Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

What is the cancellation policy?

To request a refund, you must contact the NSGC Registration Team, at registration@nsgc.org, with documentation of your reason for cancellation. All requests must be made by Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Cancellations will not be accepted after that date. NSGC is not responsible for any airfare, hotel, or other costs incurred by registrants. Speakers are subject to change without notice. Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 7 days before the event when requested in writing to registration@nsgc.org.

All cancellation requests will be reviewed by NSGC, and if approved, will be processed within 2-3 weeks. Refunds that are approved will be subject to a $75 cancellation fee.

How do I change my conference attendance from in-person to the Virtual Access Pass?

If you wish to transfer your conference registration from in-person to virtual, you must contact the NSGC Registration Team at registration@nsgc.org by October 9, 2023. After October 9, 2023 no changes or cancellations can be made for any reason.

Attendees who reach out to the NSGC Registration Team to transfer their conference registration from in-person to virtual before or on September 19, 2023 will be refunded the difference between in-person and virtual attendance. Attendees who reach out to the NSGC Registration Team to transfer their registration from in-person to virtual after September 19, 2023 will not be refunded the difference between in-person and virtual attendance. However, your registration will be converted at no cost.

If I register to attend the meeting in person, will I also have access to online content?

Attendees planning to join us in Chicago also receive complimentary access to the virtual access sessions. The streaming sessions are automatically included with the in-person registration fee.

What is included in the NSGC Annual Conference Guest Pass?

Attendees with a Guest Pass for the Annual Conference will have access to the Exhibit Hall and Reception. Guest Pass holders will not have access to education sessions and will not be able to redeem credits.

Virtual Access Pass

What is included in the virtual access pass registration?

If you are unable to join us in Chicago, NSGC is pleased to offer a virtual access pass this year. Our virtual access pass includes access to live streamed plenary and award sessions (14 total), and one live streamed session per educational breakout session timeslot (4 total), determined by the Annual Conference Program Committee.

Are the dates of the virtual access pass the same as the in-person event dates?

Yes. All plenary and select concurrent sessions will be live-streamed. All participants will have the opportunity to watch other session recordings on the virtual platform until December 31, 2023.

What is the time zone for those who are registering for the virtual access pass?

The Annual Conference schedule at a glance is posted in Central Time. This aligns with the time zone of the in-person meeting. Please note, in the virtual experience platform, you will have the opportunity to view your personal schedule in your preferred time zone.

What is included in the virtual access pass registration?

Our virtual access pass includes access to live streamed plenary sessions and award sessions (14 total), and one live streamed session per educational breakout session timeslot (4 total), determined by the Annual Conference Program Committee.

How will posters be presented?

Posters will be available as part of the in person experience and virtual access pass.

If I am attending virtually, can I attend pre-conference symposia?

Due to the hands-on experience of our pre-conference symposia, only in-person attendees will have access to these sessions.

How long is virtual content available? What do I do if I miss a live session?

Live streamed and recorded Annual Conference content will be available to all attendees via the virtual platform until December 31, 2023.

When will I have access to the online experience platform?

All registrants will receive an email notification from NSGC when the online platform is available prior to the Annual Conference. Participants must be registered and payment received in order to have access to the online platform.

Education Information

How many continuing education (CE) hours will be available for the Annual Conference?

In person attendees will be able to earn up to 3.125 CEUs. Those who purchase the virtual access pass will be able to earn up to 2.625 CEUs.

How long is on-demand content available?

All recorded Annual Conference sessions will be available to all attendees via the virtual platform through December 31, 2023. Attendees will have the opportunity to catch up and view any live streamed sessions or recordings you missed and earn additional CE through the end of the year.

How do I access the session handouts?

Session handouts are available to all paid attendees and can be accessed via the NSGC Conference Mobile App. Please note that not all speakers will provide handouts for sessions.

What do I do if a session I want to attend is "full"/there are no seats left?

Concurrent sessions are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. If no seats are left in a session you want to attend, there may be standing room available. However, the Convention Center and NSGC staff reserve the right to “close” a session room if it reaches capacity as deemed by the local Fire Marshal. Please let NSGC Staff know if a particular session is full when you attend.

Registration Questions

How do I pay for my registration?

NSGC accepts both credit card and check payments for convention registration. Credit card payments must be completed online during the registration process. Checks must be made payable to National Association of Genetic Counselors and may be mailed to the following address:

Please make checks payable to NSGC Payment 778359 Solutions Center Chicago, IL 60677

All attendees who opt to pay by check must complete the online registration form. The option to pay by check will be presented to you during checkout.

What if I chose to pay by check while processing my registration, but decide to pay by credit card?

Log into your NSGC account here. On your account overview page, there will be an option to pay an open balance on the top right hand side. Click to pay and follow the steps to submit your credit card information and payment. If you have any questions, please email registration@nsgc.org.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

All cancellation requests will be reviewed by NSGC, and if approved, will be processed within 2-3 weeks. Refunds that are approved will be subject to a $75 cancellation fee.
If you wish to transfer to a virtual conference registration, you must contact the NSGC Registration Team, at registration@nsgc.org. All requests must be made by October 9, 2023. Transfers to virtual will not be accepted after that date.

Does My Conference Registration Fee for the Annual Conference include Membership?

Currently, none of our convention registration fees include membership.

However, NSGC members enjoy up to $250 in Convention Registration savings. If you join NSGC today, you will receive all the benefits of NSGC membership and a discounted Conference registration fee.

For more information on becoming a NSGC member, please visit this page: https://www.nsgc.org/Join.

How do I register/check-in onsite?

Upon arrival at McCormick Place, attendees who have pre-registered online through the NSGC website must plan to visit the Badge Pick-Up Kiosks during the posted registration hours. To obtain a conference badge, simply step up to a badge-printing kiosk (computer) and enter the last name of the attendee, confirm that your information is correct and click print. Staff will be onsite to assist you. Attendees needing additional assistance, or those registering/paying onsite, may approach staff at the Registration Desk. Those that have not pre-registered for the event will need to go straight to the Onsite Registration Desk to get registered and paid. You will pick up your badge there.

What do I need to pre-register for? What can I attend without registering?

Full Conference Registration includes access to all keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, and the Exhibit Hall. Attendees may choose to attend any concurrent session available, space permitting (see below). Attendees are required to pre-register for the Pre-Conference Symposia (additional fee required) and Workshops. These may be added to your registration through the online registration process or at the onsite registration desks.

Does NSGC have resources to help with getting finanical support to attend the conference?

If you are seeking financial support from your school or orgnaization to attend this year's event, utilize our jusitifcation letter to convey the importance of attending the NSGC 42nd Annual Conference.

How do I add/change the paid sessions I want to attend on my registration?

Log into your NSGC account here. On your account, go to the purchases tab, go to the events tab, and click “Details” next to the 42nd Annual Conference Registration, on the right hand side click “Add Guest/Session” and follow the steps for selection and/or payment. Please note that you will only be able to add session. You will not be able to change or cancel sessions. If you wish to change or cancel any sessions please contact registration@nsgc.org.

General Questions

Where is the Conference being held and how do I make hotel room reservations?

The 42^nd Annual Conference will be held at McCormick Place – West Building, in Chicago, IL.

NSGC has secured discounted room rates at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place which is connected to the Convention Center. Book through the Housing and Travel Information Page to secure your hotel reservation within the NSGC room block. Please note that listed room prices exclude taxes. This discounted room rate cannot be guaranteed after Friday, September 22, 2023 or whenever rooms sell out whichever occurs first.

What is the attire for the 42^nd Annual Conference?

NSGC suggests business casual, but there are no strict guidelines on attire. We ask that attendees present themselves in a professional manner. Additionally, meeting spaces may fluctuate greatly in temperature. We strongly suggest wearing layers for comfort. We also suggest comfortable shoes.

What time will the Registration Desk open?

Tuesday, October 17 | 11:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 18 | 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 19 | 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 20 | 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 21 | 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Times are posted in local, Central Time. Additional scheduling information can be found on the Schedule-at-a Glance page.

What time is the Exhibit Hall open?

Wednesday, October 18 | 12:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 19 | 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, October 20 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Times are posted in local, Central Time. Additional scheduling information can be found on the Schedule-at-a Glance page.

How do I download the mobile app?

The conference Mobile App will be available to all attendees. The app will be available in the Google Play Store (Android devices) or Apple Store (Apple devices). More information on how to download the Mobile App will be available prior to conference.

My family is traveling with me. Is there an age limit for attendees/guests at the Annual Conference?

Due to the professional nature of the NSGC Annual Conference, all attendees and guests must be 16+ years old.

Where can I find the NSGC Annual Conference Code of Conduct?

Please click here to view the NSGC Annual Conference Code of Conduct.

Where do Exhibitors and Sponsors find information?

If you are or would like to be an exhibitor or sponsor for the NSGC Conference please visit the Exhibitors Information Page.

What meals are included with my registration?

There are no meals included in the Full Conference Registration fee. Refreshment Breaks that will include beverages will be available each morning and afternoon. Food is available for purchase during the exhibit hall hours in the back of the exhibit hall. If you sign up for the Sponsored Symposium, breakfast or lunch will be provided based on the session time.

What do I do in case of an emergency while onsite at the Conference?

McCormick Place Security personnel patrol and monitor facility public areas, parking lots and perimeters. Security staff is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Personnel respond to all incidents and, when requested, will assist persons with disabilities.

If Fire, Medical or Police assistance is needed:

· DIAL Extension 6060 from a house or exhibit booth telephone.

· DIAL 312-791-6060 from an outside phone line (including the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel)

Please refrain from calling 911. If you do call 911, also call Security at numbers above.

Stay on the line, calls are recorded. An officer will answer immediately. Be prepared to identify the location of the emergency by building, level and either hall, meeting room or corridor.

Additional Emergency details can be found online: https://www.mccormickplace.com/attendees/emergency-procedures/.

I have special meals/transportation/accommodations needed, where should I report that?

It is NSGC’s goal to ensure that everyone is included in the conference can experience it to its fullest. To ensure that we can accommodate you, please include any requests for accommodations in your registration notes when registering online.

What Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations will be made?

NSGC complies with the ADA and is committed to providing a positive experience for all attendees. Participants who have special requirements due to a disability may indicate their needed accommodation(s) during the registration process.

To find more details about access within McCormick Place, please visit their website: https://www.mccormickplace.com/attendees/ada/.

Are scooter rentals available?

McCormick Place Convention Center’s preferred partner for scooter rentals is Scootaround Mobility Solutions. You can contact them at 888.441.7575 or visit https://locations.scootaround.com/McCormickPlace

Is there a business center at McCormick Place?

FedEx is located on the 2^nd Floor in the West Building. To view open hours and all services available, visit FedEx’s website: https://local.fedex.com/en-us/il/chicago/office-5020.