Update Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of the registration/information desk?

The registration/information desk will be open from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm on Sunday, October 15, from 7:00 am-5:15 pm on Monday, October 16 and from 7:00 am-5:00pm on Tuesday, October 17.

Where will the registration/information desk be located?

On Sunday, October 15 during the preregistration, the registration/information desk will be located on the Constitution level across from the bottom of the escalators.

On Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17, the registration/information desk will be located on the Independence level past the ballroom.

How can I identify BIS staff?

BIS staff will be wearing name badges identifying them and listing their area of expertise.

Will an attendee list be available at the beginning of the conference?

Yes, an attendee list will be provided as part of your conference material. Anyone who registers prior to September 15 will be included on the attendee list.

What are rules regarding badges?

Name badges must be worn at all times and must be visible. Your name badge serves as your entrance into all events. If your name badge is not visible, conference staff or room monitors may ask to see it before allowing you into conference events.

How can I keep track of conference events?

When you register at the event, you will be given an Update “passport” with the program schedule and room locations, as well as an exhibitor listing. Additionally, signage will be available throughout both levels of the conference area with program information and room locations.

What is the seating policy for the plenary and breakout sessions?

The plenary sessions will take place in the Ballroom and can accommodate all registrants. Attendees are asked to take a seat rather than stand at the back.

For the breakout sessions, it is first come, first served. Once the session room is full with seated attendees, the session will be closed to additional attendees. No standing at the back is permitted.

Why did I have to indicate which breakout sessions I plan to attend when I registered on-line?

We ask for this information to determine the expected level of attendance at each session to ensure adequate seating in breakout rooms. It does not guarantee you a seat or require you to adhere to the schedule of sessions in which you identified interest. Seating in breakout sessions is first come, first served.

What events and activities are taking place Sunday, October 15?

There will be a SNAP Redesign Innovations Progress briefing from 4:00-5:00 pm, a reception in the exhibit hall from 5:00-7:00 pm and a SNAP R User Group Sign Up, Demonstrations and Hands-On training. We encourage you to register and obtain your conference materials anytime between 3:00-7:00 pm on Sunday. Registration lines are expected to be longer on the morning of Monday, October 16.

What meals will be provided at the events?

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both Monday, October 16 and Tuesday, October 17. Hor d’oeuvres and a la carte entrees are part of the Gala Reception on Monday, October 16.

What networking events are available?

Networking opportunities include the preregistration reception from 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, October 15, the afternoon break from 2:45-3:45 pm in the Exhibit Hall on Monday, October 16, the Gala Reception from 5:30-8:30 pm on Monday, October 16, and the Breakfast with BIS Licensing and Enforcement Staff from 7:00-8:30 am on Tuesday, October 17.

What is the Breakfast Roundtable with BIS Licensing and Enforcement Staff?

BIS licensing and enforcement staff will be available for you to meet during breakfast on the morning of October 17. There will be two 45 minute sessions: from 7:00-7:45 am and 7:45-8:30 am. You may take part in both sessions, but to provide ample opportunity to network, you will be required to select a different table for each session. There will be a guide in your program material which identifies the BIS staff member and area of expertise as well as the table where you will find each person. The tables will be numbered. This event is first come, first served.

How do I find my way to conference events?

Conference events will take place on both the Constitution and Independence levels of the hotel (below the Lagoon level). Your program book will include a diagram of these two levels. Directional signage and program agenda signage identifying room locations will be available on both levels.

Where will the preregistration and the reception take place?

Preregistration and the preregistration reception will take place on the Constitution level.

Where will the breakout sessions be held?

Breakout sessions will take place on both the Constitution and Independence levels.

Where will the plenaries be held?

The plenaries will take place in the Independence level ballroom.

Where will lunch be held?

Lunch on both October 16 and October 17 will take place in the Independence level ballroom.

Where is the Export Management and Compliance Pavilion?

The Pavilion will be located on the Independence Level in the Farragut Square/Lafayette Park Room.

Where is the SNAP Redesign Innovations Demo Room?

The SNAP-R demonstration area will be located on the Independence Level in the Franklin Square Room.

Where do I find the exhibitors?

The exhibit hall will be on the Constitution level in the ballroom.

What are the hours of the exhibit hall?

The exhibit hall will be open from 3:00pm-7:00 pm on Sunday, October 15, from 7:30 am-5:00 pm on Monday, October 16, and from 7:00 am-noon on Tuesday, October 17.

Where do I turn in the evaluation form?

Please return your evaluation form to the registration/information desk.

Why should I have each exhibitor stamp my “passport”?

If you visit and have your passport stamped by each exhibitor, you can turn it in to the registration/information desk and receive a special gift on Tuesday, October 17.

How do I transfer my registration to someone else in my organization?

You may transfer your registration to another member of your same organization at any time upon email notification to BIS at Updateconference@bis.doc.gov. However, BIS is unable to accommodate requests for changing the payment method or transferring charges to another credit card account.

Do I need to bring my registration confirmation with me?

Your registration will be on file at the registration desk, but you should bring your email confirmation with you as it serves as your receipt for the conference.

How do I get a receipt for my Update registration?

Your email confirmation of your registration serves as your receipt.

Can I bring my check payment with me?

Check payments must be received by BIS prior to October 6 or your registration may be cancelled.

Will there be a bulletin board for messages?

Yes, a bulletin board for posting messages and other information will be located near the registration/information desk.

Will there be an Update West next year?

A one-day Export Control Forum will be held March 19, 2007 in Newport Beach, California.

Can I purchase additional program materials?

Yes, program material is available for purchase subject to availability. Please see the registration/information desk for details.

Can I bring a guest with me to the Gala Reception?

Yes, gala tickets are available for purchase. Please email BIS at Updateconferece@bis.doc.gov or inquire at the registration/information desk.

Can I just attend the Gala Reception?

Yes, gala tickets are available for purchase. Please email BIS at Updateconferece@bis.doc.gov or inquire onsite at the registration/information desk.

What is the dress code at the conference?

The dress code is business casual to all events.

Are CLE credits available?

BIS programs, including Update, are certified by the State Bar of California for CLE credit. Many State Bars will accept credits from programs certified by other State Bars. Thus, if you are an attorney in another state, you may be able to accrue CLE credits by submitting the attendance form to your own State. Please ask at the registration/information desk.

Will program material be made available on a CD to attendees?

Following the program, materials will be made available electronically either by email or on CD.

How do I have my conference material shipped back to my office?

The Hotel Business Center is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. – Noon.

Will my cell phone work in the conference area?

This depends on your service provider. Cell phones with Verizon Wireless should work in all areas of the hotel. Pay phones are also available on both conference levels.

What is the conference policy on use of cell phones, beepers and pagers?

These devices should be either turned off or set to vibrate. Please step outside the conference rooms into the hallway if using your cell phone.

Does the hotel offer internet access?

High-speed wireless internet access is available for a daily fee and is accessible from a number of locations around the hotel, including guest rooms and many public areas, but not in the conference rooms.