“The U.S. Go Congress has never before been in a place so close to so much!” says Congress organizer Matthew Hershberger. As previously reported (’14 US Go Congress To Be Held In Midtown Manhattan, Sources Say 12/4/2013 EJ), the Congress will be held August 9-17 in midtown Manhattan, “just a stone’s throw from landmarks like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden,” Hershberger tells the E-Journal. “You will be playing on the 18th floor of the world famous Hotel Pennsylvania just across the street from Penn Station. Times Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, and Korea Town are all just minutes away on foot, and the subways will easily get you anywhere in the city.” The hotel, which has been hosting visitors since 1919 boasts that “more guests have stayed with us than in any other hotel in the world.”

The Congress website is now live and though registration is not yet open, “you can check out the prices and start planning your trip now.”

The largest go activity in the United States, the annual U.S. Go Congress features 8 days of go, including tournaments, professional lectures and game analysis, continuous self paired games, and all kinds of go-related activities from morning to midnight.

And while New York is an expensive city, “we’ve worked hard to keep the Congress affordable,” says Hershberger. That means there are a few differences from previous years. This year there is no meal plan provided; instead, players will be free to explore the many local restaurants of all kinds and at all prices. Locals say you can eat reasonably easily for less than $30/day, or, if you’re so inclined, splurge at some of the best restaurants in the world.

Since the Congress is in a hotel this year, there are no dorm rooms available. “We’ve negotiated extra low prices for guests staying in the hotel,” says Hershberger. A typical room with two beds will run around $1,100 per person (including Congress registration), and there are lower-cost options for the more budget-conscious. You are allowed to have extra people in a room, so groups who are willing to share a room with more people than beds can cut costs significantly.

“Come for the go, come for the camaraderie of old friends, come for thrill of the big city!” urges Hershberger. “Whatever your reasons, we are looking forward to seeing you in New York this August!”