“Golf has made these desert pastures green!”

Commonly known as ”the West's most Western town,” Scottsdale attracts more than seven million tourists a year, which suggests it's not quite as gritty and gun-slingin' as you'd expect a Western town to be. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Scottsdale is one of the Southwest's premier resort destinations. In recent years, Scottsdale has continued its inexorable climb to prosperity. It has become one of the wealthiest cities in the country, all while maintaining a distinctive personality based on two of its famous past-times- shopping and golf.

The sun shines on Scottsdale at a whopping rate of 85 percent in terms of daylight hours. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out this may have something to do with its prime location- it's located in the heart of Arizona's “Valley of the Sun.” If you want to catch some rays, you're in the perfect place. If you're interested in walking and tanning, the Old Town area, open-air shopping venues and cultural precincts are perfect for enjoying the sunny climate.

Also, there is plenty to do within the city limits. Luxury spas and resorts offer deluxe pampering among spectacular scenery. Outdoors lovers will find hundreds of things to do along the Salt River, in the rocky city parks and neighboring mountains, or on ranches in and around the bustling city. There's not shortage of adventure!

This young, active and wealthy community borders Phoenix to the east and north. With more than 170 golf courses, spectacular resorts and fabulous restaurants, millions of people come to enjoy the spas and resorts each year.

Will you be one of them?

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when you're visiting the US:

• Smoking is not commonplace and is subject to restrictions in most public places. All EO events are smoke-free.
• Americans tend to refrain from greetings that involve hugging and other close physical contact, except with family members and friends. For the most part, they are unreceptive to being touched during conversation and other social situations.
• The standard space between you and your conversation partner should be about two feet. Most US executives are uncomfortable standing at a closer distance.
• Direct eye contact conveys that you are sincere, although your eye contact should not be too intense. Certain ethnic groups may look away to show respect.
• To point, you may use the index finger, although it's impolite to point at another person.
• To beckon someone, wave either all the fingers or just the index finger in a scooping motion, with the palm facing up.
• To show approval, there are two common gestures: the “O.K.” sign, formed by making a circle with the thumb and index finger, and the “thumbs up” sign, formed by making a fist and pointing the thumb upward.
• The back-slap is sometimes used as a sign of friendship or camaraderie.
• To wave goodbye, move your entire hand, with the palm facing outward.
• When sitting, US citizens often look very relaxed. They may sometimes sit with the ankle of one leg on their knee or prop their feet up on chairs or desks. In formal business situations, however, you're advised to maintain good posture and a less casual pose. Crossing legs knee over knee is not considered arrogant. In the United States, this position is common and considered professional.
• When giving an item to another person, it's common to toss it or hand it over with only one hand.

UTC/GMT -7 hours

Legal tender in the United States is the dollar. There are 100 cents to one dollar, and notes are available in denominations of US$1, US$5, US$10, US$20, US$50, US$100, US$1,000 and US$10,000.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) can be found almost everywhere and most provide 24-hour cash withdrawal in US dollars. Airport moneychangers calculate rates at the net rate of exchange displayed. You will get the best exchange rate by making purchases with a credit card. To properly estimate your currency exchange rate, click here.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards in the US and are acceptable at most hotels, department stores, restaurants and travel agencies.

Travel Times
Registration for the 2009 EO Arizona University opens at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 25 March 2009, with the Opening General Session starting at 5 p.m. Please plan your flights accordingly. Departure flights may be arranged for anytime starting on Sunday, 29 March 2009.

Arrival Information
Scottsdale is about 20 minutes west of Phoenix and just a few miles north of Tempe. It has an airport of its own, but most visitors will fly in and out of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is by far the largest airport in the Southwest, served by many national and international flights. International travelers have good air access to Phoenix.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has three passenger terminal buildings: Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, which is the largest. Each terminal has its own parking garage, shops, services, restaurants and ground transportation facilities, including a courtesy inter-terminal shuttle bus stop. There are no car rental counters in the terminals; services are available through the Rental Car Center, which you may get to by shuttle bus.

For more information on what airlines service Sky Harbor International Airport, click here.

Special Discount:
Continental Airlines is offering exclusive discounts of up to 18 percent on the lowest published fares for all members traveling to EO events anywhere in the world. For more information about this EO event discount, click here.

Airport Car Rental
All car rental operations, including customer service desks and vehicles, are now located in the airport's Rental Car Center. There are no customer service desks in the terminals. Passengers use a multi-colored bus-the Rental Car Shuttle-to go in between the terminals and the Center.

Car rental companies operating out of the airport include: Alamo, Avis, Beverly Hills, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, E-Z, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty.

Taxis
Three companies provide taxis at Sky Harbor Airport. These companies are: AAA Cab (+1.602. 437.4000), Allstate (+1.602.275.8888) and Discount (+1.602.266.1110).

Limousine Services
Limousines operate to and from the airport, charging per zone and with flat fees for additional passengers (above a standard one or two). Zones are set at five-mile increments from the airport. They can also be hired at an hourly rate, with two-hour minimum.

The dress code for all meetings during the University is business casual.

Men's Dress Code Glossary
Casual - Khaki or comparable slacks, shirt, golf shirt
Business Casual - Nice slacks, collared shirts
Formal - Coat and tie, or suit

Women's Dress Code Glossary
Casual - Khaki or comparable slacks, skirt, shirt
Business Casual - Nice slacks, skirt, blouse
Formal - Nice dress, pantsuit, cocktail dress

Entry Requirements and Visas
Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the US without a Visa if they meet certain requirements. Since 26 October 26 2004, Visa waiver travelers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the US port of entry to enter the US without a Visa; otherwise, a US Visa is required. To view information about digital photographs and e-passport requirements for Visa Waiver Program travelers, click here. Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant Visa.

Non-immigrant Visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries) coming to the US temporarily. This Visa allows you to travel to a US Port of Entry (an airport, for example) and request permission from the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the US. A Visa does not guarantee entry into the US.

International travelers come to the US for a variety of reasons. For an overview of the types of non-immigrant Visas available under immigration law, please see the Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications on the US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) Web site. The consular officer at your embassy or consulate will decide what kind of Visa you need when you apply.

Check with your local United States Embassy for specific requirements on travel into the US as they pertain to your country of origin. To find an embassy or consulate nearest to you, please visit the US Department of State official Web site.

Advance planning can smooth the Visa application process for you. The US regularly adjusts entry requirements in an effort to reduce the threat of terrorism. It is imperative that travelers double- and triple-check current regulations before coming to the United States.

Health
No certificate of vaccination is required for traveling to the US; however, health regulations are able to change at short notice. It is advisable to check current health regulations with your airline carrier when making reservations. Visitors in transit through the US should also check health regulations for subsequent destinations to ensure that all necessary, valid certificates have been obtained. Check with your personal physician before your departure for any personal health needs. It is always a good idea to carry a description of any prescription medications in case they need to be refilled.

Dietary Restrictions
EO wishes to accommodate your dietary needs while you're in the US. If you have any special needs or requirements, please fill out and fax the Dietary Restriction Form to +1.703.519.1864. If you suffer from severe food allergies, we encourage you to visit this Web site and consider purchasing food and travel translation cards to effectively communicate your needs while traveling.