See you this June in the
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING AND RESERVING HOTELS Please read before selecting lodging! 1.
All schools should stay at one of the Association recommended hotels in downtown Birmingham or the surrounding areas. The lowest rates have been negotiated for our members. Please do not stay outside the block. The large volume of room sales within the block allows the Association to continue to negotiate the most affordable rate list. Properties that do not appear on this list are likely inconvenient for participation in the tournament, including lack of safety, amenities, and proximity to restaurants and are providing no benefit to the overall cost of the tournament. Morning and afternoon traffic could add substantial time to your commute if you are located outside the block. In addition, hotels not on the list have no contractual obligation to the Association, and therefore, we cannot provide any level of reservation protection at these properties. Middle school teams are encouraged to stay in airport hotel properties as they are closest to Huffman HS.
2.
When calling hotels, all coaches must mention the “National Speech & Debate Association block” to receive the posted rate. All room reservations within the block are subject to an automatic two-night, non-refundable deposit per room at the time of booking. This avoids double booking and allows all attendees equal opportunity to book in the best available properties.
3.
All hotel properties on the Association’s list are easily accessible and are within 15-20 minutes by interstate or surface streets of competition venues. The tournament website has a link to an interactive Google map of every hotel including the Sheraton Birmingham, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, and all competition sites. You can print all needed maps before ever leaving home.
4.
The high school Congressional Debate headquarters is the Sheraton Birmingham located in downtown Birmingham. All Congressional Debate rounds and the PRELIMS of Extemporaneous Speaking will occur at the Sheraton complex. It is recommended that high school teams with Congressional debaters and/or extempers stay at the Sheraton Birmingham or at one of the downtown properties to avoid substantial rush hour traffic issues. These hotels are an excellent choice in both price and feature.
5.
It is recommended that all coaches visit the individual websites of the hotels to determine which property fits the needs of their program. All hotels on the list are conveniently located to various aspects of the tournament. The Sheraton Birmingham and The Westin Birmingham are the most conveniently located hotels for access to the high school Congressional Debate competition, registration, final rounds, and the National Awards Assembly. Schools are encouraged to book early as hotel blocks will fill up quickly.
6.
Key Travel Times to Note: a. Sheraton and other downtown hotels to Schools (less than 20-minute drive) b. Sheraton and other downtown hotels to Congressional Debate and Finals (less than five-minute walk) c. All other Hotels to Schools (less than 20-minute drive) d. All other Hotels to Congressional Debate and Finals (less than 20-minute drive)
7.
PLEASE LOOK AT A MAP! Before reserving rooms, all coaches should consult a map of the Birmingham area to get a better perspective on travel logistics. Maps are available on the tournament website. The key to a less stressful week is to consider following the above lodging suggestions provided by the national office.
We offer more than 30 hotel properties to make your stay in Birmingham comfortable and enjoyable! Visit www.speechanddebate.org/hotels to check out the complete list.
Additional tournament information is available at www.speechanddebate.org/nationals. ROSTRUM | SPRING 2017 15