NIIC 2015 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

REGISTRATION

How much does it cost to attend NIIC?

NIIC strives to be accessible to a wide range of participants. For that reason, we have a series of different registration fees. Please review registration fees and choose the one that works best for you!
Regular 3-Day Registration: $490
Regular 1-Day Registration: $190

Can I attend NIIC for one day only?

Yes, NIIC offers one-day passes for individuals who want to join us for only one of three days. Registration details can be found here.

I plan on joining for two days, which registration should I elect?

NIIC offers both 1-day and 3-day registration. If you would like to join the conference for just two days, we kindly request that you register for 3-days. Registration details can be found here.

Can my organization buy one 3-Day pass that is shared between different people?

No, each individual NIIC registration belongs to one individual. We do not allow multiple individuals to share one registration. Please feel free to purchase multiple individual, 1-day registrations! Registration details can be found here.

I want to register by check. How can I do that?

We strongly encourage participants to register online, which requires payment with a credit card. If you are unable to sign up online, registration forms and checks can be submitted by mail. Please find necessary off-line registration forms here. Please note that registration is not complete until payment is received.

My organization’s staff is traveling to the conference as a group. Is there a discount for us?

NIIC is excited to offer a 5% discount to all groups that are attending with more than 10 individuals. For more information please email [email protected] directly.

I’m presenting or speaking in a NIIC session (a panel, a workshop, a plenary, etc.), do I have to register for the conference?

Yes. All presenters and speakers need to register, whether you will be attending NIIC just for the session in which you are presenting, for one day or the full conference. There is no charge if you will just attend the session in which you are presenting. For more information, please contact the person who recruited you to speak, or email [email protected].

I want to join for just one session, but I don’t want to register for the entire day, what do I do?

Stay tuned for more information for about “session only” registration.

I need to cancel my registration. How can I do this and is there a fine?

Cancellations before November 16:

    • 3-Day Registrations: Refund of registration fee less $200
    • 1-Day Registrations: Refund of registration fee less $100

Cancellations November 16-November 30

    • 3-Day Registrations: Refund of registration fee less $275
    • 1-Day Registrations: Refund of registration fee less $125

Unless under extraordinary circumstances, no cancellations after November 30.

TRAVEL:

Where can I stay during the conference?

* The Marriott is currently sold out but this may change. Call  the Marriott to check: (718) 246-7000

Here are some alternative hotels that are nearby: 

For cheaper rates, try Hotels.com or Priceline.

How do I get from the airport to the conference?

from John F Kennedy Airport

            • Yellow or Green Taxi (40-50 minutes): $52 (plus tip)
            • Super Shuttle: tel: 800-BLUE VAN

from LaGuardia Airport

            • Yellow or Green Taxi (40-50 minutes): $52.00 (plus tip)

from Newark Liberty International Airport

          • Taxi (40-50 minutes): $80 (plus tip)

Can NIIC provide financial assistance to offset travel costs?

Unfortunately, no, NIIC is not able to provide travel stipends outside of scholarships.

Can NIIC help me with my travel arrangements? or help me find a place to stay in NYC?

Discounted rates at the Marriott are available through November 18. NIIC is not able to assist with other individual travel arrangements.

I plan to travel to NYC for the conference. Which airports, train stations and/or bus stations are closest to the conference?

There are plenty of transit hubs near the NIIC 2015 Conference and we strongly encourage participants to take advantage of the great public transportation options throughout the city:

Plane: The NYC metro area is home to three major airports – John F. Kennedy International Airport (Queens, NY), LaGuardia Airport(Queens, NY) and Newark Liberty International Airport (Newark, NJ). All three airports are accessible by public transportation, taxi/car service and airport shuttle services. Additional transit and direction information is available via The New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge website.

Train: NYC’s public transportation system is among the largest in the world with commuter rail lines from Long Island, upstate New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, and regional/national train service through Amtrak. The Long Island Rail Road services the Atlantic Avenue terminal in Brooklyn (closest to NIIC 2015 venue) and Penn Station in midtown Manhattan. New Jersey Transit services Penn Station. MetroNorth Railroad services Grand Central Station (midtown Manhattan). The New Jersey Path Train provides service between Newark, New Jersey and downtown Manhattan.

Bus: NYC’s largest bus station, Port Authority Bus Terminal, is located in Times Square, where numerous national chartered bus trips arrive and depart daily.

Subway: Closest subway stops: 2/3/4/5 to Borough Hall or the A/C/F/R to Jay Street/MetroTech

I plan to travel to NYC for the conference, how do I travel from my hotel to the Conference?

NIIC encourages participants who are traveling to the conference to take advantage of the discounted room rates available at NY Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge. Once you are here, getting around is easy. New York City is home to one of the most robust transportation networks in the country! To travel within the city you can use the subway or catch a bus.

By train: The New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge is located within walking distance of the 2/3/4/5/A/C/F/R subway lines. Complete subway information is available via the MTA.

By bus: Complete bus info is available via the MTA.

By Car: Parking is available in on-site garages at the Conference for a $25/per day. More information is available at the NY Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.

What can I see and where can I eat while I’m in New York?

Here are some suggestions from the New York Immigration Coalition for local sights and place to eat.

SCHOLARSHIPS

I want to attend the NIIC conference, but I can’t afford the registration fees. Are there scholarships available?

Yes, NIIC offers a limited number of scholarships. Unfortunately, the scholarship deadline closed October 1st, and we are no longer accepting applications. If you applied for a scholarship before October 1st, NIIC will notify you by October 31st regarding your request. If you have not yet applied for a scholarship, consider volunteering! You can sign up for more information here.

NIIC is making every effort to make the conference accessible for all who wish to attend. If additional discounted registration rates become available, updates will be available on the NIIC website.

I applied for a scholarship, when will I know if I was accepted?

Scholarship determinations will be made in October and we will notify all applicants about the status of their application by October 31st. Please note that scholarship awards are limited and will be based on available funds, needs and our priorities. We encourage all scholarship applicants to seek out additional sources of funding to support their trip to NIIC. Many schools, organizations and universities offer stipends and grants for travel and conference fees.

VOLUNTEERING

I’d like to volunteer. How do I sign-up?

NIIC is powered by a team of 100+ volunteers that donate their time and energy to the conference. Volunteers are needed in the week prior to NIIC and during the conference days. For more information, click here. If you would like to join our Volunteer Team, please sign-up here and our Volunteer Coordinators will be in touch with you soon. NIIC 2015 Volunteer Registration form.

NIIC NEW AMERICAN DREAMS EXPO

My organization would like to advertise our work at NIIC, is there a space or event where we can do this?

Yes, throughout the conference, different businesses, government programs and organizations will exhibit their unique work. We invite all organizations to share their work in the NIIC New American Dreams Expo! If your organization or business would like to secure an Expo table, please email Hadiyah Harrison at [email protected]. Expo participation must be confirmed by November 16.

SUPPORTING NIIC

I can’t attend the conference, but I would like to contribute to NIIC. What can I do?

NIIC is made possible by the generous support of our Sponsors, partners, registrants and interested supporters! You can make a tax deductible contribution to support NIIC and our Scholarship Fund. If you are interested in giving over $500 dollars, we encourage you to review the information available here.

To make a contribution to NIIC online, click here. Or for more information, please contact NYIC Development Manager, Laurie Smolenski at [email protected].

MISCELLANEOUS:

Where can I eat during the conference?

NIIC conference registration includes breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks. For dinner or other snacks, you are encouraged to visit one of the many restaurants and food trucks near the NY Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood. Check out our list of local eats!

I already registered for NIIC, but I want to attend a few specific sessions, how do I sign-up for specific sessions?

Your NIIC registration grants you access to any and all sessions, plenaries and presentations during the three-day event. We encourage you to attend all sessions that interest you; there is no need to register in advance unless you have purchased a “session-only” registration, which does require you to select the 1 session you will attend.

When will the full NIIC 2015 schedule be available?

NIIC’s full schedule is posted here and will be routinely updated.

Does NIIC have space available for groups to host private meetings during the conference time?

NIIC has some capacity to support meetings concurrent with the conference. This is contingent on space and the specific needs involved. If you are interested in hosting a meeting, please email [email protected].

I plan on staying a few extra days after the conference. Where can I find info about things to do and see in the Brooklyn area?

There is plenty to do in Brooklyn and beyond!  NIIC encourages participants to explore the neighborhoods around and beyond the New York Marriott at Brooklyn Bridge. For helpful tips on planning your New York City adventure, check out some of these resources:

Does NIIC have a dress code?

NIIC encourages all participants to dress comfortably, in business casual attire.

I’m still unsure about…

We’re here to help! Please reach out to our team at [email protected] with any questions, comments or ideas.

Still have questions?

Click here to contact us!