Frequently Asked Questions

Converge FAQ

We will periodically update this document with frequently asked questions and helpful Converge information. If this page does not answer your question, please contact the Converge event team at converge.sisw@siemens.com for guidance.

Table of Content

• General
• Registration
• Travel
• Health and Safety

General

Q: What is Converge?

A: Converge is the Siemens DI SW global sales conference, bringing together our diverse community for education, motivation, and celebration as we enter the new fiscal year.

Q: Where is Converge this year?

A: Mandalay Bay Hotel
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA.

Q: When is Converge?

A: The main event dates are December 12-16, 2023. Pre and post-Converge meetings, account planning, trainings and additional programming will surround the event so teams can take advantage of this time together.

Q: How is Converge 2023 being delivered?

A: Converge 2023 will be held as an in-person event so our sales teams can come together, connect face to face with peers and Siemens executives, and learn new methods to Own the Future and Be the Change.

Q: When do I need to arrive?

A: Converge begins on Monday, December 12. Arrive on or before the opening session, and account for any meetings or rehearsals you need to attend before. The full agenda will be posted to the event website, but some of the opening day programming is listed below. Note: times listed here are subject to change.

Monday, December 12

• 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • GSCS Leadership Meetings
  • EDA Account Planning and Ad Hoc Meetings
• 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
  • GSCS Zone meetings
  • EDA Opening All-Hands
• 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Opening DI SW Mainstage General Session & Welcome Reception

Q: When should I plan to depart?

A: The Converge DI SW Closing General Session is Thursday, December 15, from 4:00 – 5:30 pm. Thursday evening is a free night for team dinners. Meetings and trainings are also being scheduled on Friday, December 16.

Note: Please contact your manager to determine if you are required to attend any meetings that would impact your arrival or departure dates

Q: What if I cannot attend?

A: If you are unable to participate in person, please secure an exception from your management. Employees who do not attend in Las Vegas will be required to complete any event training pre-requisites and subsequently view key content to be made available post-event.

Q: What happens if the event cannot take place?

A: In the event of cancellation, the Siemens Global Event Team will contact all participants with instructions.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Attire for Converge is business casual. The Converge celebration on Wednesday, December 14th will be a fun evening where casual attire, including jeans, is recommended!

Registration

Q: How do I register?

A: You will receive an email invitation from eventsinfo.sisw@siemens.com. Click or tap the “register” button within your email to access the event website and register for Converge.

Q: When do I register?

A: Registration will open in mid-October and close November 18, 2022.

Q: What if I don’t have an invitation email?

A: Converge is an invitation-only business event for the DI SW global sales organizations. If you do not have an invitation and believe that is in error, please discuss with your manager to confirm and then contact converge.sisw@siemens.com for support. Tip: Check your junk or spam folder as well!

Q: Anything else I need to know about registration?

A: By registering for Converge 2023 you agree to Siemens Terms & Conditions as well as data privacy policies.

Q: Where do I go when I arrive at Converge?

A: Onsite Check-In will be open on Sunday, December 11, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 pm in the Mandalay Bay Ballroom registration area. Pick up your event badge, which must be worn to all Converge functions. The check-in desk will remain open through Thursday, December 15, 2022.

Meeting Rooms

Q: How do I book a meeting room at Converge?

A: A limited number of meeting rooms are available before, during, and after Converge. Instructions and access to the meeting request portal can be found at the link below. Note: Meetings will not be facilitated during the general sessions, breakouts or expo.

Converge Meeting Requests

Q: Will you have tables available to reserve for lunch meetings as in the past?

A: Yes, we will! Check in and reserve a table at the meetings desk on-site.

Hotel Accommodations

Q: How do I reserve a hotel room?

A: Please book through the official Converge housing block:

Book Direct Here

Primary Event Hotel: Mandalay Bay USD $179 per night + tax

Overflow Hotels: Delano USD $209 per night + tax

Luxor USD $96 per night + tax

Deadline to book hotel reservations: Monday, November 28, 2022.

• Reservations at each hotel are subject to availability.
• A credit card is required to secure your reservation.
• You will be responsible to pay for all room nights and incidentals.
• Expense your Converge hotel and travel following standard travel and expense procedures.
• Contact us should you have any questions regarding your hotel booking.

Q: I found a lower rate for the conference hotel or nearby, can I book that instead?

A: No, please book your hotel room through the Converge housing block only. This ensures we fulfill our contractual obligations, leveraging reduced pricing and rebates for other event expenses including meals, event services, and labor. In this case, a lower room rate outside of our contracted block does not result in cost savings to the company.

Q: I support an executive, will they be receiving suites?

A: The global events team will contact those with suite assignments. Please book a standard room for your executive’s travel dates. Once allocated, we will inform you and transfer the reservation to their assigned room type.

Q: Is parking included at the hotel?

A: Hotel parking for those arriving by car is $18 per day and is not included in the room rate. Note: Air travelers are discouraged from renting a car.

Travel

Q: Do international travelers need a visa for entry to the United States?

A: For guidance on international travel and entry requirements, visit the Siemens International Travel site for instructions. For additional support, contact HR_Mobility@mentor.com

1. Complete the BTAT Assessment
2. Submit a Converge Visa letter request form: Converge travel letters
3. To expedite business visa processing, CIBT is the Siemens preferred vendor Siemens ID: 37809

Q: How do I book my flights?

A: All flights should be booked through Concur following standard travel policies. Use airport code LAS for Harry Reid Las Vegas International Airport.

Q: Will ground transportation be provided from the airport?

A: Round trip group transfers from the airport to our Converge Hotels will be provided during the following days/times:

Sunday, December 11 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Monday, December 12 8:00am – 3:00pm

Friday, December 16 6:00am – 2:00pm

• Upon arrival into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), proceed to baggage claim (whether you have checked luggage or not) where you will see a Destinations by Design (DBD) staff member holding a sign displaying the Siemens logo.
• Please check in with the DBD staff member prior to retrieving your bags.
• Rental cars are not permissible for Converge air travelers unless you have an extenuating circumstance and an exception from your management.
• If your flight will be arriving outside any of the group transportation timeframes, please utilize a ride service such as Uber or Lyft to transfer to your hotel.

Expenses

Q: What do I need to expense for Converge?

A: Following standard travel and expense guidelines, you will pay for and expense all travel costs including your hotel room, airfare, and incidentals such as food and drink incurred outside of the group meal times. If additional cost containment measures are identified, an announcement will be made to the organization prior to Converge.

Q: Are all meals included?

A: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided beginning with dinner December 12 through lunch on December 15. You may expense your meals on days and times when group meals are not offered, including travel days, free nights, and team dinners following standard travel and expense procedures.

Health & Safety

Q: What if I cannot travel due to Covid-19?

A: If you test positive for Covid-19 or become ill, please take appropriate precautions for your health and safety, and follow the guidance of your local municipality. If you cannot travel to attend Converge, cancel your in-person registration as well as your air travel and hotel reservations. Additionally, please inform your manager that you cannot attend.

Answers to these questions coming soon!

Q: How do I organize a team dinner on one of the free evenings?

Q: How do I choose my sessions?

Q: Where can I find the meetings schedule?