FAQ
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
What are the dates and location of the SLA 2017 Annual Conference?
The conference will be held June 16-20, 2017, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Continuing education and certificate courses, unit business meetings, and special events will take place on June 16-17; the conference will officially kick off on Sunday, June 18, with educational workshops, followed by the Opening General Session at 10:30 a.m. The INFO-EXPO (exhibit hall) opens with a luncheon Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
A schedule is available on the conference website.
REGISTRATION
How do I register for the SLA Annual Conference?
Advanced registration for the conference and ticketed Events is now closed. Onsite registration for the conference and ticketed events (space permitting) will be available beginning Friday, June 16th at 3:00 pm. Please bring a completed registration form to the Onsite Solutions desk at Registration. Questions? Email learning@sla.org.
What is included in the full registration fee?
The registration fee covers entry into the INFO-EXPO (includes all events—lunches, ice cream social, opening reception, etc.), general sessions, educational workshops, and health and wellness sessions. There are hundreds of events and programs to attend!
Can I attend just the continuing education and certificate courses on Friday and Saturday?
Yes. You will need to pay only for the continuing education (CE) and/or certificate course(s) you are registering for and not an additional conference registration fee.
How do I register for ticketed events?
Online registration for ticketed events, including continuing education and certificate courses, special events, tours, etc., has closed. If you are interested in attending an event, please visit the Onsite Solutions desk at registration.
Whom do I contact to make changes to my registration?
Contact SLA at learning@sla.org or call +1.703.647.4900.
What is the registration cancellation policy?
Registration cancellations are subject to a $100 cancellation administrative fee. Requests for refunds must be received by SLA staff via email or by fax (+1.703.506.3266) on the dates indicated below:
Refund requests received by May 8, 2017, are eligible for a full refund, minus the $100 cancellation fee.
Refund requests received between May 9-22, 2017, are eligible for a refund of 50% of the registration and applicable event fees, minus the $100 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds for requests submitted May 23, 2017, or later.
ACCOMMODATIONS
How do I make my hotel reservations?
Three Phoenix hotels have been selected to serve as conference hotels and offer discounted conference rates. Housing registration through the SLA Official Housing Provider, Experient, has now closed. SLA recognizes that you have a choice when making your hotel reservations to attend the SLA 2017 Annual Conference. We have worked to secure the best rates available with our conference hotels in Phoenix. By staying in the SLA room block, you help SLA meet our obligations to the conference hotels that offer the reduced rates shown below and at future conferences possible. We appreciate your continued support!
Whom do I contact to change my hotel reservations?
Please contact SLA’s official housing office, Experient, at sla@experient-inc.com or call +1.800.974.3084 (outside the U.S., call +1.847.996.5876). Experient can be reached Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ET.
INFO-EXPO
Can I attend the INFO-EXPO without a full registration?
Yes, you may purchase a 3-day or 1-day “INFO-EXPO Only” pass in advance via the registration website or on-site at the Phoenix Convention Center. The pass grants entrance to the INFO-EXPO only. No other conference programs, events, or activities are accessible with this type of registration.
SPONSORSHIPS & ADVERTISING
Where can I find a list of exhibitors?
Download the list of current exhibitors.
Whom do I contact if my company is interested in exhibiting?
Send an email to Kathy Bradley, vice president, fundraising and partnerships, at kbradley@sla.org or call +1.703.647.4900.
Whom do I contact about sponsoring an SLA 2017 event?
Send an email to Kathy Bradley, vice president, fundraising and partnerships, at kbradley@sla.org or call +1.703.647.4900.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the dress code for the SLA Annual Conference?
Dress comfortably and wear shoes that are good for walking. Meeting room temperatures often vary, so be sure to bring a sweater, and dress in layers.
What is the weather like in June in Phoenix?
Phoenix in June is hot, but it is a dry heat. Be sure to pack sunscreen (even for minimal planned sun exposure), as well as a hat. Drink plenty of water, both before traveling to Phoenix and while you’re there. Service dogs should always wear protective footwear when outside. Check the local forecast for up-to-date information.
Whom do I contact about dietary restrictions?
There is a section on the online registration and print registration forms where you can select dietary restrictions. If you have a dietary restriction outside of the listed categories (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and Kosher), please contact learning@sla.org. SLA will make reasonable efforts to provide dining options for all attendees, but we cannot guarantee that all dietary restrictions can always be accommodated.
Does SLA have an anti-harassment policy?
The SLA 2017 Annual Conference is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Sexual language and imagery are not appropriate for any conference venue, including sessions and networking events. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference [without a refund] at the discretion of the conference organizers. Review our anti-harassment policy.
Whom do I contact about ADA or special needs?
There is a section on the online registration and print registration forms where you can list any ADA or special needs. Special needs may include requiring an interpreter, nursing room, scooter rental, etc. Please send an email to learning@sla.orgif you have any questions. All ADA and special needs requests must be received by May 8, 2017. SLA will work to accommodate requests, but we cannot make any guarantees.
Can my child attend the conference with me?
There are no family activities or child programming at the SLA 2017 Annual Conference. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted in the INFO-EXPO. SLA does not provide child care services, but we can provide a list of child care providers in the area. Send an email to learning@sla.org for more information.
