2018 HBCU Week Conference FAQs

Questions & Answers

Question: What are the requirements for using Conference space to conduct meetings?
Answer: If space is available, those seeking approval to use conference space should send the meeting agenda, contact information and participant attendee list to oswhi-hbcu@ed.gov for review and approval. It should be noted that due to space limitations, all requests cannot be honored and any approved meetings will not be advertised in any manner by the conference support team.
Question: Will there be available Wi-Fi or outlets for computer set up during sessions?
Answer: Wi-Fi will be made available for guest speakers and presenters. Those who require Wi-Fi to connect personal equipment should contact the Washington Marriott Wardman Park for access codes and fees.
Question: What are dates of the conference?
Answer: September 16-19, 2018
Question: Where is the official location for the conference?
Answer: Washington Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Question: Is there a cost associated with this conference?
Answer: There are no conference fees to attend this annual convening, however participants are responsible for their own hotel, ground transportation and some meals.
Question: Is on-line conference registration required for attendance?
Answer: Yes
Question: Will I receive a certificate of completion for attending the conference?
Answer: No. Your confirmation email and materials received at the conference should certify your attendance.
Question: I am unable to attend, how do I transfer my registration?
Answer: If registration is open, please cancel your registration and inform your replacement to make their own registration through the registration link. If registration is closed, the original registrant should send an email to special.events@ed.gov to request the transfer to another individual.  Please include in that message the full name, title, email address and organization of the new registrant.
Question: Is parking free for conference attendees?
Answer: No
Question: How much is parking?
Answer: Self-Parking will be $28.00 for all attendees from September 16-19, 2018.
Question: Where can I find the program agenda?
Answer: Revisit your conference registration confirmation email for the program agenda.
Question: Will there be a welcome reception this year?
Answer: Subject to funds available, a welcome reception will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
Question: When will the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs have their board meeting?
Answer: If the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs have been nominated by the President then a board meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 19, 2018. Check the Federal Register for official meeting notices.
Question: Why is the Presidents/Chancellors track invitation only?
Answer: Sessions are designed to allow presidents/chancellors and other executives an opportunity to speak candidly about strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats.
Question: I am an HBCU President, but I am unable to attend. I’d like to send an alternate to attend on my behalf and have full privileges to attend the executive track sessions. May I transfer my privileges?
Answer: In order to transfer privileges the individual must be registered to attend the conference.  They will need to submit a letter on official letterhead signed by the President/Chancellor.  Upon arrival, the individual will pick up their conference badge from the general registration, proceed to the Executive registration desk and provide the letter to the staff, who will provide the appropriate credentials.
Question: How do conference attendees or participants reserve a Hotel room?
Answer: Reserve on-line: Click Here or by

Phone:  Contact Marriott Reservations at 877.212.5752

Mention Group Code: 2018 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference to receive the group rate.

Question: What is the hotel group rate?
Answer: $229.00 plus applicable hotel and room tax
Question: What is the hotel reservation code for the group rate?
Answer: 2018 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference
Question: Is there a deadline for Hotel Reservations at the group rate?
Answer: Yes, hotel room reservations should be made by 7:00 p.m. on August 16, 2018.
Question: If I have to cancel my attendance, should I also cancel my hotel reservation?
Answer: Yes, it is your responsibility to cancel your room reservation.  Your credit card will be charged the room rate as well as applicable taxes.  These charges will be your sole responsibility.
Question: Is there an overflow hotel in close proximity to the conference venue?
Answer: No
Question: Are shuttle services available?
Answer: The Hotel is conveniently located at the Woodley Park Zoo Metro station.
Question: What are the available dates for room reservations under the group rate?
Answer: Group rates are available three (3) day pre and post conference, based on hotel availability.
Question: How does the waitlist work?
Answer: Once we reach capacity all individuals will be placed on a waitlist. When space becomes available, those waitlisted individuals will be sent an automatic message stating that they are now registered to attend.
Question: How do I become a volunteer?
Answer: Register online by July 15, 2018 to become a volunteer.
Question: Do volunteers receive meal vouchers?
Answer: It is likely that all volunteers will receive a meal voucher.
Question: What are the duties of the volunteers?
Answer: Duties include, but are not limited to: monitor room capacity, conduct registration, escort VIPs, take notes during sessions, and provide directions to room locations and answer conference related questions. Visit the volunteer homepage  for additional details.
Question: Will there be a volunteer meeting?
Answer: Yes, we typically host an on-site volunteer meeting and walk-through one week prior to the conference.
Question: If I am a federal employee, do I have to take leave to volunteer?
Answer: This is a federally sponsored meeting, but you should follow your agency’s guidelines for volunteerism.
Question: Do volunteers have access to sessions?
Answer: When not assigned to a particular duty station, volunteers are welcome to attend the sessions.
Question: Are previous HBCU All-Stars permitted to attend the conference?
Answer: Yes, previous HBCU All-Stars should use the general registration link to register under the ‘Students/Young Alumni’ category.
Question: How do I become a conference Exhibitor?
Answer: Interested parties were asked to complete the Exhibitor application found on the Conference Registration site no later than July 1, 2018.
Question: Who is eligible to exhibit?
Answer: Exhibitors must represent individuals/organizations that provide products/services to institutions of higher education, their faculty, staff, students and the communities they serve. WHI-HBCU reserves the right to reject any organization applying for exhibit space.
Question: May I sale items at my exhibit table?
Answer: No, exhibit space is for informational purposes only.
Question: Is there an exhibitor fee?
Answer: No, however exhibitors that require WiFi access, electricity or other AV support will need to coordinate those services with the hotel directly
Question: When is the Exhibitor Application due?
Answer: July 1, 2018
Question: When will I find out if my application to exhibit is approved?
Answer: On or before August 1, 2018
Question: What electronic device/set-ups are allowed?
Answer: Set-up, show time, shipping and breakdown information will be provided to Approved Exhibitors on or before September 1, 2018.
Question: Do exhibitors have access to sessions?
Answer: Yes.