Bridging the Global Zarathushti Existence

12th World Zoroastrian Congress 2022 NYC

Attendee Information

Dear Registered Guests:

The Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York (ZAGNY) and the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) welcome you to the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress (WZC2022), July 1-4, 2022, at the New York Hilton Midtown.

This is a momentous event with 1000+ guests from all over the globe gathered to listen to exemplary speakers, share ideas, exchange experiences, and renew friendships. We hope that WZC2022 will create and reinforce strong bonds that go beyond the everyday and showcase the interconnections we share as Zarathushtis worldwide.

We will constantly update this page with current information, so please check back often

Please find below, information to help you plan your stay:

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Congress Attendance

 

Venue

New York Hilton Midtown,

Address: 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019

Tel: 212-586-7000 | Website: Hilton.com

Cross Streets: 6th Av. Between 53rd and 54th Street

Directions to Hotel: Google Maps

 

Parking

Event Parking is available at the Hilton Hotel Parking Garage

We have negotiated a discounted day rate of US$ 50.00 (including all taxes) per 24 hour period.

Hilton Parking garage is conveniently accessed at the rear entrance of the hotel, Valet parking, secured, and covered.

Rate : $50.00 inclusive of Tax  – 24 Hrs/ a day  (eg.  Park  Fri at 3pm – next day  Sat. 3pm is 24 hrs)

Car type: Standard/ Oversize same rate

Access: In/Out privileges

Entrance : East to west 101 W 53rd Street, between 6th & 7th Ave the entrance to the garage is on the right  below the Hilton PARK sign

West to East 136 W 54th Street, between 6th and 7th the entrance to the garage is on the right just below the Hilton PARK sign

Guests will drive the car into the garage and get the parking ticket from the garage.  At the Hotel Reservation Desk tell them the number of days you want to park the car and you will pay as part of the hotel bill.  You will need to show Congress Registration Badge and Lanyard as a proof of attendance everytime you take your car out of the garage. Please note on any given date over 24 hrs you will be charged at the hourly rate

If you intend to park at the Hotel, please drop an email to Pam Shroff shroffpam@gmail.com indicating the number of days, so we can give the hotel an accurate count, and they can be staffed accordingly. This is important as most people will check in around the same time and leave around the same time too.

 

Airport Transportation: To and Fro

• JFK: http://www.jfkairporttomanhattan.com/ (NYC Express Bus – Golden Touch Transportation Service; Cost: $19.00 per person)
• LGA: laguardia-airport.com LaGuardia Airport Transportation
• EWR: newarkairport.com Public Transportation – EWR – Newark Liberty Airport

Taxis and App cab rides (Uber / Lyft) are also available at all airports for your convenience.

 

Hotel Check-In

Hilton strongly recommends you Download the Hilton Honors App on the App Store or Google Play

Group arrival/departure attracts Hilton baggage handling fees charged to you. Unless necessary, do not plan to arrive/depart as a large group together.

Please read Hilton rules for cancellation policy and early departure policy which might attract penalties.

Breakfast is not included in the room rate.

Please budget extra time for breakfast to arrive on time for all morning sessions.

At the Hilton, breakfast is available through room service, or at “Herb & Kitchen” in the lobby.

Other options in the area are:

  • Local food trucks and coffee carts on sidewalks around the Hilton.
  • Starbucks at 1290 6th Av., New York, NY-10019 (near 53rd Street and 6th Av). Opens 6:30 am.
  • Dunkin Donuts at 200 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 (54th Street and 7th Av.) Opens 6.00 am.
  • Kaffe A Kaffe at 845 7th Av, New York, NY 10019 (on 54th Street).

Hotel rules prohibit you from eating food purchased from outside in the hotel lobby. You will be charged a penalty by the hotel staff. Please take the food up to your rooms for consumption.

COVID Protocols

Current NYC regulations will be updated on our website a few days prior to July 1, 2022. You are required to follow health and safety guidelines outlined by the CDC and Hilton at all times.

Please travel with your own protective masks and we request you to be respectful of everyone’s masking preference and personal space.

Should you need to purchase rapid tests or need a pharmacy, the closest drug store is:

  • Duane Reade at 1370 6th Av., FRNT 1, New York, NY 10019 Tel-212-586-2740. Open till 12.00 am. Pickup and delivery available.
  • Duane Reade at 100 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Tel: 212-956-0464. Open 24 hours. Pickup and delivery available.

Congress Registration Desk

On Thursday June 30th, the Congress Registration Desk will be set up in the RHINELANDER NORTH ROOM. 

To reach the room please take the escalator from across the Herb ‘N Kitchen Deli to the second floor.

The Congress Registration Desk will be open at the times indicated below.

Please collect your Registration Badges, Welcome Kit and all other add-on tickets etc. on June 30th itself, to avoid delays on the morning of the first day of the Congress.

June 30, 2022 : 3:00 PM Onwards

On the following days the Registration Desk shall be open outside the GRAND BALLROOM on the third floor

July 1, 2022 7:00 to 8:00 am

July 1, 2022 During the morning Coffee Break.

Rules of Participation

The WZC2022 theme, “Bridging the Global Zarathushti Existence”, will remain at the forefront of all our activities. We ask that everyone remain respectful and tolerant, providing space for each other’s opinions, thoughts, and feelings. The organizers reserve the right to rescind attendance to the Congress to anyone who does not adhere to the above.

An ID Badge and lanyard, included in your Welcome bag, MUST always be worn or available with you. You will not be allowed entry into any Congress venues or for meals without your Congress issued ID Badge. No exceptions to this rule.

Kindly be mindful to arrive and exit meeting rooms on time. Once a session has begun, you may have to wait until it is an appropriate time for you to enter the room.

Food is not permitted in meeting rooms when sessions are in progress.

Your registration includes access to

  • All regular WZC2022 sessions.
  • For families with registered children up to age 14, Babysitting Services, Kids, or Tween Programs.
  • Coffee/tea during scheduled coffee breaks between sessions.
  • Lunch on July 1, 2 (Awards Lunch), and 3.
  • Performance by the World Zoroastrian Symphony Orchestra on July 2.
  • Gala Banquet Night Dinner on July 3.

WZC2022 SCHEDULE

A complete schedule of sessions will be included in your Welcome Bag (brochure) and is available online at: https:/wzc2022.nyc/schedule

The organizers reserve the right to alter the schedule due to events beyond their control. Please bookmark the above link for the latest update to the schedule especially once the Congress has begun.

Dress Code and Attire

The general dress code for all congress sessions shall be Business Casual. No shorts, sandals or flip-flops

Friday July 01: Opening Ceremony: Traditional/Formal. Please remember to bring your scarves and topis for the opening prayers.

Saturday July 02: Orchestra Night: Evening Casual

Sunday July 03: Gala Night: Black Tie/Formal/Elegant/Traditional

Add-on Events

Broadway Shows: Evening Casual
Fireworks Cruise: Relaxed (A shawl/sweatshirt is handy as it could be windy)

Gala Night

Gala Night will begin with a Cocktail Reception from 7:30 pm with a cash bar (USD, CASH ONLY, NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED). An ATM is available in the hotel lobby.

Doors to the Grand Ballroom will open at 8:00 pm. Ushers will be located throughout the hall to escort you to your assigned table. We request your cooperation to be seated promptly so we may start our program for the evening on schedule.

A separate email with instructions for reserved seating shall go out to all attendees. Please look out for it and respond accordingly. There shall be reserved seating for the Awards Lunch on Day 02, and Gala Night on Day 03.

Communications

Wifi in your hotel rooms and in general hotel areas is available for free. You can access the Hotel wifi with your room registration information. This is available in your hotel rooms and in general public areas of the hotel.

Medical Assistance

The Congress will have a dedicated Medical Assistance Team of trained medical professionals available. If you need assistance please reach out to one of our volunteers who will alert the Hotel staff to call 911 and ensure that EMS reaches the site of the emergency without delay.

If needed, the closest Urgent Care Facility is MiDoctor Urgent Care Midtown Manhattan at 715 9th Av., New York, NY 10019 (Between 48th and 49th Street). Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday-Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please reach out to our Congress volunteers and someone will assist you.

WZC2022 “ASK-ME” PERSONNEL

Local host association volunteers will be will be wearing red colored lanyards for their ID badges to help you easily identify them. Reach out to any one of them should you need any assistance or additional information. If they do not have the answer, they will direct you to the right person.

Tourist Attractions and Activities

Please check out a curated list of NYC Tourist attractions and other resources

 

We have worked hard to create the most amazing Congress and New York experience for you. We cannot wait to welcome you to our city and to the Congress.

For any questions

Email: contact@wzc2022.nyc

We will respond as soon as we can, but please be mindful of time zone differences.