§ Attendee guide · Sept 4–6, 2026 · Burlingame, CA
Know before you go.
The one page to read on the plane: where to check in, what to wear each day, how the hotel works, what's included with your ticket, and who to call.
§ Three days at a glance
The weekend.
Friday, Sept 4
Registration 2–9 PM · Oldies Night 7 PM
Badge, programme, and Cultural Passport at the Grand Ballroom Registration Desk. Welcome Reception in Salons A–D — dress like it's the '70s. Hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Friday programme →Saturday, Sept 5
Sessions 9 AM–3 PM · Gala from 6 PM
Anthems, keynotes, working groups, lunch, the Communiqué, the Constitution, and elections in Salon E. Then red carpet, dinner, awards, and Edwint live.
Gala Night guide →Sunday, Sept 6
Buses 9:30 AM · Picnic 1–4 PM
Golden Gate Bridge photo stop, scenic drive, picnic and closing remarks. Board at the flag poles in front of the hotel 15 minutes early. Back 5–7 PM.
Excursion guide →§ Heads up
Labor Day weekend traffic.
Northbound US-101 in San Francisco (Cesar Chavez to 10th St) is fully closed from 11 PM Friday, Sept 4 until 6 AM Monday, Sept 7.
It does not affect getting to the hotel from SFO or the Peninsula. If you drive into the city on Saturday or Sunday, Caltrans’ detour is I-380 west to I-280 north. Our Sunday excursion buses are routed around it. Southbound 101 stays open for the return. Expect heavy holiday traffic at the Golden Gate and in the Presidio.
§ The hotel
SF Airport Marriott Waterfront.
- Address
- 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010
- Hotel front desk
- +1 (650) 692-9100
- Check-in / check-out
- 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM
- SFO shuttle
- Free · 24/7 · about every 20–30 min · Hotel Courtesy Shuttle zone, center island, Departures level, every terminal
- Self-parking
- $18/day for delegates (standard $48) · valet $34
- Breakfast & dining
- Flights View Lounge 6:30–10:30 AM & 11 AM–10 PM · bar 2–11 PM · Starbucks 4:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Fitness & pool
- 24-hour fitness center · heated indoor pool & whirlpool
- Group block
- Closed Aug 13 — book at the hotel's standard rate if you still need a room
- Wi-Fi
- Complimentary in guest rooms and meeting space
- Bay Trail
- Out the front door — Bayfront Park south to Coyote Point
Getting here from SFO, OAK, SJC, BART, Caltrain, or by car: the travel guide.
§ Dress code
What to wear.
Friday · Oldies Night
Dress like it's the '70s — afros, bell-bottoms, wide collars, sunglasses. Best-Dressed of the '70s Soul Train line at 9 PM with cash prizes.
Saturday daytime
Business casual or ankara. Sessions are recorded; the ballroom runs cool — bring a layer.
Saturday · Gala Night
Traditional attire — Itsekiri regalia strongly encouraged. Agbada, iro-and-buba with gele, coral beads. Red carpet photos from 6 PM.
Sunday · Excursion
Casual and comfortable, walking shoes, a light jacket for bridge fog, sunglasses for the picnic.
§ Tickets & what's included
At the desk.
- Standard · $150
- Friday reception · Saturday sessions & lunch · Gala dinner (Standard table) · Sunday excursion
- VIP · $300
- All of Standard + VIP table near the stage, priority check-in, gift bag (polo & hat)
- Kids (3–12) · $100
- Meals, kids' activities, Gala seating in the kids' section · under 3 free
- Gala Night Only
- $125 Standard · $175 VIP seating
- VIP Tables
- $2,000 (seats 6) · $2,500 (seats 8) · named in the programme
- Buying on the day
- Buy online first — some options sell out. Registration Desk can help with Zeffy on your phone.
- Name badge
- Wear it all weekend — it is your entry to every session, meal, and the Gala.
- Tickets are
- Non-refundable, transferable — email us the new attendee's name
§ Food & drink
Meals explained.
What's provided
Friday hors d'oeuvres · Saturday lunch buffet (vegetarian & gluten-free options) · Saturday plated Gala dinner (chicken or salmon) · Sunday picnic meal. Breakfast is on your own (or your hotel rate).
Bars are cash bars
Premium cash bar Friday night and all through the Gala — cards accepted. Soft drinks and water available.
Dietary needs
Tell the Registration Desk on arrival or email info@itsekirinationalcongress.org; the hotel labels every buffet item.
§ Weather
Early September in the Bay.
Expect sunny days around 68–72°F and cool evenings in the mid-50s. The Golden Gate can be foggy and breezy on Sunday morning. Pack layers — a wrap or light jacket over your outfits — plus sunglasses and sunscreen for the picnic. Rain is unlikely.
§ If you need help
Health & safety.
Nearest 24-hour ER
Sutter Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Emergency Dept, 1501 Trousdale Dr, Burlingame — about 7 minutes from the hotel. (650) 696-5170. In an emergency, call 911.
Urgent care
Sutter Urgent Care, 100 S San Mateo Dr, San Mateo — about 10 minutes south.
Pharmacies
Walgreens, 1160 Broadway, Burlingame (open late) · CVS, 1871 El Camino Real, Burlingame (24 hours).
Lost & found · questions
Registration Desk in the Grand Ballroom foyer, any volunteer in a gold ribbon, or +1 (779) 771-6151.
§ Share the weekend
Post with #INCUSA2026
Tag your photos #INCUSA2026 — the Golden Gate group photo and a selfie with someone you just met both count toward your Cultural Passport. Convention photographers cover every session and the Gala; the gallery goes up after the weekend.
Need help this weekend?