Travel

All expenses associated with the SONIC National Convention (registration, air/ground transportation, hotel, and meals) are provided by the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES. However, incidental charges in the hotel rooms are not included (i.e., phone calls, movies, damages to the room, smoking, room service, etc.). These incidental charges will be the responsibility of the occupants of the room.

The dates of your travel to SONIC's National Convention are September 10 - 14, 2023.

All 38 Elite General Managers must be a legal United States resident and have a valid government-issued ID to board a commercial flight.

 

flight information

All air transportation expenses associated with the SONIC National Convention are provided for by the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES. Your flights will be booked and a formal confirmation of your flight arrival and departure times will be sent to your drive-in by mail.

When you register, you will have the opportunity to enter your preferred flight details. We will do everything possible to accommodate your requests. Please double-check the spelling of your name on your itinerary and ensure it matches your driver's license/passport. Note: You will need a valid driver’s license, U.S. passport, or school ID to get through security at an airport.

You will fly to San Diego, CA on Sunday, September 10. Please arrive at the airport you are flying out of 2 hours before your boarding time. You will need to check your bag immediately when you arrive. In your Convention packet, you will receive a VISA gift card to check 1 bag. If you would like to check more than one bag, you must pay for it at your own expense. In general, flights will depart your city in the morning and arrive in San Diego, CA in the afternoon. Upon arrival at the San Diego airport, depart the aircraft and follow the signage in the terminal to the baggage claim. A Games staff members will be at the baggage claim to greet each team and provide transportation to the hotel.

Your return flight will be on the morning of Thursday, September 14.

Please Note: Flights will be based on the nearest regional airport. In most cases, a connecting flight (through a major city) will be required. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from your departure airport. Please be sure to submit accurate information during registration - any travel costs incurred due to name changes will be at the expense of the drive-in.

 

Transportation

All ground transportation expenses associated with the SONIC National Convention are provided by the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES. Ground transportation will be provided to the hotel upon arrival, throughout your stay in California for the SONIC National Convention, and to the airport upon departure. You might also walk to some events during the week, particularly when the schedule allows for leisure time. If you or your guest needs special assistance, please contact Games Headquarters as soon as possible at 800-787-3794.

 

Hotel

All hotel expenses (except incidental charges mentioned above) associated with the SONIC National Convention are provided by the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES. The Hilton San Diego Bayfront will be the host hotel throughout your stay in San Diego.

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

1 Park Blvd. 

San Diego, CA 92101 

Tel: (619) 564-3333

The hotel is NON-SMOKING in every room. You will be responsible for any incidental charges incurred due to smoke-related damages.

 

Meals

All meal expenses associated with the SONIC National Convention are provided by the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES, once you arrive in San Diego, CA. Your meals will either be included in the various hosted events, or a meal allowance will be provided to you to pay for meals outside of scheduled events.

Please indicate in your registration if you have any special dietary needs or restrictions.

 

Attire

Please make sure to dress appropriately for California's warm climate.

The following items will be provided for each National Finalist:

  • A DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES  polo to be worn at the Brunch of Champions event and Medal Ceremony

We recommend each 38 Elite bring the following:

  • Black pants for Brunch of Champions and Medal Ceremony.
  • Casual clothes for Champions Dinner, Event Day, leisure time, and your return trip
  • Optional dressy/cocktail attire for the final night reception & concert (you may also wear your medal ceremony polo if you prefer).

 

Guest travel

If you are planning on having a guest(s) attend planned Games events (Champions Dinner, Brunch of Champions, and Event Day), they must be registered in advance. Guest registration is now open at elite38guest.drpeppersonicgames.com. A payment of $250.00 (price varies based on event) will be due at the time of registration and the deadline to register is Wednesday, August 2, at 5:00 p.m. CT.

Please Note: Your guest will be responsible for paying their own airfare, hotel, Convention registration fees, and admission to any activities not mentioned above. If Games Headquarters is not notified of guest attendance for events in advance, all charges of your guest are your responsibility. 

 

convention

All SONIC National Convention registration fees for the 38 Elite General Managers are provided by the DR PEPPER SONIC GAMES. Convention registration and fees for any other guest(s) are the responsibility of the guest(s). If you need information about convention registration for your guest, please contact Etherio at SONIC@etherio.com or (404) 477-5130 (8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday).

 

DPSG Goodies

Team members will acquire many goodies and giveaways during their time at Convention. We recommend leaving space in your suitcase to give yourself some room to take things back with you. Please refer to the What to Wear to know what wearable items will be provided to you.

 

Weather

San Diego, CA frequently delivers bright sunny days. In mid-September, California is warm with the average high temperature in the low 80s and average low temperature in the mid-60s. Be sure to pack accordingly to stay cool with light layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Stay up to date with San Diego temperatures at www.weather.com.

 

Time Zone

San Diego, CA observes Pacific Standard Time (PST). When it is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) in San Diego, CA it is: 

Los Angeles (Pacific) - 12:00 p.m. (Noon)

Denver (Mountain) - 1:00 p.m. 

Chicago (Central) - 2:00 p.m.  

New York (Eastern) - 3:00 p.m.