Frequently Asked Questions

Check out this list of FAQs to learn more about the conference. If your question isn't on this list, email or call (202-393-7878) and we'll be happy to help you!
(Find terms you don't understand? Visit our online dictionary for more information.)

General Questions

 

How many people attend ASPA’s Annual Conference?

We expect approximately 1,300 practitioners and academics to be in Anaheim this April for the 2020 event.

Do I have to be a member to attend the conference?

No, you do not need to be a member to attend. However, you do need login information to access the website registration form. Please contact us if you need your username and password. Please do NOT create a new profile in our system simply to register—you are likely to be charged an incorrect registration rate or have other challenges with your registration process. If this is an emergency and is during normal business hours (Eastern time), please call us at 202-393-7878 for immediate assistance.

I have put in a proposal. When will I hear if I have been accepted?

Notifications should go out to all accepted papers/panels/workshops in early December, though the process of notifying all of those who submitted a proposal can take upwards of a week. Those rejected will also be notified so you should receive an email from us either way. Please be patient with this process.

What is the dress code for the conference?

Most of the conference is business casual attire, unless you’re attending a special event that is labeled for more formal dress.

Will nursing rooms be available?

Yes, the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Orange County, is happy to provide a nursing room for those in need. If you are attending the conference and need access to a nursing room, please contact us so we can have it ready for you.

I am a panelist/presenter at the conference. Where can I find resources to assist me with my presentation?

Please visit our Presenters Guidelines page for most of the information you will need to put together an excellent presentation. If you have further questions, please contact our conference manager, Amy Omang, for assistance.

I am a student. What events can I attend just for me?

Friday’s Student Summit is an excellent place to start. You might also be interested in the Founders’ Fellows panels, as those are all specifically focused on student and new professional research being presented at the conference. Please also look at our Chapter and Section meeting list for the Student and New Administration Professional Section meeting. That Section is a group of students and new professionals looking at issues specific to that demographic. You should check out what they’re up to and make sure to participate. Finally, networking receptions and other social events are a great place to meet other attendees and start getting to know people.

These events will help you meet other people in your cohort and make new connections that will be useful during the conference and beyond.

Registration Questions

 

Why am I getting an error page when I try to register?

Have you logged in to our website? Look at the upper-right-hand corner of this screen. If you see a button that is asking you to log in, you have not done so yet and the online registration form will not work without it. If you have logged in and you’re still receiving an error, please send us a screenshot of the page to [email protected] and we will help you as soon as possible.

If you need your username and password, email [email protected] for assistance. Please do NOT create a new profile in our system simply to register—you are likely to be charged an incorrect registration rate or have other challenges with your registration process. If this is an emergency, and is during normal business hours (Eastern time), please call us at 202-393-7878 for assistance.

Note: On high volume days, it may take us a while to work through all of the requests. Please have patience. If you have submitted a request for assistance that is based on a time constraint—like a registration deadline—we will make sure you receive the appropriate registration rate.

What is the difference between the registration fees?

ASPA offers two options for attending our conference:

• Full conference registration (all five days)
• One-day registration (you’re only able to attend one day)

You will need to determine how much of the conference you are interested in attending, and then select your registration fee based on your personal needs. If you need more flexibility, contact us and we will help you with a registration rate that works for your needs.

Is the Welcome Reception included in my registration rate?

The Welcome Reception is included with all full conference registrations, as well as Saturday day-only passes. If you are attending one day of the conference that is not Saturday, you can add a guest pass for the reception to your registration.

When is the deadline to cancel my registration?

If you register for the conference and are unable to attend, you may apply for a full refund by January 10, 2020. Visit our registration page to see our cancellation policy.