Frequently Asked Questions for NSTA Area Conference in Portland, OR: November 20–22
1. Where is the conference located?
Conference registration, exhibits, the NSTA Science Store, and some sessions will be located at the Oregon Convention Center. Other events will be held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Towers and the DoubleTree Lloyd Center hotels. The conference will begin with concurrent sessions on Thursday, November 20, at 8:00 AM and end on Saturday, November 22, at 12:00 Noon with the closing of exhibits.
2. What are the hours of the Attendee Registration?
The NSTA registration Area, located in Exhibit Hall C1, will be open during the following hours:
Wednesday, November 19: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Thursday, November 20: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 21: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, November 22: 7:30 AM – 12 Noon
3. Can you send me shuttle information?
Because of the close proximity NSTA is not providing shuttle services. However, getting around Portland is easy with its public transit system, which includes:
- The low-cost TriMet bus system
- TriMet’s 44-mile MAX (Metropolitan Area Express)
- The Portland Streetcar
4. Where do I park?
SmartPark, Portland’s most affordable and conveniently located parking, has seven downtown parking facilities. Portland also has solar-powered SmartMeters, where you can pay for parking spaces within a set area using coins, credit/debit card, or smart card. For more information on local transportation options and parking, please visit the Travel Portland website.
5. Are meals included in the registration price?
No, meals are not included.
6. How can I find out about professional development opportunities during the conference?
Two options are available to document your professional development during the conference (1) an NSTA transcript, which is also certification of your conference attendance; and/or (2) one graduate credit through Framingham State College, Framingham, Massachusetts. Visit www.nsta.org/portlandresources for more information.
7. I have received my packet in the mail. Am I also required to check in on site?
If you have received your pre-registration packet, proceed to the NSTA Pre-Registrants “Program Pick-up” Kiosk and exchange your “Conference Program Coupon” for a final program and badge holder.
If you have not received your pre-registration package in the mail, be sure to stop by the “Attendee Registration” area at the “Badge Reprint” booth on Wednesday between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to pick up your badge and final program. By doing so, you can avoid any delay on Thursday morning and go directly to your sessions.
8. What are the hours for the Exhibit Hall?
Located at the Oregon Convention Center in Exhibit Hall B, exhibits will be
open for viewing during the following hours:
Thursday, November 20: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, November 21: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, November 22: 9:00 AM – 12 Noon
9. This is my first NSTA conference. What should I do?
Let NSTA begin your great conference experience with a special session devoted to "first-timers." Join us to
- Have refreshments with your peers;
- Hear an overview of programs;
- Note sessions that you don’t want to miss;
- Learn about events, locations and exhibits;
- Ask questions.
Thursday, November 20
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Oregon Convention Center
Oregon Ballroom 201