Student Travel Guide biomérieux University Customer Education Department LEARNING IS A PROCESS...NOT AN EVENT! CONTACT US AT: 1-919-620-3110 Education@biomerieux.com
Table of Contents ABOUT THIS GUIDE... 3 Important Numbers at a Glance... 3 Where and when are the classes held?... 3 CLASS PREPARATIONS... 4 What do I need to do before class?... 4 What should I bring to training? How should I dress?... 4 What is included with the training class?... 4 What expenses am I responsible for paying?... 5 TRAVEL BY AIR... 5 How do I contact the biomérieux travel agency to book my flight?... 5 How do I check in for my flight?... 6 What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed?... 6 How do I get from the airport to the hotel?... 7 What do I do if I arrive after 12:30 a.m.?... 7 TRAVEL BY CAR... 7 HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS... 8 What do I need to know about the hotel?... 8 Check In/Out Times... 8 Residence Inn Website... 8 Will I need to place a credit card on file with the hotel?... 8 What if I use a Debit Card instead of a Credit Card to check-in at the hotel?... 8 May I Stay an Extra Night or Bring a Guest?... 9 TRANSPORTATION... 7 How do I get to the from the hotel to my class?... 9 What transportation does the hotel provide?... 9 How do I get to the airport on the last day of class?... 9 MEALS... 10 How are meals provided?... 10 2
ABOUT THIS GUIDE Please read this guide in its entirety BEFORE you travel. It will assist you with any questions that you may have regarding class preparation and your travel arrangements. Please be aware that biomérieux strictly adheres to the ethical guidelines established by AdvaMed. This travel guide and all information and policies within have been created taking these guidelines into account. We hope that you have a safe and pleasant trip and we look forward to seeing you in our Customer Service Center in Durham, NC. After reading this guide, if you have any additional questions or concerns not addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us. Important Numbers at a Glance: é Egencia Travel Agency 1-800-361-1120 M-F 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. EST Please mention that you are in a biomerieux Customer Training Class biomérieux Customer Education Customer Service Center 1101 Hamlin Rd Durham, NC 27704 919-620-3110 Education@biomerieux.com The Residence Inn at Brier Creek 10600 Little Brier Creek Lane Raleigh, NC 27617 919-472-1005 www.marriott.com/rduac Where and when are the classes held? Classes are taught by the Customer Education Department at the biomérieux, Inc. Customer Service Center in Durham, North Carolina. Class times vary according to the day: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 3
CLASS PREPARATIONS What do I need to do before class? Before class, please complete the following pre-class requirements: 1. Three weeks before class, an Egencia Travel Agent will email you to book your flight at the email address you provided on your registration. 2. If you plan to drive, please email the biomérieux Customer Education Department at Education@biomerieux.com. 3. Customers registered for training classes must complete the required pre-work online training listed in your confirmation email. Please bring your certificate of completion to class with you. 4. IMPORTANT- A personal credit card is required by the hotel in order for you to check in. The hotel will not check you in as a guest without a credit card. If you do not have a personal credit card or are unwilling to use a personal credit card to check in, arrange with your lab to either select someone else for training or to provide you with a credit card to which you may apply any personal expenses. What should I bring to training? How should I dress? Class attire is business casual and jeans are perfectly acceptable. As the class includes lab exercises, closed toed are required during the training classes. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring a sweater or jacket since class room and lab temperatures vary. The local news has a weather webpage at www.wral.com/weather/ to guide you with the types of clothing to pack. During lab exercises you will be supplied with a lab coat. While traveling, keep the following information with you: o Student Travel Guide o Hotel confirmation number (see page 6) o Credit Card to check into the hotel (see page 6) o Photo ID for air travel (see page 4) You will be given a variety of training materials (manuals, handouts, etc.) during your class. Please leave room in your suitcase to accommodate these items (approximately the space required for a 2 inch binder) What is included with the training class? While there may be some variation based on your lab s instrument contract, classes include: Instructor-led training and class materials 1 round-trip lowest fare coach plane ticket or mileage reimbursement up to a specific amount Shuttle service to/from the hotel and the Customer Service Center and to/from the airport Hotel accommodations and meals while in Durham 4
What expenses am I responsible for paying? Airport parking fees and/or checked baggage fees Transportation between your home and the airport Car rental or any transportation outside of that provided by biomérieux Tolls and/or gas money Meals while in transit Any other expenses accrued while traveling to/from Durham TRAVEL BY AIR How do I contact the biomérieux travel agency to book my flight? Three weeks prior to the start of your class, you will be contacted by an Egencia Air Travel Specialist via e-mail to make your flight arrangements. 1. During the call you will only be presented with the lowest fare option according to the biomérieux travel policy. The travel agent is unable to make modifications to this policy during booking of the flights. 2. Your flight must be scheduled for arrival in Raleigh-Durham, NC the day prior to the start of your class. Your departure will be scheduled for after 6:00 pm after class on your last day of training. 3. Any special requests for flights outside of the biomérieux travel policy will be at the expense of the student or the facility and will require a credit card to book the travel ticket. All exceptions must be approved by the biomérieux Customer Education Department. 4. If you have not received an e-mail or call before the second week prior to the start of your class, please contact Egencia directly at 1-800-361-1120. When calling, please identify yourself as a biomérieux customer and provide your class date to the travel agent. 5. Please be aware that all travel tickets are issued as non-refundable and nontransferable. In the event a student cancels or reschedules after completing class registration, your facility will be charged a cancellation/change fee, as well as the cost of any booked travel ticket. Details are provided in the Training Services Terms and Conditions included in your instrument contract. o If minimum class enrollment has not been met, biomérieux may cancel the class, so please do not book your flight prior to four weeks before your class 6. The travel agent will email you with your itinerary and automatically invoice biomérieux for the ticket 7. Once you receive your itinerary, verify that your name is spelled correctly (matching your driver s license or official ID) and that the dates, times and airports are correct. Report any problems with your itinerary or flight to Egencia Travel Agency immediately. The phone number above will automatically route to the Emergency group at Egencia after standard business hours. 5
How do I check in for my flight? Online check-in: Most airlines allow you to check in and print your boarding pass on their website within 24-hours of your flight. Be prepared to provide your name and information from your itinerary (confirmation number, record locator, etc.). If checking baggage, visit the airline counter or a self-service kiosk at the airport Airport check-in: Visit the airline check-in counter or a self-service kiosk. Boarding passes will be issued and baggage may be checked. In order to allow time for security screening and travel to the gate, arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before your scheduled departure time. Be prepared to present a governmentissued ID, such as a driver s license, and your boarding pass. For more information about check-in and security requirements, refer to the airline s website. What happens if I forget my e-ticket or itinerary? You do not need a paper copy of your e-ticket or itinerary to check in at the airport. All ticket information is stored electronically in the airline s computers. However, you do need a printout of your boarding pass to board the plane. You can print it at a selfservice kiosk or obtain it at the airline s check-in counter. What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed? If your flight is cancelled or delayed while en-route: See an airline counter agent to reschedule your flight If you encounter problems while rescheduling your flight at the airport, call Egencia Travel Agency at 1-800-361-1120 o Identify yourself as a biomérieux customer o Explain the situation o The travel agent will assist with rebooking your flight For further assistance, call the Customer Education Department 1-919-620-3110. o If your arrival is delayed beyond the class start time, let us know as soon as possible so we can accommodate you or reschedule your class If your flight is delayed and you anticipate arriving at the hotel after 11:00 p.m., the hotel will be able to provide you with a sandwich. Alternately, you can purchase something to eat in the airport and turn the receipt in to your instructor who will submit it for reimbursement. (approximately 3-4 weeks after your class ends) 6
How do I get from the airport to the hotel? The Residence Inn at Brier Creek hotel shuttle will pick you up at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) after you pick up your luggage. The hotel s shuttle service runs from 5:00 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. daily. After you have picked up your luggage, please call the hotel at 919-472-1005. A phone is available at the airport information desk or you may use your cell phone. o Inform the hotel operator that you are a biomérieux customer needing airport pickup. Identify your location as either Terminal 1 or 2. The hotel representative will direct you to the zone for pickup o Since there are multiple Residence Inn locations with shuttle service to/from the airport, be sure to confirm that the shuttle is for the Residence Inn at Brier Creek. o Make your way outside to the designated hotel pickup site; wait time is approx.10 minutes o Travel time from RDU to the hotel is approximately 10 minutes What do I do if I arrive after 12:30 a.m.? If you arrive after 12:30 a.m., please notify the hotel that you will be taking a taxi. The hotel staff member will pay for the taxi fare. TRAVEL BY CAR If you choose to drive to Durham, biomérieux will reimburse you for your mileage at a standard rate/mile up to a maximum dollar amount. Keep track of your mileage and complete the expense reimbursement form provided by your instructor on the first day of class. A check will be mailed to the address you indicated on the reimbursement form. Please allow approximately 3-4 weeks after your class ends to receive the reimbursement check. Hotel Location: The Residence Inn at Brier Creek 10600 Little Brier Creek Lane Raleigh, NC 27617 919-472-1005 www.marriott.com/rduac To obtain driving directions to the hotel please use an Internet mapping program. 7
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS What do I need to know about the hotel? BioMérieux will cover the cost of one room for each night associated with your training. Hotel reservations will be made by the Customer Education Department and your confirmation number will be emailed to you several days prior to your class. As a special courtesy to our guests, the hotel provides a complimentary business center with computers, Internet access and printers. Your room will have complimentary WIFI internet access, the code is provided with your welcome guide during check-in. In the event you do not receive the code for free internet access, please contact the front desk of the hotel. The Residence Inn at Brier Creekis dedicated to providing quality accommodations. If you experience a problem, notify the hotel staff or the Guest Services Manager so that they may have the opportunity to address and correct the issue. Please let your instructor know if the issue is not resolved satisfactorily. Check In/Out Times The hotel s check-in time is 3:00 p.m. The check-out time is 11:00 a.m. On the morning of your last day of class, you will check out and the hotel will store your luggage in a secured area until the shuttle service brings you back to the hotel There are no late checkouts available on the last day of class. However, if there are extenuating circumstances that require a late checkout, please discuss this situation with the manager on duty. Residence Inn Website: For additional information regarding the Residence Inn located Brier Creek, NC please go to their website at www.marriott.com/rduac. Will I need to place a credit card on file with the hotel? Yes! Residence Inn s corporate policy requires a valid credit card Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or AMEX to check into the hotel. If you do not have a credit card the hotel will not check you in. The credit card that you provide during check-in will cover the cost of any incidental expenses that are not paid by biomérieux and will be charged accordingly. These include items such as gratuities, snacks, movies, outgoing telephone calls, alcoholic beverages etc. Can I use a Debit Card instead of a Credit Card to check-in at the hotel? Debit cards are not accepted to check you in to the hotel. If you do not have a personal credit card, please see your laboratory manager or director. 8
May I Stay an Extra Night or Bring a Guest? In the event that additional nights are required, they must be approved by the biomérieux Customer Education Department a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Any additional nights not approved by biomérieux will be at your expense. You are welcome to bring guests with you. Guests are not allowed to attend your training class or the Wednesday evening dinner. You will be required to pay for any extra charges associated with having a guest (i.e. rooms, food, transportation, etc). Please notify the biomérieux Customer Education Department if you plan to bring guests so that we can notify the hotel accordingly. TRANSPORTATION How do I get to the from the hotel to my class? S&H Transportation s shuttle service will provide transportation to and from the hotel to the biomérieux Customer Service Center daily. Please be in the lobby at the arrival and departure sign each morning at 7:50 a.m. As you board the shuttle to class, please confirm with the shuttle driver that you are boarding the shuttle for biomérieux customer training classes. What transportation does the hotel provide? The Residence Inn at Brier Creek is approximately 10 minutes from the airport and less than a mile away from a wide selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment within the Brier Creek area. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service within the local Brier Creek area and will transport you to dinner each evening. Additional travel via taxi to areas outside of the local Brier Creek shopping area can be arranged by the hotel at your expense. Please feel free to view this link http://www.shopbriercreekcommons.com/ to discover what is located in Brier Creek. How do I get to the airport on the last day of class? After class ends, S&H Transportation s shuttle service will take you back to the hotel. You will then pick up your stored luggage from the hotel and board the hotel s shuttle to the airport. 9
MEALS How are meals provided? Arrival Dinner The hotel will provide you with a dinner certificate valued up to $20.00 to be used on your first night at the Residence Inn s The Bistro restaurant. Upon receipt of the bill, please supply the server with your certificate. Any amount over $20.00 (including gratuity) will be charged to your credit card. This certificate may only be used the first night of your arrival and expires on the date of arrival if not used. The Bistro s operating hours for your dining pleasure are 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Additionally, Residence Inn sponsors THE RESIDENCE INN MIX for all of their guests Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, starting about 6:30 and ending between 8:30 9:30. Feel free to go on down and enjoy the Mix. The Residence Inn Mix, is a fun and relaxing way to unwind, socialize and connect. The hotel will feature a different opportunity to socialize in their lobby or outdoor space. Breakfast A complimentary breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant each morning. The restaurant hours are from 6:30 9:30 a.m. Snacks - Snacks and beverages are available at the biomérieux Customer Service Center. Lunch - Lunch is provided in the biomérieux cafeteria. If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, please ensure you noted them on the online registration. If not, please email us at Education@biomerieux.com. Wednesday Dinner - It is our pleasure to host a dinner in your honor at a local restaurant. Transportation for this dinner is provided by the hotel shuttle. Remaining Dinners - Gift cards for specific restaurants will be provided by the instructor to help defray the cost of your remaining dinners. Simply present your gift card to the restaurant when the server presents you with the check. You will be responsible for any charges beyond the value of your gift cards. 10