Parents, Family Members, and Coaches are welcome to attend the 2018 International Geography Bee World Championships. The following guidelines apply to people attending the IGB World Championships as part of the Parents, Family Members, and Coaches Program.

1. All parents and family members (as well as family friends) are welcome to attend, but all those who attend must officially register, pay the family member registration fee, and stay at one of the official IGB hotels. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to attend any of the competitions or sightseeing events. This will also give family members a chance to fully experience Berlin as well.

1A. Note that registered family members, friends, and coaches must stay in an official IGB hotel. In contrast with the International History Olympiad, where we have one official hotel, we will have several for IGB. All are within a 7-15 minute walk of the official IGB Youth Hostel (A&O Hostel Berlin Mitte), and within a 2-3 minute walk from Ostbahnhof (Berlin – East Train Station).
-Ibis Berlin Ostbahnhof (closest to youth hostel, slightly more basic amenities than the other 3)
-Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof (hip design with 24-hour bar, fun, but not ideal for young children)
-Select Hotel Berlin Ostbahnhof (nicest styling, slightly farther away)
-InterCity Hotel Berlin Ostbahnhof (located in train station)

Upon registration, you can select a preference, though we cannot guarantee this. All four hotels are within a 3-5 minute walk of each other, and all are basically the same category (the Ibis is the most basic, but closest; the Select Hotel is nicest but slightly farther away from the station and the hostel; the InterCity is between these in terms of amenities – the Moxy is comparable to the InterCity in terms of overall quality, but it is styled for millennials, and thus isn’t ideal for young children).

1B. Coaches are welcome as well. See below for pricing.

2. The registration fee includes lodging at the hotel, but not meals or drinks. It also includes the ability to participate in the following events in the Family Division (we will have medals for these, but these will not count towards the official medals table for the students). See the Competitions Page here for event descriptions.
-International Geography Exam
-Treasure Hunt (for this, as well as Geographeud and the Team Quiz, families can compete together on teams of up to 5, or you can pair up, or we can assign teams. No team would include the competing students, though, as they’ll be on their own official teams)
-Geographeud
-Team Quiz
Note that none of these events are required – if parents and family members don’t wish to compete at all, that’s completely fine.

3. Parents and family members are welcome to take part in all sightseeing opportunities, as well as all of the other non-competitive events and activities listed here. Note that it is not required for parents and family members to be taking part in IGB-sponsored activities at all times. If parents and family members wish to visit other sites on their own at any point, that’s fine. The registration fees for the sightseeing opportunities are included in the registration fees for parents and family members, but only at the times listed when we will be visiting them.

4. In addition to the above, we are also organizing the following extra events for parents and family members. Note that some of these events are also offered after the IGB World Championships have ended for those staying on for the International History Olympiad:

-Day 1, July 12 – Morning Reception at Hotel Adlon
On Day 1, while students and competing Parents, Family Members, and Coaches are taking the International Geography Exam (400 questions of multiple choice fun!), everyone else in the Parents, Family Members, and Coaches program is welcome to join IGB Staff in the Lobby Lounge of the Hotel Adlon if you want to get a coffee and a pastry and ask us further questions and/or hear more about what’s in store for the coming days. This does not include food or drinks, but you are welcome to purchase those if you wish. No advance registration is required.

-Day 2, July 13 – Shopping Trip (1pm-5pm)
One option on the afternoon of Day 2, if you’d prefer to get away from sightseeing a bit, is for parents, family members, and coaches to go on a shopping excursion. We’ll stop at KaDeWe, Berlin’s (and one of the world’s) most famous department stores, and the boutiques of Mitte near Hackescher Markt. We’ll follow with an official Olympiad car, so that you can drop off your purchases for safekeeping before heading off to whichever activity that afternoon you choose. We will repeat this tour later during the International History Olympiad for those staying on for that who would prefer to do this later.

-Day 2, July 13 – Berlin Zoo Visit (1pm-5pm)
Berlin’s world-famous zoo is the most-visited and one of the oldest in Europe. Participants in the Parents, Family, and Coaches Program are certainly welcome to watch the International Geography Showdown and take part in the Museum Island museum visits  this afternoon, but for those looking for something else (especially with younger children), we’ll be taking a group to the zoo. Families staying on for the Olympiad will have a chance to visit the zoo later on if they prefer as well.

-Day 3, July 14 – Spreewald Bike Tour (full day)
On Day 3, the students will be taking part all day in the Geography Crisis Simulation, which is not open to spectators. Spectators are free to explore Berlin on their own or participate in the other options listed below for the morning and afternoon. A different option though, is to take part in a bike tour into Brandenburg, the largely rural German state that surrounds Berlin. In the morning, we’ll take the train to Königs Wusterhausen, a suburb of Berlin home to a small 18th century castle, used extensively by King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia. After touring the castle and having an early lunch, we’ll continue on by train to the Spreewald, a forested region bisected by many canals. We’ll go on a 15-20km bike ride here, and have a chance to explore the native Sorbian (a West Slavic people) culture, sample the region’s famous pickles, and go punting on flat-bottomed boats on the canals. Limit 20 people, and of course, you need to be comfortable riding a bike for a total of 20-30km throughout the day. We’ll go rain or shine (unless the forecast calls for downpours), so if you’re planning on joining us, please be sure to pack appropriate clothing.

-Day 3, July 14 – Natural History Museum Visit (10am-12pm)
A second option on the morning of Day 3 is to visit the Natural History Museum. The dinosaur exhibits in particular are a hit with children (and adults!) including a well-preserved T. Rex and the largest mounted dinosaur skeleton in the world.

-Day 3, July 14 – Playground Safari (1pm-4pm)
For families with children aged 11 and younger, we are offering a unique excursion this afternoon – a playground safari! Berlin has some of the most adventurous playgrounds in the world, and we’ll have a chance this afternoon to visit a few of the most interesting ones. The route will split after the first hour or two, and allow somewhat older children a chance to visit a “climbing forest” playground with a zipline course and a chance for younger children to visit a farm for kids. Both routes will stop off for ice cream too!

-Day 3, July 14 – German Wine Tasting (5pm-6pm)
On the afternoon of July 14 at 5pm, we’ll have a German wine tasting with samples from a selection of vineyards throughout Germany. German wines have become increasingly renowned in recent years, and you’ll get to try a selection of both red and white varietals from regions such as the Pfalz (Palatinate), Franken (Franconia), the Mosel Valley (Moselle), and more. A selection of German cheeses and fruits will also be on offer to try. No one under 18 is permitted, but if two parents are coming, one can bring samples to the other who can wait with children outside the tasting room. Those visiting the zoo in the afternoon can leave early if they wish to attend. Note that this is also being offered during the International History Olympiad, if you are attending that too (though it’s the same program, so you can only sign up for the one or the other).

-Day 4, July 15 – Botanical Garden Visit (only for spectators of students competing in Intl. History Olympiad)
July 15 is Day 4 of IGB Worlds, and Day 1 of the Intl. History Olympiad. For spectators who are attending the Olympiad Opening Ceremonies at the Berlin Brandenburg International School this morning, you can also take the 400 question Olympiad Battery multiple choice exam in the afternoon. Or, for those who will be at the Berlin Brandenburg International School in the morning who would rather spend their time outside in the afternoon, we’ll be organizing a trip to the nearby Berlin Botanical Garden. We’ll leave between 1 and 2, and return between 3:30 and 4:30. (different leaders will leave at different times; an earlier departure time from the school and an earlier return time to the school will allow you to get back in time for the FIFA World Cup Finals) though if you wish to stay longer, you’re more than welcome to do so.

-Day 4, July 15 – Berlin Nighttime Tour (7:00pm-11pm or so)
Berlin’s nightlife is world-famous and has been for over 100 years. While you’re on your own if you want to brave the bouncers at the Berghain, we’ll be happy to show you a few unique nightspots around town. Tours may include where Christopher Isherwood lived when writing Goodbye to Berlin, which became the basis for the musical Cabaret, or otherwise various bars and nightspots of note. Everyone must be 18 or older to attend. Those attending this tour will miss the preliminary rounds of the Historical Geography Bee. We will depart the Berlin Brandenburg International School at 7pm for this; others can meet us en route in the middle of town.
Note that this tour will be given again two days later. We will try and accommodate as many people as possible, but it is likely that spectators coming for both the IGB World Championships and the International History Olympiad will only be able to attend on one night or the other.

-Day 5, July 16 – Schlachtensee Boating, Swimming, & Biergarten Outing
The Berlin Brandenburg International School (where we’ll be holding the Historical Geography Bee finals later this evening) is not far from the Schlachtensee, a lake which features swimming and boating opportunities and a beautiful biergarten and restaurant. On the afternoon of July 16, weather permitting, we’ll organize a trip here to soak in the relaxing atmosphere. The path around the lake is 5km for those who wish to walk or jog. This runs concurrently with the Hextathlon Olympiad event (open to parents and family members), so those competing in that would not be able to come. Note also, that parents and family members also have the option this afternoon to visit the German Spy Museum and the DDR (East Germany) Museum (this is one option; those selecting it will visit both museums) or the Jewish Museum and the German Technology Museum (a second option; again, those selecting it will visit these two museums).

Children not competing in the IGB World Championships (guidelines updated on Oct. 21, 2017)
Children of all ages may come to the IGB World Championships together with their parents (or grandparents, guardians, etc.). However, please be mindful of the following guidelines:

1. Children under two years of age are welcome to come free of charge, with the exception of any fees charged by the hotel for a baby or infant in the room and any public transit pass charges for having a stroller/pram. Please note that such children are not able to watch competitions though, lest they disturb the competitors at an inopportune moment. We highly recommend you bring a stroller / pram in such cases, as a good amount of walking will be unavoidable over the course of the week.

2. Children from 2-6 years of age, while allowed at the IGB World Championships, are not particularly encouraged to attend, as there are very few events planned which are appropriate for children in this age group, nor do we provide child care so that parents can take part in the other events on their own. Children in this age range staying at the hotel cost 2/3 of the prices listed below for what an additional adult would cost (meaning, a room with one child aged 2-6 and one adult costs $1583). They are welcome to participate in whatever portions of the program their parents and guardians deem appropriate, but special allowances will not otherwise be made to accommodate them.

3. Children aged 7 and above are welcome at the IGB World Championships. They cost the same amount as an adult, as they can take part in the spectator IGB program in full. Note that it is up to parents and guardians to judge if a child is likely to enjoy the week, given the program on offer (translation: some 7-9 year olds in particular may find the official program overall to be a bit demanding). Note that children must be in the company of their parents or guardians at all times.

4. Children 17 and younger are not welcome if not accompanied by their parents or guardians, even if they are teenagers.

5. Siblings aged 18-26 who are not competing in the IGB World Championships may stay either at an official IGB hotel or at the youth hostel. Siblings not competing aged 17 and younger must stay with their parents. Even if they are 18 or older, if they stay at the youth hostel, they are required to comply with IGB rules for competing students at all times that they are at the youth hostel or participating in IGB group activities. However, our staff is not responsible for supervising siblings 18 and older, as they are legally adults. The cost is the same for these siblings regardless of whether they stay at the hotel or the youth hostel.

6. Finally, do note that it is permitted for families (including non-competing siblings age 18 and older) at any times to set out on their own and explore Berlin outside of our group – no activity for spectators is mandatory. However, no discounts will be provided for anyone (child or adult) who only participates in a portion of the program.

Costs (see above paragraph for costs for non-competing children)
The costs for parents and family members are confirmed as follows (includes 6 nights lodging at an official IGB hotel in the center of Berlin, airport pickup/dropoff, public transit pass, all sightseeing with leaders, above-listed competitions, other IGB events (e.g. Movie Night, Guest Speaker, etc.), and the chance to watch all competitions open to spectators)
1 person (in one room) – $1250 USD
2 people (in one room) – $1750 USD
3 people (in one room) – $2300 USD *
4 people (in one room) – $3050 USD *
5 people (in two rooms) – $4000 USD *
6 people (in two rooms) – $4500 USD *

* = Update May 15: There are no more  rooms for 3 or 4 people in one room. As there are no more rooms of this type are remaining, single or double occupancy rates as posted here now apply. Thus for 3 people it now costs $3000, not $2300, as two rooms must be booked.

2. These prices are also depending on availability and are also only guaranteed through April 10. While the IGB World Championships will not sell out, per se, we will have a limited number of rooms for our group at the official hotel, and once those have sold out, additional rooms may be somewhat more expensive to cover higher rates. Note that if you are coming alone, and would like to request a roommate to save on costs, you can request that, and we can pair you up as long as we can find someone also requesting a roommate. We cannot guarantee this though.

3. Extra nights will be available on either end of the stay as follows:
For staying over on night of July 17. Includes chance to take part in museum visits on the late afternoon of July 17.
1 person (in one room) – $130 USD
2 people (in one room) – $150 USD
3 people (in one room) – $170 USD *
4 people (in one room) – $230 USD *
5 people (in two rooms) – $300 USD *
6 people (in two rooms) – $320 USD *

* = There are a limited number of rooms for 3 or 4 people in one room, and the InterCity and Select Hotel do not have any rooms of this type. If no rooms of this type are remaining, single or double occupancy rates as posted here would apply. Groups of 3 or more per the rates here are only bookable on a per family basis (e.g. two families of two persons each cannot combine to claim the 4 person rate as shown here).

For staying on until July 19. Includes lodging on nights of July 17 and 18, chance to take part in museum visits on the late afternoon of July 17, and visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Memorial on July 18. Parents may also participate in the Loretta am Wannsee Biergarten outing that evening as described here.
1 person (in one room) – $295 USD
2 people (in one room) – $375 USD
3 people (in one room) – $465 USD *
4 people (in one room) – $605 USD *
5 people (in two rooms) – $755 USD *
6 people (in two rooms) – $835 USD *

* = There are a limited number of rooms for 3 or 4 people in one room, and the InterCity and Select Hotel do not have any rooms of this type. If no rooms of this type are remaining, single or double occupancy rates as posted here would apply. Groups of 3 or more per the rates here are only bookable on a per family basis (e.g. two families of two persons each cannot combine to claim the 4 person rate as shown here).

4. If you are also coming for the International History Olympiad, you would stay at the IGB Hotel through the night of July 14, and then switch to the Olympiad Hotel for the night of the 15th and onwards. It is not possible to stay at the same hotel throughout, as after July 15, the focus will shift away from the IGB hotel for the rest of the time. Those staying for IGB only, though, can stay through the end of their stay (including optional stay over for July 18, departing on July 19).

5. Combined pricing for parents/family members/friends/coaches coming both for the IGB World Championships and the International History Olympiad will be as follows (for 11 nights, from July 11 through July 22, not including the night of July 22):
1 person (in one room) – $2100 USD
2 people (in one room) – $3050 USD
3 people (in two rooms) – $4700 USD
4 people (in two rooms) – $6600 USD
5 people (in three rooms) – $7300 USD
6 people (in three rooms) – $8250 USD

Update May 15: No more triple or quad rooms are available for IGB. A slight discount may be applicable if either the IGB or the International History Olympiad can do triple occupancy (or quad occupancy in the case of IGB). Please contact director@historyolympiad.com to inquire as to triple or quad occupancy availability and pricing, if it is only available at one hotel but not the other.

These prices include breakfast at the Olympiad hotel from July 16 onwards, but not at the IGB hotels. There are many options for breakfast near the IGB hotels, though.

6. If you are staying on for an extra night on July 22 (or longer), extra nights will be available for $110 USD per single room, $125 USD per double room, and $175 per triple room including breakfast on either end of the stay, on a space permitting basis. These need to be booked through the International History Olympiad directly, not by calling the hotel.

Coaches
Coaches are entitled to a discount of $200 USD per student brought from their school, maximum 7 (in which case they stay for free). If a second coach from a school comes, that coach can receive an additional 7 students. Limit 2 coaches per school. Coaches must be NHBB / IHBB / IGB coaches who have attended multiple tournaments before in the capacity as official coaches. If Coaches are also attending the International History Olympiad, they are entitled to a $300 USD discount per student competing in both competitions. In this case, the total maximum discount a coach can claim cannot exceed the combined spectator registration fee for both competitions.

International History Olympiad
Information on costs for parents and family members also coming for the International History Olympiad is available here.

Payment, Refund, and Cancellation Policy
No participant will be allowed to take part unless all payments and applicable late fees have been paid and received prior to July 10! Payments are due by April 10. Payments made between April 10 and July 1 will be accepted, but are liable for surcharges to any increases in the accommodations that the hotel / hostel passes on to us. For payments not received by July 5 (to allow for a four-day grace period), a $100 late fee applies.
As for refunds, we can refund payments in full, minus a $100 processing fee until April 10. From April 10-June 20, we can issue a 50% refund for payment. After June 20, no refunds will be given for any reason.