Frequently Asked Questions
Function Codes
What are the codes that appear after each Session Title?
In the printed Preliminary Program each session title is followed by function code (for example, S004). This code is not a room number, but rather a system to help you and speakers find specific sessions. Even if session titles change in the final program, the function code remains constant, allowing you a second means of locating important sessions.
Certification Maintenance Program
APA recently launched a new AICP Certification Maintenance program for certified planners. Most conference sessions, mobile workshops, technology showcases, and training workshops offer CM credit. The specific amount is listed in the preliminary program directly after the description and online conference program, under the detailed activity description. More information about the CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.
Arrangements for Persons with Disabilities
Whom do I contact to make special arrangements?
APA strives to hold meetings that are accessible to all. Tell us your requirements to make your participation more enjoyable. APA suggests reserving a room at the Bally's Hotel, which is attached to the Exhibit Hall, in the Bally's Events Center. If you are in a wheelchair and plan to attend mobile workshops, please contact APA before March 27, 2008. APA suggests that people with disabilities make hotel reservations at Bally's Hotel, which is attached to the Events Center. Call Julia Krol at 312-786-6738 or e-mail jkrol@planning.org.
Child Care/Camp APA
Does APA provide child care at the conference?
APA will provide child care for registered participants' children for $30 per day regardless of the number of hours or children.
Are meals included in the child care fee?
Parents may purchase meals to be provided on site daily at $15 per meal, per child. Parents also may send or bring lunches to Camp APA.
What is the age range for child care?
Camp APA welcomes children ages 4 to 12 years.
How do I sign up?
Please visit the website, www.planning.org/nationalconference and select childcare with your conference registration. Please be sure to select the number of days that you require childcare. Contact jkrol@planning.org to complete a registration form, and with any questions.
Conference Scholarships
Is APA offering registration scholarships?
APA is offering 25 conference scholarships that will reduce the registration fee to $160. To be eligible, you must be a member of APA, earn less than $35,000 a year and have not received a scholarship for 2007.
Applications must be submitted by January 24, 2008. Recipients will be notified by February 21, 2008.
Conference Site
Where is the conference being held?
Conference sessions will be held at the Bally's and Paris hotels located at 3645 and 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. The two hotels are connected (map included in final program). All sessions (keynote sessions, conference sessions, GIS sessions, and registration, receptions, exhibits, and awards luncheons) will be held at Bally's and Paris Hotel. All buses for tours and mobile workshops will depart from the Paris Hotel unless otherwise indicated.
Cyber Center
Is there a place I can check my e-mail?
Stop by the APA Cyber Center located within the Exhibit Hall of the Bally's Event Center. You will be able to check your personal e-mail account (via AOL, Netscape, Internet Explorer, and other major providers and applications), and access the web. The Cyber Center also comes equipped with network printers and there will always be someone there to offer technical assistance.
Housing
How do I make hotel reservations?
Housing reservations for the APA conference are being handled through the Housing Bureau. Reduced conference rates are available. You may make your reservations online, by phone, fax, or mail.
The Hotel Reservation Deadline is Thursday, March 27, 2008.
Visit www.planning.org/nationalconference/accommodations/hotel.htm for all housing details.
Are there housing options for students?
Click here for student housing options.
Job Connection
I am an employer. How do I advertise and set up interviews prior to the conference?
For the bargain price of $100, you will be able to list your ad on the special web page for the entire 12-week pre-conference period or any part of those 12 weeks. The 2008 Job Connection will not include an interview room time slot with the online posting. Instead you will be able to purchase as many 90-minute time slots as you need for $50 each. Interview rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you wish to have three hours of interview time, for example, you would select the time slots that would suit you, and pay an additional $100 (that is, $50 for each 90-minute slot). Reserve your interview rooms at the same time that you place your ad to increase the chances that you will get your preferred time slots. You may also reserve your rooms at a later time.
You may advertise up to two positions per ad, and each ad may consist of up to 350 words.
As you know, many job seekers prefer a more formal arrangement for interviewing, and this is the ideal setup! You may also wish to use your 90-minute room assignment in an "open house" fashion, without formal interviews, which should be indicated in your ad.
Where is the location and what are the hours of Job Connection?
It will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Registration
What is the location and what are the hours of registration?
Registration will be held in Bally's Grand Ballroom, Silver Room. Registration hours are Saturday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m––5:00 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Thursday 7:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
How do I register online?
Go to www.planning.org/nationalconference. If you're a current APA member, you will need to have your APA ID handy to qualify for the member discount. Find your ID on a Planning magazine label or APA invoice.
Register online and save! A $50 paper-processing fee will be applied to each paper submission.
How do I register by mail or fax?
Use the form found in the printed preliminary program, or click here to download the form.
If you have the printed program, affix your preprinted label from the back of the program at the top of the form. (APA members: If your APA ID isn't on the label, or if you don't have a label, write your APA ID above your name.) Fill out all additional information, including your preferred e-mail address, and indicate where to mail correspondence and invoices. A $50 processing fee will be applied to each registration that is mailed or faxed.
In Step 2 of the form, circle the basic registration that applies to you, determined by your APA membership type and status at the time of registration. If your APA membership cannot be verified, you will be charged a nonmember rate.
When is the paper processing fee waived?
APA will waive the $50 paper processing fee for paper registrations submitted with the same form of payment, in groups of five or more, at the same time.
How do I make changes to my registration?
Registration changes may be made online at www.planning.org/nationalconference, by e-mail to registrationchanges@planning.org, or by fax to 312-786-6735. Only changes received by March 27, 2008, will be eligible for refunds. APA will charge a $50 paper processing fee for each change that is mailed or faxed. Changes must be submitted in writing. Please allow three weeks for processing.
How do I cancel my registration?
All cancellations must be received by e-mail to registrationchanges@planning.org or by fax to 312-786-6735. Only cancellations received by APA by March 27, 2007, will be eligible for refunds. APA will charge a $50 cancellation processing fee ($35 for students). Please allow three weeks for processing. Cancellations must be submitted in writing. APA will not process refunds on site. No exceptions.
Did you receive my registration?
If you register online you will receive your confirmation by e-mail within 24 hours. If you register by mail or fax a confirmation will be mailed to you within three weeks of receipt of your registration. If you do not receive a confirmation please e-mail our office at confregistration@planning.org. You must register on site if you have not received your confirmation by April 14.
Students
How can I get involved in the Student Volunteer Program?
Students may volunteer their time at the conference and earn back the cost of the early online registration fee. In exchange for eight hours of volunteer service during the conference, APA will reimburse APA student members the amount of the early online registration fee ($100). Students must be registered for the conference at the time they apply to be a volunteer. Student volunteers are reimbursed upon completion of the eight hours of work on site.
Click here for the Student Volunteer Application
Once your application is reviewed, you are notified by e-mail as to your acceptance as a volunteer. APA receives more applications than it can use, so register and apply early to improve your chances.
Please note that if you are accepted as a volunteer and you register after the early registration deadline, you will be reimbursed only for the early registration fee, not the greater fee. Deadline for the volunteer registration is February 11, 2008
For more information of student events and programs for new professionals, visit APA's website at www.planning.org/nationalconference.
Travel
Are there special airfare discounts?
Fly on United official conference airline. Call United directly or use your own agent and reference the meeting code #578OU to receive the discounted fare. If you book you purchase your ticket 30 days prior to the conference, you will save an additional 5 percent. Book early to take advantage of promotional fares that give you the greatest discounts.
What is the best way to get from the airport to downtown?
Las Vegas is served by the McCarran International Airport, which is located 4.5 miles from Paris/Bally's Hotel. All ground transportation information is located in the baggage claim area, and there is an extensive network of taxis and shuttles available. Shuttles depart regularly and range from $5 to $6 per person, one way. Taxi rates are $10 to $12 per ride, not per person. For additional information, visit www.mccarran.com.
Are there special car rental discounts?
Avis is offering APA attendees special rates on car rentals during the National Planning Conference. To make a reservation, call Avis directly at 888-331-1600, contact your local travel agent, or visit www.avis.com. Make sure you reference the Avis Worldwide Discount Number, #J996625, when making your reservation.
Can I get a discount on my Amtrak fare?
Amtrak will offer a 10 percent discount off the lowest available fare to Las Vegas from April 24 through May 4, 2008. To make a reservation, call Amtrak at 800-872-7245 or contact your local travel agent. Make sure you reference Fare Code Number X33Q-923 when making your reservation. This offer is not valid on Auto Train. Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional and Acela service for all departures seven days a week. This offer cannot be booked via the Internet.
Visa Information for International Attendees
Travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism or business for 90 days or less from qualified countries may be eligible to visit the U.S. without a visa. Click here for more details.
Visit www.planning.org/nationalconference for more information.