Travel, Accommodations, and Parking Information
Conference location
The conference will be held at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. The Dubois Center is separate from UNC Charlotte’s main campus in University City – it is the University’s hub in Uptown Charlotte for meetings, classes, and events. Located at the corner of 9th and Brevard, the Center is a few steps from the 9th Street Station of the CATS Light Rail Blue Line and it is also directly next to the beautiful First Ward Park. More information on traveling to the Dubois Center (including parking) can be found here.
Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City
320 E 9th St
Charlotte, NC 28202
Parking Information
Conference venue parking
Attendees who are driving to the conference venue can utilize the ample parking available at one of the several lots next to the venue, as detailed on the Dubois Center website. The organizers recommend using the lot managed by Pivot Parking at 422 E. 9th Street (gravel lot) at the corner of 9th and Brevard. The daily rate for parking is $10. Visitors must initiate a paid parking session within 15 minutes of entering the lot (using their smartphone and following instructions on the posted signage). Validation/vouchers are not included in attendee conference fees.
Wednesday tour at UNC Charlotte campus
Chartered bus transportation departing from the conference venue to the tour location will be provided to those attending the tour. For those who wish to drive themselves, they should use the visitor parking at the CRI parking deck located just across from the University Marriott. Duke Hall (the tour site location) is a 5 minute walk down the hill along Robert D. Snyder Rd. Do not park in other lots without a permit, you will be ticketed.
Friday tour at NASCAR R&D
Chartered bus transportation departing from the conference venue in the morning will be provided to those attending the tour. For those who wish to drive themselves, they should use the parking available at the tour site. There are no specially marked visitor spots or parking fees.
Lodging
There are a large number of lodging options available within a short distance of the Dubois Center and many more options accessible by car or public transportation. Some options include those listed below, but more are available in every price point. Summer can be a busy time of year for travel in the Southeast and attendees are encouraged to book their lodging early. (Lodging options not listed in any particular order.) Note that the tour of NASCAR’s R&D center will be held on the morning of July 10th.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown First Ward – 5 min walking
Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown – 14 min walking
Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City –10 min walking
Double Tree by Hilton Charlotte Center City – 10 min walking
Hampton Inn Charlotte-Uptown – 20 min walking
Getting around
Uptown Charlotte is a walkable area and has many public transportation options. Those who wish to use the light rail should make use of the CATS-Pass app where they can purchase tickets and plan trips.
Notable dining options in Uptown include food halls such as The Market at 7th Street, Optimist Hall, and Latta Arcade as well as many other restaurants, diners, and food stalls. Attractions in Uptown include the Mint Art Museum, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Discovery Place Science, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and more. A short ride on the Lynx Light Rail can make other neighborhoods such as NoDa, Elizabeth, and South End accessible as well.
Air travel
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a short 15 minute drive from the conference location. Attendees arriving at CLT will need to use a ride share or hail a Taxi (both available at the arrivals terminal) to reach their destination.