Who comes to the conference?
Yogis of every experience level from brand new beginners to those who have been teaching for years. The conference is a great convergence of yogis from the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. and abroad!

I like yoga, but I'm not an advanced student or yoga teacher. Is the conference for me?
Yes! You need not be an advanced practitioner to enjoy a conference. If you are unfamiliar with many of the styles of yoga represented at the conference, this is your chance dive in and explore. An open mind is a great asset for your conference experience as you will find many new ideas presented. The conference is a unique opportunity to study with teachers who you have read about or perhaps even seen on their DVDs. It is an opportunity to experience world-class yoga instruction, discover how your favorite styles of yoga are evolving, and sample many styles of yoga in one place.

I've been taking yoga for 2 years but not regularly, should I take the classes in the Beginners Track?
The Beginners Track is designed to give new yoga students the foundations to start their yoga practice. If you have studied some yoga, you may find the beginner classes too basic, but you may also find that these classes address the fundamentals that can deepen your practice. Every yoga student is different so it is difficult to recommend which classes will be a fit for you. We encourage you to explore the course descriptions and faculty biographies and see which classes peak your interest. The conference is a chance for you to explore various kinds of yoga all in one place.

I'm not a yoga teacher but am thinking about becoming one. Are the Continue Your Education classes for me?
The Continue Your Education classes are geared towards yoga teachers and teachers-in-training. However, advanced students thinking about becoming yoga teachers may appreciate the in-depth discussions and explorations that these classes provide.

What is included in my tuition fees?
In addition to your classes you have access to daily special events-morning meditations, keynote address, panel discussions, lunchtime workshops, kirtans, and evening events. (All special events are free unless otherwise noted.) Transportation, meals, and lodging are not included in tuition fees.

Are meals included in the price of the conference?
No, meals at the conference are not included in tuition. However, there is no shortage of great restaurants for all budgets in San Francisco, especially in the downtown area. Healthy lunch options will be available in the Yoga Marketplace on Saturday and Sunday.

What should I bring?
We suggest that you bring your yoga mat and any props that you regularly use in your practice. A blanket or meditation cushion is helpful if you plan to participate in meditation classes. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen, a refillable water bottle, slip-on shoes (or flip flops) and of course, comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely. Please read course descriptions carefully for other required items. These items may also be for sale on site during limited hours in the Yoga Marketplace. Check out our Conference Tips for more: http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/269.

Are there Continuing Education Credits available?
Yoga Journal is recognized by the American Council on Exercise (ACE ) as a continuing education specialist, and is currently under review for CECs for athletic and fitness professionals. Approved courses will be noted online two months prior to the conference.

All classes at the conference are eligible for Continuing Education Credits with Yoga Alliance. To receive Yoga Alliance credits, simply save a copy of your class record (either your badge or confirmation email.) Yoga Alliance will contact you when they need you to submit your continuing education information. Separate certificates are not needed for Yoga Alliance.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?
All refund requests must be made in writing via email yoga@horizonconferences.com or to Horizon Conferences, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302. A refund, minus a $100 processing fee, will be made for cancellation requests postmarked on or before January 6, 2010. All requests must acknowledge an understanding of the $100 processing fee. Refund requests postmarked after January 6, 2010 will be under consideration for a voucher toward a future Yoga Journal conference valid for one year, minus a $100 processing fee. No refund or voucher will be given for no shows.

Where is the Conference located?
The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco (Embarcadero Center) in Downtown San Francisco.

What are the closest airports?
The hotel is located approximately 30 minutes from both SFO and Oakland Airports.

How will I get to the conference from the airport?
Shuttles run on the half hour and are available at the ground transportation desk. The cost of the shuttle is about $16 per person. You can also take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) which will take you to Embarcadero station, adjacent to the hotel (BART from SFO is $8.10 each way).

What are the accommodations?
Yoga Journal has a block of discounted rooms reserved for our group. We encourage you to make your reservations early; Guest rooms at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco are limited. All guest rooms should be booked directly with the Hotel by calling 888-421-1442 or click here to make your reservation online. A deposit must be made with your credit card at the time you secure your reservation. Mention the Yoga Journal conference to receive the special group rate of $199 (plus tax) per night (single or double occupancy).

Do I need to stay at the hotel?
No. However, staying on site at the hotel does enhance your experience as you will not have to worry about commuting to the conference.

Where is the parking and is it free?
All Day Parking at the Hyatt Regency (Valet) is $57.00 for Hotel Guests and $62.00 for non hotel guests, and $30.00 for self-park. There is 24-hour parking at the Embarcadero Center (Self Park). Rates are $3.00 for each 15 minutes ($30.00 max). For information on parking with validation, please visit embarcaderocenter.com.

We recommend taking public transportation to the conference. The hotel is located on several Muni (www.sfmuni.com) bus and street car lines, including the historic F line and the California Street Cable car. BART (www.bart.gov) is also an easy way to get to the conference. Simply exit at the Embarcadero Station, use the Drumm Street exit and the hotel is right there! The Ferry Building is across the street from the hotel with ferry service to Oakland, Alameda, Marin, and Vallejo.

Is there a message board?
Message board: http://www.yjconferenceconnection.com/mb/sf10/sf.html The access code is 415. You can use the message board to contact other participants about questions or issues you may have, such as sharing a room or a ride to the conference.

Can I register for just one class during the Main Weekend Conference?
Advanced registrations are only accepted for day passes or full weekend pass. Single class passes will be available for sale (on a space-available basis) on-site at the Hyatt beginning on January 28, 2010 at 6:00pm.

What if I want to change a class?
If you would like to request to change any classes, there is a charge of $10.00 each time you make changes, but not for each class change (therefore, try to make changes all at once). Contact the Registration Coordinator at 720-406-7407 or 800-561-9398 to request changes, or via email to yoga@horizonconferences.com.

How do I add something to my existing registration?
Contact the Registration Coordinator at 720-406-7407 or 800-561-9398 or via email to yoga@horizonconferences.com. There is no additional fee to add to your registration.

Is there a check-in procedure at the conference?
Yes. You must check in at the conference Registration Desk. You must have a photo ID or a copy of your registration records to sign in. Conference badges will be presented to you upon conference check-in and will be your only admission to events. Badges MUST be presented at the door to be admitted. If you loose your badge, there will be a $20 badge replacement fee. You will also be given an Event Guide, filled with event times and a map to find your classes.

What happens if I lose my badge?
Be sure to check in with the Registration Desk as soon as you realize you've lost your badge. Most badges are found by other attendees and turned in to the Registration Desk. If your badge is not found, a replacement badge will be reissued for a $20 fee.

Who do I contact if I can't make it to the conference?
Last-minute cancellations must be received via email before your first scheduled class in order to be considered for a voucher. All voucher consideration will be completed after the conference, and all supporting documentation for voucher requests must be received by February 8, 2010. No refund or voucher will be given for no-shows. View the full refund and cancellation policy here

Will there be water easily available to refill my water bottle?
Yes. There will be water stations throughout the hotel. We encourage you bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Are you looking for people to volunteer at the event?
Yes, we have a work exchange volunteer program. Work exchange volunteers do not register for classes but can participate in classes on a space-available basis when not fulfilling their assigned duties. Work exchange volunteers pay a nominal fee to participate. Positions are limited; apply early. For more information, contact Horizon Conferences via email at yoga@horizonconferences.com.

Can I pass out flyers before the conference?
Yes, we would love your help in spreading the word about our conference! Please send an email to yjconference2009@gmail.com if you are interested.

Is there someplace to store my mat and props during lunch and other long breaks?
No, there is no place to store your belongings during the breaks. You may be able to place your mat and props into your next classroom during the breaks. However, we strongly discourage bringing any valuables to the conference. Unfortunately, losses have occurred at past conferences. Yoga Journal and the Hyatt Regency are not responsible for any lost or stolen items throughout the conference.