How do I make changes to my registration?
All changes to your registration must be made by e-mailing tceaoffice@tcea.org by Jan. 15, 2010. Please include your name, method of payment, and the workshop, SIG, and/or event you want to add/change. Please specify the workshop/event # and title. Once the changes have been made, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. After January 15, all changes will need to be made onsite.
If I don't send in my PO, will my registration automatically be cancelled?
Yes. You have 30-days to submit your purchase order after registering.
How will I know if TCEA has received my PO?
TCEA will send out updates via email once you have registered informing you of your payment status.
How and where do I register onsite?
Registration will be located on the first floor in the Fourth Street corridor, across from the Hilton Austin. First, you will need to register at the onsite registration kiosk. Once you’ve completed that process, you will precede to the counter that indicates your method of payment to receive your conference name badge and bag. TCEA accepts American Express, VISA, MasterCard, checks, and school Purchase Orders (PO) for payment.
Do I have to pay if I cancel my registration?
There is a $25 cancellation fee if you cancel after 30 days of your registration date until Jan. 15, 2010. Beginning January 16, you will be liable for the entire registration fee. If you wish to cancel your registration, you must do so in writing (by e-mail or post).
What is the cut-off date for the early registration fee?
January 15. The early discount registration is November 1.
A workshop I wish to attend is full. How do I get on a waiting list?
To get on a waiting list for a workshop, send an e-mail to tceaoffice@tcea.org and include the workshop/event # and title you wish to be added to. If more than one person is on the waiting list, they will be added in the order the requests were received. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified via e-mail.
Will presentation handouts be available online?
Any presentation handouts given to TCEA in electronic format will be available online as we receive them.
What do I do if I don't get my badge in the mail?
Bring your full payment or Purchase Order to the registration desk at the convention center along with your confirmation letter. We will print you a badge there.
When will I receive my badge?
Badges are mailed approximately two weeks before the convention to registrants who have cleared records.
Why is it important that I bring a copy of my PO & confirmation form?
If we did not receive a copy of your PO via mail or fax, we will need to have a copy at the convention before you can get your badge or add workshops, events, or SIGs. Your PO expedites this process.
If a group of people use the same PO, does every person need to bring a copy of the PO?
Yes. Each person MUST have a copy of their PO handy.
Once onsite, how do I make changes to my registration?
The registration area is set up by ‘Method of Payment’ or ‘Changes’. You will need to go to the counter indicated ‘Changes’. All changes should be done 24 hours in advance. An updated list of available workshops can be found at any of the onsite registration kiosk computers.
How do I sign up to volunteer or facilitate a workshop?
Click here for full information on volunteering and facilitating at the convention.
Can I attend a workshop if I signed up for Exhibits Only?
No.Registration for the Exhibits Hall Pass allows access to the Exhibit Hall Only. In order to attend any sessions, workshops, events, the social, or keynotes registration for the Full Convention is required. You may attend Exhibitor Tutorial sessions which are located adjacent to the exhibit hall.
Can I bring my spouse or children to the convention?
Children under 16 years of age are not allowed at the convention. Anyone over 16 years of age is welcome but needs to register.
Why does my registration confirmation say that my Purchase Order # is PENDING?
All attendees using a Purchase Order as the method of payment will be registered with Purchase Order # Pending. In order for your registration to be updated with the correct Purchase Order #, you will need to fax in a copy of the Purchase Order to 512-476-8574 within 30 days of your registration or your registration will be canceled.
General Convention Questions
I'm new to the convention, what should I do?
Attend a first-timer's session to find out how to budget your time, which events are don't-miss, how to get around the convention and more. This session is offered Tuesday at 4 p.m. and Wednesday at 8 a.m. Visit the TCEA Information booth for additional information.
How many exhibitors will there be?
More than 400 companies will be exhibiting this year. For a full list of exhibiting companies click here.
Will there be Internet access at the convention?
There will be email stations for you to use. In addition, complimentary wireless access is available throughout the convention center.
Are there any scholarships available?
TCEA does not offer scholarships or financial aid to attend the TCEA Convention and Exposition. However, you may be eligible for a TCEA Educator Award. Awards range from $500 to $1,000.
What special events will be available?
A free social at the convention center, a networking reception, and Austin City Limits are just a few. Click here for more convention highlights.
What arrangements has TCEA made for the disabled?
Please contact TCEA at 1-800-282-8232 for any special needs you may have at least 30 days prior to the convention. The Austin Convention Center is handicapped accessible.
How do I find my way around the convention center?
Maps will be found in the program you receive once you arrive. All rooms, exhibit halls, and bathrooms will be marked.
How many people usually attend the TCEA convention?
More than 8,500 attendees from across Texas and beyond.
Hotel, Transportation, Entertainment & Food Questions
What hotels will have shuttles going to the convention center?
We will provide shuttle service to the hotels not within walking distance to the convention center. This includes the Hyatt, Embassy (both), Omni, Radisson, Sheraton, Holiday Inn Town Lake and the Drury Inn. For a list of all convention hotels, click here.
Please note TCEA will no longer provide a Park & Ride service from Highland Mall. Austin’s public transportation system, Capital Metro, is completing a light rail path that will take the place of the Park & Ride. The system is planned to go live this fall and further details will be released to TCEA attendees.
What do I do if I want to change my room reservation?
Visit the Austin Housing Bureau online and change your reservation otherwise you can call them at 1-866-645-0605 or e-mail rcurran@austintexas.org.
Where do I park?
The Austin Convention Center has two parking garages. A parking map can be found by clicking here.
Where is the convention?
Our convention is at the Austin Convention Center in downtown Austin, Texas. The address of the convention center is: 500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701.
Are there airport shuttles?
Yes. Some hotels will provide free shuttles to and from the airport. You will have to confirm with your particular hotel. Otherwise a shuttle to downtown runs about $15 and a taxi is about $20 for the same trip.
How do I know what the bus schedule is?
Bus schedules will be posted at the convention center on signs near the entrance doors as well as in the lobby of participating hotels.
What is the cut-off date for room reservations?
January 13 is the cut-off date to reserve a room at the prices TCEA has negotiated. If you wish to register for a room after Jan. 13, you can, but may be subject to higher prices and/or a lack of rooms.
What else is there to do in Austin?
Austin offers a broad range of activities. We recommend a trip to the Texas State Capitol, or the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, or shuffle down to Sixth Street for some unique Austin fun. For additional activities and current events visit http://www.austintexas.org/visitors/.
What restaurants are available near the convention center?
Food kiosks will be available at the convention center. In addition to this, you will find Liberty Tavern, Finn & Porter, Ironworks Barbecue, P.F. Changs, Mongolian Barbecue, IHOP, TGI Fridays, Roys Steakhouse, Flemmings, 4 Seasons Cafe, Rio Grande, Champions, Dona Emilia’s, and the Shoreline Grill all within 2 blocks. For a more comprehensive list of Austin eateries, click here.
Misc. Questions
What's the weather like in Austin in February?
Austin's February weather averages 42° to 64°.
If I have a complaint, who should I contact?
Before the convention, please call our office at 1-800-282-8232. During the convention, please understand that most of the people you see working at the counters are volunteers, so if you have complaints, go to the registration desk and ask for a TCEA staff member.
Can I get continuing professional education hours for attending any part of the TCEA conference?
Yes. Forms will be available online on our convention web site and in the Final Program. All hours must be reviewed and approved by your supervisor before they count, though.
What do I do if I want to present a session or workshop next year?
In March we will have a Call for Participation on our web site. Simply visit the site and fill out the form. The sessions and workshops go through a selection process and you will be notified in July of whether or not your presentation was selected.
How do I volunteer next year?
Visit the volunteer booth at this year's show and ask to be put on the 2011 volunteer list.
Is there somewhere I can leave my bag and/or coat during the convention?
Yes, a bag/coat check will be available for a nominal fee. Refer to the convention program or visit the TCEA Information Booth for the location.
