Special Conference Events

XX International Linac Conference

Sunday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Join us for a welcome reception for participants and their companions in the Memory Garden, adjacent to the Monterey Convention Center. Registration will be available during the hours of 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It is recommended that you register Sunday, if possible, to avoid the rush on Monday morning. 

Wednesday, August 23 Excursions: (registration) Three special afternoon tours have been arranged for our conference participants and their companions and families. There is no charge for participants.

Kayak Tour of Elkhorn Slough: FULL Take a guided kayak tour of Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve and see up close the wildlife that makes up this estuary such as birds, sharks, fish, mudflats and marine mammals. Buses will load at the front entrance of the DoubleTree Hotel at 13:30. The buses will be clearly marked Elkhorn Slough Kayak Tour. You arrive at the reserve at approximately 14:00. The kayak tour takes three hours. Dress in layers for coastal weather. Bring a water resistant jacket and wear sneakers. The excursion fee for companions is $50.00 per person.

Hiking Tour of the Elkhorn Slough: A two-hour guided hike of the reserve trails will lead you through a variety of habitats around the slough including oak woodlands, grasslands, and saltmarsh. Buses will load at 14:00 at the front entrance of the DoubleTree Hotel. Buses will be clearly marked Elkhorn Reserve Hike. Wear clothes appropriate for hiking and bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen. You arrive at the reserve at 14:30. The guided hike takes two hours. Companions will be charged $15.00 per person. This includes the entrance fee and bus ride. 

Guided Boat Tour of the Elkhorn Slough: FULL The Elkhorn Slough Safari is a different way to visit this natural habitat and will provide excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife close at hand. This cruise will include an in-depth look at various aspects of slough ecology and fascinating history stories in the company of a naturalist guide. Buses will load at the front entrance of the DoubleTree Hotel at 14:00. Seating is limited, so please reserve your spot early. The cost for companions is $18.00 per person. Children age 2 and under are not allowed on the cruise.

Monterey Bay Scenic Tour: The three-hour tour includes sites located in the cities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea, the 17-mile drive and stops at Bird Rock in Pebble Beach and the Carmel Mission Inn. Monterey Scenic Tour buses will load at the front entrance of the DoubleTree at 13:30. Companions will be charged: $30.00. 

Thursday, August 24 Conference Banquet: The entire Monterey Bay Aquarium has been reserved for conference guests and their companions and families to enjoy and explore the undersea world of the Monterey Bay. Roam through the exhibit galleries while sampling an array of entrees from the aquarium's strolling buffet. The cost of the banquet and admission to the aquarium is $80 per person (not included in the registration fee).