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NAFSA 2008 Annual Conference & Expo

Annual Conference FAQ

If you have looked through the NAFSA Web site and the Registration Brochure and still have questions about the NAFSA 2008 Annual Conference & Expo, some of the information below may help. If not, give us a call at 202.737.3699 or e-mail us at conference[at]nafsa.org.

Globes and Pencils
 
When and Where
What are the official dates of the conference?
May 25-30, 2008
Where will the NAFSA 2008 Annual Conference & Expo be held?
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 1.202.249.3000
When does conference registration begin?
Conference registration opens on Saturday, May 24 at 4:30 p.m. in the West Registration Area of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Where do I get a copy of the Annual Conference Hospitality Guide Map?
The Hospitality Desk located in West Registration Area in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Sessions and Workshops
Where are the conference sessions and workshops being held?
Conference sessions and workshops are held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center beginning on Sunday, May 25 thru Friday May 30, 2008.
Travel
How do I obtain a Letter of Invitation?
You may require a letter of invitation to obtain your visa to attend the 2008 NAFSA Annual Conference. If so, please send your request in writing no later than April 18, 2008.

Please note your request for a letter of invitation to attend the NAFSA 2008 Annual Conference does not guarantee you will obtain a visa. Be sure to check with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate about the visa and entry requirements. More information regarding traveling to the United States can be found on the Department of State's Web site. Your request should include the following information:
  • Your complete name, organization and job title
  • Your purpose in attending
  • Complete mailing address, fax number, and e-mail address

Send your request in writing to:

NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Attn: NAFSA 2008 – Letter of Invitation
Conferences & Meetings Department
1307 New York Avenue, NW, Eighth Floor
Washington, DC 20005-4701 USA

You may fax your request to 1.202.737.3657 (attn: Conferences and Meetings Department) or e-mail the request to conference[at]nafsa.org.
Does NAFSA provide shuttle transportation from the hotels to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
No shuttle transportation is provided. For your convenience, use the Metrorail and the Circulator. Visit www.wmata.com for additional information.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Ronald Reagan National Airport
The Washington, D.C. Metrorail system has an elevated Metrorail station connected to the concourse level of terminals B and C at Reagan National Airport. Metrorail fare cards may be purchased at machines locates at all entrances to the Airport Metrorail station. For More Information call 202-637-7000 or go to www.wmata.com.

Taxicab ride (approximately $15 one way)

Super Shuttle Service (approximately $12 one way)
Washington Dulles International Airport
Purchase a ticket (one-way or round-trip) at the Washington Flyer Coach ticket counter located at Arrivals Door #4 in the Main Terminal. Travelers will also board the Coach from this location. The buses depart approximately every 30 minutes. You may purchase a Metrorail fare card inside the train station at the West Falls Church Metro stop where you will board the train. Trains bound for "New Carrollton" will take you towards Downtown Washington, D.C. For More Information call 202-637-7000 or go to www.wmata.com.

Taxicab ride (approximately $50 one way)

Super Shuttle Service (approximately $27 one way)
Baltimore Washington International Airport
Washington Metro Area Transit Authority offers BWI Express Metro bus service between BWI and the Greenbelt metro station. The service provides a direct connection between BWI and the Greenbelt Metro Station. The BWI Express/B30 service runs every 40 minutes, 7 days a week to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which is located on the Green Line of the Washington Metro System. Buses run 25 times each weekday and 21 times on Saturdays and Sunday, every 40 minutes. For more information call 202-637-7000 or go to www.wmata.com.

Taxicab ride (approximately $79 one way)

Super Shuttle Service (approximately $35 one way)
Who can I contact to change my travel arrangements?
You should contact the airlines directly using their toll-free number or if you used the services of Travel Partners LLC then contact them directly at 800.884.0070 or 301.869.0003.
What parking is available near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center has identified over 2,000 parking spaces in a three-block radius of the facility. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibitors and attendees are encouraged to use the public parking facilities, so that it does not impact the limited residential parking. There are also approximately 100 metered parking spaces within close proximity to the facility.
Networking and Socializing
Where can I leave a message for or locate someone attending the conference?
Conference registrants will have access to Conference Connection, an online tool for communicating with other attendees. An electronic messaging Center is located in the West Registration Area of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Where can I check my e-mail?
Conference participants can check their e-mail at the Business Center located in the West Registration Area on the first level of the Walter E. Washington Convention center or at the Cyber Cafes located in the Expo Hall.
Where can I make photocopies or send a fax?
Capital Business Center is located on the first level of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and at 1020 7th St NW Washington D.C. 20001. The following services are offered: copy, fax, shipping, internet services, etc.

Tel: 1.202.249.3969
Monday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (Open on Memorial Day)
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
How can I find out about visiting attractions in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area and what restaurants are within walking distance and are open today?
The Washington, D.C. Convention & Tourism Corporation can assist with restaurant reservations, attractions, theater, and entertainment information. An information booth will be staffed in West Registration Area in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. You can visit www.washington.org for additional information.
Volunteering
How do I find out about volunteering at the annual conference?
The 2008 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo needs many volunteers to assist with workshops, sessions, and other activities. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer and being eligible for a conference registration discount, complete the conference volunteer form (51kb Icon PDF 16) and send to:

Robert Hallworth, NAFSA LAT Volunteer Coordinator
Director of Study Abroad
George Washington University
Phone: 1.202.994.6242
Fax: 1.202.994.9133

nafsavol[at]gwu.edu
Are registration discounts available to conference volunteers?
All conference volunteers must first register and pay conference registration fees. Based on documented hours worked, volunteers may be reimbursed 50%–100% of the general conference registration fee paid. Reimbursements are made 4–6 weeks after the conclusion of the conference.
Community Service Projects
How can I contribute to the people of Washington, D.C.?
Conference participants are invited to contribute to two community services projects.
  • N Street Village provides support to homeless individuals in the Washington, D.C., area. Please purchase items from their "wish list" and bring them to the Hospitality Desk in the conference registration area for donation.

    View the Wish List

  • Help internationalize the Washington, D.C., public schools by donating books. Purchase books in advance or in Washington, D.C., and drop them off at the Hospitality Desk in the conference registration area for donation.

    Choose from a variety of books
Support Services
What kind of accessibility arrangements are available?
Please check the appropriate box on the Registration Form to request accessibility services. When making hotel reservations, check the "Room Type Requested" line on the Hotel Reservation Form and include a description of your needs so that you may be housed in the appropriate room.
What kind of child care services are available?
Please inquire about child care services with the concierge at your selected hotel. Be certain to make arrangements prior to your arrival in Washington D.C.
Where is the nearest hospital/medical clinic to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
Howard University Hospital
2041 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20060
1.202.865.4600
Miscellaneous
Where are the restrooms and telephones located in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
Restrooms and telephones are located on all levels of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Where can I find out about general conference and program information?
Check with volunteers at the Conference Information Center located in West Registration Room of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Where is the location of the Lost and Found?
Check with volunteers at the Hospitality Desk located in West Registration Area of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Which businesses are open on Memorial Day?
Pentagon City Shopping Center
1100 S. Hayes St
Arlington, V.A. 22202
Mon- Sat 10:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Sun 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

(Accessible through the Metrorail Pentagon City stop on blue & yellow lines)
Macy's
1201 G St, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Mon–Fri 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

(Accessible through the Metrorail red line Metro Center stop)
CVS
801 7th St, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Open 24 hours

(Within walking distance of the Convention Center)
CSI Tours
Tours offered on regular schedule, except no tours on Monday.
When is the 2009 Annual Conference & Expo and where can I get information?
The NAFSA 2009 Annual Conference & Expo will take place May 24-29, 2009, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. NAFSA will publish an Exhibitor Prospectus in late fall 2008 outlining the 2009 Annual Conference & Expo.