Registration Questions
Do I have to send my PO in to TCEA to register?
Yes, if your PO is not received within 30 days, your registration will be cancelled. In addition, badges are mailed to registrants who have cleared records so sending in your PO will get your badge mailed to you.
How do I cancel my registration?
Requests for cancellations must be made in writing to TCEA (email is fine).
Click here for full information on cancelling your registration.
If I can't come, can someone come in my place?
No. No transfers will be accepted.
How to make changes to your registration?
All changes to your registration must be made by e-mailing tceaoffice@tcea.org by January 11, 2008. After Jan 11th, all changes will need to be done on-site. 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 from Katie Treat.
How do I find out if I already have a login and password?
If you have registered for any TCEA events online in the last three years, you probably have a login and password. To find out what it is and reset your password please go to Reset Password. This will allow you to verify what your login is and set your password to something you will remember.
If I don't send in my PO, will my registration automatically be cancelled?
Yes. Click here for full information on cancelling your registration.
How and where do I register on-site?
To register on-site, you will go to the NW corner of the convention center where you find numerous computers for you to register on. Once your registration is complete, you get in line based on your method of payment to receive your 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 January 11, 2008. After January 12, you will be liable for the entire registration fee. If you wish to cancel your registration, you must do so in writing (by email or post). Click here for full information on cancelling your registration.
What is the cut-off date for the early registration fee?
January 11, 2008.
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, you must send an email 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 e-mailed.
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.
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 on-site, how do I make changes to my registration?
The registration area is set up by method of payment or changes. Find the line for changes and make your changes. All changes need to be done 24 hours in advance. To view a list of workshops to find out if one is full or not go to the on-site registration area and a list will be up on the computer screens.
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 Only allows access to the Exhibit Hall Only.
In order to attend any sessions, workshops, events, the social, or speakers registration for the Full Convention is required.
Can I bring my spouse or children to the convention?
Children under 18 years of age are not allowed at the convention. Anyone over 18 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. Go to the TCEA Information booth for additional information.
Are there student activities?
TCEA sponsors a robotics contest. Click here for information.
How many exhibitors will there be?
Over 350 companies will be exhibiting this year.
Will there be Internet access at the convention?
There will be e-mail stations for you to use. In addition, wireless access will be available in the common areas, but not in the exhibit hall or meeting rooms.
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. Click here for details. Awards range from $500 to $1,000.
What special events will be available?
A free social at the convention center, a Past President's Celebration, Austin City Limits, a trip to the outlet mall and more. 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?
We had over 8500 attendees at the TCEA 2007 Convention.
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, Sheraton, Holiday Inn Town Lake and the Drury Inn. Complimentary shuttle service is also available to the Highland Mall Parking Lot where additional free parking has been reserved. Service to the lot is available only Wednesday and Thursday. For a list of all convention hotels, click here.
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, TX. The address of the convention center is: 500 East Cesar Chaves 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 $10 and a taxi is about $17 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 11 is the cut-off date to reserve a room at the prices TCEA has negotiated. If you wish to register for a room after January 11, 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 6th street for some unique Austin fun. For additional activities and current events, click here.
What restaurants are available near the convention center?
Food will be offered at the convention center. In addition to this, you will find the Liberty Tavern, Finn & Porter, Ironworks Barbecue, P.F. Changs, Mongolian Barbecue, IHOP, TGI Fridays, Roys Steakhouse, Flemmings, 4 Seasons Cafe, Rio Grande, Hoolihan’s, Champions, Dona Emilia’s, and the Shoreline Grill all within 2 blocks. For a more comprehensive list of Austin eateries, click here.
Miscellaneous 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.
Why does TCEA have a golf tournament?
The Golf Tournament is sponsored by TCEA in honor of the first TCEA Executive Director, Robert Knight. Mr. Knight served from 1980-1998 and led TCEA through tough times to make it the largest state technology education association in the nation. All TCEA members owe him a thank you for the years of hard work and dedication he gave us, so let's get to the links!
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 2009 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. It will be located near the registration area. |
