SCICON Conference and Retreat Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can SCICON accommodate for a conference?

Maximum meeting capacity (for meetings only) is 300.
Maximum dining capacity is 250.
Maximum sleeping capacity in student cabins (bunkbeds) is 216.
Maximum sleeping capacity in semi-private rooms is 38.

What is the minimum group size for a conference?

The minimum group size for a conference is 35 persons. If actual attendance falls below 35 persons, the conference group will be charged for 35 attendees.

Is a deposit required?

No deposit is required to book a conference at SCICON.

Is there a cancellation fee?

Once a signed conference contract is in place, cancellation fees will be invoked as follows:

10% of the minimum fee for every contract signed that is cancelled.
20% of the minimum fee for every contract signed if cancelled less than 30 calendar days before the conference.
20% of the minimum fee for any extended (week-long) conference cancelled less than 60 calendar days before the conference.

What is provided in the sleeping quarters?

Beds have comfortable foam mattresses. Conferees will need to bring their own linen or bedding, pillow, towels, toiletries, etc.

What is the elevation of SCICON?

2000'

What are the temperatures at SCICON?

	High Temps	Low Temps	Comments
Fall	60-90	30-50	Beautiful color in the trees in November and December.
Winter	40-70	20-40	When there's fog in the valley, there are blue skies and sunshine at SCICON.
Spring	60-90	30-40	Green grass and abundant wildflowers.
Summer	80-100	50-70	SCICON is usually about 5-7 degrees cooler than the Central Valley.

Does it snow at SCICON?

Rarely, and if it does snow, it's just a few inches.

Are there fireplaces in the cabins?

There are two fireplaces which can be used. There is a beautiful rock fireplace in the John Muir Lodge meeting area which is gas-fired. There is a wood-burning fireplace in the Exeter House. Wood is provided out back. All other fireplaces should not be used.

Can we prepare our own meals?

No, SCICON does not have facilities for conferees to prepare meals. The only exception to this would be day-use conference groups using the BBQ facilities in the Rotary Arbor or the Lions BBQ Arbor for picnics or a barbecue. The SCICON kitchen can only be used by the SCICON professional food service staff.

May we bring our own snacks or treats?

Conference groups may bring their own snacks, but the snacks must be kept in a central approved area. Please discuss location of the snacks with the SCICON conference host upon arrival. Food, drinks, and snacks are not allowed in the individual cabins or overnight accommodations.

Is there an area for arts and crafts?

Yes, there are areas for arts and crafts. Please discuss these needs with the SCICON office in advance. Painting and sign-making must only be done in areas designated for painting.

Can some of our conference group camp or stay in RVs?

Camping is only allowed with very large conference groups that are looking for additional sleeping capacity. The camping option must be discussed with SCICON staff when booking the conference. There is limited space for RVs to park. Again, this option needs to be discussed when arranging the conference. If camping or RV use is arranged, the fee would be 50% of the Student Cabin fee per person.

What is the charge for visitors who just come for the day during a weekend/overnight conference?

If there is a possibility that some of your conferees will not be spending the night, please discuss this with the SCICON office. Day-only visitors will be charged the day-use fee plus meals eaten.

Is there a youth rate for the Semi-private Housing?

There is not a reduced fee for youth/children staying in the Semi-private Housing. It is recommended that youth and/or families with children stay in the Student Cabins.

Where do we park our cars?

All personal cars must be parked in the visitor parking lot. A conference group may designate one or two "conference vehicles" for use of moving conference-related equipment. The conference vehicles may be parked in or near the meeting areas.

What are the driving times to SCICON?

from Visalia - 1 hour
from Fresno - 2 hours
from Sacramento - 5 hours
from Bakersfield - 1.5 hours
from Los Angeles - 3.5 hours