Offsite FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m booking my own flights. What time should I arrive on Tuesday and depart on Thursday?
If you are not an MD, you should arrive in Palm Springs late morning/early afternoon on Tuesday, May 21. This will provide you with ample time to get settled before the Welcome Reception, which kicks off at 6:45pm (meet in the hotel lobby for the short walk to the Reception). For departures on Thursday, May 23, we don’t have any planned activities, but we recommend scheduling your flight any time after 9:00am.
If I’m not taking the group flight from New York, when do I need to book my ticket by? Should I get the cost of my ticket approved before booking it?

We recommend booking your economy class ticket and submitting for reimbursement ASAP (ticket prices can get up there!). When booking your own ticket, we ask that you adhere to our established offsite price limit* per one roundtrip ticket.

(*If you are encountering issues booking a flight within this limit, or are unsure what the limit is, please reach out to [email protected])

What items are eligible for reimbursement during the offsite?

Any and all necessary travel/transportation to get you to and from Palm Springs is eligible to be reimbursed via an expense report. This includes 1 roundtrip flight (into and out of Palm Springs), gas or car rental if you are driving, and taxis/Ubers to and from the airport if you miss or are unable to take our airport group shuttles (if you are arriving in Palm Springs on Tuesday and departing on Thursday, you should take the airport shuttle provided). Any food/beverage/transportation purchased outside of the planned Accordion events (i.e. bars in the area after our events, taxis/Ubers to and from non-Offsite events) are not eligible for reimbursement. For specific questions about reimbursement, please email [email protected].

How do I go about extending my trip – either by arriving early or staying longer?
If you would like to extend your stay, you can do so directly with the hotel by calling 800-233-1234. Be sure to mention the Accordion Group. Room rates are $365/per night plus tax and fees and are based on availability. Please note that any extra nights at the hotel will not be eligible for reimbursement.
What do I wear?

Generally speaking, keep it casual. Palm Springs in May is hot, with the potential for the temperature to drop in the evening! Need outfit inspiration for the nighttime events? See below. And if you’re comfortable doing so, don’t forget to throw a bathing suit in your suitcase.

Welcome Reception (Tuesday, May 21):
Casual, with the caveat that we’ll be outside. We’ll be at Shots in the Night, a TopGolf-like venue walking distance from the hotel.

Accordion LIVE Presents: DesertFest (Wednesday, May 22):

Now is the time to showcase your best music festival attire. Think: Coachella, Burning Man, Woodstock, Lollapalooza… whatever that means to you (bearing in mind, all outfits should be appropriate to wear around colleagues, of course)! This event will be held at the 21 Arrows Ranch, approximately 30 minutes from the hotel. If dressing in theme isn’t your thing, don’t worry – dressing up is totally optional. Just keep in mind that it can be in the mid-high 60s, in desert in the evening.

 

What if I have client obligations that can’t be missed during the offsite?
Our clients know how unique the Accordion culture is and the importance of this time for both you and the firm. To that end, we’ve asked all practice leaders and project leads to inform clients of the offsite and to protect this time. We understand that urgent client needs may arise, but that shouldn’t prevent you from being in Palm Springs! Even if that means a quick Zoom by the patio, we want to see you there. So to the extent possible, please plan big deliverables and meetings around the offsite. If you anticipate push back from a client, please let your MD or Practice Leader know.
What is the “WINS Welcome Power Hour”? Can any and all join?

The WINS Welcome Power Hour is a networking event hosted by the Accordion Women’s Impact Network for Success. It’s a chance for the group to meet, get to know each other, and saddle up for night 1 festivities in-person! Of course, any and all members of the firm can join (not limited to women or WINS members!). RSVPs for this were collected in the offsite survey. If you are not sure if you opted in to attend, please email [email protected]

What if I have specific dietary restrictions?

We want to make sure we are cognizant of everyone’s specific allergies and dietary needs, so there will be a section to note this on the offsite survey that goes out to all staff in the coming days!

When will rooms be ready for check-in on Tuesday, May 21?

Rooms should be ready around typical check-in time – 4pm, although we’ll work with the hotel to get rooms available as early as possible. If your room is not ready upon your arrival, you will be able to store your belongings with the front desk and there are plenty of places within the hotel to work, relax, and explore!

Will I have to share a hotel room with a colleague?

Nope, everyone will have their own hotel room!

What type of activities are available at the resort?
The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers a wonderful variety of leisure pursuits, including two championship golf courses, tennis, swimming pools including two dueling slides, a 450-ft lazy river and splash pad, and poolside cabanas. We’ll be able to access these on Wednesday afternoon after at our Poolside BBQ (among other indoor activities), and if you sign up for an optional Wednesday morning activity!
If I go outside the resort, what is available in the surrounding area?

Looking for fun things to do in the Greater Palm Springs area?* You’ll find an array of arts and culture, including various art museums, an air museum, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Children’s Discovery Museum. If you’re into some outdoor adventure, tee off on the 36-hole Indian Wells Golf Resort, adjacent to the property or explore one of the desert’s hiking trails. Try your luck at one of the casinos surrounding our resort or test your need for speed at the BMW Performance Center nearby.

*Please keep in mind these suggestions are for those extending their stay in the area – we’ll be staying with our group for planned events for the majority of the Offsite!