ASSPD Conference 2025 - Know Before You Go

For anyone arriving at and departing from Norfolk International Airport. Please complete ASSPD Flight Information. The details you provide about your flights will enable us to schedule shuttle services for your arrival and departure. Please complete the survey by COB Monday, October 20^th.  We will be providing shuttles with State Parks staff. Be on the lookout for uniformed Rangers near the baggage claim who will direct you to shuttle van pickup locations. If you need more assistance please contact our lead for transportation services, Ann Zahn, at 804-921-9028.

Many conference activities will require walking and standing and we want to be sure that mobility needs are addressed. If you have a need for mobility accommodations  ASSPD Mobility Accommodations Form please provide them by COB Monday, October 20^th.

On Day 3 of the conference there will be an optional field trip to the Stihl Manufacturing Facility. The tour will include a behind the scenes look into the people and processes of building Stihl products. For your safety and health, closed-toed shoes are required and individuals with pacemakers are not permitted inside the facility due to equipment that may interfere with medical devices. Space is limited to the first 50 people who sign up at the Registration for the Stihl Tour.

Important updates and reminders during the conference will be shared via text to the cell phone number you provided in your registration. When receiving text updates if you reply “STOP” your number will be removed from the texting list.

Agenda and speaker information will be provided by using QR codes at the conference.  Check out the website for the agenda, speaker list, and other important information.

Traffic and travel in the Tidewater region of Virginia can be “interesting”.  Multiple constructions projects, tolls, and signs that state “east” when you are actually travelling west are commonplace. If you’ve never driven through a tunnel that is underwater you will experience that too. Please pack your patience when it comes to travelling in this area.

Additional information about The Marriott Beachfront Resort can be found by using the links below. Note: The hotel requires a credit card hold in the amount of $100/night for incidentals. Self-parking fees of $20/day or valet parking fees of $30/day also apply.

If you have some free time during your stay, then check out some of these local attractions. 

A full list of Virginia Beach attractions can be found by clicking  Visit Virginia Beach.

The conference is being recognized as a Certified Green Event by the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. As a conservation agency we are proud to provide recycling and composting services during the conference. Keep an eye out for instructions for how to dispose of your recyclables appropriately.

With field trips to multiple parks and local attractions, and much of our time spent outdoors, attire for the entire conference will be casual.  Our last evening together will be an outdoor Beach Party themed event.  Feel free to wear comfortable clothing with a festive vibe.  For the latest forecast check here The Weather Channel 10 day forecast  – and remember that it’s always breezy at the beach.

We look forward to your visit!