Dear Coach,

Read on for important considerations concerning lodging during the 2018 National Tournament!

Why should I stay within the National Tournament hotel block?

As the costs in hosting and executing the National Tournament continue to rise, it has become more and more important that all teams at Nationals stay within the established block of hotel rooms. When negotiating contracts to ensure the best possible rates and benefits to the organization and participants, certain guarantees and room pick up history must be provided to each contracting hotel. Staying in the National Tournament block assists in future rate negotiations and provides essential rebate revenue and complimentary room nights that prevent expenses from being passed off to the participating teams.

When does the hotel block open?

The National Tournament hotel block is scheduled to open Monday, January 8, 2018.

How do I book a room within the hotel block?

To secure the best hotel rates, all coaches must use the online booking system managed by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). Simply visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals on January 8 to get started! The platform is similar to an Orbitz, Travelocity, or other online booking website, and contains all of the hotel properties negotiated by the NSDA. Enter your check in/check out dates, number of rooms, and number of guests to display a list or map view of available hotels matching your search parameters. You may also filter the results by name, price, or distance to find the best property that fits your team’s needs.

Will I save money by staying within the National Tournament hotel block?

Yes! If your team stays within the hotel block, your entry fees to the National Tournament will remain the same as last year. However, those teams that elect to stay outside the NSDA hotel block will incur an additional $25 entry fee per student to help recover the lost financial benefits that are essential to running the National Tournament. See chart below:

Speech, Lincoln-Douglas, or Congress Entry

$100 per entry for teams staying OUTSIDE the National Tournament hotel block

$75 per entry for teams staying WITHIN the hotel block (save $25 per entry)

Policy, Public Forum, or Duo Entry

$200 per entry for teams staying OUTSIDE the National Tournament hotel block

$150 per entry for teams staying WITHIN the hotel block (save $50 per entry)

Big Questions Entry

$75 per student for teams staying OUTSIDE the National Tournament hotel block

$50 per student for teams staying WITHIN the hotel block (save $25 per student)

World Schools Entry

$75 per student for teams staying OUTSIDE the National Tournament hotel block

$50 per student for teams staying WITHIN the hotel block (save $25 per student)

How do I know what competition venues will be used throughout the week?

Visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals for a tentative overview of the 2018 Nationals site plan, including an interactive Google map of the competition venues. On January 8, the online booking system will include an updated Google map showing all of the hotels in relation to the venues, so you can plan your week’s stay accordingly!

Can I cancel or update my room reservation?

Yes! Using the online booking system, coaches may cancel or update their team's room reservations without penalty until May 1, 2018. Therefore, you are encouraged to book your rooms as early as January 8! This should provide ample time and an even playing field for all teams planning to attend the tournament. (Please note that AFTER May 1, 2018, all room reservations within the block are subject to an automatic two-night, non-refundable deposit per room at the time of booking.)

Can I still earn hotel points through the online booking system?

Yes, you will have the option to add your membership number to the online reservation or present it at check-in.

Can I pay my hotel reservation by check?

Those teams wishing to pay by check may call the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. Additional information will be available online January 8.

I need to book ten or more rooms. What should I do?

Larger teams or districts requiring a block of ten or more rooms should call the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. Additional information will be available online January 8.

Reminders

• Please do NOT call the hotels directly.

• DO guarantee the best hotel rates and keep your tournament entry fees low by visiting the online booking system at www.speechanddebate.org/nationals starting January 8.

We look forward to hosting you and your team in Fort Lauderdale in June! If you have any questions not answered here, please don't hesitate to contact the national office at info@speechanddebate.org or (920) 748-6206.

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