What do I do if I do not feel safe during #NAD2024?
Find anyone with the bright aqua blue volunteer apron and ask for support. They will direct you to the right person.
When and where is #NAD2024
We invite you to the 57th Biennial Conference in Chicago, Illinois on July 1-July 6, 2024 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk. Explore the #NAD2024 website to learn about Chicago, hotel, registration, conference schedule, our workshop partners, and more! We are planning a phenomenal conference with opportunities for professional development, training, networking, governance meetings, receptions and exciting evening events. The Conference will officially begin with the NAD Board meeting on July 1st. State Associations and Affiliates will send delegates to the Council of Representatives which will begin on July 2. On July 3, we will kick off the rest of the week with the Opening Ceremony. On Thursday, July 4, we will find out who will win this year’s Pitch competition. On Friday, July 5, college bowl teams will vie for the championship trophy. In addition, attendees will have opportunities to enjoy the exhibits and learn from provided workshops and training.
Who attends the NAD Conference?
- Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and hearing consumers
- Parents and family members
- Federal employees
- Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened professionals
- Organizational and corporate representatives
- Exhibitors whose services are targeted towards Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened communities
- Retirees active in civic and community service
- Mainstream and residential education students
- College and university students
- Educators of the deaf
- Interpreters
I’ve never been to a NAD Conference before, how can I get the most out of the experience?
Follow our conference related content on social media, read our conference emails, and download the mobile conference app.
Note: The mobile conference app will be available for download late June 2024. Customize your schedule ahead of time! Attend sessions you are very interested in along with core sessions geared to your research, professional interest and professional work needs. Take some time to visit the NAD Exhibit Hall, attend NAD@Night events and find small moments to rejuvenate!
What is the conference attire?
There is no particular dress code; however, business casual is common and comfortable shoes are a necessity. It will be hot in Chicago and there are a ton of places to go see within walking distance. Be prepared that hotel meeting rooms often range in temperature, layering is suggested.
Why should I stay at the conference hotel?
- All conference activities are at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk hotel.
- The NAD negotiates a special rate for conference attendees.
- Attendees who stay in the hotel, allow the NAD to pay less for meeting space which makes registration rates lower.
- The hotel is surrounded by many fun places to spend your time.
- Easier networking opportunities.
- Saves you extra time from taking public transportation or walking.
- Staying at the hotel makes it convenient for you to go to your room in between activities.
What should I do if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
The NAD selects meals we hope everyone will enjoy. We realize that some attendees have dietary restrictions and food allergies. Attendees who have notified us about food allergies or dietary restrictions will be provided with a replacement as closely as possible. The NAD will do its best to accommodate all dietary requests; however because the focus is on food allergies, we cannot always guarantee requests such as low-fat, low-salt, low-carb, sugar-free, etc. Alternate soups, salads or desserts also may not be available. Please email [email protected] for special meal requests no later than May 31, 2024.
Do you have media passes?
The National Association of the Deaf has developed a policy for all outside media teams (referred to ‘the media’ herein) that will be covering the biennial NAD Conference. Media access to the 57th Biennial NAD Conference 2024 is granted only to approved media teams. Media organizations seeking credentials to cover the NAD Conference must fill out the Media Policy and Agreement by May 1, 2024.
What meals will be served at the conference?
Attendees can purchase either the Full Combo (includes four meal programs) or individual meal programs: Senior Luncheon, Youth Luncheon, BIPOC Luncheon, and LGBT Brunch. Such meal programs are sponsored and organized by member sections. Registration is required and space is limited.
I think I lost something, what do I do?
If an item of value has been found, we will do our best to locate the owner. If we are unable to locate the owner, we will turn it into Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Security. People who have lost an item can leave their contact information and description of said item with the #NAD2024 Info Desk. If the item has been located, we will contact the owner.
Is the conference appropriate for young children?
Yes! Children of all ages must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. However, if you would like your children to have a separate experience on their own as you enjoy the Conference, and if they’re old enough, they can be a Jr. NAD Page! The Jr. NAD Pages program is geared towards deaf teens between 12 and 17 years old and interested in the inner workings and strategies of the NAD Conference. Deaf Youth interested in participating in the program must meet requirements and apply.
When will the exhibit hall be open?
The NAD Exhibit Hall will be open July 4-6, 2024 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The NAD Exhibit Hall is open to the public.
How can I purchase an exhibitor space in the exhibit hall?
You can apply for an exhibit space online! Once approved, we will send you a payment link.
What happens if there is a schedule change?
Changes will happen! We encourage you to download the mobile conference app (it’s free!) and turn on notifications in that app. You will receive live changes and updates from the mobile app! We will also update poster signages.
Will you be able to accommodate my needs for events and workshops?
Yes! All NAD workshops, sessions, events, and more will be voice interpreted and captioned, unless the presenter is not using sign language. If not, there will be interpreters available. Specific sessions may not be voice interpreted and captioned due to the learning goals, this will be mentioned in the workshop description. If you need to make additional requests, please do so by May 31st.
Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the conference?
Yes, different CEUs are available and you can add that to your registration cart!
Where can I park?
Parking is available at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk Hotel! Self Parking is available for $29/day with in/out privileges for overnight guests only. Day guests are also $27/day without in/out privileges. Valet parking fees start at $12/hour and garage fees at $5/2 hours. Select Pointe restaurants and venues offer parking validation, so please check with your server for details.
What kind of public transportation is available?
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers both train and bus service in Chicago. The CTA trains are well known as the “L,” and CTA trains are the easiest and most affordable way to get to/from the Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
- Service to/from O’Hare or Midway airports
- Orange Line — service operates from approximately 4:00 to 4:30 AM to approximately 1:00 AM every day with more frequent service during weekday morning and evening rush hours. Alternate overnight (“owl”) service is available via the N62 Archer bus. Orange Line trains operate from Midway to downtown via elevated tracks. Once reaching downtown, trains travel clockwise around the Loop and make all stops back to Midway. The Orange Line connects to most other CTA train lines.
- Blue Line — offers 24 hour service with more frequent service during weekday morning and evening rush hours. You can also connect to most other CTA lines through the Blue Line. With regularly scheduled arriving and departing trains, you will experience minimal wait times.
For more information about accessibility and navigating the Chicago airports, public transportation system, and taxis, explore this page. For more information about accessibility while visiting Chicago, check this out.
Also, you may want to consider checking out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Program. It is a global network that recognize people with hidden disabilities who self-disclose by wearing a sunflower lanyard indicating that they may need understanding, additional time, or assistance. This may be helpful at the airport or using public transportation.
