what to expect

Conference Location
 
Located at the top of Nob Hill in the heart of San Francisco, the historic Fairmont Hotel offers stunning views of San Francisco and San Francisco Bay. The hotel takes up a city block between Powell and Mason Streets and Stockton and California Streets.
 

**Note Regarding COVID-19 Policies in San Francisco**
 
The City of San Francisco requires people to be fully vaccinated in order to attend this event. If you have not sent us your vaccination status via the CLEAR app or directly to us, please do so right away so that your check-in at the conference is not delayed. Information on how to verify your vaccination status was sent last week but can be also be found here.
 
Effective February 16, San Francisco requires masks or face coverings by unvaccinated staff and customers while in any indoors public space, such at the hotel lobby, hallways, and meeting rooms, at all times except when actively eating or drinking. Bay Area health officers continue to strongly recommend masks be used as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus especially when case rates are high, or when additional personal protection is needed.

 
What to Expect
 
You will meet a dynamic cross-section of educators, psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and special education professionals from throughout the United States and Canada. 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.) Click here for our most up-to-date schedule, with descriptions of the sessions.

Click HERE for a printable PDF version of the schedule.
 
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 there are plenty of nearby options for lunch.
 
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.
 
 
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 volunteers. On Friday, the Help Desk will be located in the Gold Room on the Lobby Level, as noted above. On Saturday and Sunday, the Help Desk will be located in the Vanderbilt Room, on the Terrace Level of the Fairmont. The Help Desk hours are from 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM on Friday, February 18, from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 19, and from 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM on Sunday, February 20.
 
 
Professional Development Credit
 
If you would like professional development credit, please sign in 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 signing can be done at the Help & Information Desk. An evaluation form will be e-mailed to you at the end of the conference. Provided you complete the onsite requirements and this evaluation form, credit certificates will be sent out 3-4 weeks after the conference via e-mail. If you have not received your credits by March 22, please call our office at 857-444-1500 x1. 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 information above was part of a larger information e-mail that was sent on 02/07/22 at 4:00 PM ET to all attendees registered to attend live onsite in San Francisco.