Travel & Visa Information

Visa Information & Requirements

Conference participants requiring a letter of invitation to obtain a travel visa should submit their request as early as possible to avoid delays or possible cancellations.

Letter of Invitation requests will NOT be granted after March 2, 2026.

Guidelines for Requesting a Letter of Invitation

  • Review Visa Procedures & Fees - Visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for Visa Information and Procedures.
  • Start Early - Start early and plan accordingly. Be aware of the Global Visa Wait Times.
  • Register for the Conference - If you require a visa to enter the United States and need a Letter of Invitation, please complete your conference registration and select the Pay Later option.
  • Submit Your Request - After you have successfully submitted your registration application, please email your request to events@first.org.
  • Compliance, Review, and Processing Time - All requests go through vetting and reference checks. Approved requests will be contacted within 4-5 business days with a draft letter for review. Final signed letters will be emailed in PDF format within 14 business days after approval.
  • Registration Status - Your registration will remain in “Waitlist” status until your visa is approved and payment is completed. When ready to finalize your registration and payment, contact events@first.org.

Important Notes

  • The Letter of Invitation is intended solely to support visa applications and does not cover registration fees or other expenses.
  • Issuance of a letter does not imply financial support from the host organization or its representatives.
  • If you require a physical copy, you will be responsible for all associated shipping fees.
  • Requests for Letters of Invitation will be accepted until March 2, 2026.

We strongly recommend starting your visa research and application process early to allow sufficient time for processing.

Transportation Information

The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), located about 10 miles from Scottsdale. From the airport, you can reach Scottsdale by rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxi, Valley Metro bus/light rail connections, or rental car. Most major hotels are 20–30 minutes away, depending on traffic. Scottsdale also has a smaller regional option, Scottsdale Airport (SDL), serving private and corporate flights.

Getting to the Conference Venue

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley – Scottsdale is approximately 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and the drive usually takes about 15–24 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

  • Rideshare/Taxi: Uber/Lyft average about $32 and takes ~24 min; taxis run around $29–35 for a 15–20 minute ride.
  • Shuttle Services: Shared van shuttles (e.g., SuperShuttle, Jayride) start around $23–24, with private town cars up to $60–85
  • Public Transit: Take the PHX Sky Train to 44th St Station, then bus 44 to Camelback & 44th, transfer to bus 50 to Scottsdale & Camelback—cost is $4 and takes 1–1.5 hours

Getting Around Scottsdale

Public Transit

Scottsdale is served by Valley Metro buses, which connect the city to Phoenix, Tempe, and nearby areas. Fares are $2 per ride or $4 for a full day. Within the city, the free Scottsdale Trolley is a convenient option, especially in Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods. Use the Valley Metro app for route planning and live updates.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore beyond Scottsdale, such as desert parks or golf courses. Traditional rentals are available at Sky Harbor Airport and throughout the city.

Rideshare and Taxis

Uber and Lyft operate reliably throughout Scottsdale and are great for short trips, nightlife, and airport transfers. Prices vary based on demand, and surge pricing is common during major events. Taxis are also available and can be hailed throughout the city or outside of hotels.

Bikes & Scooters

Scottsdale is bike-friendly, with over 300 miles of paths. You can rent bikes and e-scooters through apps like Lime, Bird, or Spin, or even within Uber or Lyft.