Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE: During your visit, Convention Center Boulevard will be closed to traffic.  During this time, we are asking all guests to use our alternate hotel entrance located at 878 Fulton Street for arriving and departing.  This entrance will be used for valet parking, shuttle, taxi and shared ride service.  Our main entrance will remain open throughout the project for sidewalk use only.

How do I make my hotel arrangements?

The conference hotel is the New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center (859 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130). It’s located in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, 0.5 miles from the French Quarter. 

Please Note: After November 18 the passkey link will expire and the group rate is no longer guaranteed. However, late attendees should still continue to book within the NPN block by calling (504) 613-2888. 
 

What’s the weather like? What should I pack?

The weather can be unpredictable, but temps are forecasted to be low-to-upper 60s. Wear what makes you comfortable and happy! Remember to bring appropriate outerwear and shoes suitable for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks.
 

Is the new airport open yet?

NEW ORLEANS JUST OPENED A NEW AIRPORT! As you might have heard in the news, we are having some growing pains which requires everyone to plan ahead (and expect the unexpected). The conference hotel is 15 miles from the airport. Transportation issues to and from the airport are especially fluid and change frequently. In general, you should be able to engage the usual modes of transport including GoAirportShuttle, taxis, and Lyft.
 

When should I arrive and depart?

We recommend you arrive by the afternoon of Tuesday, December 10 to take advantage of pre-conference cultural tours and networking activities, and depart on December 14 to take advantage of the closing night party on Friday, December 13!

 

How will we get around the city?

NPN will provide transportation for events and cultural tours outside the immediate vicinity of the conference hotel. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility, please contact Brynn Bradbury (brynn@federalconference.com). 

For navigating on your own, cabs, ride-sharing and bike rentals are plentiful. As in all cities, be aware of your surroundings and belongings. Be intentional when travelling, especially at night.

 

What’s included in the registration fee?

Your registration fee includes all conference sessions and events, including a ticket to the Live & Onstage performance (select which night you will attend) and culture tours and workshops of your choice. Your name badge is required for entrance to all events 

 

Who attends the NPN Conference?

The conference is open to all, and we are excited to welcome almost 400 amazing artists, presenters, and colleagues from around the world!

  • NPN Partners, board members and staff

  • New Orleans host committee and colleagues

  • U.S. and international colleagues — arts presenters/producers, curators, cultural organizers, and funders

  • New Orleans-based performing and visual artists

  • Artists from all over the country, many of whom have previously received funding from NPN

 

This will be my first NPN Conference -- will I be the only one who doesn't know anyone?

Usually about 40% of attendees are new to the conference. Plan to attend the Newbie Orientation on Tuesday, December 10 (5:30pm in the River Bend Ballroom on the second floor) to help you navigate activities and meet other newbies. The people who attend the Annual Conference are a pretty special bunch — you should feel comfortable introducing yourself and remember: this conference is about networking!
 

Should I bring promotional materials?

Bring plenty of business cards! We will have a resource table available and you are welcome to bring brochures, flyers, and handouts. In many instances, large amounts of paper products are discarded at the end of the meeting, so please consider this in quantity and your methods of disbursement. Digital media can also be a great way to share!

 

What are the objectives of the NPN Conference?

  • Building and strengthening relationships

  • Expanding professional development

  • Connecting with what’s going on creatively around the country

  • Deepening the field’s knowledge of New Orleans culture

 

What is the Cancellation Policy?

Cancellation requests must be received by Friday, November 1, 2019. No refund requests will be accepted after this date.

All registration cancellations prior to November 1, 2019 are subject to a $100.00 USD service fee. For cancellations or questions regarding the cancellation policy, please email support@federalconference.com

Should circumstances arise that result in the cancellation or postponement of the conference, NPN will issue a full refund for registration fees but is not responsible for any travel and/or other related costs incurred by conference attendees.