Personal Decorum

At all meetings, receptions, activities, and interactions with other AGA members and guests during the conference, attendees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and be responsible for personal behavior respectful of others and the esteem and reputation of the Association and our great industry. Please read the AGA's Statement on Personal Conduct, upon completion of your registration, you will be asked to agree to abide by this and the Anti-Trust & Conflict of Interest policy.

Transportation

The Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, also known as the Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is approximately 1.5 hours from the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort &Spa. Roundtrip transfers from the airport to the JW will be organized by the AGA. The AGA has pre-arranged shuttle service for all attendees. Once you clear customs, representatives with AGA signage will meet you to escort you to the resort. You will need to provide Rebecca Spodick with your flight information to arrange travel. The shuttle runs six times a day and can be reserved in advance. Go CR Vision, who operates the shuttle, can also provide other private transportation if pre-arranged.

The AGA does not recommend renting a car, as roads in Costa Rica are notoriously unpredictable and poorly marked. It is important to note that Taxi/Uber service can be unreliable in the area, so it is best to use the shuttle to Tamarindo or pre-arrange transportation when going off property.

The AGA does not recommend flying into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) as it is 5 hours away from the resort. AGA will not arrange shuttle transportation from SJO, but you can contact GO CR Vision for private transfers to the JW Marriott. Alternatively, you can take a local 50 minute flight from San Jose to Tamarindo (TNO) on Sansa for approximately $160 each way. AGA can arrange transfers to the resort from Tamarindo.

Hotel

Nestled on Playa Mansita’s exclusive shores within Hacienda Pinilla, the JW Marriott Guanacaste, offers a private paradise with luxurious beachfront accommodations.

The hotel address is:

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Hacienda Pinilla
Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Upon Arrival

Tipping, Tax, and Fees at Hotel

All room rates are subject to the following:

• 13% tax
• Gratuities for housekeeping, bellman/porterage service are compulsory as follows
  • Bellman $9.00/person roundtrip
  • Housekeeping: $6.00/night

Activities

Tipping for all activities and transportation has been taken care of through your activity registration fee. (See below for suggested attire)

Time Difference

Costa Rica observes Central Standard Time (CST) year-round. During our conference, this will be the same as Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) in the US.

Temperature

The average temperature in Guanacaste, Costa Rica in late March/early April is low 90’s for the day and high 70's at night.

Dress Code

Receptions and Wednesday Dinner

Please note all three receptions (Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday evenings) are open to ALL conference attendees, while the Excellence Awards Dinner and various excursions and activities (below) require pre-registration.

Vibrant Colors – The Brighter the Better: Dress for the Saturday and Sunday receptions and the Wednesday Reception and Dinner is Resort Chic/Tropical. This means lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen in bold, colorful patterns.

Women Suggestions: Maxi/beach dresses, linen pants w/ beachy tops, rompers, wedges or flat sandals

Men Suggestions: Linen pants, golf shorts, polos or short-sleeved tropical prints (Tommy Bahama, Hawaiian), boat shoes or loafers

SPECIAL NOTE: A professional photographer will be available to take photos of you and your guests or colleagues at the Excellence Awards Reception (Wednesday).

Activities (pre-registration required)

Sunday, March 30: Buena Vista Eco-Tour

7:30am - 4:30pm. Meet in Lobby. Lunch will be included. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, walking shoes (for hiking/zip line), as well as a bathing suit and flip flops or wet shoes, and if desired, a change of clothes for after the spa/water slide. Don’t forget camera, binoculars, bug repellent and sunscreen!

Monday, March 31: Guest Brunch

9:30am - 10:30am. Meet at the Azul Pool Grill. Enjoy a delicious brunch, water views, and wonderful company.

Monday, March 31: Pickleball & Golf Tournaments

12:00pm - 5:00pm. Meet in Lobby. Golfers will have boxed lunches to take along, Picklers will have light refreshments on site. Shuttles will take you to course/courts about 5 minutes away. Golf Shotgun start and Pickleball Kickoff both at 12:30pm.

Tuesday, April 1: Sunset Sail & Snorkel

1:30pm - 6:30pm. Meet in Lobby. If you plan to snorkel, bathing suit and sandals or wet shoes. If you plan to just enjoy the ride and sunset, comfortable clothing. Don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Wednesday, April 2: Spa Day

10:00am - 4:00pm. Located in the Spa by JW Marriott. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. Guests are welcome to use the spa facilities including a plunge pool, sauna, steam room, and showers either before or after their treatment.