Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the cost to register for the conference?
2. Why does it take so long for the 2012 conference location to be announced?
3. Where and when is the 2013 conference?
4. Session Questions
5. Are meals and snacks provided?
6. Why is the conference scheduled around the holidays?
7. I need to modify or cancel my room reservation. What should I do?
8. I need to cancel or change my registration. What should I do?
9. Will I have an opportunity for me to print my boarding pass before leaving the conference?
10. I need proof of attendance. Do you offer any Continuing Education Units/Credits or Certificates?
11. Other Useful Information
12. Conference Materials
13. For the press
14. It is so crowded. Why is there still only one conference?
15. My question is still not answered.
1. What is the cost to register for the conference?
There is no registration fee; however, attendees are responsible for lodging, meals, and travel expenses.
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2. Why does it take so long for the 2012 conference location to be announced?
The government is required to follow many processes with regards to acquisitions. These processes take time. We cannot begin site selection until we have an approved budget and a written waiver by the Office of the Secretary.
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3. Where and when is the 2013 conference?
Site selection is currently underway for the 2013 conference. We will update the financial aid community when more information is available.
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4. Session Information
We appreciate your cooperation with not standing or sitting in the back or sides of session rooms when all seats are filled. Fire marshals are very serious about capacities and they will shut down the conference if the rules are broken. Sessions are offered more than once, often many times, and we fill each room to its maximum capacity of chairs allowed by the fire marshal so that everyone can get into the sessions they need.
Therefore, seating is tight. Additionally, banquet seats often lock together, which is why they are often set closer together that some would prefer. Unfortunately, this is a necessary evil. Help your colleagues (and us!) by taking only one seat, and sit next to someone. Make friends! This is a great time to network.
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5. Are meals and snacks provided?
No snacks or meals are provided; therefore there is no need to reduce per diem for meals on travel orders. Morning coffee and tea and an afternoon beverage break are the only refreshments provided by the conference. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. We recommend packing snacks and utilizing surrounding eating establishments.
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6. Why is the conference scheduled around the holidays?
FSA books meeting space during a time when it can get the most for the amount of money available. Typically, fewer conferences are booked during this time and hotels are willing to provide discounts. Additionally, it prevents us from conflicting with other industry conferences.
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7. I need to modify or cancel my room reservation. What should I do?
Please refer to the lodging section for detailed cancellation/modification procedures.
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8. I need to cancel or change my registration. What should I do?
To cancel, click on the modify registration link your confirmation email. Enter your confirmation number to modify or cancel your registration. If you are unable to locate your confirmation email, please contact us. We do not swap registrations. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your registration and have your replacement register as a new attendee.
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9. Will I have an opportunity for me to print my boarding pass before leaving the conference?
Yes. On-site registration will provide boarding pass printing capabilities on days three (3) and four (4) of the conference. Additionally, the hotel lobbies provide boarding pass printing capability.
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10. I need proof of attendance. Do you offer any Continuing Education Units/Credits or Certificates?
No, we do not offer any sort of continuing education credits at this time. For proof of attendance, we recommend using your badge and/or confirmation email.
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11. Other Useful Information
The U.S. Department of Education abbreviation is DoED or ED (DOE is the U.S. Department of Energy).
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12. Conference Materials
Due to budget and policy constraints, attendees will receive a program and agenda. Be sure to bring a bag to hold all of your materials. Perhaps recycle an old conference bag!
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13. ATTENTION MEMBERS OF THE PRESS: Please visit the registration desk to sign in and receive press credentials.
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14. It is so crowded. Why is there still only one conference?
We receive requests each year to go back to more than one conference. Due to budget and staffing constraints, FSA will continue to hold a single annual conference. However, there are things you can do to enhance your conference experience and help us.
Help us with crowd control by not congregating in high-traffic areas, such as near escalators and in main thoroughfares during breaks and before and after the conference day. Meeting a friend for lunch or a chat? Arrange to meet in the PC Lab, Hotel Lobby, or one of the hotel establishments instead.
The conference is four days long. To ensure you are able to attend all of your desired sessions, please plan on staying the entire time. Popular sessions fill up more quickly on the first two days. Also, please have second and third session choices lined up so that you have another option ready if your first option is full.
2011 attendance was 6,997. That is a lot of people! Spaces large enough to hold 7,000 people are big and rather spacious. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to walk a lot. If you require mobility assistance, the hotel concierge can provide assistance.
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15. My question is still not answered.
Please contact us at fsaconferences@ed.gov or 202.377.3633 to speak with a conference staff member.
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