2018 Planning Resources

1. All of your materials, communications, and credentials will be produced from the information you submit to the online registration system. Corrections cannot be made onsite, so accuracy in your data-entry is essential.
2. During the registration process, you will be asked to select the concurrent and featured sessions you will attend during each time block. Changes can be made on-site, but your choice during registration will inform room selection to ensure presentations are not overcrowded
3. There are several payment options:
   • The secure payment processing server accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards.
   • If you are paying by check, after you select “finish” you will receive an email confirmation of your registration and balance due. If you require a more formal invoice, you can request one by emailing Oanh@ahead.org. Make checks payable to AHEAD and mail to: AHEAD Conference 2018, 8015 West Kenton Circle, Suite 230, Huntersville, NC 28078 USA 5.
   • If you are paying with a purchase order (P.O.) you will receive an email confirmation with your registration and balance due. You will also automatically receive an invoice via email within one or two days. Mail your P.O .to AHEAD Conference 2018, 8015 West Kenton Circle, Suite 230, Huntersville, NC 28078 USA 5, email it to Oanh@ahead.org, or upload your P.O. from the payment page (last page of conference registration).

If you are looking for a roommate during the conference to reduce costs, please email the following information to Jane Johnston, Member Services Coordinator (jane@ahead.org):

• Name
• Institution
• Gender
• Planned check-in date
• Planned check-out date
• Telephone number
• Email address

Conference organizers will collect a list of those seeking roommates and distribute it to each interested person in early June 2018.  Individuals will then be responsible for contacting each other and arranging shared housing. The deadline to submit your information for inclusion in the roommate referral program is May 25, 2018. Please be aware, the information you supply will be shared with all who register for the roommate referral program. The information you provide will NOT be kept private, and AHEAD can make no guarantees of successful shared housing arrangements.

Accommodation Requests
AHEAD is committed to providing a conference experience that is user-friendly for all attendees. While many steps to ensure access are built into the design of the event, requests for individual accommodations can be made online through the registration portal. Due to the size of the event and logistics, requests for accommodations must be received by June 15, 2018.

Handouts
Accessible session slides and handouts will posted online (link to handout page) in early July so that participants can download, upload, or print them in the format that works best for them.

Scent & Smoke-Free
All conference attendees are asked to refrain from the use of scented products and observe that all events are smoke-free.

The most valuable aspect of a face-to-face meeting in this time on distance education and online resources, is the opportunity to network. The conference offers many options, including:

1. Register to serve as a conference volunteer or session moderator. Volunteers serve in a variety of capacities, helping with registration, moderating concurrent sessions, overseeing the Silent Auction, answering questions, etc. If you are looking for ways to be involved with your professional association, be sure to complete the volunteer part of the registration form.
2. If this is your first conference, be sure to sign up for the First-Timers’ Welcome Breakfast on Wednesday, July 18 at 7:30.
3. Attend SIG meetings on Wednesday or Thursday. AHEAD’s 18 Special Interest Groups will have individual meetings that provide the opportunity to meet with conference participants who share your interest in specific topics. Many of the SIGs are working to develop member resources and looking for people to participate or lead a group.
4. Attend social events and STAY FOR DINNER FRIDAY! The President’s Reception/Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, REDD SIG Reception, and Friday dinner/dance are great ways to network and ask about opportunities for involvement.