2011 ASTD Chapter Leaders Conference (ALC) FAQs
INDICATES A NEW FEATURE FOR 2010/2011
Q. What is ALC?
A. The ASTD Chapter Leaders Conference (ALC) is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for ASTD chapter leaders to network and learn best practices for running their chapters.
Q. What is the objective of ALC?
A. The objective of ALC is to provide chapter leaders with a strategic opportunity to learn how to be more effective during their tenure as chapter leaders. This is a chance for chapter leaders to network with volunteer leaders and ASTD staff, grow the profession, and learn what it takes to be more successful in their leadership roles.
Q. Who should attend ALC?
A. Current 2011 chapter leaders and upcoming 2012 chapter leaders are encouraged to participate as well as veteran chapter leaders who may be in a new role next year. Many chapters send multiple leaders so that they can attend different sessions and share the information. ASTD members considering a chapter leadership position are also encouraged to attend. Approximately 350 chapter leaders are expected at the 2011 conference.
Q. When and where will ALC 2011 be held?
A. ALC 2010 will be held October 1 4- 15, 2011. Preconference will be held on October 13, 2011. All conference activities will be held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.
Q. Will the session handouts be provided on a flash drive?
A. No, beginning in 2010, flash drives will not be given to attendees at the registration desk, as in years past. The handout file will be made available for download from the ALC mobile app and website www.astd.org/ALC. Attendees are encouraged to download or print handouts prior to arriving to ALC. Attendees will not receive a printed copy of the handouts on-site.
Q. How can I access the ALC mobile app?
A. iPhone and iPad users can download the "ASTD ALC" app from iTunes, and Android users can download the app from the Android Market. BlackBerry and users of other web enabled phones can download an interactive web version by visiting http://tinyurl.com/ASTDALC.
Q. What is the registration fee for ALC 2011?
A. The 2011 ALC registration fee is a nominal $175 until July 1 and $195 after July 1. The preconference registration fee is an additional $99. Registration is now open. All attendees are encouraged to register by October 5, 2011.
Q. Can I pay for ALC with a check?
A. Regardless of payment method (check, credit card, or PayPal) all attendees must complete the online registration form. Click here to download a job aid which includes details for registering via check, and other methods.
Q. Can I register and pay onsite at ALC?
A. Onsite registration is available to attendees whose travel plans may require last-minute registration. Chapter leaders are encouraged to register in advance, which ensures that a namebadge and conference credentials are printed and ready, making for an easy, quick onsite registration check-in.
Q. My chapter would like to register for a team, but we have not yet identified the 5 chapter leaders yet. Can we still register in advance?
A. Yes, your chapter can register and pay now to reserve your team, but identify your team members later. To receive the discounted rate, chapters must identify chapter team members by September 30. Chapter team members should not register individually; one chapter representative should be identified to pay the entire $780 team registration fee at one time.
Q. I am registering a chapter team, but I don't know a few of the attendees names yet. How do I do this?
A. Simply enter UNKNOWN for any of the chapter team members who have not yet been identified. Your chapter has until September 30 to identify the team members. Please make a note of your username and password so that you can go back and enter the information at a later time.
Q. My chapter previously registered a chapter team, but had a few UNKNOWN members. How do I go back and identify the missing chapter team members?
A. Log in to Eventbrite using the username and password that you set up during the original registration. From there, edit your attendee information. If you no longer remember your username and password, and would like to make this update directly with ASTD during normal business hours, contact Natasha Porter at nporter@astd.org.
Q. What is the cancellation policy?
A. If cancellation should be necessary, written or email notification to ASTD is required five (5) business days prior to the first day of the conference. You may receive a full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee (full conference/preconference) or minus a $25 administrative fee (daily rate), up to and including the 5th business day before the conference. If you find that you cannot attend, and it is less than five (5) business days before the start of the conference, you may send a replacement, with written notice to ASTD. If you are unable to send a replacement, you forfeit your registration fee.
Q. What are the preconference options?
A. One preconference is being offered for ALC 2011 and will be held on Thursday, October 13. Since space is limited, early registration is required. Attendees should select only one preconference option; registration is $99.
Preconference: Congressional Conversations
Thursday, October 13, 12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Start and end at the Marriott Crystal Gateway. Appointments on Capitol Hill, lunch on own in Washington D.C.
Q. What if I want to attend Congressional Conversations, but I will not arrive at 12:00 p.m.; can I come late and still participate?
A. Since Congressional Conversations is a day trip to Capitol Hill, attendees should make plans to arrive no later than 12:30 p.m.. to ensure they don't miss the bus, which will depart at 1:00 p.m. Participation and refunds are not available to attendees who arrive after the bus departs.
Q. What if I register and pay for Congressional Conversations and I am late/miss the bus into Washington D.C.?
A. Refunds are not available to attendees who register for Congressional Conversations but arrive after the bus departs. Please take this into consideration when making travel plans.
Q. What if I register and pay for Congressional Conversations and my travel plans change, not allowing me to arrive by 12 p.m., October 13?
A. Attendees that register for Congressional Conversations but have a change in travel plans have two options:
Registrants may request a refund, per the ASTD Cancellation Policy: If cancellation should be necessary, written or email notification to ASTD is required five (5) business days prior to the first day of the conference. You may receive a full refund, minus a $50 administrative fee (full conference/preconference) or minus a $25 administrative fee (daily rate), up to and including the 5th business day before the conference. If you find that you cannot attend, and it is less than five (5) business days before the start of the conference, you may send a replacement, with written notice to ASTD. If you are unable to send a replacement, you forfeit your registration fee.
Q. Who are the keynote speakers?
A. This year’s keynote speakers include Elaine Biech, Ron McMillan, David Wilkins, andTony Bingham. Featured speakers include Justin Hale and Dr. Dennis Reina. More information can be found by clicking the SPEAKERS tab on the main ALC webpage.
Q. Who plans and designs ALC?
A. The Program Advisory Committee (PAC) works with ASTD staff to plan and design the conference. Each member of the ALC PAC is an experienced professional with a strong background in chapter management, and is an ALC veteran. ALC PAC members select the session facilitators as well as the keynote speakers. Click here for more information and a list of the advisors serving on the 2011 ALC PAC.
Q. What time does the conference begin and end?
A. Conference registration/events will be held
Thursday, October 13, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, October 14, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday October 2, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
Q. What is the dress for the conference?
A. Business casual. You may wish to bring a sweater or jacket since the meeting rooms can sometimes be cold.
Q. What meals are provided at the conference?
A. Your conference registration includes continental breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday. Dinners will be “on your own” and provide a great opportunity to enjoy the many restaurants and shops within walking distance from the Marriott. Washington DC also hosts many bites and sites and is just a cab ride away.
Q. What is the nearest airport and where can I find out more information about transportation?
A. The nearest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located one mile south of the hotel. A complimentary airport shuttle service is available upon request by contacting the hotel. Click here for a map and transportation information. The hotel is Metro accessible from the airport. Click here for information about the Metro.
Q. Is public transportation available or should I rent a car?
A. The hotel is near the Crystal City metro station, which makes it easily accessible to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and downtown attractions. Information can be found at www.wmata.com. A rental car is not required to attend any conference activities.
Q. How much does parking cost at the hotel?
A. The on-site parking fee is $6 hourly and $19 daily per staying guest. Valet parking
is $25 daily per staying guest.
Q. Where can I access a schedule of conference sessions?
A. A schedule of sessions, including session descriptions, dates, and times is available from the ALC mobile app and the ALC website www.astd.org/alc.
Q. Can I just attend one day of the conference?
A. Yes, you may attend only Friday or only Saturday if your schedule does not allow you to attend the entire conference. A discounted daily registration rate is available by selecting the daily conference ticket.
Q. What is there to do near the hotel?
A. Click here for information about shops, dining, and entertainment in Crystal City.
Q. Are volunteer opportunities available for ALC?
A. The Metro DC chapter provides volunteers for this conference each year. Only members of the Metro DC chapter are able to serve as volunteers and receive complimentary conference registration (excluding preconference).
Q. During which session will the Chapter Excellence Awards be announced?
A. As of January, 2010, Chapter Excellence Awards are now presented at the International Conference & Exposition.
Q. How can I request to be a facilitator/speaker for the 2012 ALC?
A. A Request for Proposals for the 2012 Chapter Leaders Conference will be issued March 2012, and made known on the www.astd.org/alc website. The deadline for proposal submissions will likely be June 2012.
Q. What should I do if I need special accommodations to participate in the conference?
A. If you need special accommodations, both ASTD and the hotel will provide services that will enable you to participate. If you have a disability that requires auxiliary aids during the conference, please contact Cami Best-Jones at cjones@astd.org or 703.838.5855 and specify if your needs are audio, mobile, and/or visual.