Frequently Asked Questions

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About STARWEST 2000

1. What are the STARWEST 2000 registration fees, and what do they cover?
2. What are the registration hours?
3. What is a typical daily schedule?
4. What is the difference between a tutorial and workshop?
5. What is the dress code?
6. What is SQE’s cancellation policy?
7. How do I receive confirmation for my registration?
8. How do I register multiple people online?
9. If my confirmation package or my invoice has not arrived within five to ten business days, what should I do?
10. Do I need to reserve a seat in any of the tutorials, workshops or track sessions?
11. Should I bring a laptop computer?
12. Will Internet access be provided at the conference?
13. Once I get to the hotel, how will I know where to go for the conference?

Hotel and Travel

1. How can I arrange for hotel and travel to STARWEST 2000 in San Jose, California?
2. Where may I park and, how much will it cost?
3. How do I get to the Fairmont Hotel for STARWEST 2000?
4. What are some of the attractions and restaurants in the San Jose area?
5. What are some of the attractions outside the San Jose area?

About SQE

1. What is SQE?
2. How do I contact SQE?

Answers Follow

About STARWEST 2000

1. What are the STARWEST 2000 registration fees, and what do they cover?
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   Registration Fees:*	On/ Before Sept. 22	After Sept. 22
   Conference + 2 Tutorial Days	$1,745	$1,845
   Conference + 1 Tutorial Day	$1,445	$1,545
   Conference Only (Wed. – Fri.)	$1,145	$1,245
   Tutorial/Workshop Only (per day)	$  500	$  595

A check or credit card payment must be received at STAR headquarters by September 22, 2000, to take advantage of the lower conference rates listed above. BONUS: 1 CD-ROM of STARWEST 2000 conference proceedings is provided with each conference registration.

* $59 of your registration fee includes a one-year paid subscription to Software Testing and Quality Engineering magazine ($75 value). If you are a current subscriber, your subscription will be extended an additional six issues.

 

2. What are the registration hours?
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Registration opens on Sunday and runs from 5pm to 7pm.
Monday through Friday registration is open from 8am to 5pm.

 

3. What is a typical daily schedule?
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The Tutorials and Workshops are held on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and will include lunch. The Concurrent Sessions are held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at various times in 45-minute segments. Throughout the day there are breaks for refreshments, lunch, and a chance to visit the Testing EXPO. The Testing EXPO is open on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 11:45 to 6:30pm and Thursday, Oct. 26, from 8:00am to 3:45pm.

 

4. What is the difference between a tutorial and workshop?
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A workshop is a new forum at STARWEST consisting of 30 or less students in a hands-on, interactive environment. Tutorial classes are larger in size than workshops and provide learning experiences in a classroom setting.

 

5. What is the dress code?
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Casual, comfortable attire is recommended for speakers and attendees. In October, the weather ranges from the low 70s to mid-80s during the day and can dip to the mid-60s at night. You may wish to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings or varying temperatures in the hotel.

 

6. What is SQE’s cancellation policy?
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Registrations cancelled after October 6 are subject to a 20% cancellation fee. No cancellations or refunds may be made after October 13. Substitutions may be made at any time before the first day of the program. TO CANCEL: Call the registrar at (904) 278-0707 to obtain a cancellation code. All valid cancellations require a cancellation code.

 

7. How do I receive confirmation for my registration?
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   Once your registration has been received, it will be processed within two business days and a Pending or Confirmation letter (based on your payment status) will be sent to you immediately. You will receive a conference letter in the mail within five to ten business days.

    

8. How do I register multiple people online?
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Register the first person by completing all the required fields in the registration form. Click on Submit. Once you see the screen reading "We have received your application....," click Back twice on your browser to return to the registration screen. Change the appropriate fields (Name, Job Title, Phone, etc...) and submit the new form just like the first. Repeat as necessary.

 

9. If my confirmation package or my invoice has not arrived within five to ten business days, what should I do?
   Back to Questions

   Contact SQE Customer Service by phone (800) 423-8378/ (904) 278-0707 or email sqeinfo@sqe.com

    

10. Do I need to reserve a seat in any of the tutorials, workshops or track sessions?
    Back to Questions

    Seating is limited in Tutorials and Workshops, so please reserve your seat early. As we get closer to the conference, some tutorials/workshops may be full. In this case you will receive an email asking you to select another tutorial/workshop. The Wednesday through Friday track sessions do not require reservations. You may enter or leave any session at any time, space permitting.

     

11. Should I bring a laptop computer?
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While a laptop is not required for the conference, it is preferred by some conference delegates. At registration, you will receive paper, a pen, and the Conference Proceedings in book & CD-ROM format. A limited number of telephone jacks will be reserved for internet access, so those wishing to check email outside of the Internet Services kiosk should bring their own laptops. If you feel you need a laptop for additional note taking, internet access, or another purpose, you are encouraged to bring one. Please note that SQE does not provide storage for laptops or other personal items at the conference.

 

12. Will Internet access be provided at the conference?
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A limited number of computers located in the Tools and Services EXPO, will provide Internet access. The Tools and Services EXPO is open Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 11:45am to 6:30pm and Thursday, Oct. 26, from 8:00am to 3:45pm. Three telephone jacks are reserved for internet access in the Speaker Ready Room for those conference delegates who have their own laptop computer.

 

13. Once I get to the hotel, how will I know where to go for the conference?
    Back to Questions

Once you arrive at the hotel, signs will be posted directing you to the conference. If you have any questions during the conference, feel free to ask a member of the STARWEST staff.

Hotel and Travel

1. How can I arrange for hotel and travel to STARWEST in San Jose, California?
   Back to Questions

A limited number of rooms at the Fairmont Hotel are reserved for the STARWEST 2000 conference. These rooms are available on a first-come first-serve basis. To make a reservation at the Fairmont Hotel, call (408) 998-1900 (San Jose) or the Fairmont’s United States toll free number at 1-800-527-4727. Mention the STARWEST 2000 conference to receive the conference room rate.

The Fairmont is located at:

170 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 998-1900
Guest Fax: (408) 287-1648
Email: sanjose@fairmont.com

Click here to get directions to the hotel

Travel
A special airline discount is offered by Delta Airlines which provides a 5% discount off Delta’s published round-trip fares** within the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Bermuda, San Juan, Nassau, and U.S. Virgin Islands. By purchasing your ticket 60-days or more prior to your departure date, you can receive an additional 5% bonus discount.

To take advantage of this discount, call Delta Meeting Network® Reservations at 1-800-241-6760. Refer to File Number 156172A

** Applicable restrictions must be met. Seats are limited. No discounts apply on Delta Express.

 

2. Where may I park, and how much will it cost?
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Hotel Guests:
There is a parking garage located underneath the Fairmont Hotel available to hotel guests. The prices range from $3.50 for the first half-hour, $1 each additional half hour with a maximum of $15.50/day. For overnight parking there is a fee of $11.75. Valet parking is also available.

Non-Hotel Guests:
For non-hotel guests, parking is $3.50 for the first 1/2 hour and $1 for each additional 1/2 hour and is based on availability. There are also several city lots within a six-block radius of the Fairmont Hotel, where parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 

3. How do I get to the Fairmont Hotel for STARWEST 2000?
   Back to Questions

From the North on Highway 101 (San Francisco):

1. Take HWY 101 south.
2. Exit Guadalupe Parkway (HWY 87).
3. Continue down Guadalupe three-miles to the Park Ave. exit.
4. Make a left on Park Ave. and continue two blocks.
5. Make a right turn on Almaden Blvd.
6. Next light will be San Carlos St. Turn left.
7. Continue down one block to Market St.
8. Make a left turn on Market St. The hotel will be one block on the right side.

From Highway 280/680 in either direction:

1. Take HWY 87 North (Guadalupe Parkway).
2. Continue on Guadalupe Pkwy. 1/4 mile to Santa Clara St., and Exit.
3. Make a right on Santa Clara St., go four lights to Market St., and make a Right.
4. Continue on Market St. two blocks and circle City Plaza Park.
5. The hotel is located at 170 S. Market St. The cross street is San Fernando.

From Highway 880/17 in either direction:

1. Take the Coleman Ave. exit.
2. Make a left on Coleman Ave. from either direction.
3. Continue on Coleman Ave. two miles where it will become Market St. Circle City Plaza Park.
4. The hotel is located at 170 S. Market St. The cross street is San Fernando.

From the South on Highway 101 (Los Angeles):

1. Take HWY 101 North to HWY 280 North.
2. The third exit will be Guadalupe Parkway (HWY 87). Exit (HWY 87) North.
3. Continue on Guadalupe Pkwy. 1/4 mile to the Santa Clara St. and exit.
4. Make a right on Santa Clara St. Go four lights to Market St. and make a right.
5. Continue on Market St. two blocks and circle Plaza de Cezar Chavez Park. The hotel is located at 170 S. Market St. The cross street is San Fernando.

 

4. What are some of the attractions and restaurants in the San Jose area?
   Back to Questions

• The Tech Museum of Innovation – www.thetech.org
• San Jose Museum of Art – www.sjmusart.org
• Great America – www.pgathrills.com
• Winchester Mystery House – For more information call (408) 247-2101
• AP Stump’s (American Cuisine) - (408) 292-9928
• Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. (American Cuisine) – (408) 294-6785
• Bella Mia (Italian Cuisine) - (408) 280-1993
• Menara (Moroccan Cuisine) - (408) 453-1983
• Gervais (French Cuisine) - (408) 275-8631
• E & O Trading Company (Southeastern Asian Cuisine) – (408) 938-4100

 

5. What are some of the attractions outside the San Jose area?
   Back to Questions

• Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk is approximately 45-60 minutes driving time from downtown San Jose. Experience warm, sunny beaches and magnificent views here. (831) 426-7433
• Monterey Bay Aquarium is approximately 90-minutes driving time from downtown San Jose. View some of the marine life found along California’s coast. (831) 648-4888
• Cannery Row is approximately 90-minutes driving time from downtown San Jose. This attraction was made famous by the author John Steinbeck. Visit shops and restaurants located in this historic site. (831) 649-1770 (Monterey Convention and Visitors Bureau)
• Napa Valley Wine Train is approximately a 2-hour drive from downtown San Jose. (707) 253-2111
• San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Union Square, China Town are all approximately a one hour drive from downtown San Jose. (415) 391-2000 (San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau)
• Great Mall of the Bay Area – www.greatmallbayarea.com
• Valley Fair Mall – 1-800-959-FAIR

About SQE

1. What is SQE?
   Back to Questions

Software Quality Engineering (SQE) assists software professionals and organizations throughout the world improve their software testing and quality engineering practices. The company's hands-on experience and training expertise help companies -- large and small -- improve testing practices, gain measurable control over software projects, and ultimately deliver better software.

Founded in 1986, SQE is one of the world's largest suppliers of testing and quality assurance training offering a comprehensive array of testing training as well as a number of development training. SQE organizes several international conferences, including Software Test Automation Conference, STARWEST and STAREAST (Software Testing Analysis & Review), SM (Software Management), and ASM (Applications of Software Measurement). In addition to these resources, SQE publishes Software Testing & Quality Engineering magazine, a commercial publication focused on the needs of the testing and quality assurance industry, STQe-Letter - newsletter that brings software testing and quality to your in-box, and hosts StickyMinds.com - online knowledge-source for software testers, managers, and quality engineers.  

 

2. How do I contact SQE?
   Back to Questions

Email: sqeinfo@sqe.com
Tel: (800) 423-8378 / (904) 278-0707
Fax: (904) 278-4380

Address: Software Quality Engineering
330 Corporate Way, Suite 300
Orange Park, FL 32073

 

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