Attending a conference can be both exciting and overwhelming. With sessions, tours, and workshops to choose from, networking opportunities to explore, and logistics to navigate, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Grassroots attendee, we hope this FAQ will provide you with the information you need to make the most of your conference experience. Let’s dive in and explore some of the frequently asked questions about our conference!
When is the conference?
Grassroots is July 20 – 23, 2023.
Where is the conference located?
The conference is located in Washington, D.C. The Embassy Suites-Washington DC Convention Center is the official Grassroots hotel. Registration will be located there, as will sessions, the Career Expo, and Friday night’s social event.
How can I register for the conference?
You can register for the conference here.
Is there a deadline for registration?
The deadline to register is July 1, 2023.
What are the cancellation and refund policies?
The AIAS Conference Cancellation and Refund Policy will be as follows to assure consistency and is applicable to the 2023 Grassroots Leadership Conference:
The final date to request a full refund for conference registration is Wednesday, July 5th, 2023.
Registrants canceling their registration after July 5th, 2023 will not receive a refund. The refund and cancellation policy will not be waived.
In the event the AIAS must cancel the conference due to unforeseen circumstances, the AIAS will refund the cost of registration.
How do I book my hotel?
The Embassy Suites-Washington DC Convention Center is the official Grassroots hotel. Registration will be located here, as will sessions, the Career Expo, and Friday night’s social event.
AIAS has negotiated a special Grassroots rate of $249/night. Each room is a suite, with two beds and a pull-out couch, so each room can accommodate 5-6 people (please note only 4 names can be added to the reservation). And to sweeten the deal, the Embassy Suites is known for providing free, made-to-order breakfast for all its guests. So you can spend less money on your hotel stay and get free breakfast to boot!
To take advantage of this special rate, register here. A limited number of rooms are available, so make your reservations early; at the latest, by Monday, June 26, 2023!
What airport should I fly into?
The closest airport to downtown D.C. is DCA (Washington National Airport), but IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport) is also an option. Both airports are Metro-accessible.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, breathable clothing: D.C. can be very hot and humid in late July, so be sure to pack lightweight/breathable clothing (such as cotton or linen) to stay cool and comfortable.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the hot summer sun!
Comfortable walking shoes: There is a ton of walking involved in exploring D.C., so be sure to pack comfortable shoes.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important!
Umbrella and/or rain jacket: While July is generally a dry month in D.C., it’s still a good idea to pack an umbrella or rain jacket in case of an unexpected shower/storm.
Portable charger: Don’t let your phone die in a new city! Pack a portable charger so you can recharge on the go.
Backpack: You’ll need a bag to carry your essentials while you’re out and about. A backpack is a good option that can hold your water bottle, sunscreen, portable charger, and other items.
Travel documents: Don’t forget to bring any necessary travel documents, such as your ID and/or passport (if you’re traveling internationally).
Cash and cards: Make sure you have cash and cards on hand for food, transportation, and any other expenses you may encounter during your trip.
How do I best navigate the city?
Google Maps and WMATA are great resources for navigating the city and using the Metro.
What is the conference schedule and when will it be available?
The conference schedule (and additional information regarding Grassroots) can be found here.
Who are the keynote speakers?
This year’s keynote speakers are: Tamarah Begay, Jake Day, and Trinity Simons Wagner. More information about them can be found here.
Will there be any networking events, and how can I participate?
Yes! There are number of networking opportunities including, but not limited to: informal quad/region dinners and an alumni reception (for AIAS Alumni and Legacy members) on Thursday, career expo and evening social event on Friday, and quad/regional receptions on Saturday. There are also a number of opportunities throughout the conference to mingle with other conference-goers between sessions/tours/workshops.
Will there be any social media or online resources available to connect with other attendees?
Be sure to follow us on Instagram! Use the following hashtags to document your time at the conference: