Have specific questions about NAFSA's 2012 Annual Conference & Expo? Check to see if it is answered in one of the categories below.
Can't find an answer? Contact NAFSA at +1.202.737.3699, e-mail conference[at]nafsa.org or send us a quick note.
What are the official dates of the Annual Conference? The official dates are May 27 – June 1, 2012.
When does conference registration begin on-site? Conference registration opens on Saturday, May 26 at 4:30 p.m. in Registration C, Level 2, George R. Brown Convention Center.
What is the address, telephone number, and Web address of the George R. Brown Convention Center? George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, Texas 77010
Main Line 800.427.4697; 713.853.8000
www.houstonconventionctr.com Which hotel is the conference headquarter hotel? Hilton Americas
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX 77010
T: 713.739.8000.
Does NAFSA provide shuttle transportation from the hotels to the George R. Brown Convention Center? Yes, shuttle transportation is provided for a few hotels in NAFSA's block to and from the George R. Brown Convention Center and some of the special events. Those hotels in walking distance to the GRBCC will not be on the shuttle route
How do I obtain a visa letter of invitation? To obtain a letter of invitation, you will need to fill out the electronic form to request visa support at
www.nafsa.org/ac12invitation. Requests for visa support cannot be accommodated after May 4, 2012. Please check with your local U.S. Consulate to allow sufficient time for visa processing. Your request for a letter of invitation to attend the NAFSA Annual Conference does not guarantee you will obtain a visa.
Where can I message or locate someone attending the conference? Conference participants will also be able to contact colleagues using Conference Connection, located in the Prefunction area of the meeting rooms, third level, and in the expo hall.
Where can I check my e-mail? Conference participants can check their e-mail using computers in Conference Connection, which will be located in the Prefunction area of the meeting rooms, third level, and the Expo Hall. Computers are also available at the FedEx Office located on Level 2 of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Free Wi-Fi will be provided in limited areas of the convention center.
How can I find out about visiting attractions in Houston and the surrounding area and what restaurants are within walking distance and are open today? You can visit the Conference Information Center located in Registration D, Level 2, of the GRBCC, or the visitor's center located on the same level.
Where does transportation depart from and return to for the pre-and post conference tours, special events, and workshops? All transportation departs from and returns to the front of Hall B of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
How do I find out about volunteering at the annual conference? The 2012 NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo needs many volunteers to assist with workshops, sessions, and other activities. For information regarding volunteering, visit
www.nafsa.org/ac12volunteer or contact conference@nafsa.org.
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.
What are the benefits to being a volunteer? Based on documented hours worked, volunteers may be reimbursed 50%-100% of the general conference registration fee paid.
How do I become a volunteer? The first step is to enroll as a volunteer via Shiftboard, NAFSA’s online scheduling tool. The volunteer enrollment link will be available in late March 2012.
What are the requirements to be a volunteer? You must be a conference attendee in order to serve as a conference volunteer.
What jobs will I perform as a volunteer? Examples of shifts are as follows:
Taking tickets and directing traffic at plenaries and special events
Assisting with exhibitor check-in at registration
Working registration area to hand out materials and totebags
Providing local information and conference directions at Conference Information and Hospitality Center
Working as monitor for sessions, handing out and collecting session evaluations.
How long are the shifts? Shifts range from 2 hours to 6+ hours, so plan your schedule accordingly and be sure you are able to commit to shifts you take.
Can I choose my shifts? Yes. All available shifts will be in the calendar section of the Shiftboard webpage. Volunteers will be able to add shifts to their calendar based on their own availability and interest. Check back for further instructions once volunteer enrollment opens.
When will I be able to schedule shifts? Shifts will be available in late March 2012. Additional shifts will be added throughout March and April as the conference schedule and needs develop.
What will I be required to wear? When you check in at the LAT office at George R. Brown Convention Center for your first volunteer shift, you will be given an identifier to wear when on duty, to show that you are a volunteer. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as most shifts require you to be on your feet for long periods of time.
What kind of accessibility arrangements are available? NAFSA is willing to assist with accessible needs, please indicate what your needs are on the appropriate line provided on the Registration Form. When making hotel reservations, please specify your needs under the “Room Type Requested” section of the Hotel Reservation Form. Please note that all conference hotels are wheelchair accessible.
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 Houston.
Where is the nearest hospital/medical clinic to the George R. Brown Convention Center? Park Plaza Hospital
1313 Hermann Drive
Houston, Texas 77004
713-527-5000.
Concentra Urgent Care
2004 Leeland Avenue
Houston, Texas 77003
713-223-0838
What meals are included with conference registration? There are no actual meals included with conference registration, but the networking, opening and closing receptions are included with conference registration and include light hors d’ouevres. In addition continental breakfast will be provide during the annual business meeting on Wednesday morning.
Where are the restrooms and telephones located in the George R. Brown Convention Center? Restrooms and telephones are located on all levels of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Where can I find out about general conference and program information? Check with volunteers at the Conference Information Center located in Registration D, second level of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Where is the location of the Lost and Found? Check with volunteers at the Hospitality Desk located in Registration D, second level of the George R. Brown Convention Center.
When is the 2013 Annual Conference & Expo and where can I get information? The NAFSA 2013 Annual Conference & Expo will take place May 26–31, 2013 at the Americas Center, St. Louis Missouri. NAFSA will publish an Exhibitor Prospectus in late Fall 2012 outlining the 2013 Annual Conference & Expo. Visit
www.nafsa.org/annualconference for future updates.
