Conference FAQs

Registration

What does the registration fee include?
Admission to the Exhibit Hall with over 100 exhibits; keynote presentations; special session presentations; 250+ breakout sessions and roundtable discussions; orientation for presenters and first-time conference attendees; refreshment breaks, coffee breaks, receptions, and southwestern-style buffet; email and Internet lab; and participation in Passport drawings in the Exhibit Hall. Conference registration does not include preconference seminars and other special offerings; an additional fee will be assessed for those events.

Is there an orientation session for first-time attendees?
Yes. There will be an orientation session on Sunday for any participants wishing to attend.

How do I know if I qualify for the NISOD-member discount?
To find out if your college is a member, check our online membership list.

Are there any group discounts for colleges?
Yes. To receive the discounts, all registration forms must be submitted as a package. All group discounts apply to the individual college (not districts). Discounts are as follows:

• 25-49 participants: $50 discount per participant (3-6 free registrations)
• 50 participants: $50 discount per participant and a complimentary College Showcase (a $1,500 value; does not include the two complimentary registrations

What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be received in writing or via email to Sheryl Powell by May 14, 2010. Refunds, minus a $100 processing fee, will be processed after the conference. Conference fees cannot be refunded for cancellations after May 14, but can be applied toward a future conference. Please note that you are responsible for payment if you do not cancel and do not attend.

What if I'm taking someone's place at the conference?
If you know in advance that you will be coming in someone's place, please email Sheryl Powell and she will adjust the registration. If it is a last-minute change, simply check in at the registration desk the day of the conference and a staff member will be happy to correct the information in the system and prepare you a new nametag.

Where is the registration desk located?
The registration desk will be located near Exhibit Hall 5 (Fourth Street side) at the Austin Convention Center.

Online Registration Form

The screen says to “Select Quick Checkout,” but I cannot find that button anywhere?
On the “Cart Contents” page, scroll down to the bottom where it lists a few “Checkout Options.” You will see two sections: one for “frequent shoppers” and one labeled “quick checkout.” You will select the “continue” button underneath quick checkout. If at any time you are asked for a UT EID, stop and email Sheryl Powell.

Is there a printable registration form?
This year, NISOD has elected to go with a paperless registration system.

Can I pay by check or purchase order?
Our online system allows for payment via purchase order or check. To utilize this payment option, please proceed from the cart to the billing information page. Once you have filled out all of the fields, you will select the purchase order button or the prepay (pay by check) button.

I do not have a check number or purchase order number, how do I proceed?
If you do not have this information, please submit “pending” in this field and continue. If, at a later time, you require an invoice with a purchase order, please feel free to contact Sheryl Powell and she can send you this information electronically.

I only see the billing address on my receipt and not the registrant’s information. How can I make sure the registration is correct?
Under the “Item Description” section of your receipt you will see an arrow next to your registration. Click on this arrow, and it will show you all of the registrant’s information.

Where should I send the payment?
The address and tax id information is available on the registration receipt. Registration is required prior to payment. Please feel free to contact Sheryl Powell if you have any further registration questions.

I didn't register for a special event (preconference seminar, dance lessons, etc.). How do I add a special event to my registration?
Email Sheryl Powell with your first and last name and the event you would like to add, and she will add it. Payment for dance lessons, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Tour, and guest buffet tickets is due by May 14 or the reservation will be canceled.

How do I verify you have received my registration?
Our secure online registration system sends an immediate confirmation to the email address you provide.

Presentations/Program

When will I know if my presentation proposal was accepted?  
Submitted proposals will be reviewed and presenters notified by February 9, 2010.

Do presenters have to register for the conference?
Yes. All presenters must register and pay the registration fee.

I am a presenter, but I will only be at the conference to present. Do you have a one-day rate?
No. We strongly discourage presenters from submitting proposals if they are not able to attend the conference.

What audiovisual equipment does NISOD provide?
Each breakout session will be equipped with a lectern and microphone (as necessary based on room), a data projector, and a screen. (If you connect the data projector to your laptop, please be sure to leave the cables as you found them for the next presenter.) Any other equipment must be supplied by the presenter or rented from the Convention Center's in-house audiovisual provider. Roundtable discussions cannot accommodate equipment other than presenters' battery-powered laptop computers.

After my presentation is over, what do I do?
As there will be another session after your presentation, please be sure that you finish on time and that you move the chairs back to their original location.

General

What is there to do in Austin?
We suggest taking a look at Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau website for ideas on things to do in Austin.

What is considered appropriate dress for the conference?
Dress is business casual. We strongly recommend comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a significant amount of walking throughout the day.

Do you have tours?
There will be a tour on Tuesday afternoon to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Tickets must be purchased in advance. This tour always sells out!

Which events can my spouse/guest attend?
All receptions, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center tour (fee), Southwestern-Style Buffet and Dance (fee), and the Exhibit Hall.

Where will the Southwestern-Style Buffet and Dance be held this year?
The buffet and dance will be held at the Hilton Austin, which is adjacent to the Austin Convention Center.

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National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development (NISOD)
Community College Leadership Program | College of Education | The University of Texas at Austin
1 University Station, D5600 | Austin, TX 78712-0378
Ph: (512) 471-7545 | Fax: (512) 471-9426 | Email