What to Expect
You will meet a dynamic cross-section of educators, psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and special education professionals from throughout the United States, Canada, and nearly twenty other countries. We believe that you have much to contribute to -- and learn from -- each other, so we hope you will find the conference to be a vibrant, congenial atmosphere in which to meet, exchange ideas, establish contacts, and enjoy each others' company. The researchers presenting their findings are eager to explore and consider along with you the implications of the cutting-edge science of learning on education and teaching. We hope that this exchange will lead to creative and practical ideas for the critically important work you do with children and families.
You should feel free to attend your first choice concurrent sessions during the conference (the surveys you may have received were sent for planning purposes only.) Our only recommendation is that you select a track and stay with it for the whole concurrent period as the topics have been grouped together in an effort to give you the best understanding. (There are four concurrent periods (A, B, C, & D) and within those periods, the individual tracks may be 1-4 Parts in total.) Click here for our most up-to-date schedule, with descriptions of the sessions.
Please note that while we will be providing complimentary coffee during the afternoon break on Friday and during the morning breaks on Saturday and Sunday, all meals will be on your own. We recommend eating breakfast before you arrive and the hotel food options and some nearby ideas are located in the "Other Information" tab.
We would also like to point out that during large conferences, the hotel attempts to keep the temperature of the ballrooms between 68-70 degrees but is not always successful. If you know that you tend to run cold, especially while sitting for long stretches, please make sure to bring a sweater. If you know that you will be warm, please dress lightly. Wearing layers is always a safe choice.
Help & Information Desk
You will be able to find answers to your questions and help with registration problems at the Learning & the Brain Help & Information Desk. This is where you can find direct representatives from Learning & the Brain, as opposed to hotel staff, temporary event staff, or volunteer helpers. The Help Desk will be located in the Vanderbilt Room, on the Terrace Level of the Fairmont. The Help Desk hours are from 3:15 PM - 6:00 PM on Friday, February 15, from 7:15 AM - 5:30 PM on Saturday, February 16, and from 7:15 AM - 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 17. (Prior to the start of these official hours, you can find the Help Desk temporarily set up alongside registration in the Gold Room, from 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM on Friday, February 15.)
Professional Development Credit
If you would like professional development credit, please sign in at the PD binders when you arrive at the conference and sign out when you leave the conference. Speech-language pathologists will need to sign in and out each day. After the initial sign in, all additional ones can be done at the Help & Information Desk. SLPs will also need to pick up an ASHA Participant form at the Help Desk. At the end of the conference, we will need your credit evaluation form (found in your conference packet) in order to provide credit. Provided you complete the onsite requirements, credit certificates will be sent out 3-4 weeks after the conference via e-mail. If you have not received your credits by March 19, please call our office at 781-449-4010 x102. For more information on available credits, please check our website.
Exhibitors
We will have several exhibitors at our conference in the Grand Ballroom Lounge and the Grand Ballroom Foyer, which are located three levels below the Lobby Level. The Learning & the Brain bookstore accepts purchase orders.
