Dear NAI 2022 Conference Attendee,
We are just a few days away from National Conference 2022 in Cleveland, OH and cannot wait to see you in person! Here are some last-minute tips and mentions so you can be prepared for all that is in store for you.
GET THE APP!
Download the conference app here. This is the most efficient way to communicate during the conference and see the agenda. You can also use the desktop version. The program guide is also available here, and you can print it at home and bring with you if you prefer a paper copy. Note: You must log into Whova to have access to the live-stream sessions, and the recordings which will be available for 3 months post conference.
TRAVEL:
TSA is anticipating the largest traveling crowd ever over the next week. Please ensure you are allowing yourself ample time to get through airport security. Pack smart and be mindful of all the TSA security regulations.
If you are flying into Cleveland, you will be arriving at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. You can quickly and easily walk to the RTA train station at the airport and take the red line to Tower City for $5.00. The RTA operates from 4:00 am- 12:00 am daily. There are other parking garages within a few blocks radius from the Hilton at a lower cost, but please check if overnight parking is permitted.
Rideshare is also an easy option and on the Whova App, you can find folks arriving at the same time and coordinate a carpool. Taxis are also available.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS:
Over 90% of our attendees in-person selected “I am vaccinated and plan on being boosted by conference”. Masks are optional. We do not have the meeting rooms set up for social distancing at this time.
HOTEL:
Hilton Downtown Cleveland
100 Lakeside Ave E
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216)-413-5000
Check in: 4:00 pm/ Check out: 11:00 am
Only service animals allowed with proper paperwork
The Hilton is a cashless hotel. Please bring a credit card.
HOTEL PARKING:
1141 West 3rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
The self-parking garage is located across the street from the main entrance of the Hilton in the Cuyahoga County Courthouse/Hilton Downtown Cleveland parking lot. $22 per day if you are staying at the Hilton. An underground walk way will bring you right to the Hilton. Valet parking is also available for $37.80 per day.
WHAT TO PACK & DRESS CODE:
Cleveland weather is currently in the 30s at night and 40’s during the day. Pack layers and comfortable shoes. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is half mile from the hotel, and no transportation will be provided- dress accordingly, and don’t forget to wear your favorite concert tee! If you are attending an off-site field trip, refer to the website for appropriate dress questions. Pack appropriate running gear if participating in the 5K. Dress code for the Award Banquet is “dressy”. Slacks, dress pants, skirts, dresses, blouses, sport jacket, dinner jacket, tie optional.
GENERAL BYO:
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Reusable water bottles and coffee mugs are encouraged
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Prior year conference bag, or any reusable bag
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Cool items for the Interpreter’s Yard Sale & Ornament Swap
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Your favorite concert tee for the Welcome Reception
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Running gear for the 5K
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Binoculars, good walking/hiking shoes if applicable
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Chargers, cords and adapters
INTERPRETER’S YARD SALE INFO
Bring items to donate to our Interpreters Yard Sale. Gently used books, interpretive resource materials, gift baskets, stocking stuffers, or cool tech items, anything goes! Drop off your items when you check in at registration on Tuesday. In-person attendees can purchase the items anytime the store is open starting on Wednesday. All proceeds will go toward the NAI scholarship fund, so leave some room in your suitcase for your new treasures :)
SPECIAL MEET-UPS- CHECK THE APP!
First-Timers Meet-Up is a great place to start your NAI 2022 experience on Wednesday 4:30- 5:30.
This year we are hosting our first-ever Affinity Space on Thursday and Friday during the lunch hour.
The Affinity Space is for people who identify with marginalized identities and the beloved communities they come from. Whether you identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and more), disabled (person with a disability, neurodivergent, and more), an intersection of more than one identity or an identify from another marginalized group, you're welcome in this safe space to create dialogue and community with others.
The JEDAI Section happy hour will be on Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 in Eliot's Bar, which is on the 2nd floor of the Hilton.
Attendees have scheduled other meet-ups for fun networking such as the Music Room, Breakfast Club, Morning Birding, Millennial Meet-Up, and a ton more. Check the app!
We will see you very soon in Cleveland… Let’s ROCK!
NAI 2023 Planning Committee