Frequently Asked Questions

Location

The Boston Park Plaza and Towers
50 Park Plaza • Boston, MA 02116-3912 • (617).426.2000

Q: Where do I pick up my registration packet?
A: Registration opens at the Imperial Ballroom Tuesday June 30, 6pm - 9pm and then on Wednesday July 1, 8am - 8pm.

Q: Where are the lectures held?
A: Lectures will be held in three spacious ballrooms at the historic Boston Park Plaza Hotel - the Imperial, Georgian, and Plaza ballrooms - located on the mezzanine level of the hotel.

Transportation

Q: Do I need a car to get around?
A: No. In fact, you may be better off without one. Boston is known as america’s walking city. Parking is hard to find and very expensive. The hotel offers valet parking only for $40 per day, with in and out privileges... nearby lots range from $28 to $37 with no in and out privileges. Here is a helpful link to parking garage and rate information.

Q: How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
A: We recommend a cab or two if you have a large family. The fare is about $25 from Logan airport. Bus service is available for $2.50 but it takes about an hour and requires three transfers - difficult with luggage.

Q: What about Public Transportation?
A: The public transportation is efficient and inexpensive. You can build schedules and see rates at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Web site.

Mini-Tours

Q: Where do I meet for the mini-tours?
A: The historic mini-tours will be held throughout the city of Boston Wednesday through Friday. Tour meeting locations vary by tour, and are listed in the Event Program. Look for the Reformation 500 flag waving at the rendezvous points and muster around the standard bearer to begin tour.

Q: How do I get to the tour meeting points?
A: The majority of the rendezvous points are a 10-15 minute walk from the Park Plaza. Bunker Hill and the U.S.S. Constitution are the farthest away at 2.3 miles, $12-15 via cab. All sights are located along the historic Freedom Trail see map on this page as well, bottom of right hand column.

Q: Can I go on more than 2 tours?
A: Currently, no. If vacancies still exist at the time of the conference, there may an opportunity. More details to follow in a Mini Tour email.

Food

Q: Where can I eat?
A: The Park Plaza has a restaurant and room service available.
A: There are many restaurants available for all three meals within 2-3 blocks of the hotel ranging from a typical food court in the Transportation Building, delis — one that has a small market and natural food for sale, a “Chipotle” style burrito house, Au Bon Pain in the hotel serving all three meals daily — to some of the finest restaurants in Boston. There is a great variety to suit most budgets and tastes. The hotel Concierge staff will be happy to help with recommendations and directions.

Parking

Q: Is there parking at the hotel?
A: Yes. The hotel offers valet parking only for $40 per day, with in and out privileges. Nearby lots range from $28 to $37 with no in and out privileges. Here is a helpful link to parking garage and rate information.

Maps

Q: What is a good map and where can I get one?
A: We will have complimentary maps available at the registration desk for you. Many are available on line as well. We recommend this map as it has good detail of Boston and lists most of the mini-tour locations along the Freedom Trail.

Children

Q: What should we do with small children?
A: Take them with you. We strongly promote family integration throughout the entire conference. We will be among a sea of God’s blessings as we listen to the accounts of great heroes of Reformation with our children. Please do not hesitate to take your child out of a lecture or tour for some individual correction and encouragement should the opportunity arise.

Q: What ages can participate in the children’s parade?
A: All ages — Come one come all to celebrate with a parade led by a very special guest. Saturday morning at 8:30am.

Recordings

Q: Are the Lectures recorded and available for sale?
A: Yes, Resounding Voice will record all lecture sessions and offer them for sale at their booth in the vendor hall.

Souvenir Programs

Q: Is there a program/guide to the event?
A: Designed to be saved and passed on to your children and grandchildren, the Reformation 500 Commemorative Program explodes with beautiful images, inspiring quotes, and helpful commentary and information. Beginning with a vision for the purpose behind the celebration, the program provides context for each major component — from the Calvin-Darwin debate, to the treasure hunt, to the historical reenactors, the Liberty Bell, and the grand finale of music and fireworks. Read about each Faith & Freedom mini-tour beforehand, and find your way around using the fold out map. Fill the provided pages with the autographs of 30 historical characters for a special prize. Throughout, quotes from great men of the past highlight the legacy of Calvin and the reformers.

4th of July

Q: Will there be space reserved for us?
A: No. The city will not allow us to reserve space for 1,000 people. Each family is on their own as to when and where they want to go. Big screens and sound towers are erected up and down both sides of the Charles River so the concert can be seen and heard by most of the 500,000 in attendance.

Q: What about the Esplanade and the Band Shell where the Pops play?
A: Entrance into the Hatch Shell area, the “Oval”, is restricted to about 2,500 people and is regulated by wristbands. Gates open at 9am Saturday and it usually fills by noon. Wristbands are given in person, so you can not get multiple for friends and family. While you will have a decent view of the live concert, fireworks will be obstructed by trees (see video), and are best viewed outside the Oval.

Q: What is the schedule for Fireworks?
A: Schedule below is found on the official website of Boston’s 4th of July celebration — many helpful FAQs on site.

Sunday

Q: Is there a worship service?
A: Yes. In the Imperial Ballroom 10am-11:30am.