FAQs

Questions About 2025 IPF?

• When is 2025 IPF?

  The 2025 International Partnering Forum is April 28 – May 1 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

• When does registration open?

  Registration for the 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF) will September 30, 2024, and will remain open through the event.

• Who hosts the International Partnering Forum (IPF)?

  The International Partnering Forum (IPF) is hosted by Oceantic Network, a member-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the offshore wind and ocean renewable industries and their supply chains and supporting its diverse interests and people.

• Will you offer WindMatch™ at 2025 IPF?

  Yes! WindMatch™ is IPF’s exclusive networking service that helps jumpstart your meeting planning and connect with colleagues one-on-one. WindMatch™ will open in late March 2025.

• Can I attend the Exhibit Hall only for a reduced registration fee?

  No. Registration pricing includes access to the entire conference. We do not offer Exhibit Hall-only passes.

• How far is the Virginia Beach Conference Center from Norfolk International Airport (ORF)?

  The Convention Center is conveniently located 19 miles (30.5 kilometers) from the Norfolk International Airport (ORF), approximately a 25-minute drive. Amtrak provides train service to Norfolk from major east coast cities. The train station is 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the Convention Center.

• I want to speak at IPF. How do I submit a proposal?

  Our Call for Workshops is now open! Submit a workshop proposal by November 1, 2024.

• I am looking for guidance on booking my hotel room for 2025 IPF. Can you help?

  Yes! For your convenience, Oceantic Network has secured a block of rooms at ten hotels near the Virginia Beach Convention Center, host site for the 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF). Hotel reservations will be accepted starting Monday, September 16, 2024. Review the follow hotel FAQs:

  Does Oceantic Network have an official housing provider for 2025 IPF in Virginia Beach?  

  Yes! Oceantic Network’s preferred housing provider is Key Bookings Housing Services.     

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  Why should I book a room in the 2025 IPF room block in Virginia Beach? 

  Discounted Rates + Superb Service 

  Oceantic Network has negotiated discounted room rates for IPF attendees. The rates are the lowest offered at the property. Using Key Bookings ensures affordable rates and access to the shuttle service to the Convention Center. In addition, you have one contact to accommodate your needs (for example, if your preferred hotel is sold out on of your requested nights, Key Bookings has established hotel contacts who may be able to accommodate your request). 

  Access to Shuttle Buses 

  The Virginia Beach Convention Center is located 2.5 miles from the beach. IPF attendees staying at a designed IPF hotel will have access to complimentary shuttle buses throughout the day, Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1. If you book a room outside the Network’s block of hotel rooms, you do not have access to the complimentary shuttle service. 

  Guaranteed Comfort + Networking 

  Oceantic Network staff has vetted all IPF block hotels, ensuring you are staying in up to date, comfortable accommodations that offer quality customer service.  

  IPF hotels will be the center of networking activity for the week. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues in the industry throughout IPF week!

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  I received an offer to book a room at a lower rate. Should I accept? 

  No! Do not respond to any phone calls, emails, or solicitations offering lower hotel rates and the offer to assist with your housing.  These are scammers! Key Bookings Housing Services is the only designated IPF housing provider.  

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  I am traveling with a group to IPF in Virginia Beach. Can we all stay in the same hotel? 

  Yes, based upon availability, you may book up to nine room reservations at one hotel. The reservation system will prompt you to provide names and contact information for all guests.  If you cannot find a property to accommodate your group, call Key Bookings Housing Services at +1(877) 205-2817, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday.   

  If you require 10+ rooms/ night, you must fill out Hotel Room Block Request Form for 10+ Rooms.    

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  My plans have changed, and I can no longer attend IPF. Can I cancel my hotel room? 

  Yes, hotel rooms may be canceled anywhere from 24 to 72 hours prior to arrival. When making your hotel reservations, please note the hotel’s cancellation policy. The IPF hotels all require notice:  

  72 hours:  

  • Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

  48 hours:  

  • Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront/North 37th Street 

  • The Historic Cavalier Hotel + Beach Club 

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort 

  • Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront 

  • Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront 

  • Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront 

  • Hampton Inn Virginia Beach, Oceanfront North

  24 hours:  

  • Hyatt House Virginia Beach/ Oceanfront 

• I need to book rooms for 10+ people. What is the process?

  We are glad you asked! Thanks to Key Bookings Housing Services, the official housing provider for 2025 IPF, securing group rooms is an easy process. Review the following FAQs below: 

  How do I submit a request for a block of rooms? 

  To secure rooms for groups of ten or more, fill out the Hotel Room Block Request for 10+ form. 

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  What happens after I submit the request form?  

  Once Key Bookings Housing Services receives the completed form, they will secure the appropriate accommodation(s) for your group. The group block may be divided into two or more properties, depending on the size of the block and hotel availability. If this occurs, you will be notified by Key Bookings 

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  What is the deadline to request a group block of rooms? 

  All group block requests are due February 3, 2025.  

  The deadline to submit guest names with arrival and departure dates and any special requests is March 3, 2025. This is a firm deadline. If Key Bookings does not receive guest names on time, the rooms will be returned to the hotel for general sale.    

  Once attendee names are input into the reservation system you will receive an email acknowledgement.  

  Hotel guests will receive a hotel confirmation number by Friday, April 11, 2025.  

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  What if I need to cancel one or more rooms in the group block?         

  You may cancel a reserved room without penalty until March 10, 2025.  On or after March 11, all cancellations are subject to a $75 penalty.