Agenda
Welcome to New York!
The final meeting materials are available via the following links:
Map of Central Park and Directions
Climate Week 2024 Events Calendar for Lacuna Fund Grantees
Español:
On Friday, 20 September, our meeting will begin at 8:30am EDT in Ballroom AB, with a welcome and presentations about the datasets being created. We’ll have breaks throughout the day, a group photo, and lunch with Lacuna Fund Steering Committee members from 12:00 – 1:00pm.
In the afternoon, we are looking forward to workshops with Qhala, Africa Digital Rights Hub, and Datawise Africa. We’ll adjourn the meeting at 5:30pm, and reconvene around 6:15pm for a group dinner (location TBC).
On Saturday, 21 September, we’ll begin the meeting at 8:30am in Ballroom AB with an opening activity followed by workshops with AfriClimateAI, Clay, and Women at the Table. Lunch will be provided in Ballroom C from 12:00 – 1:00pm.
Afternoon sessions will include a communication activity, small group discussions about lessons learned, and a closing circle. We’ll adjourn at 4:00. Those who are interested can conclude the day with a trip to Central Park (map).
Breakfast will be available both Friday and Saturday from 7:30 – 8:30am EDT in Ballroom C.
Convening Location
General sessions for the 2024 Lacuna Fund Grantee Convening will be held in the iconic New York City at the Martinique New York on Broadway:
Convening Day 1
Friday, 20 September
8:30am – 5:30pm EDT (UTC-4)
Ballroom AB (2nd floor)
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Convening Day 2
Saturday, 21 September
8:30am – 4:00pm EDT (UTC-4)
Ballroom AB (2nd floor)
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Meeting Space Floor Map | Martinique New York on Broadway
(Click image to enlarge)
Hotel Lodging
If you indicated the need for lodging on your registration form, a room reservation has been made for you at the following hotel:
Martinique New York on Broadway
49 W 32nd Street New York City, New York 10001 USA (map)
You will receive an email with your room reservation number, your hotel check-in date, and your hotel check-out date. Please review the information in this email and Reply All if adjustments are needed to any of your details.
Important Hotel Information
- Check-In Time: 4:00 pm EDT (UTC-4)
- If you arrive early, please check with the front desk to store your luggage until your room is ready.]
- Check-Out Time: 11:00 am EDT (UTC-4)
- Please let us know if you will require late check out and we can facilitate that with the hotel.]
- Incidental Charges: Lacuna Fund will cover your room rate and applicable taxes; however, you will be responsible for any incidental charges incurred during your stay.
Transportation (Air & Ground)
Air Travel
If you are traveling by air and your flight is covered by Lacuna Fund, you should have received a ticket from Flo Acosta at Christopherson Business Travel. Please contact Juan Lazo-Bautista ( jlazobautista@merid.org) and Calandra Moss (cmoss@merid.org) if you have not received a ticket for your flight.
Ground Transportation
For your reference, please use the following address for the Martinique New York on Broadway: 49 W 32nd Street New York City, New York 10001 USA (map)
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) – website for New York City’s subway system
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- To/from John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport (see image and additional directions below)
- To/from Newark Liberty (EWR) International Airport (see image and additional directions below)
Another option for those traveling through JFK, is the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). It is usually 20 min vs 60 min or more on the subway. The process is:
- After passing passport & baggage, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station ($8)
- From Jamaica station take the LIRR to Penn Station (ticket is $5 or $7 depending on off-peak/peak). Tickets can be purchased from machines at the station or via the app MTA TrainTime.
- From Penn Station either exit onto 31st Street or 33rd Street and walk towards the hotel (turn left if coming out on 31st St, turn right if coming out into 33rd). You will know you are going the right direction you pass 8th Ave, if you pass 9th Ave that is the wrong way. You will pass Madison Square Garden.
- At 7th Ave, turn left if going down 31st or turn right if going down 33rd Street to get to 32nd Street and then walk another block and a half to the Martinique
JFK to Martinique on the MTA-Subway – 1 hr, 30 min
- From the Jamacia 179 St Station, you want to Q3 train going to Hillside Ave/Midland Pkwy
- From Hillside/Midland Pkwy, you want to walk to the Jamacia-179 St Station
- From the Jamacia Station, you want the F Train going to Coney Island/Stillwell Ave
- Once you arrive at the 34 St- Herald Sq, the Martinique Hotel is two blocks south.
Newark to Martinique on the MTA-Subway -43 minutes
- From the AirTrain Newark Liberty International Airport Station, take the NJCL train to 3512 Penn Station New York
- From Penn Station, the Martinique Hotel is 2 blocks southeast
GO Airlink NYC Airport Shuttle
Rideshare
Expense Reimbursement
If you incur expenses for meals or ground transportation during your travel, please save your receipts and follow these steps to request a reimbursement:
- Complete this reimbursement form
- Compose an email to secretariat@lacunafund.org with the subject line: “[YOUR LAST NAME]_Lacuna Fund Request for Reimbursement“
- Attach your completed reimbursement form
- Attach clear copies of your convening-related receipts
- Submit by your form and receipts by 5 October 2024
Lacuna Fund will cover meals and ground transportation on travel days to and from New York. The New York per diem rate allows reimbursement of up to $79 USD per day for ground transportation and meals, and $59 USD on first and last day of travel. Participants will be reimbursed the amount indicated on receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time zone does the convening times adhere to?
All convening-related times are local to New York City. Please keep in mind that New York City currently operates under Eastern Daylight Time.
What meals are included at the convening?
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for convening attendees on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21. Dinner will also be provided on Friday, September 20.
What is the dress code for the convening?
Please feel free to dress in business casual attire. [Remember to pack comfortable clothing and fitness gear if you wish to sightsee while in New York City or workout at the hotel gym.]
Should I bring a laptop?
We encourage you to bring a laptop in order to participate in an interactive data workshop.
Who will be the onsite contact for logistics?
Our project coordinator, Juan Lazo-Bautista, will be onsite to serve as a point-of-contact and to assist with your logistical needs. Please connect with Juan via WhatsApp (+1.202.714.7409) or email (jlazobautista@merid.org).