FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Refunds
This year, to account for the financial impacts of the pandemic, we are running registration a little differently. Early Bird opens on June 11 and there will be a limited number of early bird tickets available. Early Bird will be available until July 11 or until sold out. Regular registration will then open on July 12 and will be open until October 10 or until filled. Note that there may be a gap between when the Early Bird tickets sell out and when the full registration opens on July 12. We encourage you to register early! In previous years we have reached capacity well before the closing date.
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact the Conference Registrar at hello@calcaucus.com. Cancellations requested by email prior to October 10, will receive a full refund minus a $75 USD cancellation fee if the room reserved by the participant can be filled by another participant. Cancellations requested after October 10 present significant logistical challenges and will be at the discretion of the Registrar. COVID-related cancellations will be addressed on a case by case basis.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create uncertainty around our ability to gather in-person and will likely impact the way we can engage on-site. We value this community and will do all we can to ensure their safety and well-being and we will ask the same of our participants. We are closely monitoring federal and state guidance and there may be health and safety requirements to attend the Caucus. We will notify all participants of safety expectations and precautions closer to the event. COVID-related registration cancellations will be addressed on a case by case basis.
Attending
Visit the Asilomar Conference Grounds website at visitasilomar.com
Several video reviews and walkthroughs are available on YouTube.
For meals, conference fees, and lodging, you can anticipate $1250-$1350 for either our Early Bird or regular Full Conference rate and should budget as well for the cost of travel from your location.
The dress for Cal Caucus is casual. Please check the weather before you pack as the temperature can be variable in November (layers are always a good idea for the California coastal areas).
For participants staying at Asilomar Conference Grounds, your room will be ready for check-in at 4 pm at the Asilomar Social Hall. If you arrive before your room is ready, there are several wonderful options to pass the time: rocking in a chair by a welcoming fire in the main lobby, having a cup of coffee or snack in the lobby café, and taking a walk along the beach (a short three-minute walk from the lodge).
The Cal Caucus check-in table is located in the Fred Farr Forum at the Asilomar Conference Grounds and is between 4pm and 6pm. You can get directions to the room in the Social Hall lobby. At the Cal Caucus check-in, you will get your name badge, meal tickets, and a small welcome gift.
A gift for the traditional Gift Exchange (see below).
There will be a table to display your organization’s brochures, business cards, and swag. There is a rich array of approaches to marketing ombuds offices. Please bring your marketing materials if you would like to share them with your colleagues.
There is a traditional Gift Exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift (the surprise is fun!) for this fun and lively community building activity. Gifts customarily cost under $25 and represent an interest or passion of the giver. If bringing a gift is too difficult, you have the option to pick one up at the Asilomar gift shop.
Lodging
Accommodations at Asilomar are rustic. The rooms are clean and simple, there is complimentary wi-fi in the rooms but no television. Asilomar is located near Pacific Grove about a mile away from the town center. There are several dining options available at Asilomar, but there are few options nearby. You will want to have most of what you need with you unless you have a car.
If you need ADA accommodations, please contact the registrar at cccuo1973@gmail.com
Yes. There are a number of lodging options in Pacific Grove near Asilomar. You can also stay in Monterey or Carmel, but you’d probably need to rent a car to get to Asilomar from either location. If you choose to stay offsite please note that all of our meals and activities are located on the Asilomar grounds and plan accordingly.
Yes, you can, but you must arrange for your own lodging through Asilomar directly at visitasilomar.com or (888) 635-5310. You can ask to have the same room, but they may not be able to accommodate your request.
Guests
Yes. Your guest needs to register for a Guest Registration (available through the Cal Caucus Eventbrite portal) with their name and contact info. It’s about $45 per guest for the duration of Cal Caucus. This rate does not include meals.
Guest registration includes lodging in a shared room only.
Yes. Your guests can purchase meals on an as needed basis through the Asilomar Crocker Dining Hall.
Transportation
San Jose is 80 miles from Asilomar. You can rent a car, but you can also take the Monterey Airbus shuttle from San Jose for approximately $60 one way. They will transport you directly from San Jose to Asilomar. Visit montereyairbus.com for more information and to make a reservation.
SFO is 110 miles from Asilomar. You can rent a car, but you can also take the Monterey Airbus shuttle from SFO for approximately $60 one way. They will transport you directly from SFO to Asilomar. Visit montereyairbus.com for more information and to make a reservation.
The closest airport is Monterey Airport, but fares also tend to be more expensive than flying to San Jose or SFO. Monterey Airport is 8 miles from Asilomar, and you can take a taxi for about $20-25. Renting a car is usually the fastest way to get to Asilomar if you plan to fly to San Jose or SFO, but it can also be expensive. If you have a bit more time, the Monterey Airbus is usually the cheapest option for one person, but it can take about 2-3 hours one-way.