JET35 Frequently Asked Questions
Event Questions
How much does the event cost?
There are tiered registration options that increase in cost as we get closer to the event.
- Early (through 4/22): Paid Member $150, Member $160, Non-Member $180
- Regular (4/22-5/19): Paid Member $180, Member $190, Non-Member $210
- Onsite: $250
- Special hotel rate until 4/22 (Book Here)
Where is the event?
The event will primarily take place at the Motif Seattle, 1415 5th Ave, Seattle, WA.
The Friday reception will be held at Optimism Brewery, 1158 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. It is about a 20 minute walk/1 mile from the hotel.
On Sunday, included group excursions will take place at locations around Seattle. There will also be optional activities on both Friday and Sunday.
When is the event?
May 20-22, 2022
I am not a JET alumni. Can I attend?
Yes! Friends of JET, spouses, and members of the U.S.-Japan community are all welcome to join the event! Please select the non-member registration ticket type.
I am not a member of USJETAA. Can I attend?
Yes, anyone can purchase a ticket using the non-member registration ticket type. If you’re a JET alumni we hope you’ll become a member of USJETAA to receive the discounted reunion ticket cost. All JET alumni are eligible to become members of USJETAA and there are both FREE and paid membership options. Become a member here.
What attire is recommended for the event?
We suggest business casual attire during the programming and casual attire for the Friday night brewery reception and for Sunday’s activities. Bring your yukata for Saturday evening’s Haru Matsuri themed reception!
What are the details about the hotel?
Motif Seattle
1415 5th Ave, Seattle, WA
JET35 Special Rate Room Reservations: https://www.
Cut-Off Date: April 22, 2022
More information about the hotel is available on this page.
Base Rates (plus applicable fees and taxes):
- Singe or Double Rate – $179 (1 or 2 Queen)
- Triple Rate $209
- Quad Rate $229
In addition to the rates set forth above, there will be a daily waived Destination Fee (normally $20.00), which currently includes:
- Pacific Northwest seasonal beverage complimentary offering, served in Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails
- High-speed wireless internet (Wi-Fi)
- 20% discount off Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails Grab-And-Go Breakfast, currently available on weeknds (discount excludes alcohol)
- In-room caffeine bar featuring Keurig single brewer with coffee and tea products
- Two bottles of Motif still water
- In-room Amazon Alexa for contactless guest requests and questions
- Unlimited phone calls; local and long distance within the Continental U.S.
- Complimentary Tesla and Electric Vehicle charging station
- Discounted Space Needle + Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum ticket purchase
What is the hotel’s cancellation policy?
Reservations must be canceled 24 hour prior to arrival. This must be done directly with the hotel. You can call the hotel at (206) 971-8000.
Can I purchase a ticket to only part of the event?
No, the event is all inclusive.
What meals are included in the cost of the registration?
- Casual Reception at Optimism Brewery with light appetizers and drinks on Friday night
- Bento Lunch on Saturday
- Haru Matsuri JET35 Reunion Celebration Reception & Dinner
What is included in the cost of registration?
- Two days of Access to the Japan Expo Hall, Panels, and Dynamic Programming throughout the weekend featuring JET alumni and friends of the JET community
- Casual Reception at Optimism Brewery with light appetizers and drinks on Friday night
- Bento Lunch on Saturday
- Haru Matsuri JET35 Reunion Celebration Reception & Dinner on Saturday night—bring your Yukata!
- Group excursions on Sunday
What is the registration cancellation policy?
Refunds are not available for this event. However, registrations can be transferred to another person up until May 19, 2022. Transfer requests must be submitted in writing to reunion@usjetaa.org by May 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST. To find someone to transfer your ticket to, you may post in the event Facebook group.
If you cannot attend, but would like to donate the cost of your ticket to support USJETAA then the cost of your ticket will become tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please email us at reunion@usjetaa.org to change your ticket purchase into a donation. You will receive a tax deductible receipt once the change is processed.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, please let us know about any dietary restrictions when you register for the event. If you didn’t add them during registration or your needs change, please email reunion@usjetaa.org.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Yes, we can accommodate accessibility needs. If you didn’t add them at registration or your needs change, please email reunion@usjetaa.org.
The hotel property is ADA accessible and they have specific guest rooms that are accessible as well if any guests need them, you can request this when you book your hotel room. You can find additional information about hotel accessibility here.
Will there be a virtual/hybrid component?
No, but there may be portions of the event that will be recorded and shared later.
What are the COVID Protocols?
Attendees will be required to be fully vaccinated (2 shots, booster encouraged) or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a testing provider in the last 72 hours prior to the event. During the event we will also require masks indoor when not eating or drinking.
Do I need to have my physical vaccination card?
No, we will accept photos of your vaccination card.
What are the accepted proofs of negative test result?
We will accept print or digital documentation from a pharmacy, laboratory, or testing provider within the previous 72 hours. PCR tests are recommended, but we will also accept an FDA-approved rapid test done by a from a pharmacy, laboratory, or testing provider.
Will there be activities for children?
Due to complexities of event planning during COVID, the planning committee decided not to provide children’s activities or childcare this year. We hope to offer child-friendly programming at future events. If you’d like to volunteer to be on the steering committee focusing on children’s programming for the next event please email us at reunion@usjetaa.org.
Is it possible to volunteer for this event?
Yes! We love volunteers. We have limited opportunities to volunteer. Please email us at reunion@usjetaa.org if you’re interested.
How can I connect with other attendees going to this event?
Join our Facebook group to connect with other attendees, find roommates, transfer tickets, make plans, etc
Registration Questions
How do I register for the event?
Please register through our secure membership and event system using this link.
Why can’t I log in with my old password?
We recently changed to a new membership and event system. Passwords and financial information are never stored locally for your security and so could not be imported into the new system.
Why are some registrations options greyed out?
If an option is grayed out it means you are not logged in or do not have the right level of access for that type of ticket. Try logging in, becoming a member, or upgrading your membership to access additional levels. If this is your first time using the new membership and event system, you will need to reset your password to login.
I didn’t get a confirmation email. What should I do?
When you register you will immediately receive a confirmation email at the email address used to register. If you do not receive the confirmation email, check your spam folder and whitelist usjetaa@wildapricot.org and the @usjetaa.org domain. If you still don’t receive a confirmation, please contact us at reunion@usjetaa.org so we can confirm your registration.
What is the registration cancellation policy?
Refunds are not available for this event. However, registrations can be transferred to another person up until May 19, 2022. Transfer requests must be submitted in writing to reunion@usjetaa.org by May 19, 2022 at 11:59 PM EST. To find someone to transfer your ticket to, you may post in the event Facebook group.
If you cannot attend, but would like to donate the cost of your ticket to support USJETAA then the cost of your ticket will become tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please email us at reunion@usjetaa.org to change your ticket purchase into a donation. You will receive a tax deductible receipt once the change is processed.
I registered for the JET35 Reunion as a reunion supporter, am I also a member of USJETAA at the Elite Member $1,000 level?
Yes, we will upgrade your membership with USJETAA to the Elite level for one year from the time of registration.
I am a member of USJETAA at the Elite Member $1,000 level, am I also a reunion supporter?
Yes, if you are an Elite Member you will be recognized as a reunion supporter. If you plan to attend the reunion, please send us an email at reunion@usjetaa.org so we can manually register you for the supporter level. Please note that Elite Memberships are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. However, as a reunion supporter only the amount above the estimated Fair Market Value of the event will be tax deductible. Therefore, for this tax year the deductible amount of your Elite Membership will be reduced by the value of the event ticket.
The good faith estimate of the Fair Market Value of goods and services the donor (you) receives in return for the $1,000 ticket is $250. The remaining $750 is the amount that may be eligible for a tax deduction to the fullest extent of the law.
Sponsorship, Japan Expo, and Donations
How can I find out about sponsoring the reunion or having a table at the Japan Expo portion of the event?
Please contact reunion@usjetaa.org to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Travel & Region
What airport should I fly into?
Seatac Airport is about 14 miles south of Seattle and is the recommended airport for this event.
Are there special discounts on flights for this event?
Yes, we have partnered with NTA America to offer special airfare discounts. Attendees are also welcome to purchase flights through any other method.
NTA America has secured discount fares from American, Delta and United Airlines that should cover all US departures. Discount percentage spreads from 2% to 10% depending on the booking class.
United flights also include the origin from Europe, Canada, Mexico, Middle East and Central America.
Japan is excluded, but we have a special discount program for the participants from Japan.
To book your flight through NTA America, please click here. For questions, please email newjersey@ntaamerica.com or call 201-325-8484.
Please note NTA’s Cancellation Policy: NTA will search for the lowest airfare despite the refund rule. If you would like to have a “refundable” ticket or business/first class tickets, please advise us in the remarks area. Once NTA receives the registration form, it means that you have authorized us to issue your air ticket and the cancellation and change rules will apply to you.
Uber, Lyft, Taxi
There are a number of private transportation options from Seatac Airport. Uber and Lyft are available on both iOS and Android, and will cost around $40-50, one-way, from the airport to the Motif. Regular taxies are also available at the airport and will run from $50-$60, one-way.
Take SeaTac/Airport Station to Westlake Station then walk to the hotel – about 3 mins, 0.2 mi
The least expensive and easiest way from Seatac Airport via the Central Link Light Rail. Sound Transit operates a vehicle from SeaTac/Airport Station to Westlake Station every 10 minutes. Tickets cost $1 – $4 and the journey takes about 36 minutes. A one-way fare will bring you from Seatac Airport to within 0.2 mi of the Motif Hotel. Link Light Rail accepts credit credit cards, cash, or ORCA Cards. Please note that you must purchase your Link ticket from the machine prior to getting on board or risk getting ticketed by Light Rail police.
What are some transportation options to and from the airport and around town?
Seattle has many options for getting around. The downtown area is very walkable. Public transportation options include the Central Link Light Rail, Seattle Monorail, bus service, Washington State Ferries to Bainbridge Island and Bremerton
What will the weather be like?
Seattle is generally beautiful in May. Temperatures are usually in the 50’s, low 60’s and sunnier than most months. Prepare for chilly evenings, and the possibility of rain.
As with any major urban city use common sense and exercise caution in unfamiliar areas.
Visit Seattle provides information on the safety of Seattle: Seattle has historically maintained a lower than average rate for violent crime when compared to other U.S. cities of a similar size. While there has been an increase in unregulated occupation and other issues in parks and public spaces due to COVID-19, leaders are advocating and working for near-term action to address the issues taking place. However, please use caution when walking around at night in urban areas. More information can be found here.
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