Frequently Asked Questions

FOR YEOs -- ABOUT REGISTRATION

As a YEO, how do I register?
For registration information, please contact Ryan Hurst at rhurst@pfaw.org.

When is the last day to register as a YEO?
The last day for YEOs to register was Wednesday, March 31, 2010.

When is the last day to book and submit travel documents?
The last day for YEOs to submit confirmation of their travel arrangements to YEO staff is Friday, April 9, 2010. Failure to submit documentation of travel arrangements by this date will result in the YEO being dropped from registration.

When will I receive my registration materials?
Materials will not be mailed in advance. You can pick up your badge, registration materials and program on-site beginning Thursday, May 13th, at 8 a.m. at the Sheraton Crystal City. Badges will be required to attend sessions, board all shuttle buses, and attend off-site events.  Additional information about registration will be sent prior to the Convening.

FOR GUESTS

How do I register as a guest?
The easiest way to register as a guest is online.  For the guest registration form, click here.

When is the last day to register as a guest?
The last day for guests to register is Friday, April 30, 2010.

What does the guest pass include?
Hall Pass- ($200) This pass provides access to all general plenary sessions, including all meals, and the Convening Exhibition. In addition, a ticket to the 5th Anniversary Gala is included with this pass.
Full Conference Pass- ($350) This pass provides access to the all National Convening events, including general plenary sessions, workshops, all meals, and the Convening Exhibition. In addition, a ticket to the 5th Anniversary Gala is included with this pass.

ABOUT COSTS

How much does it cost?
The YEO Network National Convening registration and double occupancy hotel accommodations are at NO cost for members of the YEO Network. This includes accommodations, meals, and all conference costs and training. While members arrange their own travel, those in need may apply for a limited number of travel scholarships available.

Can we bring guests?
YEOs are welcome to bring a spouse or significant other for additional costs. For details on pricing or to order guest tickets, click here. If you have questions, you may contact Linda Morris at lmorris@pfaw.org.

Is the YEO Network paying for travel?
Given the unfortunate state of the economy, the program is unable to offer full travel expenses for the 2010 Convening. While members arrange their own travel, a limited number of travel scholarships are available. YEOs will receive scholarship funds on an “as needed” basis upon attendance and participation in the National Convening. To review the YEO Network Travel Scholarship guidelines, please click here. Travel Scholarship forms are due by March 31, 2010 to rhurst@pfaw.org.

How much does it cost to have a single room?
The Network has designated double rooming for YEOs as the basic accommodations provided. Rooming in a single requires an additional payment of $100 per night. Please click here to order and pay for your single room. You may contact lmorris@pfaw.org if you have any questions.

ABOUT TRAVEL

Is the YEO Network paying for travel?
Please see this question above in "About Costs".

When should I arrive in Washington, D.C.?
The YEO Network recommends attendants arrive Thursday, May 13 in the morning, in order to take advantage of site seeing or pre-conference tracks. If you have any questions, please e-mail Ryan at rhurst@pfaw.org. 

How long should I stay?
Stay through Sunday afternoon, May 16th!  You won’t want to miss the closing session activities on Sunday! Try to book your departing flight for after 4pm to get the most out of the National Convening!

How can I apply for the travel scholarship?
YEOs will receive scholarship funds on an “as needed” basis upon attendance at the National Convening. You may view Travel Scholarship guidelines by clicking here, applications are due by March 31, 2010.  Scholarships are on a first come first serve basis to ensure fairness within the scholarship process.

Should I fly into Reagan–Washington National Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport?
We strongly recommend that you book your travel to fly into the Reagan-Washington National Airport (DCI). The Sheraton Crystal City operates a complimentary airport shuttle service from Reagan-Washington National Airport every 20 minutes. YEOs who choose to fly into Washington Dulles International Airport will be responsible for their own ground transportation costs to the Sheraton Crystal City.

Is transportation provided from the airport to the hotels?
The YEO Network will not provide ground transportation, but the Sheraton Crystal City operates a complimentary airport shuttle service every 20 minutes. YEOs may also choose to take the DC Metro from Reagan-Washington National Airport to the Sheraton Crystal City conveniently located only one stop down the Metro Blue Line going towards Largo Town Center, however, you will be responsible for your own transportation costs.

ABOUT THE GALA

How much are tickets?
YEOs each receive one complementary ticket to the YEO Gala.
For all other guests, tickets are $75.00. For more ticket information and purchases, click here. 

When is the last day to purchase Gala tickets?
Space is limited, so tickets are sold on a first come, first serve basis. The last day for ticket purchase is Friday, April 30, 2010.
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON SITE.

What are the Gala details?
- The 5th Anniversary Gala is Thursday, May 13. Cocktail Reception is at 6:30 pm; Gala Dinner at 7:30 pm.
- The Gala will be held at the National Press Club (529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor, Washington, DC 20045).
- The designated dress is formal cocktail attire.

What is the Gala Sponsor Information?
If you are interested in sponsoring the Gala, click here for sponsorship package information.

ABOUT THE YEO NATIONAL CONVENING

Who attends the Annual YEO Network National Convening?
We're expecting more than 200 young elected officials, progressive partners, and innovative trainers.

When and where is the meeting?
This year’s Convening is May 13-16, 2010 in Washington, DC. The entire Convening will be held at the Sheraton Crystal City, which is also where the YEOs will be staying. The Fifth Anniversary Opening Gala is off-site at the National Press Club, but transportation will be provided for YEOs. 

Where will we be staying? How do I make my hotel reservation?
All accommodations and conference sessions will be at the Sheraton Crystal City located downtown. YEOs DO NOT need to make individual hotel reservations. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email from our staff. All registered YEOs are provided basic accommodations at no additional cost. Basic accommodations consist of a double room, shared with a YEO. If you are interested in a single room, there is an additional cost of $100 per night. Please click here to order and pay for your single room. You may contact lmorris@pfaw.org if you have any questions.

If you would like to request your YEO rooming partner, both YEOs must submit a request in advance to Linda Morris at lmorris@pfaw.org. 

How many sessions will there be?
For every session series, four to five sessions are offered simultaneously, providing YEOs with more than twenty sessions to choose from. In addition, every YEO will receive the curriculum and best practices shared at all the sessions, supplying a pool of resources from the entire conference. The online agenda is coming soon.

What topics will you cover?
This year's National Convening will focus on the issues most important to our YEOs, including: education, economic development, environmental policy, immigration, tax reform, and more. We'll also hold skills based sessions on media training, interview skills, coalition building, technology, and much more. Our general sessions will focus on our Convening theme – A Progressive (R)EVOLUTION. Speakers will address how YEOs can affect progressive change. The online agenda is coming soon.

This is my first YEO National Convening. What should I expect?
If this is your first conference, you can expect 4 days of exciting opportunities to network with fellow young electeds from all over the country, as well as, receive personal and professional skills trainings, and issues-based training on the most pertinent topics facing young electeds today! Expect an emotionally and mentally rejuvenating weekend!

What is the dress code?
Business casual is the norm for the YEO National Convening, although formal cocktail attire is designated for the Fifth Anniversary Opening Gala on Thursday, May 13, 2010.

I'm interested in exhibiting, who should I contact?
We offer several packages for vendors and partners to exhibit during our Organizational Fair. To learn more about the opportunities and the costs, visit our Exhibitor page or email epope@pfaw.org.

I'm interested in training, who should I contact?
We welcome session suggestions and interested trainers. Please complete a trainer form or email epope@pfaw.org for more information.

2010 National Convening Main Page >>
Guest Passes >>
5th Anniversary Gala >>
Trainer Information Page>>
Exhibit Packages and Information >>
Partner Packages and Information >>
Convening Sponsorship Information >>
See what the 2009 Convening was like >>