13th IVS Technical Operations Workshop (TOW 2025)
Welcome to the 2025 IVS Technical Operations Workshop!
The thirteenth TOW is scheduled for May 4–8, 2025, in person at MIT Haystack Observatory (in Westford, Massachusetts, USA, about 45 minutes northwest of Boston).
The intended audience for TOW meetings is the technical staff of the stations. The meeting is oriented toward hands-on training and problem resolution in VLBI operations. We hope that all VLBI stations will be able to send technical representatives. This meeting offers the opportunity for both training and communication with personnel from other stations, the IVS Coordinating Center, and the correlators.
Information on registration, accommodation, and transportation is provided below. Please email TOW2025 with questions.
VGOS Correlation Workshop (May 8–9, 2025)
In addition to the TOW workshop itself, a dedicated VGOS Correlation Workshop will be held directly following the TOW, starting on May 8 after lunch, at the same venue. The intended audience for the VGOS Correlation Workshop is the correlator staff of the correlators that process VGOS data.
To register for the VGOS Correlation Workshop, please check the box for “Correlation Workshop” on the registration form.
Registration
Everyone who plans to attend must register. Registration consists of three parts:
- Registration Form – see blue link below
- Payment
- Class list and class sign-up – coming soon
The registration fee for the TOW is $400. This fee covers the icebreaker reception, coffee breaks, lunches, the TOW dinner on Tuesday evening, and course materials.
The registration fee for the VGOS Correlation Workshop is $40 and covers morning break and lunch.
Important Dates
Accommodation
A block of rooms has been set aside at the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Westford for the nights of Saturday, May 3, through Friday, May 9, located in Westford, Massachusetts, approximately 8 miles (15 minutes) from the Observatory.
Hotel guest rates: single: $169; two-bedroom suite: $209. All room rates are subject to local sales and occupancy tax.
You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to reach out to Danielle Ducharme, Area Director of Sales, at Danielle.Ducharme@Crestlinehotels.com or 978-808-7770.
Participants are requested to make their own reservations. Rooms will be released from the block after March 29; please make your reservations before then. A credit card is required to guarantee your room. At the time of booking, a credit card will be required to secure the dates. One night’s room rate or 50% of your total stay will be charged to your credit card upon booking. Deposits are non-refundable when cancellation occurs 7 or fewer days prior to arrival.
Transportation
There are two primary shuttle services to/from either Boston (Logan) or Manchester airports: Flight Line: +1-800-245-2525, C&L Air Limo: +1-800-247-7080 (https://clairlimo.com). Uber and Lyft are also options.
Sponsors
Visa information
Although Haystack Observatory cannot provide financial support for attendance at the workshop, we will, on request, send a letter of invitation to attend the meeting. If this would be of assistance for your travel plans, please contact Dirk Behrend (dirk.behrend-1 at nasa.gov) to request a letter.
Depending on your country of origin, you may need a visa to enter the United States, or you may be eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Please check the Visa Waiver Program Countries to find out if you are eligible for a visa waiver.
If you need a visa, please contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in your country in order to inquire about the necessary paperwork. If you can take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program, please obtain an approved travel authorization prior to your travel to the United States. For this purpose, use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Please make sure that you obtain your authorization in time.
