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 over fifteen 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, there are six individual tracks that may be 1-4 parts in total.) Click here for our most up-to-date schedule. By the end of the week, this schedule will be integrated with descriptions of the sessions linked (just click the talk title).
All provided conference materials will be made available digitally for your convenience. The week of the conference, you should expect an e-mail giving you access to a conference materials page where you will have access to speaker slides (when provided), articles, and handouts. This information will also be printed on your name badge onsite. This page will be accessible to you for 6 months after the conference. We do recommend that you bring a notebook/paper, as well as a pen, in order to take any notes onsite.
Please note that while we will be providing complimentary coffee during the aforementioned breaks, 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 Lenox Ballroom, on the Second Floor of the Sheraton. The Help Desk hours are from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Friday, May 3, from 7:15 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 4, and from 7:15 AM - 4:15 PM on Sunday, May 5.
Professional Development Credit
If you would like professional development credit, you will be directed to sign-in at one of the PD binders when you arrive at the conference and to sign-out when you leave the conference. At the end of the conference, we will need your credit evaluation form (found in your conference packet) in order to provide credit. (Note: Speech-language pathologists will need to sign in and out each day. After the initial sign in, all additional sign ins can be done at the Help & Information Desk. SLPs will also need to pick up an ASHA Participant form at the Help Desk. Psychologists also need to pick up a special evaluation form at the Help Desk.)
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 May 31, 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, including a conference bookstore, at our conference located in Central Park East/West, which is located on the Second Floor of the Sheraton. The Learning & the Brain bookstore accepts purchase orders. Any book signing events will take place in the adjacent Lenox Ballroom. *Please note that due to scheduling concerns, the book signing with Dr. Temple Grandin will take place from 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM during the conference registration period.
