Know Before You Go
The Details.
TRANSPORTATION
​
Should I fly or drive to the conference?
All site teams within a 6-hour drive of the Wild Dunes Resort will be expected to drive to Conference. Consult with your Regional Manager about departure & arrival times, airfare costs, etc.
​​
If I'm flying to and from the conference, when should my return flight take place?
If you are flying to and from the conference, we ask that you book return flights that depart no earlier than 3:30 pm on Friday, March 10th, to assure you are in attendance, and able to enjoy the conference in full.
​
I'm flying to and from the conference, how should I purchase my tickets?
Airline tickets are purchased through your property's petty cash card. You are responsible for booking your flight and you must obtain Regional Manager approval prior to booking. You are also responsible for adhering to the travel expense policies located in the Employee Manual located on the Employee Portal.
​
Is there a hotel shuttle I can take to/from the airport?
There is no shuttle to the resort. It is recommended to hire a rideshare such as Lyft or Uber. You can also use a taxi service. When possible, please try to carpool with other attendees to reduce the total travel cost.
​
If there is no shuttle service, what is the best way to get back to the airport after the conference in time for my flight?
The best way to get back to the airport quickly is to schedule a Lyft, Uber, or taxi to pick you up at the resort. It is recommended that you schedule a pickup no earlier than 1:30pm. Again, when possible, please try to carpool with other attendees to reduce the total travel cost.
​
I'm driving to Conference. Is there anything I should be aware of?
Employees should carpool to/from Conference, when possible. Rental cars may be used when other suitable and less expensive means are not practical. If this is necessary, employees should share rental cars. Reserving rental cars must be approved in advance by a supervisor. Employees who choose not to carpool will not be reimbursed for mileage unless prior written approval has been granted by a supervisor.
​
Where do I go when I arrive at the resort?
The Wild Dunes Resort is a gated facility. You will pull up to the gate and let the security guard know your name(s). Once confirmed that you are an attendee, the guard will direct you to the appropriate check-in facility. Self-parking is available for all hotel guests at no charge.
​​​
CHECK-IN & REGISTRATION
​
What day should I check in at the hotel?
Everyone should arrive and check in on Tuesday, March 7th after 4:00 pm.
​​
Where do I check-in at the resort?
The security guards will direct you to the appropriate check-in facility, depending on which building you will be staying in.
Will I have to provide a credit card to the hotel upon checking in?
​No. Hawthorne is handling this on your behalf. However, please be advised to not charge any incidentals to your room. If expenses are incurred, they will be charged back to you.
​
Where is the conference registration booth?
After checking in to your room, you'll want to visit the conference registration booth in the Osprey Foyer to secure your name badge and other Leadership Conference resources. The registration booth is open during the following times:
​
-
Tuesday evening (March 7th): 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
-
Wednesday morning (March 8th): 7:30 am – 8:15 am
​​​
When is check-out?
Check-out is Friday, March 10th. While the official check-out time is 11:00am, it is recommended that everyone check out before the morning's first session at 9:00am. For attendees who drove, you can place your luggage in your car. For attendees who flew, a luggage check room will be made available to you. Just ask an agent at the Sweetgrass Inn.
​
​
DRESS CODE
​
Throughout Conference:
-
Community Managers: Business Casual. Capris are acceptable.
-
Resident Services Supervisors: Polo or button-up shirt and khakis or navy pants. No jeans, service uniforms, or hats.

Awards Dinner - March 9th
The Hawthorne awards dinner is a time to reflect and celebrate on your achievements from the past year. Come dressed looking your best in Hawthorne's colors! Choose from any of the colors in the palette below, sequins and sparkle are encouraged!
• Ladies: Hawthorne-colored cocktail attire
• Gentlemen: Hawthorne-colored suit and tie OR dress slacks, button-up shirt with tie
.png)
Casual Day - March 10th
Casual dress is allowed on Friday. Come dressed in your Regional T-Shirt, khakis, capris, or jeans (no holes or tears). No shorts, hats, sandals, or flip-flops, please.​
​​
​​
MISCELLANEOUS
​
What meals will be provided during the Leadership Conference?
​
-
Wednesday, March 8th: Lunch
-
Thursday, March 9th: Lunch & Dinner
​
Attendees are encouraged to expense all other meals purchased from your departure on March 7th until your return on March 10th. Please refer to the HRP Employee Handbook's travel policies below:
​
-
The Company offers a per diem meal limit of $25.00 for employees that travel back home from an overnight stay. Day trip travel is not eligible for this meal reimbursement.
-
When traveling overnight, meal reimbursement is allowed up to a maximum of $50.00 per day. Detailed receipts of each meal must be submitted with the expense report in order to be reimbursed.
-
Regional Manager and Regional Vice President may pay for onsite staff lunches and/or dinners for special occasions. Ex: birthday, meeting financial goals etc. This should not occur at each property visit.
-
The Company will not reimburse gratuity that is paid over 20 percent.
-
Alcohol will not be reimbursed.
-
Coffee breaks or snacks are considered a personal expense and are not reimbursable.
​
Are there any restaurants at the resort?
There are many restaurants available to you at the Wild Dunes Resort including:
-
Coastal Provisions (reservations are recommended)
-
Huey’s Southern Eats
-
Woody’s Eatery
-
Hudson's Market
-
Oystercatcher Restaurant & Bar
-
Laughing Gull Restaurant & Bar
-
Coastal Crust
​
I'm a smoker. Can I smoke at the hotel?
All hotel rooms are smoke-free. However, there are ashtrays at various locations outside the hotel.
​​