Read below for FAQ and tips about the NATC and local Phoenix experience!

*Any additional questions or comments can be directed to info@taikocommunityalliance.org

General NATC Tips

• This will be an intense weekend of drumming!

• Bring your own reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and hearing protection (if required).

• Bring your own bachi. Vendors onsite will be selling bachi also. Check the notes of your workshop to see if you need to bring any other workshop-specific supplies.

• Bring your own notebook, pen, and backpack/tote bag with you to the workshops.

• Bring your own sports drinks, snacks, or other needs for your energy and endurance.

• NATC is a special opportunity to meet new people and make taiko connections! Share meals with new people, make friends at workshops, this is a safe and welcoming space!

• Please tag Taiko Community Alliance in your social media, and use #NATC2025. We are on Instagram and Facebook.

• You can approach any of the TCA Board members with questions or concerns during the weekend.

Conference Experience

• If you have any questions, please use the Sched chat to ask for a quick response. Questions can also be directed to info@taikocommunityalliance.org.

• All ticket holders of all tiers can attend the evening concerts, the marketplace, the beginner taiko drop-ins, and discussion sessions. Your nametag will be required for entry to these spaces.

• There will NOT be Wi-Fi arranged for the conference. There may be free public Wi-Fi. Downtown cell coverage for data plans is expected to be good.

• Registration will be open at the 301D ballroom on Thursday from 4-6:00 pm, and on Friday starting at 7:00 am.

• Volunteers and helpers will be indicated by uniform, and will be introduced at the opening ceremony.

• Many of the marketplace vendors have a tap option for card payments.

Food at Conference

• Food will NOT be provided by TCA over the weekend.

• The PHX Food Hall is a short walk to the North convention building, and is a convenient choice.

• There are many other restaurants and takeaway options in the area.

• We recommend that you use Google Maps to locate the food options nearby.

• You are allowed to bring your own food/snacks into the convention center.

• You can order food to be delivered to the convention center, but if you are a big group, you may be asked to move locations by security because of the restrictions.

• There are water bottle refilling stations in the convention center.

• Late-night dining downtown

• Downtown Coffee Shops

Environment and Health

• It will be extremely hot and dry in Phoenix over the Labor Day long weekend.

• It is not recommended that you plan to go hiking or do outdoor activities.

• If you have to walk outdoors, make sure you have a Google Map or directions to your destination.

• If you walk outdoors, you may want a hat, umbrella, or other sun protection.

• Downtown Phoenix has shaded spots available for pedestrians.

• The convention center is air conditioned. You may even need a sweater for inside.

• The convention center has an air filtration system, and the rooms are well ventilated. If you prefer to wear a face mask, it is your prerogative.

• City of Phoenix Heat Health Guide

Activities in the Area

• If you have to pass time before your hotel check in, there are many sights downtown.

• We recommend the Arizona Center for shopping dining, and sights.

• If you have a longer time to pass, the Heard Museum is recommended for a half day visit.

• If you have a full day for sightseeing, the Musical Instrument Museum is recommended.

Travel

• NATC is being held at the Phoenix Convention Center. It is downtown, and easily accessible from the airport.

• There is a light rail service from the airport to downtown.

• There are regular taxi and rideshare options from the airport to downtown. The Convention Center is approximately 4 miles away.

• NATC is being held in the West Building of the Phoenix Convention Center.

• The recommended hotel venue, the Sheraton is an approximate 5 minute walk away from the convention center.

• The Sheraton has a conference block price for our event, book it here.

• If you are driving, please note that there are cheaper parking options outside of the downtown core area. You could park there for the weekend and commute back to the convention center.

• If you are driving with equipment and have a truck or trailer, we can make arrangements for you to store it at Fushicho Daiko’s location. Please contact info@taikocommunityalliance.org if interested.

Travelling with Bachi

• Anything a person carries on to a plane could be confiscated by TSA security. You are responsible for your own possessions. Please use discretion when flying with your musical equipment.

• It can be risky to take bachi in your carry-on luggage on the plane. If you have a checked bag, it is recommended you store them there. If you plan to carry on, we recommend having pictures of you playing taiko and how the bachi are used ready to show security. It is not recommended that you bring your best bachi, as they can be confiscated. However, please do not attend conference with damaged or splintered bachi. Our vendors at the conference will also be selling bachi.

• Checked baggage on planes are kept in cold temperatures. If you are bringing musical instruments such as fue, it might be best to bring it in your carry-on luggage, in a protective wrapping or case.

• If you are flying with a shamisen, the bachi has a dense metal piece inside it that security will take interest in. It is best if you pack your shamisen bachi in your checked luggage. If you are able to disassemble the other parts of the shamisen, it’s best to bring it in your carry-on for its protection against temperature change and damage.

Downtown Phoenix Information

• Downtown Phoenix things to do, places to eat.

• Phoenix sightseeing guide (please remember to not attempt outdoor activities at this time of year!)

Transit Information

Valley Metro App: https://www.valleymetrofares.org/valley-metro-app

• Download the app at www.valleymetro.org/app

• Plan your trip, track your bus or train and pay your fare

• Add money to the app and scan the QR code every time you ride

• You’ll never be charged more than $4 a day, no matter how many times you ride

Copper Cards: https://www.valleymetrofares.org/copper-card/about-card

• Purchase and load a Copper card at light rail station Fare Machines or online at www.valleymetrofares.org

• Tap your card every time you take a train or bus

• You’ll never be charged more than $4 a day no matter how many times you ride

Light Rail System Map: Download the map here

• Learn more about our two-line rail system here: https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/two-line

Transit from Sky Harbor Airport to Downtown Hotels

• Phoenix Convention Center/Sheraton
  Airport: Take Sky Train to 44 St/Washington
  Take Light Rail "A" westbound towards downtown Phoenix
  Exit 3rd Street/Washington (4 stops), walk north one block for PCC on left or 2 blocks for Sheraton on left.
  Please note, there are entrances to the Phoenix Convention Center on 2nd Street AND 3rd Street, both are accessible and open.

• Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott
  Kimpton Hotel, Hyatt Place (not Regency) Downtown, Renaissance Downtown
  Airport: Take Sky Train to 44 St/Washington
  Take Light Rail "A" westbound towards downtown Phoenix
  Exit Central/Washington (5 stops) 

• Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt Regency
  Airport: Take Sky Train to 44 St/Washington
  Take Light Rail "A" westbound towards downtown Phoenix
  Exit Central/Washington (5 stops) 
  Walk south across Washington, get on Light Rail "B" northbound
  Exit VanBuren (one stop)