ASTD Chapter Leaders Conference (ALC) FAQs
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. New chapter leaders for 2009 and 2010 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 2009 conference.
Q. When and where will ALC 2009 be held?
A. ALC 2009 will be held October 30 - 31, 2009. Preconference will be held on October 29, 2009. All conference activities will be held at the Marriott Crystal Gateway, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.
Q. How do I reserve a hotel room at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel?
A. A special rate has been reserved for ALC attendees staying at the Marriott Crystal Gateway. Since all activities will be held at this facility, attendees are encouraged to book their rooms and stay on-site. To reserve a room at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel, call 1.800.228.9290 or 703.920.3230 and ask for the “ASTD Leaders Conference” rate. The room rate is $179 single/double. Rooms will sell-out quickly. The LAST DATE to make your reservation is October 6, 2009.
Note: There are two Marriott Hotels in Crystal City. Be sure to ask for the "Marriott Crystal Gateway" when calling the 800# to make reservations.
Q. What is the registration fee for ALC 2009?
A. The 2009 ALC registration fee is a nominal $175. Chapter leaders unable to attend the entire conference may register for a reduced daily rate of $87.50. The preconference registration fee is an additional $99. Registration is now open click here. All attendees are encouraged to register by October 6, 2009. ASTD registration will be available to any last-minute attendees on-site.
Q. How do I register for ALC 2009?
A. Registration is now open click here. All attendees are encouraged to register online by October 6, 2009. ASTD Registration will be available to any last-minute attendees on-site. Preconference space is limited, thus registering as soon as possible is suggested.
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 is the preconference?
A. Preconference will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Since space is limited, early registration is suggested. This year will feature a hand-on workshop from 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Preconference speaker and topic information will be available on the ALC webpage by mid-August 2009.
Q. Who are the keynote speakers?
A. This year’s keynote speakers include Beverley Kaye, Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan Thiagi, Tony Bingham, and Jim Smith, Jr. 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 2009 ALC PAC.
Q. What time does the conference begin and end?
A. Conference registration/events will be held Friday, October 30, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday October, 31, 2009 from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm.
Preconference will be held Thursday, October 29, 2009: Registration is 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workshop is from 1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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 will be available online by the end of August.
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 of $87.50 is available.
Q. What is there to do near the hotel?
A. Click here for information about shops, dining, and entertainment in Crystal City.
Q. How can I find a roommate for the conference?
A. For information about other chapter leaders looking for roommates, please contact ASTD Project Manager, Cami Best-Jones at cjones@astd.org or 703.838.5855.
Q. During which session will the Chapter Excellence Awards be announced?
A. The Chapter Excellence Awards will be presented at the general session immediately following lunch on Saturday, October 31, 2009.
Q. Will the session handouts be provided on a flash drive again this year?
A. Yes, attendees will receive a flash drive containing the handouts received by the deadline. In addition, handouts received by the deadline will be posted to the ALC webpage prior to the conference. Attendees will not receive a printed copy of the handouts on-site.
Q. How can I request to be a facilitator/speaker for the 2010 ALC?
A. A Request for Proposals for the 2010 Chapter Leaders Conference will be issued May 2010, and made known on the www.astd.org/alc website. The deadline for proposal submissions will likely be late-June 2010.
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.