2017 Attendees: Important Information for Conference Day
This year promises to be a big one, so we want you to be as prepared as we are.
Read on for important logistical information…
We’re Starting Earlier This Year
Please begin to arrive as early as 6:30 am to pass through the security line (now with 100% more magnetometers!) and begin enjoying all the Exhibit Hall has to offer starting at 7:00 am. Arriving early will also guarantee you a great seat at the 8:30 am Opening Keynote!
Some tips to get you through security faster.
Don’t Forget Your Badge!
PRINT & CUT OUT your badge before you arrive. This is your ticket in to the event, and you’ll find instructions for printing and emailing badges in your confirmation letter. Only the main registrant can log in to the registration and email badges. For questions about your registration please contact [email protected].
Seating Assignments. You’ll find your table assignment for the keynote luncheon on your printed badge. Seat assignments are strictly enforced.
Special Meal Requests
Although the date has passed to guarantee a gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan meal, we can accommodate a few more requests, while quantities last. Please have the main registrant for your group log in and select the appropriate meal choice for you no later than midnight tonight (10/26). Click here for a description of the meals.
Parking Particulars
We encourage you to think about your travel plan—and back-up plan—in advance. The best way to get to the Austin Convention Center on November 2nd is to take CapMetro, a taxi or ride sharing service like RideAustin, or to carpool.
If you must drive (or have organized a carpool, you go-getter!), please carefully study the parking options and advice on our Travel page. You’ll find maps, prices and even an option to reserve discounted parking in advance. Remember, there will be more attendees than available parking spaces at the Convention Center, so pay attention to the free shuttles from nearby Palmer Garage and consider other off-site lots (shuttle service only available from Palmer Garage).
Feel free to use the Conference Community feature of the TexasWomen app to hook up with fellow attendees!
A Note for Newcomers (& Experienced Attendees!)
We’ll be seeing a lot of new faces this year, so we asked our staff and conference veterans for their advice on making the most of a day at the Texas Conference for Women. We think Conference vets will find it helpful, too.
Check out our Newcomer’s Guide here.
Update Your Résumé
And bring a printed copy (or have one handy on your phone). You’ll definitely want to take advantage of free career coaching and résumé review sessions in the Oracle Career Pavilion throughout the day. Plus, many of our sponsors will have talent acquisition teams on site. Don’t be caught empty-handed!
Download the App
This year’s app, sponsored by Cisco, is better than ever. Not only can you build your own custom agenda and find maps, speaker bios and exhibitor information, but now you can easily connect with fellow attendees before, during and after the conference!
Search “TexasWomen” to download the latest version of the app, create your profile and tap “Conference Community” to hook in. Set up ride shares, ask for help, discuss the speakers and even post job openings! Visit our app page for more information.
Community Connection Opportunities
This year, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare, we’re collecting much-needed items for Hurricane Harvey survivors, plus welcoming two new (to us!) organizations focused on civic engagement.
Toiletries Drive: We’re collecting travel-sized items for on-site kit assembly, including: shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste and hand sanitizer.
Book Drive: In partnership with Rebuild Texas and the Writers’ League of Texas, we’ll be collecting new books—appropriate for Pre-K through 12th grade—to help restock libraries damaged by the storm.
Bring your travel-sized toiletries and book donations to the Community Connection Pavilion.
We’re pleased to welcome to this year’s conference two non-partisan groups that are working to give a voice to all Americans. Be sure to visit the League of Women Voters booth and learn the many ways you can get involved, from registering to vote to education to volunteering in your community. Then stop by the VoteRunLead booth to hear how they’re training women to run for office across the country and changing the face of leadership.
A Note for New Moms
Nursing mother’s rooms can be found in the Trinity Box Office, Meeting Room 13 and two designated Nursing Mother’s Rooms (one in the first floor Ballroom A Corridor, and the second across from Meeting Room 10C). You’ll find screens, outlets and a refrigerator for your pumping convenience. Please plan ahead for the possibility of a crowd at popular break times and bring a battery-operated pump if you have one.