We have arranged an informal welcome dinner for you in our hotel on the first night. It starts at 7.00pm (TBC based on flights) and is an opportunity for you to meet some of the team in a relaxed environment before the following day ahead at Lenovo.

Our programme will start officially at 8.10am on Wednesday 14th June, where we will depart for Lenovo’s US HQ.

Your hotel room is booked at the Raleigh Marriott Center City Hotel according to your arrival and departure date.

Raleigh Marriott Center City
500 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Early check-in or late check-out will be provided depending on arrival & departure times and subject to hotel availability.

Lenovo will cover accommodation expenses from June 13 to June 15, personal expenses and additional nights should be paid by credit card on check-out or can be paid beforehand with a credit card authorization form. Please request the form from Ann Austin at aaustin@esg.us.

We're aware of the irony of flying media to a trip about sustainability, but our US headquarter is home to researchers at the cutting edge of sustainable design and we have built the trip with sustainability in mind. Here are the things we will put in place: 

• Your flights will be Carbon Offset 
• Digital signage will be utilized throughout the event
• We selected your hotel with sustainability policies in place
• If we need to travel, it is on 100% Bio-fuel powered transportation - for the event days
• We optimized airport shuttles, to minimize car miles
• Dinner venues were chosen within walking distance and with sustainable values.
• Food waste composting will be provided onsite at Lenovo
• Reusable dishware and utensils will be provided when available, otherwise recycled and compostable material will be utilized 
• We have selected 100% biodegradable event badges and lanyards made from 100% recycled plastics

Food and beverage will be provided throughout the event. Every effort will be made to accommodate dietary restrictions, but should you have questions about menu items please ask the staff.

• Dress code: Business casual is appropriate for most activities. It is hot and humid in Raleigh at this time of year, so dress appropriately.
• The forecasted temperatures in Raleigh are highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Sunglasses are recommended!
• Air Conditioning will be available at all sites. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for indoor meetings. 
• You will need your passport for hotel/flight check-in.
• Please wear your name badge throughout the trip.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available at the hotel and Lenovo headquarters.

The US is a safe country. However, while you are here, we suggest you take common sense precautions as you would when visiting any major city:

1. Do not display large amounts of cash; carry only as much as you need.
2. Keep your personal belongings with you.
3. Be vigilant in crowds, restaurants and on public transportation; watch out for people creating distractions and diversions.
4. When walking around the city, know how to get to your destinations in advance so you appear confident in where you are going.

Currency

• The currency used throughout the United States is the US Dollar.
• You can exchange traveler's checks or cash at most banks, and hotels always have a money exchange counter, which can be used if you are a guest there.
• To change money, you must have your passport at hand.
• Most major credit cards can be used in all locations.
• Most taxis allow payment in credit card.

Electricity

• The standard current in the United States is 110v.
• Please bring a universal adaptor plug as electrical outlet types can vary.

International Calls

• Dial 00, then the country code, then the number.
• The country code for the United States is +1.

Time Zone

• CEST -6 hours
• HKT +12 hours