Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the conference functions located? This year, all conference meetings, sessions and most of the events are located within the Hilton Chicago making it a one-stop-shop for attendees.  The Illinois Branch is hosting a School Visit and Thursday Night Social Event which will take place off site, but transportation will be offered.

What are the special events during the conference? On Thursday night, the Illinois Branch of IDA will hold a social event which includes dinner, bar, auction, comedic entertainment and more.  On Friday Night, we will hold the annual President's Celebration in the Grand Ballroom.

What about meals? For the most part, meals are on your own.  There will be hors d'oeuvres during the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening on Wednesday evening as well as refreshment breaks in the Exhibit Hall on Thursday and Friday afternoon that are complimentary.  Meals are included in special events as well (see below).  There are dining options in the hotel as well as numerous restaurant choices in the neigborhood.  There will be a concession area to purchase an inexpensive lunch or snack in the Exhibit Hall as well.

What about pets? Service animals are always welcome.  Unfortunately, our conference is not pet-friendly for non-service animals. 

What exactly is in the Exhibit Hall?  The Exhibit Hall includes a variety of schools, corporations, tutor training centers, publishers, etc... who offer products and services.  The Exhibit Hall is a great way to learn one-on-one about amazing products including the latest remediation tools, assistive technology, play therapy and more!  Click Here for more information about the Exhibit Hall.

Would the conference be appropriate for my dyslexic child? Some conference sessions are geared towards individuals with dyslexia.  Often, this can translate to children over a certain age.  While you are the best judge of your child, and we certainly don't want to discourage participation, we generally recommend the conference for those over the age of 15.

Do you have child care services so my spouse and I can both attend the conference?  The IDA does not offer childcare services at this time.

What is the dress code? In general, business casual is appropriate for all session related functions.  Some meetings or special events require a different dress code and will be designated where applicable.

What all is included in the Registration Fee? The registration fee covers your entry into all concurrent sessions, plenary sessions, Conference Kick-Off, and Exhibit Hall (including grand-opening).  Some events require an additional ticket purchase, like the Friday night President's Celebration. Click Here to register online.

Can I become a Member and register for the conference at the same time? Yes you can!  There will be an option to join/renew as a member and register simultaneously. Click Here to register online.

Are there scholarships? IDA Headquarters offers three scholarships for atendees. Two are for educators and one is for parent members only. Click Here for more information.  Additionally, many Branches of IDA will also offer scholarships.  Click Here to find your branch.

Do I need to choose my sessions ahead of time? Yes, you do.  While the majority of our rooms are large, there is the possibility of exceeding the number of seats for any given session.  Due to fire code, we cannot exceed a specified number per room.  To eliminate any difficulty onsite, we require attendees to sign-up for their sessions in advance.  Each attendees badge lists the session numbers they have registered for to ensure those who have signed up for a session can attend.  Sessions do fill to capactity so to ensure you get the sessinos you want, select them as early as possible.

Can I sign up for two sessions at the same time? No, the system will prevent this from occurring for reasons stated above.  If you decide you want to switch sessions on site, all you need to do is go to the registration booth, where the staff will happily change your selection and re-print your badge.

Can I get handouts for the presentations? It is up to the speakers to provide any handouts for their sessions.  If they have agreed to, we will provide PDF copies of their sessions on our website after the conference.

Can I get CEU's?  The IDA Conference offers CEU's from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).  Both are available at an additional charge and require registration and paperwork to be completed on site.  Please visit the Continuing Education Booth on site for sign-up.  IDA offers a Certificate of Attendance that is emailed to all registrants after the conference.  Depending on the rules and regulations of your accrediting bodies or departments of education, this can often be used to obtain credit.  You will need to check with your accrediting body prior to the conference to confirm this.  Click Here for more CEU information.

Can I audio record/video the sessions?  To protect the privacy of our speakers, no attendee may record any session.  However, if a presenter has agreed, IDA audio records sessions that will be available for purchase. 

How can I purchase audio recordings for sessions I don’t attend?  Convention Recordings, Inc. audio records all sessions for which the presenters have given permission.  You may purchase these recordings during registration, on-site, or after the conference.  Click Here for previous year's conference recordings.

What kind of room accommodations are offered at the Hilton? The Chicago Hilton is a stunning hotel that has married a roaring 20's Chicago feel with contemporary elegance.  As for overnight stays, there are many room options to choose from and IDA has a large block of rooms at a special rate for conference attendees.   Many of the double bed rooms have two bathrooms, making it an ideal stay with a roommate.  Click Here to find out about room amenities.  Click Here to book your room online at IDA's blocked rate.

What kind of internet access is available?  As a guest of the Hilton Chicago, any HHonors Gold member can get FREE internet access in their hotel room.  Not a HHonors member yet, Click Here to become one.  In-Room internet is also available for conference attendees at a discounted rate of $7.50 per day.  There are computers in every guest room for your use.  There is an internet cafe located in the Exhibit Hall that offers computer kiosks for conference attendees free of charge. 

What Parking is available for those driving in?  Parking is available at the hotel for a discounted rate of $35 per day for self-parking.

Is there a discounted shuttle service from the airports to the hotel? Yes. Go Airport Express has created a page specifically for those attending the 62nd Annual IDA Conference in Chicago. Anyone who uses their services through our link provided will automatically receive 10% off their shuttle service. Click here to secure your transportation while in Chicago. 

Can this come off my taxes as a professional development cost? Please consult your tax professional to determine if this conference would qualify you for any type of tax deduction.

Can you help me justify the conference to my administrator in order to get paid leave?  We often find that writing a letter helps to justify have your school pay for your conference attendance.  Click Here for a sample letter to help you get started.

Have a question that isn't here?  Let us know: conference@interdys.org