2008 IRE Conference: Frequently Asked Questions

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How much does it cost to attend the conference? Where do I send my conference registration form? Should I mail a copy as well as fax a copy? How many people can register on each registration form? If I have not registered by the time advance registration closes on May 19 can I still register for the conference? Can I use any credit card? To whom do I make my check or money order payable? Will IRE invoice me for my conference registration? Do I have to be a member to attend the conference? How do I know when my membership expires? Can my newspaper/organization become a member of IRE? How do I cancel and request a refund for a registration? If I have to cancel my registration, can someone else attend in my place?

Will I receive additional information about the conference if I pre-register by May 19? How do I make hotel arrangements? Where should I go when I arrive at the conference? Is the CAR day a "hands-on" training event? Can you send me a list of others who are registered for the conference? Can my spouse/guest attend the conference? Can I bring my child to a session? Can I attend only one or two of the panels and not have to pay for the entire conference? Can I attend only one day of the conference? May my spouse attend the IRE Awards Luncheon? How can I get more information about the conference? What is the dress code for the conference? Are coffee or other beverages provided?

REGISTRATION

Q. How much does it cost to attend the conference?

A. Registration for the main conference up until March 31 is $165. From April 1 to May 19th the price will be $175 for all members with memberships current through July 1. If you would like to attend the optional computer-assisted reporting (CAR) day on June 5 you will need to pay an additional $50. If you are not currently a member of IRE, or your membership expires on or before July 1, you will need to pay the membership fee before you can attend the conference.

Q. Where do I send my conference registration form?

A. There are three easy ways to register for the conference. They are listed below in preferred order:

1. Go to http://www.ire.org/training/miami08 (After you complete your registration information and hit submit, you will be able to review your information, then proceed to the credit card payment step.) This is a secure Web site.
2. Download a pdf registration form. Fax your registration form with complete credit card information to 573-882-5431. Click here for a pdf.
3. Mail your completed conference registration form with payment made out in full to: IRE, 138 Neff Annex, Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO 65211. Click here for a pdf registration form.

Q. Should I mail a copy as well as fax a copy?

A. No! Please do not mail and fax your form. If you mail and fax your registration form, there is a good possibility that your credit card will be charged twice.

Q. How many people can register on each registration form?

A. Please submit individual forms for each person.

LATE REGISTRATION

Q. If I have not registered by the time advance registration closes, can I still register for the conference?

A. Yes, however you must register on site in Miami. On-site registration is $200 and you must bring the completed PDF registration form with you.

PAYMENT

Q. Can I use any credit card?

A. No. We accept only Visa, MasterCard and American Express. All payments must be in U.S. dollars.

Q. To whom do I make my check or money order payable?

A. All checks or money orders should be payable to IRE.

Q. Will IRE invoice me for my conference registration?

A. No, payment in full must accompany all registration forms.

MEMBERSHIP

Q. Do I have to be a member to attend the conference?

A. Yes. Your IRE membership must be current to July 1 for you to attend. You may join IRE and register for the conference on the same conference registration form. A one-year professional membership is $60; a one-year student membership is $25.

Q. How do I know when my membership expires?

A. Your membership expiration date is on the membership card that was mailed to you. Your membership number is on the left, just above the bold black line on the front of the card. Your expiration date is to the far right. If you are not sure of your number, you may call us at (573) 882-2042 or send a request via e-mail to memberdesk@ire.org.

Q. Can my newspaper/organization become a member of IRE?

A. No. We do not accept organizational memberships. Membership is offered on an individual basis only.

CANCELLATIONS

Q. How do I cancel and request a refund for a registration?

A. Send the cancellation refund requests via e-mail to . There is a $50 ($25 for students) processing fee for all cancellations. Cancellations received after June 4 will not be honored. No refunds will be issued for ticketed events if received after June 4. IRE membership dues are non-refundable.

Q. If I have to cancel my registration, can someone else attend in my place?

A. Yes, you may substitute a registration. Send the substitution information via e-mail to jgreen@ire.org or fax the notice to John Green at 573-882-5431. If the new registrant is not an IRE member, he or she must pay a membership fee in order to complete the registration transfer. IRE memberships are neither transferable nor refundable.

CONFIRMATION

Q. Will I receive additional information about the conference if I register before May 19?

A. Yes, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from IRE once the registration has been processed. (It will take a couple of days).

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q. Where should I go when I arrive at the conference?

A. Registration will be located on the 2nd level of the hotel. Once on the 2nd floor, follow the signs directing you to registration.

Q. Is the CAR day a "hands-on" training event?

A. No, the CAR day will focus on computer-assisted reporting topics through panels only.

Q. Can you send me a list of others who are registered for the conference?

A. We cannot send a list but you can find speakers' names and affiliations on the conference Web site.

Q. Can my spouse/guest attend the conference?

A. Spouses and guests may attend some of the meal functions if a ticket has been purchased. If they would like to attend the conference sessions, if eligible, they must become a member of IRE and register for the conference.

Q: Can I bring my child to a session?

A. As a professional courtesy, we ask that you make other arrangements for your children.

Q. Can I attend only one or two of the panels and not have to pay for the entire conference?

A. No. The pricing structure for the conference is based upon full attendance or a minimum of one day.

Q. Can I attend only one day of the conference?

A. Yes. The fee is $100 with the same membership stipulations. However, this one-day fee does not include admission to any meal functions. You will be required to purchase a ticket if you choose to attend the Saturday IRE Awards Luncheon.

Q. May my spouse attend the Saturday awards luncheon?

A. Yes. Tickets for the Saturday luncheon are available for purchase at the Sales Desk.

Q. How can I get more information about the conference?

A. Please check the conference Web site. The site is updated on a regular basis.

Q. What is the dress code for the conference?

A. Business casual. Keep in mind, the conference meeting rooms in large hotels tend to be cold so we suggest you bring a jacket or sweater.

Q. Are coffee or other beverages provided?

A. No. Due to the prohibitive costs at hotels, we are unable to provide complimentary coffee and at the same time, continue to keep the registration fee so low.

 

If you have additional questions, please call us at (573) 882-2042.
See you in Miami!