NEAIR Conference Know Before You Go!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO THE NEAIR CONFERENCE
 
Below you will find information on the Conference Program, WiFi, the conference app, speakers, travel information, dinner groups, and more!

PLAN YOUR AGENDA
 The 2018 Conference Program and Program At-A-Glance (PAAG) are posted on our conference website.  There you will find more information on our exciting line-up of pre-conference workshops, keynote and plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, posters, and special interest groups.

 CONFERENCE APP: WHOVA
The 45th NEAIR Annual Conference guide is now available on Whova. Download our mobile app to enhance your experience at the conference.  Key features include:
  • My Agenda: plan your day with a personalized schedule
  • Browse exhibitors, maps and general conference info
  • View and connect with other attendees and NEAIR leaders
  • View the schedule of sessions by day, or session type.
  • Keyword search sessions for topics of your individual interest (Whova searches the title, presenters, and abstract)
Search for Whova in the Apple Store, Google Play, or click here to download via browser.  Please sign in with the email you used to register for the conference or use registration code NEAIR#18.

KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Take a moment to learn about our Keynote Address and Closing Panel Discussion:
Sunday evening’s Keynote Address by Dr. Lindsay Page should resonate with attendees, since her focus will be on some innovative practices in using data to support student success.  Dr. Page will draw from her experience with the Dell Scholars program, advocating a holistic strategy for student support. She argues that a holistic strategy can be especially impactful, particularly for low income or first generation students.
Tuesday’s closing panel includes Dr. James Mello, Claire Goverts, and Shama Akhtar, moderated by Betsy Carroll.  In line with the conference theme “Creating the Bridge to Data-Informed Decision Making”, the discussion will focus on how IR, IE, and Assessment professionals advocate for student success using information, influence policy inside and outside our institutions, and provide context to collaborators on using data and information ethically.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
You can still register for the conference and a workshop, or you can register in-person once at the conference at the registration desk on the 17th floor. See the line-up on the Pre Conference Workshop Page. Contact Beth Simpson at neair@neair.org or 302-559-5638 to add a workshop to an existing registration or to change a workshop registration previously made.  Please note that the technical workshops require that you bring your own laptop and have software downloaded in advance.

COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI AT THE OMNI WILLIAM PENN HOTEL
In order to get free wifi in your Omni William Penn hotel room, please sign up for their loyalty program, called Select Guest.  For details and to sign up, please see the Omni Hotels loyalty page. If this is your second visit to an Omni hotel as a Select Guest, you can receive many more benefits such as a complimentary beverage delivered to your room in the morning.   

There will be complimentary wifi in the hotel lobby lounge and bar area, and in the meeting space areas on the 17th level and Conference Level.  

TRAVEL
Dress and Weather Update:  NEAIR conference attire is business casual.  The forecast projects mid 50’s, but chilly (mid 40’s) at night, with a moderate chance of showers forecasted for a few days during the conference. Be sure to bring some good walking shoes, because the city of Pittsburgh is widely known to be one of the country’s most walkable cities.  Here is a link to helpful tips about all modes of travel to Pittsburgh and some suggestions for things to see and do  https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/neair2018

PARKING
Self-parking is offered in the Mellon Square parking garage located directly across from the hotel. Overnight rates are $19.00/day, Mon-Fri. Reduced weekend rate of $6.00/night begins Friday after 4pm.  There are no in/out privileges for this lot.
Valet parking is available to overnight guests ($36 per night) and includes in/out privileges.

NEAIR EXHIBITOR SPONSORS
Without Sponsor support, the NEAIR registration would cost significantly more than it does.  Our exhibitors want to be part of the conversation so they can provide services and products that meet your institution’s needs.  Please take time to talk with them during the conference and to thank them for their support. Once again, there will be a raffle for a $300 Visa gift card.  Have engaging conversations with an Exhibitor and get a raffle ticket; the more exhibitors you talk to the more raffle tickets you get and the higher probability of winning!

DINNER GROUPS
You don't want to miss Saturday and Monday dinner groups. Sign up sheets are available here: https://neair.org/dinner_group_sign_up.php
We highly recommend that you sign up in advance to ensure a spot. Online dinner group sign up closes on the evening of Friday, November 2nd. However, for dinner groups that still have space available, there will be an opportunity to sign up at the conference near the registration and information table.

PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT (PHOTO) OPPORTUNITY
The Pittsburgh Conference Team is thrilled to have enlisted a professional photographer to provide NEAIR conference attendees the opportunity for a free professional headshot. The photography session will take place on Sunday, November 4th from 1pm to 5pm on the 17th level of the Omni William Penn. If you are interested, click on the link below to select a 30-minute time slot. We expect this to be a popular offering, so reserve your space in advance to avoid disappointment! Walk-ins will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Sign up for your free professional headshot at::  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OkmWZcF0lnlL8vnxo5Aa2tnK-9gMvtKwodn1UEEEacM/edit?usp=sharing

SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow and connect with NEAIR on Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NEAIR_IR , @neair_IR has news, happenings, and up to date information in 280 characters or less. #NEAIR18 is the hashtag for conference tweets.  These tweets will show up in the Whova Conference Mobile app!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEAssocationofInstitutionalResearch/ Like us for official updates and need to know info.  
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85715955978/, Join us and engage with your colleagues. This is your space we maintain.

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4210880, LinkedIn Group: Join our professional group, continue longer discussions here on IR topics.

MONDAY NIGHT PENGUINS GAME
Also, come see the five-time Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins play during the 2018 NEAIR Conference.  The Pens host the New Jersey Devils on Monday, November 5th.  The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. and PPG Paints Arena is a short 10 minute walk from the Omni.
The Penguins have offered NEAIR attendees a group ticket discount rate for the New Jersey game. Click the link below to buy tickets at the reduced rate for NEAIR. Note: The deadline to purchase discount tickets is Saturday, November 3rd at noon.  https://neair.org/pens_game.php

The 45th Annual NEAIR Conference planning team is ready to welcome YOU to Pittsburgh!