ABOUT THE CONFERENCE | ELIGIBILITY | FIRST TIME ATTENDEES | CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES | REGISTRATION & HOUSING INFORMATION | ABOUT THE AREA | TRANSPORTATION

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Why should I attend this year's Leadership Conference?
The SHRM Leadership Conference is an exclusive opportunity for 2013 volunteer leaders to prepare for their upcoming role through education about SHRM's initiatives, collaboration and sharing of successful practices, and networking with colleagues and SHRM staff.  There will be sessions specifically geared toward maximizing your leadership and professional development, which will come in handy in both your volunteer and professional positions.

Where will the conference be held?
New this year, the 2012 Leadership Conference will be held at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, MD.  This beautiful, convenient location is just across the river from Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va., home to SHRM Headquarters.

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ELIBILITY
Who is eligible to attend?
Although all volunteer leaders are important to SHRM, the programming for the 2012 Leadership Conference is specifically focused on the following positions and their 2013 roles:

• Chapter President or President-Elect (one per chapter)
• State Council Director or State Council Director-Elect (one per state; if it is a transition year, both the 2012 & 2013 State Council Director may attend)
• State Council Membership Director (1 per state council)
• State Council District Director (1 per state council)
• Chapter Management Professional (CMP)
• Member Advisory Council (MAC) Representative

What does SHRM cover in terms of expenses?
SHRM covers the cost of the conference registration fee (including designated meals) and select overnight accommodations (standard room rate & tax only) for the volunteer positions, as noted below.  Travel expenses to and from the conference, as well as any incidentals, are the responsibility of the attendee.

Accommodations

Can our chapter/state council still send other participants?
Yes, but conference programming is designed to provide the most benefits to the positions listed above.  The independent attendee rate is $350.  Independent attendees must assume all costs associated with their trip, including overnight accommodations and travel to and from the conference.

Both our State Council Director and Director-Elect would like to attend.  Is that possible?
Yes, but one would have to register as an individual attendee, and would be responsible for the $350 registration fee, travel and lodging and expenses.  PLEASE NOTE: If this is a transition year, both the 2012 and 2013 State Council Directors can attend and will be covered, as noted above.

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FIRST TIME ATTENDEES
I'm new to my role as a volunteer leader, so this will be my first conference; is there any information that will prepare me?
Prior to the conference, you will receive an email with links to short webinars that will help prepare you for your new role.  In addition, we have provided a comprehensive list of resources for you at the Volunteer Leader Resource Center (VLRC) at www.shrm.org/Communities/VolunteerResources. In addition, plan to join us at the Conference Orientation Session on Thursday from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

I'm new to my role as a State Council Membership Director - what information will this conference provide that will prepare me for my role?
In addition to the webinar noted above, you should also plan on attending the pre-conference Membership Summit session on Thursday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. This session is designed for new State Council Membership Directors and provides information on the basics before the conference begins.  If you are new State Council Membership Director, you are strongly encouraged to attend this session.

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CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES
What is the conference schedule?
Check out the Conference at a Glance for an overview of each day's activities. 

What other conference activities should I be looking forward to?
The conference includes educational sessions that are designed to maximize your learning while you're with us; there are several tracks for chapter, state council and membership volunteers, as well as sessions specifically focused on leadership development.

In addition to these professional development sessions, we provide numerous other opportunities to increase your learning, networking and influence.

Conference Orientation
To prepare you for the day's of learning ahead and give you a chance to meet your fellow volunteers from across the nation.  This session is held at Thursday, November 15 and 1:00 p.m.  Open to all attendees, it is particularly valuable for first time attendees.

Membership Summit
Back by popular demand, we are providing a learning track just for our State Council Membership Directors. The Membership Summit is full of information that will assist chapters on their important recruitment and retention efforts. Because this track is offered concurrently as the breakouts by chapter size/state council, we encourage you to stay within this track, as it has been designed specifically to suit the needs of your role. If you're a new State Council Membership Director, or need a refresher, don't forget about the pre-conference session on Thursday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. to understand the basics of SHRM membership.

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REGISTRATION & HOUSING INFORMATION
When will registration & housing open?
Friday, July 20

What is the cost of hotel accommodations?
$229/night for single/double + taxes

How do I make my hotel reservations for this Conference?
Eligible attendees may make their reservations directly with the Gaylord National Hotel by calling (301) 965-2000

Hotel accommodations will not be made through or by SHRM. Be sure to mention the SHRM Leadership Conference when making your reservation. A credit card will be required to hold the reservation, even if the attendee qualifies for complimentary accommodations.  The Gaylord National accepts American Express, Carte Blanche, Diner’s Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.

What time are check in and check out?
Check in is at 3:00 p.m. EST and check out is 11:00 a.m. EST.  Rooms are not likely to be available prior to 3 pm so plan to check your luggage if you arrive early in the day.

Will I have wireless internet access in my hotel room?
Complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access is available in the guest rooms and hotel atrium.

Who do I contact if I have a question about the Leadership Conference?
Your primary contact for any questions is your assigned Field Services Director or Regional Administrator.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations for the Conference must be made in writing and faxed to +1-703-535-6490 or e-mailed to shrm@shrm.org. There is no cancellation fee.

Cancellations for hotel accommodations must be made directly with the Gaylord National within 72 hours of arrival.  SHRM is not responsible for handling hotel accommodations for attendees.
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ABOUT THE AREA
What is the address of the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center?
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD  20745
(301) 965-2000

How far is SHRM headquarters from the Gaylord National?
SHRM headquarters is across the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA, less than 6 miles away from the Gaylord National.

What’s available onsite at the Gaylord National?
Within the Gaylord National you’ll find fine dining and casual restaurants, unique shopping experiences, an indoor pool and a 20,000 sq. foot spa and fitness center.
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/national-home.html?source=www.gaylordnational.com

Are there restaurants and shopping close to the Gaylord National?
Within walking distance in National Harbor area are a variety of restaurants and shops
http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/nh_directory_map.pdf

I’d like to go into Washington D.C.  What are my options? 
In addition to a taxi or the Metro bus to the Metro, the Gaylord National offers shuttles and tours.  Depending on which mode of transportation you choose and the time of day will dictate how long it takes you to get into DC.  Check with the Concierge to get a better idea of how long to plan to travel to your location.
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-national/directions-transportation/dc-shuttle-service/index.html?intcmp=gn-lnav-trans#DC

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TRANSPORTATION

Is there shuttle available to and from the airport?
Yes, the Gaylord National offers airport shuttle service to three airports (see below).  Reservations are recommended. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-national/directions-transportation/reagan-national-shuttle.html

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately a 15 minute drive.  Dulles and Baltimore Washington International Airports are both approximately a 45 minute drive from the Gaylord National.

• Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) – (Runs every 20 minutes)
• $19.00 one-way per passenger/$85.00 exclusive* or $38.00 round-trip per passenger
• Dulles International Airport (IAD) - $45.00 each way per passenger/$125.00 exclusive
• Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - $45.00 each way per passenger/$125.00 exclusive

How much is a taxi from the airport?
• Ronald Reagan (DCA) - $23*
• Dulles (IAD) - $73*
• Baltimore Washington (BWI) - $84*

*All rates are subject to change without notice.  Please call ahead to confirm pricing.

What is the cost to park a car at the Gaylord National?
Parking at the Gaylord National is $21 per day for overnight self-parking and $30 per day for overnight valet parking.  Guests with a handicapped placard or license plate may use designated handicapped valet parking places for the self-parking price.

Does the Metro stop at the Gaylord National?
No, the Metro does not stop at the Gaylord National. Metro bus service is available to the closest Metro stop, which is Branch Avenue located on the green line.  
http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-national/directions-transportation/bus-service/index.html?intcmp=gn-tsr-trans

You can also take the King Street Shuttle from the hotel to connect with the Metro system at KING STREET or visit Old Town Alexandria Virginia’s historic waterfront community. Check with the hotel for hours of service for the shuttle.

No Reservations are required. Guests are simply asked to request a boarding pass at the transportation desk (next to Bell Services). Round Trip Ticket Rates: $7 one way, $14 round trip.
Guests may purchase MetroRail passes directly at the transportation desk.

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