Welcome to the NCWIT 2011 Summit on Women and IT: practices and ideas to revolutionize computing! The NCWIT Summit is the pre-eminent destination for learning about leading-edge research on curriculum, outreach, recruitment, retention, and advocacy efforts across the entire CS/IT pipeline. This annual event brings together leaders, change agents, and stakeholders to focus on research-driven practices that strengthen the computing workforce and promote technology innovation by increasing the participation of girls and women.

NCWIT is now more than 250 organizations strong and together we are making a difference. As always, we welcome your comments or suggestions about how to make our annual Summit even better.

Tips for a Great Summit Experience

• Please visit the Summit registration table upon arrival to check in and pick up your badge. The registration table opens at 11 AM on Monday, May 23, located in the lobby of  NYU’s Kimmel Center.
• Wi-fi will be available to all Summit attendees. When you check in at registration to pick up your badge, you’ll receive a wi-fi login good for all three days of the Summit.
• A secure luggage storage room will be available both at the Kimmel Center and the Eventi, for those arriving directly from or departing directly to the airport.

GETTING AROUND

For those of you coming in from out-of-town, you’ll find that the best way to get around New York City is via walking and public transportation. NCWIT will not be providing shuttles at this Summit; below are some quick tips to help you get around while you’re in town.

Subway: Single ride subway tickets are $2.50. We recommend a Pay-per-Ride MetroCard. These can be refilled as needed and can be purchased at any value from $4.50+, at both subway stations and corner markets. Subway lines close to the Eventi and NYU are the B, D, F or M ("orange" lines) or N and R (“yellow” lines). NYC doesn't go by color like other city transit systems, so look for the letters. The closest stops to the Eventi Hotel are the 34th St/Herald Square station and Penn Station; the closest stops to NYU’s Kimmel Center are the 4th St/Washington Square Park station and the 8th St./NYU station. Plan your trip at HopStop or use the MTA Trip Planner.

Walking: The Eventi Hotel is approximately 1.5 miles, or about a 30-minute walk, from the Kimmel Center. If you plan to walk, please bring an umbrella in case of rain and allow sufficient time for your journey. Check the Summit schedule for start times and plan your walk at HopStop.

Cabs: Cabs in New York City are plentiful (unless it’s rush hour or it’s raining) and a cab ride for 1-4 people between the Eventi and NYU will run about $9, plus tip. Use the TaxiFareFinder to estimate your trip.

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION

Bus: The NYAS (New York Airport Service) is a bus that provides service from La Guardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports to Manhattan, as well as from Manhattan to both airports. Cost is $12 - $15 one-way. The buses drop off and pick up form various locations in the City, including Grand Central Station, Port Authority, and Penn Station (one block from the Eventi.) From these locations you can take a cab, walk, or subway to your hotel. Find out more at the NYAS website.

Cabs: Yellow cabs hailed from the airports to the city will run about $25+ from LGA, $45+ from JFK, and $80+ from Newark, including tolls.  Beware “private” cabs (not yellow), which do not have consistent pricing and are not regulated.

Subway/train: AirTrain provides service between JFK and Newark airports and NYC. Trains run 24/7 and the ticket cost is $5.00 - $5.50 each way. AirTrain connects with the subway for transit to and from your final destination. Visit the Port Authority website for more information.

Limo/car service: Carmel Limo and Dial7 both provide car service to and from the NYC airports, at competitive prices. Make reservations in advance and have your flight information on-hand for the best experience.

BREAKFAST

NCWIT will not be serving breakfast during the Summit, though there will be coffee, tea, water, and some snacks available at the meeting locations. The Eventi has two restaurants that serve breakfast items from 7-9 AM and there are many, many options within walking distance or on your way to the subway. Here are some ideas.

Antique Cafe NY: 26th between Broadway and 6th Aves.

Brown Cup NYC: 334 8th Ave. (at 26th)

Johny's Luncheonette: 124 W. 25th St. (between 6th and 7th Avenues)

Food Parc & The Daily Press: lobby, the Eventi Hotel

Markt: 676 Sixth Ave. (at 21st)

Bar Breton: 254 5th Ave. (Broadway and 5th)

Speedy Deli: 1271 Broadway (Between 32nd and 6th Ave.)‎

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Spending some leisure time in NYC around the Summit? Check out NYC Tourist for ideas. The Highline, Madison Square Park, and the Empire State Building all are within walking distance of the Eventi. NYCGo.com has good maps and a lot of visitor information.