| What to Know Before You Go |
NACAC’s 72nd National Conference begins next week and we can’t wait to see you!
The following information will make your conference experience a positive one.
1.) Download the Conference App – With easy-to-use features and the most-up-to-date information, the app will help you make the most of your time, evaluate sessions and find everything you need for the conference. Learn more.
2.) Transportation From the Airport – Learn more about getting to your hotel for $2.75 and other ground transportation options from the airport.
3.) Housing – If you need to change or cancel your reservation, call the hotel directly. Cancellations must be made within the hotels’ cancellation policy to avoid any penalties/charges and made directly with the hotel.
4.) Registration/Badge Information – Registration is located in Hall C in the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC). All attendees are required to check-in at registration to print and pick up their badge/materials. Bring (or have access to) your registration barcode to print badge materials. Your barcode is below. Please review and if anything needs to be corrected, contact our Data Management Team. The barcode can be scanned from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
If you do not have access to your barcode, you will need to show a picture ID. Badges must be worn during all event activities, including the Conference Social.
Registration Hours
Tuesday, Sept. 20: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 21: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
5.) Shuttle Service – Shuttle service will be provided to/from select hotels to the Greater Columbus Convention Center from Tuesday, Sept. 20 – Saturday, Sept. 24.
SHUTTLE ROUTES:
Route 1 (2 - 4 times per hour)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites OSU
Staybridge Suites University Area OSU
Red Roof Plus+ Columbus – The Ohio State University
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus OSU
Hilton Garden Inn Columbus
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Route 2 (1 - 2 times per hour)
Columbus Airport Marriott
Courtyard Columbus Airports
The remaining hotels in the block are an easy walk to and from the convention center.
Wheelchair accessible transportation is available during hours of operation. For more information call 1-800-728-1025 X400 (Please allow 30 minutes).
6.) CBUS
COTA's CBUS® is the city's free Downtown Circulator, traveling from Brewery District, through Downtown to Short North, and back again. CBUS runs every 10-15 minutes, 7 days a week! If you are staying at the following hotels catch the CBUS! Learn more.
Doubletree Suites by Hilton Downtown
Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square
Holiday Inn Columbus Downtown - Capitol Square
The Westin Columbus
7.) Sessions and Schedule – All session seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We do not anticipate any sessions to have overflow but do be sure to arrive early to your sessions. Review the schedule before arriving in Columbus. Be sure to download the Conference App. Preconfrence workshops and Seminars require an additional fee.
8.) Construction – The Greater Columbus Convention Center is in the process of getting a face lift. Construction is taking place in and around the center; however, NACAC has worked closely with the convention center to ensure this has a minimal impact on your conference experience.
9.) Keynote and Featured Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Patricia McGuire, President, Trinity Washington University
Featured Speakers
David Coleman, President and CEO, The College Board
Jeffrey J. Selingo, Contributing Writer, The Washington Post
Marten Roorda, CEO, ACT
Claudio Sanchez, Education Correspondent, NPR
Dr. Frances Jensen, Professor of Neurology at University of Pennsylvania and author of "The Teenage Brain"
10.) Session Surveys – All educational session, learning lounge, and Tech Lab surveys will be accessible through the mobile app this year. One prize will be awarded for each session block. Responses from attendees will remain anonymous.
11.) Dress code – The dress code for the conference is business casual (slacks, khakis, skirts, button downs, golf shirts, comfortable shoes). For the social, dress is casual. For evenings or general outings in Columbus, the standard, acceptable attire in most venues is casual. September in Columbus high temperatures range between 70°F to 74°F and lows between 50°F to 55°F. However, the temperatures in the convention center and hotels can be cooler than outside temperatures, so bring layers for comfort!
12.) Get Social at NACAC
Don’t miss the Welcome Reception, an exciting opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends; network with exhibitors; Meet Your Match to be entered into a drawing to win fabulous prizes; and enjoy this amazing tailgate party! This takes place Thursday, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., in Hall D.
The Social on Saturday, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., will be at COSI (Center of Science and Industry). Geek out with grown-ups and explore the museum's exhibits, ride the Highwire Unicycle, get lost in Adventure, enjoy a live band, delicious food, signature drinks, and more! You must wear your conference name badge and bring a valid form of ID to gain entrance. Be on the lookout for the Social shuttle information throughout the convention center and on the back of your hotel welcome letter.
13.) Support the Imagine Fund
Look for a DipJar located at the NACAC booth, and easily make a credit card donation to the Imagine Fund! The Imagine Fund provides annual grants to college counseling professionals for their use in participating in professional development programming or implementation of special projects. Donations at the NACAC booth can be made in increments of $5, $15, or $25, or for other amounts please make an online donation.
New! Rise and Shine with Zumba® - fuse international rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves, so come Salsa, Merengue, Rumba with your fellow conference attendees! All experience levels welcome! Add Zumba to your registration.
Imagine End of the Day Imagine 5k - Designed to encourage camaraderie and friendly competition, registrants can run or walk, participating as an individual or as a member of a team. Register Now.
14.) Volunteer – Volunteering is a great way to get involved and meet new people at this year's conference. Volunteer shifts are only 1 - 2 hours. Pick a committee and select a time slot that works best for your schedule.
Logistical Arrangements Committee (in great need of volunteers on Saturday)
Hospitality Committee (in great need of volunteers Wednesday and Thursday)
Registration Committee
Special Events Committee
15.) Session Recordings – Save $100 when you order the works package onsite! Visit the Playback Now Sales Booth near the registration area of the conference center. The NACAC National Conference educational session archives feature high-quality recordings that include the actual audio along with the synced presenter PowerPoint for a virtual re-creation of the session.
16.) Ship Your Swag with Chegg – Visit Ship Your Swag with Chegg in booth 556 during one of your trips to the exhibit hall and pick up your free Chegg and NACAC box. As you browse the exhibit hall, use the box as a briefcase to carry the materials and swag you pick up. When your box is full, simply return to booth 556 and Chegg will ship your box back to your office free of charge!
