Frequently Asked Questions - Logistics

What are the lodging options?

An indoor campground will be available to teams inside the George R. Brown Convention Center. Please let us know if you will be camping when you complete Phase II of registration. There is no charge to use the campground.

If you plan to use the campground, you should bring your own tents and sleeping bags. Padding and shower facilities will be provided for you.

There are discounted rates available the Hilton Americas and Embassy Suites hotels, which border the park.  Participants can reserve their hotel rooms using the link provided in the Phase II portion of the registration website.   The hotel details for the 2013 event are below:

Hilton Americas Houston
1600 Lamar Street  Houston, TX 77010
(713) 739-8000
Rate: $148.00 ++
Parking: $18 self parking, $30 valet parking
Free wifi in sleeping rooms
Max capacity: 4 persons (2 queen beds)

Embassy Suites
1515 Dallas Street  Houston, TX 77010
(713) 739-9100
Rate: $139.00 ++
Parking: Valet only, $28 overnight parking, $14 daily parking
Free Breakfast
Free Wifi in sleeping rooms
Max capacity: 6 persons (2 queen beds and pull out couch)

Are there lockers at the campsite where we can store our laptops?

Lockers are not provided on site; however the grounds are patrolled by 24 hour security. We recommend keeping your valuables with you or designating a team member to be responsible for watching them if you are away.

What are our options for getting to Houston?

Teams can drive their cars, along with their tools and equipment, to Houston. Another more expensive option is to ship your car to the George R. Brown convention center.

If possible, we recommend carpooling with teams in your area if you’re interested in saving on transportation costs.  Please contact your relationship manager if you’re interested in getting in touch with any teams in your area.

Can you provide at-track shipping information?

We have appointed Freeman Exhibit Transportation as the sole official provider of international shipping, customs brokerage, freight forwarding and related service for Shell Eco-Marathon. We recommend teams use Freeman to reduce complications and ensure proper delivery of vehicles and related materials.

Please contact the appropriate person below in order to secure a quote for your shipment. Have the approximate dimensions of your crate on hand as well as the value of your vehicle and tools.

For shipping inquiries within the U.S., please contact:

Tanya Carper
Direct: 713-433-2400 x 694
Cell: 713-545-8640
Email: Tanya.Carper@freemanco.com

For international shipping inquiries, please contact:

David Pena
Direct: 214-451-3799
Email: global.freight@freemanco.com

All shipments will go directly to the GRB Convention Center. Inbound orders within the United States must be shipped NO LATER than five business days before the event.

International shipments will vary greatly. Air shipments should be shipped 1 ½ - 2 weeks prior to the event.  Ocean shipments can take almost a month to arrive.

All shipments should be labeled as follows:

Team Name – booth# (will be provided to teams prior to the event)
FOR: Shell Eco-Marathon
c/o Freeman @ George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida De Las Americas
Houston, TX 77010

While making your shipping plans to the event, also plan for the shipment following the event. Ensure that someone knowledgeable from your team will be onsite to oversee the return shipment of your vehicle and equipment.

Do you have any advice for building a crate to ship our vehicle?

We will update this information as soon as it’s available. 

Will there be internet at the convention center?

Yes, wireless internet will be available for free. We will provide you with the wireless passwords for use at the event.

How much space will we have to work on our cars?

Each team will have a 30' x 10' space to work on their cars at the convention center.

Will you have a fork lift on-site to help with unloading of cars?

Yes.

Does Shell reimburse teams for travel costs?

Yes. Shell offers travel assistance based on distance from the center of your school campus to the George R. Brown convention center. Travel assistance is based off a one-way trip (per team) for air and ground travel. Teams will receive their checks at the event. Exact details will be shared once the event gets closer.

Does the travel allowance double if two cars are being entered into the competition?

Yes. The travel allowance is paid per vehicle.

When will we receive the travel stipend?

You will receive a check when your team arrives on site (at registration). The check needs to be made out to an entity (name of school or team, etc.) and not an individual.

Is the schedule flexible?

If you are concerned about the time required away from class, please note that the competition schedule is very flexible. The team can come and go whenever they need to.  Inspection is open all weekend.

You can also leave whenever you need to on Sunday. You won’t be penalized and you’re not required to stay for the awards ceremony.

Will meals be provided?

Yes, free meals will be provided throughout the weekend for up to eight team members.  Additional meal tickets can be purchased for $100 each.  Teams can also bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages inside the GRB convention center.

Do we have to have a faculty member present?

Teams can be accompanied by a professor, teacher or adult leader (21 or older).

Are there places to park buses and trailers at the event?

Yes, there will be places to park trailers and buses at the event. The “close” parking is first-come-first-serve and is recommended for trailers/vehicles that contain items that you’ll need on-site (i.e. tools). There will be additional parking available that will be a little further off-site.