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) opened October 3, 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 conference from Norfolk International Airport (ORF)?

  Hotels in the hotel room block are conveniently located approximately 20 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 19 miles (27 kilometers) from the Convention Center.

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

  Our Call for Workshops is closed. We invite you to submit workshop proposals for 2026 IPF in late summer 2025.

• 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 hotels near the Virginia Beach Convention Center, host site for the 2025 International Partnering Forum (IPF). Hotel reservations will be accepted starting October 3, 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. Learn more about housing options on the Hotel page or contact Key Bookings at +1(877) 205-2817, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday.   

  ___________________________

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

  Discounted Rates + Dedicated Service 

  Oceantic Network has negotiated discounted room rates for IPF attendees. 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 designed IPF hotels 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 after-hours networking activity for the week. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues in the industry throughout IPF week!  

  ___________________________

  
  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 for 2025 IPF.  

  ___________________________

  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. 

  ___________________________

  How do I secure a government per diem room?

  Call Key Bookings Housing Services at +1(877) 205-2817, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday.

  ___________________________

  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 48 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
  • Embassy Suite by Hilton
  • Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort 

  48 hours:  

  • Courtyard Virginia Beach Oceanfront/North 37th Street 
  • Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront 
  • Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront 
  • Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront 
  • Hampton Inn Virginia Beach, Oceanfront North
  • 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. 

  ___________________________

  What happens after I submit the request form?  

  Once Key Bookings Housing Services receives the completed form, you will receive an acknowledgement within 5 business days. Key Bookings will then secure the appropriate accommodation(s) for your group.  The group block may be divided into two or more properties, depending on the number of sleeping rooms requested for your group and hotel availability. If this occurs, you will be notified by Key Bookings.

  ___________________________ 

  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 from Key Bookings Housing Services.

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

  ___________________________
   

  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.  

  ___________________________

  If I have additional questions about group room blocks, who should I contact?

  Should you need additional assistance or have questions about your group room block, please fill out the Contact Us form and a Network staff member will respond to your inquiry.