We hope that you've had a chance to look around our NTC pages for the 2008 Nonprofit Technology Conference. If you've done that and are still confused about something, perhaps some of the information below will offer illumination. If not, give us a call at 415.397.9000 or email Annaliese to tell us where you'd like us to shine some more light.

FAQ's: When and Where | Registering | Greening the NTC | Getting Noticed | Agenda | Extra Curricular | Miscellany

When and Where:

1. Where will the conference be held?

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.525.2500

2. Are there any special deals on hotel rooms?

NTEN has arranged for a special conference rate of $139 per night for a limited number of rooms at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. You can make your reservation online or via phone. You can find more information here. Don't wait to make your reservation at this special rate -- we always sell out our block.

3. When should I arrive at the hotel?

The action begins on Wednesday, March 19, so get to New Orleans before then. Be sure to arrive in time to attend the Affinity Group Meetings, volunteer in the Day of Service, and to attend the Science Fair.

Registration Questions

1. I would love to come! When and how can I register?

You can register starting December 1, 2007.

2. What does it cost to attend?

Student Rate: If you are a full-time student, you can register for the conference at a special rate. Please contact Annaliese for details.

3. Can I register for a single day of the conference instead of all three?

Yes, you can, although we think you should come for all the fun. You can register for any single day of the conference by calling us at 415.397.9000. Rates are $225 for members, $425 for non-members.

4. I want to bring several people from my organization. Are there any group discounts?

We do not provide group discounts, but you can earn free registrations for your organization through our Referral Program.

5. Are scholarships available?

We do not currently have any scholarships available. We’ll let you know if that changes. However, you can earn a $50 American Express gift certificate by volunteering to help at the conference. Volunteers are recruited from the NTC registrants and are chosen on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to indicate that you would like to volunteer on your registration form, and we'll contact you.

6. Who should come to the NTC?

The NTC is not just for geeks -- it’s for anyone interested in using technology to make the world a better place. We’re busy developing an amazing array of sessions for:

• Executive Leadership
• IT Staff & Consultants
• Fundraising Professionals
• Communications and Marketing Staff
• Program Staff

7. Who is coming to the NTC?

You can find a list of everyone who's registered for the conference here.

8. Do I have to register to attend the Science Fair?

No. The exhibit hall, what we fondly call the Science Fair, is open to the public and free of charge. Join us on Wednesday, March 19th, from 3 to 8pm. There will be giveaways and prize drawings in addition to over 70 exhibitors. See who's exhibiting here.

Making the NTC a Greener Meeting

Large conferences are inherently problematic from an environmental perspective, so we here at NTEN are doing everything we can to make the NTC as green as possible. Here are some of the things you can expect:

• We choose cities with good public transportation to limit taxi and car rides.

• We will reduce the amount of handouts by making them available to participants in electronic format (in a wonderfully fun way - you'll see).

• We no longer use registration brochures but make all conference information available online.

• We choose hotels where linen and towel changes are optional.

• We use catering plates, cups, and glasses that are china or glass (non-disposable), and cloth napkins whenever possible.

• We offer vegetarian meals and try as much as possible to encourage our caterers and hotels to use local food.

• We offer remote participation opportunities for people who would like to participate without traveling to the conference.
  

• We abide by the standards set by the Ocean Blue Foundation and its Blue Green Meeting initiative as much as possible.
  

Getting Noticed

1. I’d like to present at a breakout session. How do I get on the agenda?

Our agenda planning process is outlined here. If you have questions, contact Holly.

2. Are there exhibiting or sponsor opportunities?

You bet! And we want you to exhibit and sponsor! Check out our sponsor page for more information.

Agenda Questions

1. So, what’s on the agenda this year?

Here’s a broad overview of what you can expect:

Breakout Sessions. We’ll have more than 90 breakout sessions across five tracks. We’ll cover everything from raising money with text messaging to building a better newsletter to microformats.

Plenary Sessions. On Thursday and Friday morning, we’ll feature leaders in the sector to bring new ideas and inspiration to our community.

Affinity Group Meetings. Throughout the conference, you’ll have the chance to meet with people just like you – other people who are webmasters, Salesforce.com users, consultants, or bloggers, to name a few. These meetings are organized by community members, not NTEN.

Nonprofit Innovation Plaza. Throughout the conference, you’ll have the chance to explore and interact with the nonprofits who have changed their communities through innovative uses of technology. These mini-exhibits will run for the entire conference.

Science Fair. Held on Wednesday April 4 from 3pm to 8pm, the Science Fair is your chance to meet the folks providing the tools and services that make our sector go. The Science Fair is always full of surprises and is combined with our opening reception – so you know you don’t want to miss it! Learn more here.

Day of Service. The Day of Service is an opportunity for nonprofit techies to give something back to the community where the Nonprofit Technology Conference is held. Local nonprofits with a technology project that can be addressed in a single day are matched with teams of nonprofit techies who possess the appropriate skill sets. This year, we seek to match 30 groups with nearly 100 volunteers. Learn more here.

NTEN Member Reception. NTEN members get a special treat this year -- your own reception! Look for your entry ticket on your name badge. We hope you’ll join us for some food and fun at 2pm on Wednesday March 19th.

2. What’s an Affinity Group Meeting?

An Affinity Group meeting is your chance to meet the people with the same interests and questions you have.

3. What’s a GeekOut?

Take a great idea, add a couple of code-heads and a lot of Red Bull, and you’ve got yourself a GeekOut! These sessions are meant to pair idea folks with code folks to foster collaboration and improve the tools available in our community.

4. Can I suggest a session or activity for the agenda?

You may! We’re a small staff, so we can’t make everything that’s suggested to us happen. But we’ll certainly try. Email Holly.

Extracurricular Activities

The NTC is about more than sessions. We want you to go out there, make some new friends, and have some fun! We’ll be adding as many new items to this section as possible, so keep an eye out. For a complete list of extra curricular activities to date, click here.

Miscellany

1. Have you figured out that we need free wireless Internet access at the conference this year?

Rest assured, you’ll be able to blog from the bathroom if you like. There will be wireless access everywhere.

2. Will there be any non-alcoholic social events?

You bet! We’re organizing all kinds of social events.

3. I have a question you didn't answer!

What did we not include in the FAQ that YOU have a question about? Email your questions to Annaliese.

We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC!