FAQ

Q: Where will the R&D Awards Gala be held?
A: The 2024 R&D 100 Awards Gala will be held on November 21, 2024 at the Esmeralda Resort and Spa Indian Wells (about 30 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, CA).

Q: What hotel should I stay at? When do hotel reservations have to be made?
A: A room block is available at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. The room rate is $279 plus taxes and fees per night and reservations must be made by Wednesday, October 30, 2024. You can make reservations HERE.

Q: How much is it to attend the awards gala?
A: Pricing information for both individual tickets and tables can be found here.

Q: What is the refund policy if I need to cancel my reservation?
A: Partial refunds are available based on the following cancellation schedule:
$400 returned if canceled by 9/1
$300 returned if canceled by 10/1
$200 returned if canceled by 11/1

Q: Is there special pricing for my spouse or guest?
A: There is no special pricing for a spouse or guest.

Q: Are there any arrangements for the winners to receive the plaque on stage?
A: Award winners will walk to the front of the room (not on stage) to receive their award. A professional photographer will take a photo of each award winner(s) with their award in front of an R&D 100 Awards backdrop. There are no speeches given by award winners.

Q: Is there a restriction on how many award winners can attend the Awards Gala?
A: There is no restriction on who may attend the R&D Awards Gala. Companies may send as many representatives/guests as they would like.

Q: Is there an early bird discount?
A: Yes, early bird pricing is available until Friday, October 11, 2024. Please see full pricing info here.

Q: What is the dress code for the awards gala?
A: The R&D 100 Awards Gala is a black-tie event. Come dressed in your best!

Q: What is the schedule of events for the evening?
A: The evening will begin with a cocktail reception from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. Doors to dinner will open at 7:00PM. The presentation of the Professional Awards will start the evening and dinner will be served at 7:15PM. The awards presentation will begin at 7:45PM.

Q: How many people can sit at a table?
A: There are 10 seats at each table. The event is open seating unless you purchase a table.

Q: What is the last day to register?
A: In order to receive your awards plaque at the event, you must be registered by Wednesday, November 6, 2024. If you register after Wednesday, November 6, 2024, you will receive your awards plaque in the mail following the event. The last day to register for the event is Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Q: What airport should I fly into?
A: The nearest airport is the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) which is about a 30 minute drive from the Esmeralda Resort & Spa Indian Wells.

Q: What if someone from our team cannot attend the event? Will we still receive the award plaque?
A: All winners receive one award plaque. If someone from your team cannot attend the Awards Gala to accept the award, the award plaque will be mailed to you after the event. If you want to order additional plaques, orders can be placed here.

Q: Can I order additional or personalized plaques for my team?
A: Yes! If you want additional or personalized award plaques, you can place an order at any time using this form.

Q: What is the menu for the event? Will dietary restrictions be accommodated?
A: The menu for the R&D 100 Awards Gala includes filet and lobster. If indicated during registration, dietary restrictions and/or allergies will be accommodated. For those requiring a gluten free, dairy free or vegan option, the menu will be a zucchini boat with hummus, quinoa and vegetables.