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2007 National Conference & Exposition
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2007 National Conference & Exposition

Airports

  1. What airports serve Washington, D.C.?

Area Attractions

  1. What is available for my family to do while I am at the conference?

Attendees

  1. Who do you expect to attend the conference?
  2. Do I have to be a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) to attend the conference?

Attire

  1. What is the dress for the conference?
  2. What is the dress for the Gala Celebration on Saturday, July 28?

Badges

  1. Where do I obtain my conference badge?
  2. What events will my badge allow me to attend?

Childcare

  1. I need babysitting services during the conference. Who should I contact?

Children & Spouses

  1. May I bring my spouse and children to the conference events?

Bus Tour

  1. I can't decide if I want to go on the bus tour. Will tickets be available at the conference?
  2. Can I reserve seats to sit with my friends on the tour?
  3. What should I wear on the tour?
  4. Where do we meet the buses for the tour and how long is the tour?

Exhibit Hall

  1. Where is the Exhibit Hall?
  2. I would like to exhibit at the conference. Who do I contact?
  3. I am a NBCT. Is it possible to display my items somewhere at the conference without purchasing a booth?
  4. Will there be NBCT products available to purchase at the conference?

Financial Aid

  1. Is there financial assistance available to help cover the cost of the conference?

Fitness Center

  1. Does the hotel have a fitness center?

Gala

  1. What is the attire for the gala?
  2. May I bring my children to the Gala?
  3. I can’t attend the gala on Saturday, July 28 but I’ve paid the full conference rate. Can I sell my ticket?
  4. Can I get a portion of my registration fees back if I don’t attend the Gala?
  5. I purchased a ticket for my spouse to come to the Gala but they cannot attend. Can I get a refund?

Hill Day

  1. What is Hill Day? Who can participate?

Hotels

  1. How to I reserve a hotel room for the conference?
  2. I cannot afford the conference hotel rate. Can I register online and get a cheaper rate?
  3. Can NBPTS find me a roommate?

Meals

  1. What meals are included in the conference registration fee?
  2. If I don’t attend the meals, may I get a portion of my registration fee returned?
  3. I’m a vegetarian or I have a special diet I need to follow. How can I obtain a special diet request?

Parking

  1. Can I park at the Washington Hilton Hotel?
  2. Are there other parking lots nearby that offer cheaper parking?
  3. I only want to go to the Pre-Conference Institutes and not the entire conference. Is that possible?

Pre-Conference Institutes

  1. Is lunch provided at the Pre-Conference Institutes?

Presenters

  1. I want to be a presenter at the conference. How do I sign up to present?
  2. Do I have to pay a registration fee if I’m a presenter?
  3. I have special A/V requirements for my presentation, who do I contact?
  4. I have handouts for my session. Will NBPTS make copies for me or should I bring my own?

Registration

  1. How do I register for the conference?
  2. Is it safe to use my credit card online?
  3. How do I make changes to an existing registration?
  4. I can only attend part of the day for one of the conference dates. Do I still have to pay the entire registration fee?

Restaurants

  1. What restaurants are in the hotel?
  2. Are there any restaurants near the hotel?

Safety

  1. I’m traveling alone to D.C. How safe is it?

Sessions

  1. How do I choose the sessions I want to attend prior to the event?
  2. How do I find out if a particular speaker is speaking at the event?
  3. Can I get copies of the handouts for the sessions that I could not attend?

Sleeping Rooms

  1. What is the sleeping room rate?
  2. How do I reserve my hotel room?
  3. What do the rooms look like? May I see them online before I book?
  4. What time is hotel check-in and checkout?

Transportation

  1. How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
  2. How do I get around while I’m in D.C.?

Volunteers

  1. I would like to volunteer for the conference. Who do I contact?
  2. What is the weather like in Washington, D.C. in July?


Airports


  1. What airports serve Washington, D.C.?

    2. Washington, D.C. is served by Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International   Airport (BWI).  The closest airport to the Hilton Washington is Ronald Reagan National Airport which is located six miles from the hotel.  More information on airports, airport shuttle service and driving directions.


Area Attractions


  1. What is available for my family to do while I am at the conference?

    2. From its celebrated symbols of patriotism to its many unique neighborhoods, Washington, DC is packed with famous sights and an endless calendar of special events. Many attractions, including all of the Smithsonian museums, the National Zoo and the monuments, are free. Visit http://www.washington.dchospitality.com/guide/index.html for more information on area attractions.


Attendees


  1. Who do you expect to attend the conference?

    2. Education leaders and decision makers, including NBCTs, candidates, administrators, principals, teachers and school board members, higher-education faculty, district, state and federal officials and policymakers and business and community leaders.


  2. Do I have to be a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) to attend the conference?

    3. No. Although we expect a number of NBCTs to attend, it is not a requirement.


Attire


  1. What is the dress for the conference?

    2. Business casual but bring a sweater in case the session rooms are cold.


  2. What is the dress for the Gala Celebration on Saturday, July 28?

    3. Black-tie optional, however suits, dresses, evening gowns and tuxedos are all appropriate attire for this event.


Badges


  1. Where do I obtain my conference badge?

    2. You may register for the conference on the Concourse level of the Washington Hilton Hotel.


  2. What events will my badge allow me to attend?

    3. Your badge is your “ticket” to all conference events that you have registered for.  You must wear it at all times during the conference to gain access to conference events.  A $10 lost badge fee will apply if we have to reprint your badge.


Childcare


  1. I need babysitting services during the conference. Who should I contact?

    2. The conference does not provide child care services.  Check with the Washington Hilton Hotel’s concierge staff regarding child care services at 202-483-3000.


Children & Spouses


  1. May I bring my spouse and children to the conference events?

    2. Children and spouses are welcome to attend conference events, in particular the D.C. Evening Bus Tour ($20 for adults and $15 for children) and the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening ($100 per guest).  All attendees must register to attend sessions.


Bus Tour


  1. I can't decide if I want to go on the bus tour. Will tickets be available at the conference?

    2. No.  Buses are ordered based on the pre-sale tickets.  No tickets will be available for purchase at the conference. 


  2. Can I reserve seats to sit with my friends on the tour?

    3. No.  We will not pre-assign seats and seat selection will be on a first come basis.  But if you would like to sit with a group of friends on the tour, we suggest you all arrive early in order to secure your own seats.


  3. What should I wear on the tour?

    4. Some walking is involved so please wear comfortable attire and walking shoes.


  4. Where do we meet the buses for the tour and how long is the tour?

    5. The buses will leave from and return to the entrance of the Washington Hilton Hotel.  The tour is three hours.


Exhibit Hall


  1. Where is the Exhibit Hall?

    2. The Exhibit Hall is located on the Concourse level of the Washington Hilton Hotel.  The Exhibit Hall is open on Friday and Saturday only.


  2. I would like to exhibit at the conference. Who do I contact?

    3. You may find additional information about exhibiting at http://www.nbpts.org/about_us/events/exhibit_at_the_2007_conf.


  3. I am a NBCT. Is it possible to display my items somewhere at the conference without purchasing a booth?

    4. That will not be an option this year, however you may wish to submit a proposal for a poster session.  Visit http://www.nbpts.org/about_us/events/presenter_guide to submit a proposal.  The deadline date for submissions is December 15, 2006.


  4. Will there be NBCT products available to purchase at the conference?

    5. Yes.  NBPTS will have a booth in the Exhibit Hall with items and apparel to purchase onsite.  
     


Financial Aid


  1. Is there financial assistance available to help cover the cost of the conference?

    2. The American Petroleum Institute has generously provided funding for a limited number of scholarships to pay for 2007 conference registration fees for math and science teachers who teach in schools where 51 percent or more of the students receive free or reduced lunch. Apply for a scholarship.

    We also recommend speaking with your school or school district to inquire if there are professional development funds available to help cover these expenses. You might also consider approaching the PTA for assistance.


Fitness Center


  1. Does the hotel have a fitness center?

    2. Yes, the hotel has both a fitness center and a swimming pool.  Visit http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/hotelpromo.jhtml?ctyhocn=DCAWHHH&promo=fitness_center for fees and services offered.
     


Gala


  1. What is the attire for the gala?

    2. Black-tie optional, however suits, dresses, evening gowns and tuxedos are all appropriate attire for this event.


  2. May I bring my children to the Gala?

    3. Yes, however a Gala ticket is required for all guests, including children. Children must be accompanied by an adult at the Gala.


  3. I can’t attend the gala on Saturday, July 28 but I’ve paid the full conference rate. Can I sell my ticket?

    4. Yes.  You may sell your ticket on your own at the conference.


  4. Can I get a portion of my registration fees back if I don’t attend the Gala?

    5. The Gala fee is included in the conference registration fee.  No refunds are offered for Gala tickets.  However, you may offer to sell your ticket on your own at the event.


  5. I purchased a ticket for my spouse to come to the Gala but they cannot attend. Can I get a refund?

    6. No refunds are offered for Gala tickets.  However, you may offer your ticket for sale on your own at the event.


Hill Day


  1. What is Hill Day? Who can participate?

    2. Hill Day will take place on Thursday, July 26 and is limited to NBCTs.  Small groups of NBCTs will meet with Congressional members and staff to promote National Board Certification.  You must pre-register for Hill Day when you register for the conference.
     


Hotels


  1. How to I reserve a hotel room for the conference?

    2. All 2007 National Conference sessions and events will take place at the Washington Hilton Hotel, which is located at:

    1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C. 20009

    Room rates are $205 per night, plus tax for single or double occupancy. Make your reservation by phone or online:

    • Call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667)
    • Book your room on the Hilton Web Site (conference code: NBP).

    The Hilton Washington Hotel is currently sold out for the nights of Tuesday, July 24 and Wednesday, July 25. Sleeping rooms are still available for the nights of July 26-28 at the Hilton Washington Hotel.

    NBPTS has secured sleeping rooms for the night of July 24, for $205 per night, at the and at the Hotel Palomar, located three blocks south of the Hilton Washington.

    2121 P Street, NW
    Washington, DC 20037 

    • Call 1-877-866-3070 or 202-448-1800 (conference code: NBP). 

    Other room options include the Courtyard Marriott which is located across the street from the Hilton Washington Hotel. 

    1900 Connecticut Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C. 20009

    • Call 1-800-321-2211 or 202-332-9300

    And the Churchill Hotel also located across the street from the Hilton Washington Hotel.

    1914 Connecticut Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20009

    • Call 202-797-2000 or 1-800-424-2464


  2. I cannot afford the conference hotel rate. Can I register online and get a cheaper rate?

    3. NBPTS cannot guarantee any reduced hotel rates, other than the conference rate.


  3. Can NBPTS find me a roommate?

    4. We encourage you to check the list of attendees on the NBPTS registration site and invite a colleague to share a room with you to share conference expenses. If there is an attendee listed that you would like to contact, please e-mail Shaun Ashley at NBPTS.


Meals


  1. What meals are included in the conference registration fee?

    2. Breakfast on Friday and Saturday, lunch on Friday and Saturday and the Gala Dinner meals are all included in the registration fee.  Lunch is included in the registration fee for the Candidate Support Provider Institute.


  2. If I don’t attend the meals, may I get a portion of my registration fee returned?

    3. There are no refunds on conference meals.


  3. I’m a vegetarian or I have a special diet I need to follow. How can I obtain a special diet request?

    4. By noting your special diet request when you register.


Parking


  1. Can I park at the Washington Hilton Hotel?

    2. Yes, the Hilton has a parking garage.  Daily parking is $23 per day.


  2. Are there other parking lots nearby that offer cheaper parking?

    3. You may check with the Washington Hilton Hotel concierge to find other parking options in the area at (202) 483-3000.


  3. I only want to go to the Pre-Conference Institutes and not the entire conference. Is that possible?

    4. Yes.  When you register, select Institutes Only for $150.


Pre-Conference Institutes


  1. Is lunch provided at the Pre-Conference Institutes?

    2. Lunch is provided at the Candidate Support Provider Institute.


Presenters


  1. I want to be a presenter at the conference. How do I sign up to present?

    2. Visit http://www.nbpts.org/about_us/events/presenter_guide to submit a proposal for the conference.  The deadline date for submissions is December 15, 2006.


  2. Do I have to pay a registration fee if I’m a presenter?

    3. Yes, you will have to pay the registration fee if you are presenting and attending the conference.  However, if you are only presenting at your session and not attending any other sessions, no payment is required.


  3. I have special A/V requirements for my presentation, who do I contact?

    4. You may e-mail your request to abstracts@nbpts.org.


  4. I have handouts for my session. Will NBPTS make copies for me or should I bring my own?

    5. You will need to bring your own copies of your session handouts..  To find out the number of copies you’ll need to bring, please e-mail abstracts@nbpts.org.


Registration


  1. How do I register for the conference?

    2. Online conference registration is closed. You may still register on-site at the conference. Check the conference schedule for on-site registration dates and times. For further details or assistance, e-mail NBPTS.


  2. Is it safe to use my credit card online?

    3. NBPTS uses Versign to secure all of its online payment options.  Visit www.verisign.com to learn more about Versign’s secure on-line payment processing function.


  3. How do I make changes to an existing registration?

    4. E-mail NBPTS with your confirmation number and requested changes at onlinereg@nbpts.org.


  4. I can only attend part of the day for one of the conference dates. Do I still have to pay the entire registration fee?

    5. Yes.  You may pay the one-day fee to attend either Friday only or Saturday only (the Saturday only option does not include the Gala).


Restaurants


  1. What restaurants are in the hotel?

    2. Visit http://www.washington.dchospitality.com/facilities/dining.html for a list of Washington Hilton Hotel restaurants.


  2. Are there any restaurants near the hotel?

    3. There are several restaurants located in both the Dupont Circle area and that are metro accessible.  Visit the Volunteer/Host Committee desk at the conference for restaurant  suggestions.


Safety


  1. I’m traveling alone to D.C. How safe is it?

    2. The Dupont Circle area is safe, however we encourage you to take safety precautions like not wearing your badge outside of the hotel or not traveling alone after dark.


Sessions


  1. How do I choose the sessions I want to attend prior to the event?

    2. A tentative listing of concurrent sessions will be provided on the NBPTS Web site prior to the conference.  A final list will be provided in the conference program book onsite at the event.


  2. How do I find out if a particular speaker is speaking at the event?

    3. There will be a speaker index listed in the final conference program.  You can also check our Web site conference pages regularly for updates at http://www.nbpts.org/about_us/events/2007_national_conference.


  3. Can I get copies of the handouts for the sessions that I could not attend?

    4. You may email abstracts@nbpts.org following the conference and ask if additional copies of handouts are available.


Sleeping Rooms


  1. What is the sleeping room rate?

    2. The NBPTS sleeping room rate is $205 per night.  The rate plus tax is equal to $234.00 USD per night.


  2. How do I reserve my hotel room?

    3. Call 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) or book your room on the Hilton Web Site (conference code: NBP).


  3. What do the rooms look like? May I see them online before I book?

    4. Yes.  Visit http://www.washington.dchospitality.com/accommodations/index.html to take a virtual tour of all room types.


  4. What time is hotel check-in and checkout?

    5. Check-in is at 3:00 p.m. and checkout is 12:00 p.m..  You may check with the Washington Hilton Hotel’s front desk if you require a late check-out.


Transportation


  1. How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

    2. The Hilton does not have an airport shuttle.  Super Shuttle is available from all D.C. airports. You may reserve Super Shuttle by calling 1-800-BLUE VAN (258-3826) prior to your arrival to D.C.  You may also take the metro or a taxi from Ronald Reagan National Airport.  The closest metro stop to the Washington Hilton Hotel is Dupont Circle (north exit) which is located four blocks (uphill) from the Hilton Hotel.  One way metro fare is approximately $2.00. Taxis are available outside baggage claim areas at all airports.  One way taxi fare is approximately $19 from Ronald Reagan National Airport, approximately $55 from Dulles International Airport and approximately $65 from Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport.  Visit http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/directions.jhtml;?ctyhocn=DCAWHHH for more information.


  2. How do I get around while I’m in D.C.?

    3. The subway/metro is the best form of transportation.  The closest metro stop to the Washington Hilton is Dupont Circle (north exit).  Most city attractions are easily accessible via metro and metro maps will be available when you register onsite.  Taxis are plentiful in D.C.


Volunteers


  1. I would like to volunteer for the conference. Who do I contact?

    2. E-mail us at 2007_Conference@nbpts.org for information on volunteer opportunities at the conference.


  2. What is the weather like in Washington, D.C. in July?

    3. The weather  is typically as high as 87 degrees and as low as 69 degrees. Summers in D.C. are typically very humid.


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