FAQs
Click on question to see the answer.
Why should I attend National Conference?
The National Conference gives its participants the opportunity to network with peers and technical professionals, enhance personal and technical skills, and accessibility to top technical corporations and graduate schools throughout the world. Corporations involved with the Conference also have the ability to recruit the most qualified and diverse candidates.
What is the purpose of National Conference?
The purpose of the National Conference is to bring together officers, leaders,
and members in a centralized location to conduct the business of NBGSA by reporting
the year's accomplishments, and to disseminate information to the membership
at large. In addition to the business meetings, there are competitions, keynote
speakers, banquets and luncheons, entertainment, college test preparation, professional
certifications, workshops, and a two-day Graduate School/Career Fair.
How can I volunteer at National Conference?
Individuals may volunteer at the National Conference by applying for the conference fellows program which the application can be found on line at
What is there to do in Chicago?
Chicago, IL is known as the Windy City where you can sample the historic, the artsy, the sports-oriented, the high fashion and the college life, all in one very manageable, friendly Midwestern city. For more information about your specific interests visit the Experience Chicago page.
How do I register for National Conference?
The registration process is available via the registration page.
Why should I register now?
To receive the member rates, you must be a member for the 2007-2008 membership year. Click here to register today.
How soon can I start registering for National Conference?
How do I join NBGSA or update my membership?
New memberships and renewal can be completed here.
Why is my membership so important to my Conference registration?
Only paid members for 2007-2008 will receive the discounted rates. If you are unsure of your membership status, contact the Vice President for Membership, Marguerite Matthews, at vpmembership@nbgsa.org.
Why am I not receiving the member rate?
If you are not receiving any of the rates issued to member when you register then you have not completed your membership properly or do not qualify for that rate. Confirm your membership status with Marguerite Matthews, Vice President for Membership at vpmembership@nbgsa.org.
How do I register a group of people?
Group registration is currently available via NOL.
How do I pay for members of my chapter?
A chapter officer can submit a check with the chapter’s name to have the
money placed on the chapter account. The money can subsequently be distributed
by a chapter officer to pay for all members on the chapter’s roster who
have registered for the conference.
All forms for members must be received on or before time of payment to receive
membership rate. Payments can be mailed with the unsubmitted membership registration
forms.
Do you accept Purchase Orders? If so, what is the process?
The NBGSA do not accept purchase orders, the association prefer that institutions pay through our Pay Pal system which is online.
Has my registration been confirmed?
Confirmations are sent upon completion of your registration.
You will need this confirmation on-site at the conference.
What is the refund policy?
Full refunds will be granted until March 1, 2006 by written request only. There will be no Conference refunds issued after this date. Fax refund request to 703.683.5312, complete online via NOL or mail to the address below.
What is the substitution policy?
Registration substitutions will be accepted on-site only. Original confirmation number and documentation is required. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. Additional charges may apply.
Where can I find the exhibitor booth request form?
The form can be downloaded from the NBGSA Conference website
Do I contact the hotel directly to book my room for National Conference?
Yes, individuals may contact the hotel directly to book rooms. For more information, click here.
Why should I stay in NBGSA conference hotels?
By residing in the “NSBE conference hotels” you will have direct accessibility to programs in your hotel and nearby hotels, better transportation from primary shuttles scheduled to be available at all NSBE hotels, and most of all, it is great way to meet individuals attending conference.
What conference transportation will be available?
Transportation for the conference at this time does not include transportation between NBGSA conference Hotels, the Conference Center, and other conference related places and events.
What airports can I fly into and how far are they from the Conference Center and downtown Chicago area?
The Port Chicago International Airport (CMH) is approximately 8 miles, approximately 12 minutes away from the Greater Chicago Conference Center. Transportation to and from Port Chicago International Airport can be secured by rental car, taxi or airport shuttle . See the Conference website for more information.
Should I rent a car upon arrival?
Whatever is your personal preference. The Conference Center is close to the airport so taxi or airport shuttles are great alternatives. For more information on the various types of public transportation available, please see the Travel page of the web site.
What will the weather be like during Conference?
The weather in the Chicago area in late March and early April is typically seasonably
cool. Please check a weather service before your departure to receive a local
forecast. Click here to
receive a local forecast for the Chicago area.
How does my school become eligible for the national conference registration discount?
Your school must register 10 or more people from your institution by February 20th. Any category of individuals (e.g., graduate students, undergraduates, staff, faculty, and recruiters) may be included in your total, so long as each registration is for the full conference and all persons are officially affiliated with a single institution.
Is there a deadline for an institution to receive the discount?
Institutions must be registered by 11:59:59 pm PST, Tuesday, February 20, 2008.
What is the discounted rate?
Fifty (50) dollars for undergraduate students and $75 for all other categories of attendees.
Is the discount deducted from the entire group’s cost, or does each individual receive the reduction?
The discount is applied on a PER PERSON basis, so each individual’s cost is reduced.
Can individuals from neighboring or “sister” institutions register together to receive the discount?
No. All relevant individuals must be officially affiliated with a single institution in order to qualify for the price reduction.
What if students from my institution register separately?
While group reservations are preferred, at the point the national office identifies that an institution has registered 10 or more individuals, a refund will be provided to any parties that have overpaid.
When will refunds be issued?
Refund checks will be mailed no later than Tuesday, March 6, 2008 (two weeks after the early registration deadline).
What if, my institution cannot pay before the February 20th deadline date?
Exceptions will be made ONLY if a purchase order number or other certain university/college proof is provided as confirmation that an institution’s funding is in process.
What if I have other questions about the national conference registration discount?
Please contact NBGSA President, Nameka Bates, at president@nbgsa.org.