Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Important Dates
Conference Dates                                                      July 28 – 29, 2008
Conference Registration Early Rate Cut Off Date        July 11, 2008
Hotel Reservation Cut-Off Date                                  July 14, 2008 6 PM

 

To offset the recent increases in fuel prices for air and ground travel, the early bird deadline has been extended to July 11.

 

Schedule Overview

This is a 2-day conference with 6 tracks. Set-up of exhibits may begin on Sunday, July 27 at 4 PM. Conference sessions begin at 8:30 AM on Monday, July 28, and the conference adjourns at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, July 29. For a detailed schedule of events, please see the Schedule.

 

Conference Rates

Registration Costs* 1-day Early Bird (July 11) After July 11
Government and Nonprofit $250 $395 $545
For-Profit $350 $595 $745
Young Professionals (35 and under) $195 $295 $395
Students (Must show valid, current ID) $75 $195 $295

 

*ASPA members will receive an additional 10% discount on their registration fees by providing their member # at registration.
*For-Profit groups of 5 or more attending both days will have each registrant’s fee discounted to the government/non-profit rate.

*To offset the recent increases in fuel prices for air and ground travel, the early bird deadline has been extended to July 11.

 

Cancellation and Substitution

Registration cancellation requests must be in writing and received by Graduate School, USDA staff by July 20, 2008, or a billing will be made. A cancellation request may be sent via e-mail to crystal_tyler@grad.usda.gov or by fax to 202.479.6801. Refunds will be processed within 3 weeks of written cancellation notification. Substitutions will be accepted at any time. Hotel reservations must be canceled directly with the hotel.

 

Hotel Location and Rates

Select rooms are still available at the government/conference rate of $175.93 per night ($155 rate + 13.5% tax), for Sunday, July 27 through Tuesday, July 29, on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register here or call the hotel at 1-800-HOTELS-1 by 6 p.m. on July 14, 2008, to receive this rate (group code TRATRAA).

The conference Group Code is TRATRAA.

 

Will I receive continuing education credit for this conference?

Attendees are eligible for 1.4 CEU’s through attending this conference. Contact publisher@thepublicmanager.org for additional information.

 

How Should I Dress?

The conference dress code is business casual. The Inner Harbor location is a waterfront site with lots of things to see and do within walking or water taxi distance, so bring your boat shoes for after the conference!

 

Can I Extend My Hotel Stay?

The group rate only applies to the nights of Sunday, July 27 through Tuesday July 29. If you want to extend your stay, you may contact Marriott directly for rates and availability.

 

Will the Hotel Honor Government Rates?

Yes, for the nights of Sunday, July 27 through Tuesday, July 29.

 

Who is The Public Manager?

The Public Manager is a unique, quarterly journal providing practical insights to public service practitioners. Articles address general and specialized areas of interest to all government managers. More information at www.thepublicmanager.org.

 

What is the Public Discussions Program?

The Public Manager new series of interactive opportunities for public service students and professionals. The Public Discussions Program (PDP) will feature Small Group Seminars 6-8 times per year, Open Discussion Forums 2-3 times a year, and an Annual Conference. More information at www.thepublicmanager.org.

 

Who is ASPA?

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is one of the largest and most prominent professional associations in public administration with 9,000 members. More information at www.aspanet.org.

 

Is There a Complimentary Hotel Van Shuttle?

No. Please see the section on Travel Around Baltimore travel for transportation options to and from the airport and other locations.

 

Are There Any Airline Discounts?

There are no airline discounts for this conference.

 

Online Registration Assistance (Attendees, Sponsors, Exhibitors)

Please contact Crystal Tyler, Graduate School, USDA, at 202.314.4701 or crystal_tyler@grad.usda.gov.

 

More Information

For conference information, including exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact Carrie Blustin, The Public Manager at 571.633.7639 or publisher@thepublicmanager.org.