Frequently Asked Questions

General


Registration


Travel & Lodging


Education



When You Arrive


Sponsors/Exhibitors


Get Involved


General Answers


What are the future dates of The HRSouthwest Conference?

2014: October 5 - 8


What is the appropriate attire for The Conference?

Business casual attire is suggested for all events during The Conference. Dressing in layers or a sweater/light jacket is recommended during the day. The meeting rooms can get chilly.


Where is The Conference held?

The Conference takes place at the Fort Worth Convention Center.


Who should attend The HRSouthwest Conference?

The Conference is designed to provide world-class HRCI-accredited educational opportunities, dynamic networking events and a robust marketplace of HR-related solution providers. Individuals who are involved in the creation, management, or implementation of human resource-related policy and practices should attend. Educational sessions are tailored to all professional levels, for those new to the HR field or those in senior-level executive roles. Speakers include national, regional and local experts on a wide variety of topics.


Can I bring children to The Conference?

As an educational event designed for human resource professionals, children are not permitted.



Registration Answers


What is the cost to attend The Conference?

Conference rates vary by membership type and date. Please visit the Rates & Registration page for more information on the rates currently offered.


Who can I contact with questions regarding registration?

Contact attendees@hrsouthwest.com.


What does the registration fee include?

The Full Conference Registration includes access to:

- All educational sessions (excluding pre-conference workshops which require separate registration)
- Exhibit Hall during published hours
- Welcome reception on Sunday
- Closing reception on Tuesday
- Breaks and lunches in the Exhibit Hall on Monday and Tuesday
- Admission to keynote sessions on Monday and Wednesday
- Unlimited networking opportunities with over 1800 human resource professionals

Are there discounted registrations available for students?

Yes. Students are invited to apply for a sponsored registration at a rate of only $200. Applications are limited and on a first come, first served basis. See the Student Registration page for more information.


What is the deadline to pre-register for 2012?

Friday, October 18, 2013. On-site registration is available for a higher fee. Please see Rates & Registration for more information.


How can registration payments be made?

We accept checks, American Express, Visa and MasterCard. To pay by check, please make your check payable to "The HRSouthwest Conference" and mail it with your completed registration form to: The HRSouthwest Conference, 4100 Spring Valley Road, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75244.

To pay by credit card, please register online or mail your completed registration form, including credit card information, to the address above or fax to 214.631.4533. A confirmation receipt will be provided to you by both mail and email.


Will my contact information be shared with others?

General attendee information may be shared with our Sponsors and Exhibitors. You may opt out of this when you register for The Conference (see registration form).


I can only attend part of The Conference. Can someone else attend the rest of The Conference in my place?

Partial transfers are not permitted. You may, however, transfer the entire registration to another individual. See our Transfer Policy on the Registration Information page for details. The use of a registered attendee’s conference badge by another individual is strictly prohibited.


I have an emergency or found out at the last minute that I cannot attend Conference. What do I do?

We understand that unforeseeable circumstances and emergencies do occur. Registrants must submit cancellations in writing attendees@hrsouthwest.com. A cancellation fee will be incurred.

Registrations may also be transferred in full to another individual and must be in writing; however, higher registration fees will apply if membership status is different. Transfer requests must be sent attendees@hrsouthwest.com in writing or faxed to 214.631.4533 and will incur a $50 administrative fee. Transfer request letters must be from the original registrant (on company letterhead for transfers handled on-site at the Registration desk). Registrations will not be transferred from one year to the next.


Can I be denied registration/entrance into The Conference for any reason?

The HRSouthwest Conference reserves the right to deny registration to any individual or entity for any reason, at The Conference’s sole discretion. It is required for all attendees and participants to present a photo ID to claim their badge on-site. No exceptions will be made.


I live outside of the U.S. Do I need a visa to attend The Conference?

There are a few countries that require a visa for entry into the U.S. We recommend checking in advance with your country's local U.S. consulate. In order to request a visa letter, please be prepared to provide the following information:
- Name
- Passport Number
- Country of Origin
- Passport Expiration Date
- Date Registered for The Conference 

Visa letters will only be issued for fully paid attendees. Contact attendees@hrsouthwest.com.



Travel & Lodging Answers


How do I make reservations for lodging?

A limited number of rooms has been set aside at a special rate at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel (headquarter hotel), the Hilton Fort Worth and the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa. Reservations must be made through the official housing bureau, Wyndham Jade, online or by calling 877.212.6909. Deadline to reserve at The Conference rate is October 11 or until the room block is full.


Are there special rates available for air travel or car rental?

Special discounts have been arranged with American Airlines and Avis Car Rental.


How far is the Convention Center from the airport?

The Fort Worth Convention Center is located in Downtown Fort Worth near US I-35W at Lancaster Street, exit 15A. Distance is approximately 25 miles from D/FW International Airport-DFW (approximately US $45 by taxi) and approximately 38 miles from Dallas Love Field Airport-DAL (approximately US $75 by taxi). Discounted shuttle fares are available.



Education Answers


I was unable to attend a specific educational session. How can I get one of the speakers' handouts?

We request that Speakers upload their handouts to the Online Learning Center prior to the event. Also, a select number of sessions are recorded and available for download on the Online Learning Center.

On-site, there is a table set up outside Room 101 for extra educational session handouts when they are available. Handouts are not available for all sessions as speakers may choose not to provide. More information coming soon on how to download presentations after the The Conference.


Can I go to any educational sessions I want? Is pre-registration required?

You are free to attend any of sessions listed in the Conference brochure. No pre-registration or RSVP is required.


How do I receive HRCI credit for the sessions I attend?

A form to track sessions attended/ hours is provided to attendees in the on-site brochure. In order to receive credit for your hours, this form must be submitted to the HR Certification Institute in accordance with the instructions provided.


When will session times be announced?

Session times are announced when Registration opens.


I'd like to plan out the educational sessions before I arrive. Is there a tool available to help with that?

Yes, this is available on the official HRSouthwest mobile app. Stay tuned to the Mobile App page for more information.


How will I know which room an educational session will take place?

The on-site brochure includes that information.


I'm interested in presenting at HRSouthwest. How do I submit a proposal?

Please submit all speaking proposals via our online Speaker Proposal system. More information can be found on the Speaker Service Center.


When You Arrive Answers


Where do I pick up my badge?

You may pick up your badge and conference bag at the Registration desk during open registration hours. For security purposes, a valid photo ID is required in order to pick up a badge. No exceptions will be made.


Is there internet access available at the Fort Worth Convention Center?

The Fort Worth Convention Center offers free Wi-Fi access for the public in the lobby areas only.


Where is the Business Center at the Fort Worth Convention Center?

The Business Center is available in the Bookstore during posted hours. It includes complimentary computer stations with internet access, printer, fax and copying services.


How do I qualify for/enter the prize drawings?

You must be present to win any of the Super Prize Drawings and the Grand Prize. The rules for entry and announcement times for these drawings are listed in your on-site Conference brochure. You may not have to be present to win the individual exhibitor prizes.

All Silent Auction winning bidders and exhibitor prize giveaways will be posted on the prize board in the Registration area.


I hear there's a Silent Auction at The Conference. Where is it, what items are available and who does it benefit?

Each year, the Silent Auction showcases many exciting items available for bid, ranging from sports and entertainment tickets, dining and retail gift certificates, jewelry, electronics, training session certificates, memorabilia and much more. The Silent Auction is located at the back of the Exhibit Hall and all proceeds benefit the Excellence in Education Student Scholarship Fund.


Sponsors/Exhibitors Answers


How do I register to be an Exhibitor?

Exhibitor registration generally opens in January prior to The Conference. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis, with first right of renewal and priority booth selection reserved for the previous year's Sponsors and Exhibitors. Visit the Exhibitor page to apply for a booth.


How do I become a Sponsor? What are the benefits?

Conference Sponsors receive a wide array of benefits and recognition including complimentary booth space, acknowledgement in pre-conference marketing materials and industry publications, on-site signage, and much more. Sponsorship packages are designed to accommodate many different budget levels and can be customized to help you achieve your specific marketing goals. Read more about Sponsorship opportunities here, email Nann Philips, CMP, CMM, Business Development & Exhibits Director or call 214.631.7476 x 22.


I'm a current exhibitor and I don't know what to do next.

You're in the right place. Helpful information is provided in the Exhibitor Service Center. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us at exhibitors@hrsouthwest.com.


Get Involved Answers


How can I volunteer to help out at The Conference?

The HRSouthwest Conference is supported and organized by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and committee volunteers, all of whom are HR professionals or suppliers to the industry. Volunteer selections are made in December/January for the following year's event. To be eligible, you must be a member in good standing of any Texas State SHRM Chapter. Visit our Volunteer Information page to download a volunteer interest form.



Have Additional Questions?

Contact us at info@hrsouthwest.com if you have questions about anything else.


MOBILE EVENT APP

The HRSouthwest Conference has gone mobile!


Click here for more info.

WELCOME CENTER

The Welcome Center, located near the Registration area, can help you find your way around the Fort Worth Convention Center. They can also answer just about any question you have.


Hungry?

The HRSouthwest Welcome Center can assist you with local dining options.


Need a Bandaid?

We’ve got one, as well as other first aid supplies, feminine products, and safety pins.


Don’t want to eat alone?

Come and sign up for a “Meet & Eat”. The Welcome Center will match you with another “solo” attendee to dine with.


Time to kill?

Stop by to chat! Our friendly volunteers are there to help you feel comfortable and ensure that your Conference experience is as enjoyable as possible.

IMPORTANT LINKS