All reservation requests must be made directly through the Portland, Oregon Visitors Association (POVA) Housing. Special 2004 Ocean Sciences sleeping room rates are available ONLY through POVA Housing. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rooms have been reserved at four properties in Portland that will suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Three hotels are within walking distance of the Oregon Convention Center. One is located downtown, but is easily accessible via a complimentary, short ride on the MAX light-rail system. All hotels have been selected on the basis of location, availability, price, and desirability.

Online Reservations
Use the Online reservations form—must be accompanied by credit card payment.

Telephone Reservations
Tel: 866-887-6698 (within U.S. and Canada) +1-506-433-7985 (international)
Hours: 9:00 A.M.—7:00 P.M. (EST) Please have your Visa, MasterCard or American Express card ready to secure your reservation with the required deposit.

Mail or Fax Reservations
To make a reservation by mail or fax, print the housing form and mail or fax with deposit to the Housing Bureau at the following address:

AGU - POVA Housing
1000 SW Broadway, Suite 2300 Portland, OR 97205, USA
Fax: +1-506-433-3033
Email: housing@pova.com

Deposit Information
All reservation requests must include guarantee information. Requests received without proper guarantee information will NOT be processed. The preferred and easiest method of guarantee is with a credit card (valid at least through the dates of the convention). If you do not have a credit card to use for guarantee, check deposits in the amount of $125 (per room requested) will be accepted via mail only. This deposit will be applied toward your hotel room(s).

Acknowledgement of Hotel Reservations
The Housing Bureau automatically sends acknowledgements once the request has been processed. You will not receive a confirmation from the hotel. Acknowledgements are sent via e-mail (immediately after being processed), fax (within a few hours of processing) or mail (up to 10 business days). Please review all information for accuracy. If you do not receive your acknowledgement within 15 business days, please contact the Housing Bureau.

Changes/Cancellations/Refund Policy
Before 21 January 2004: Changes to name, stay dates, address, or special requests can be made online or contact the AGU Housing Bureau to modify or cancel your reservation.

After 20 January 2004: All changes and cancellations must be made directly with the assigned hotel. Do not contact the hotel directly until after 20 January 2004.

Refunds for cancelled reservations that are guaranteed with a check deposit will be mailed within 10 business days upon receipt of written notification, less a $5 processing fee and any cancellation fees (if applicable).

List of Hotels
Hotel descriptions and a hotel map are published on the Online reservations form (room rates do not include 12.5% occupancy tax).

Airline Discounts
Save money on your domestic travel costs to Portland on United Airlines! You will receive a 5% discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including first class, or a 10% discount off midweek coach fares purchased 7 days in advance. If purchasing at least 30 days in advance of the travel dates, you receive an additional 5% discount off the already discounted or special fare. Or you may choose Area Pricing, a discounted, fixed-rate airfare based on geographical location, which must be purchased 7 days in advance.

To obtain these special discount fares, you or your travel agent must contact United's Convention Sales Department at the number listed below and provide the Meeting ID number 549TP:

United Airlines Convention Sales

1-800-521-4041
7:00 A.M. - 12:00 midnight (EDT)
Meeting ID #549TP

Travel Insurance
Participants traveling from outside the United States may wish to purchase accident and medical insurance protection during their visit to Portland. Seabury and Smith, an association service organization, offers coverage through its Gateway USA program. Insurance must be purchased for a minimum of 15 days, up to a maximum of 60 days. Prices will vary depending upon the individual's age and choice of benefit package. For more information, contact Seabury and Smith at +1-202-367-5097, or visit their website at www.gatewayplans.com.