synod?
Yes, with the exception of a couple large synods that had to be split. Every synod will meet together on the assigned Practice Discipleship day. This is also the day that your synod has early access to the floor and first bowl of the Superdome. Instructions will be in the final confirmation letter, accessed from your congregational account.
Did every congregation get their housing assignment?
Congregations that registered in mid-to-late January will not see their hotel assignment yet. They will be assigned later this month.
What if we want to add people to our group?
Congregations that have added participants in mid-to-late January need to wait to find additional rooms. This is a good time to connect with your Gathering Coordinator, and work with other congregations from your synod that may have space to share.
What if we need more space?
If you need additional space, please contact the Gathering by email only. We cannot accommodate phone calls about housing. Include your congregational ID number, and the nature of your request, and send to gathering@elca.org. We still have time to work with you to problem-solve.
How do I get in touch with the Gathering staff?
The Gathering staff will be in New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, Feb. 6 - 13. Phone calls will go to voicemail until Tuesday, Feb. 14. We will have access to email during the event, but limited time to respond.
What about MYLE and DAYLE?
The planners of the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event and the Definitely-Abled Youth Leadership Events want you to know that MYLE participants will move to a new hotel on Wednesday, July 18, in order to be housed with their synods. If you are attending MYLE, remember to make a reservation for your housing during the Gathering. DAYLE participants will remain at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans for the duration of the Gathering. DAYLE participants and their companions will have the option to rejoin their congregational group. If choosing this option, make appropriate housing reservations for the Gathering. Transportation for DAYLE participants with mobility needs will be available throughout the Gathering. Follow-up communication from these planners is forthcoming!
See you in July!