The Academy welcomes our international attendees to AAA 2023+HearTECH Expo!
To get the most detailed information on traveling to the United States from your country, please visit the U.S. Department of State International Travel website.
The AAA 2023+HearTECH Expo will take place at the Seattle Convention Center—Arch Building located in Seattle at 705 Pike Street Seattle, WA 98101. Some events will take place at the Sheraton Grand Seattle located at 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. For downloadable maps of Seattle, the Puget Sound Region and Washington state, please visit here.
By Air
Seattle’s airport is called Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Review a list of airlines at SEA here. Visit SEA-TAC for additional airport information.
Ground Transportation
Downtown Seattle is located approximately 15 miles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offers ground transportation options for all types of passengers. There are a variety of transportation options available to/from the airport. Visit Port Seattle’s website for more information on SEA Airport Terminal Map Overview, Train Terminal Overview, Airport / SeaTac Link Light Rail Station Map, Airport Parking Garage and Ground Transportation Map, and Bike Storage and Parking at the Airport Map.
Parking at the Convention Center
For directions to the Seattle Convention Center–Arch Building and for parking information, click here.
Invitation Letter
Invitation letters will be provided to you automatically after completing AAA 2023+HearTECH Expo registration. If your country requires an invitation letter prior to purchase of registration, contact us with the following details of those requesting a visa:
- Full Name
- Gender
- Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY)
- Passport Number
- Company Name
- Company Role
- Company Address
- City
- Zip
- Country
- Phone Number
Invitation letters will be sent via email in PDF format unless otherwise specified. Hardcopies will be mailed at the expense of the individual requesting visa letters. The Academy will ship the original invitation letters via UPS or USPS. Please provide a UPS account number or request an invoice to provide a credit card number. Hardcopies will not be mailed until payment is provided.
Visa Information
Steps in obtaining a visa to attend AAA 2023+HearTECH Expo:
- Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.
- Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on our website. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.
- Plan on an interview, as well as quick inkless fingerprint scans at the U.S. embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. Some visa applications require additional administrative processing, which requires some additional time. Applicants are advised when they apply.
More information on obtaining a visa can be found on the US Department of State website.
The Academy recommends the following guidelines for obtaining a visa for entry into the United States:
- Apply early! The visa application process takes three to four months to complete. Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application. If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.
- Provide a letter of invitation. See information on invitation letters above.
- Once you have completed your registration online, you will be automatically emailed an invitation letter. If you are unable to obtain a visa to attend AAA 2023+HearTECH Expo you may request a full refund of your registration fees.
- Send requests to us.
- Provide evidence that you intend to return to your country of residence; applicants should provide proof of “binding,” or sufficient, ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. This may include documentation of:
- Family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence
- Property ownership
- Bank accounts
- An employment contract or statement from an employer stating that the position continues after the meeting.
Time Zone
Seattle, Washington (WA) is located in the Pacific Standard time zone (PST). Click here for time zone information.
Weather
Seattle, Washington, United States. Daily high temperatures in April range from 45°F to 57°F
Baggage Storage and Coat Check
Baggage and coat check will be available. Please check back for more detailed information.
Attire
Conference attire is business casual. Meeting room temperatures can vary considerably throughout the day; a light jacket or sweater is suggested.
U.S. Business Hours
Generally, business offices are open weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and government offices are open from 8:00 am until 4:30 or 5:00 pm. Stores are open six days a week, with many also open on Sunday; department stores usually stay open until 9:00 pm at least one day a week. Discount stores and supermarkets are often open later than other stores, and some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day. Banks are usually open weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, occasionally a bit later on Friday, and sometimes on Saturday, with earlier closing times. There is 24-hour access to automated teller machines (ATMs) at most banks, plus in many shopping centers and other outlets.
Electricity
The electricity used in the United States is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. European appliances brought here will require a voltage transformer.
Tipping
Tipping is voluntary; gratuities generally are not automatically added to the bill. For larger groups, some restaurants may add the gratuity to the bill. Here are a few tipping guidelines:
- Waiters are usually given 15%-20% of the bill.
- Taxi drivers usually receive 15%-20% of the fare.
- Doormen, skycaps, and porters are usually tipped $1-2 per bag.
