In just a few short months, U.S. Grains Council delegates will gather for the 12th International Marketing conference and 55th Annual Membership meeting in Heredia, Costa Rica. Now is the time to start prepping, especially as this conference is during the country’s peak tourism season. Here are some plans to make very soon:

Passports and Travel Documents

Those planning to attend should ensure their passports are valid through August 2015. It’s all the more important that renewing or obtaining passports be done early since State Department officials announced a glitch in its global database that created an ongoing backlog of visa and passport processing. Applicants seeking travel documents should expect delays for the foreseeable future.

More information about passports or documentation needed for minor children is available via the State Department website, http://www.state.gov.

Hotel Reservations

To make hotel reservations at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel click here. The Council has negotiated a room rate of $228 USD per night, single occupancy, plus taxes of 13 percent. $14 will be charged for each additional person per guestroom. Children under six years old have no additional charge.

Conference rates are available three days prior to and after the meeting dates, based on availability. The room reservation deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. After this date, the hotel will accept reservations on a space available basis. Check-in time at the hotel will be 4 p.m., with a check out time of noon.

Watch for Registration

Online registration will open Nov. 24. Check back for more details as they become available.

We look forward to seeing you in Costa Rica!