NAC Conference Frequently Asked Questions
last updated 9/13/23

October 12-October 14, 2023
Houston, TX 

We encourage you to review this page for more details related to the NAC Conference. The NAC team is excited to see you in Houston!

Schedule and Agenda
Conference Venue and Location
Hotel
Travel and Transportation
Travel Stipend
COVID-19 Protocols
Naturalization Workshop
Weather
Reproductive Health and LGBTQ+ Issues in Texas

Schedule and Agenda

 

  1. What is the schedule of the conference?

October 12, 2023, 8 am-5:15 pm – NAC Conference Day 1 (Houston Marriott Westchase)
October 12, 2023, 6 pm – Optional Dinner (Pacha Nikkei Restaurant, 10001 Westheimer Rd, Suite 5, Houston, TX 77042)
October 13, 2023, 8 am-5:15 pm – NAC Conference Day 2 (Houston Marriott Westchase)
October 14, 2023, 7:30 am-3 pm – Naturalization Workshop led by Houston NAC Site (Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park Dr, Houston, TX 77036 – buses will depart hotel at 7-7:15 am)

  1. What is on the conference agenda?

The conference includes panels, presentations, and trainings on best practices and legal topics related to naturalization. There will also be opportunities for discussion and networking with your colleagues at other NAC partner organizations. You can see a draft agenda outline here (PDF). We will share a more detailed final agenda closer to the event date.

Conference Venue and Location

 

  1. Where will the conference be held?

The conference will be held at the Houston Marriott Westchase hotel, located at 2900 Briarpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042.

  1. Is parking available at the conference venue?

There is free parking available at the Houston Marriott Westchase. Please enter the parking lot from Briarpark Drive.

  1. Will meals be provided during the conference?

We will provide breakfast and lunch on Thursday, 10/12, and Friday, 10/13. There will be an optional dinner for attendees on Thursday, 10/12.

  1. Will internet be available at the conference venue, and will there be power outlets to plug in my laptop?

The conference space does have Wi-Fi, but please be aware that there will be limited access to power outlets. We encourage you to organize your other work in such a way to be fully present during the conference.

Hotel

 

  1. Will the NAC provide a hotel room block, and what is the daily room rate?

Our room block at the Houston Marriott Westchase (2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042), where the conference will be held, is now full. However, the hotel still has rooms available at their standard rates. You can make your reservation through the hotel website.

Travel and Transportation

 

  1. What airport should I fly to?

Houston has two major airports: Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Both airports are about a 40 minute drive from the Houston Marriott Westchase without traffic. Please keep in mind that traffic may make your trip longer, and plan your travel accordingly. Ride-share or taxis are options for transportation from the airport to the hotel.

  1. Will ground transportation be provided at any point during the conference?

Individuals are responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference venue. The NAC will arrange for transportation to the naturalization workshop location on Saturday, 10/14. After the workshop, attendees will be responsible for their own transportation (back to the hotel, to the airport, or elsewhere).

Travel Stipend

 

  1. How much is the stipend, and how do I know if I am eligible?

Organizations receiving NAC funding for naturalization application completion are eligible for a travel stipend. The stipend is a flat $1,000 per eligible organization (not per person). Eligible organizations based in the Houston metro area will receive $100 each. Conference attendees must fully participate in both days (October 12-13) of the conference in order to receive the stipend. If you are unsure whether your organization is eligible, please contact Amber at [email protected]

  1. What is the process to receive the stipend?

Conference participants will be asked to complete an online attestation form to confirm your participation and provide the address where the stipend check should be sent. We also require a W-9 for your organization, so if you did not include one with your registration please email it to [email protected]. The ILRC will issue checks to eligible organizations within 6-8 weeks after the conference. These checks will be made out to the organization, not to the individual attendee.

  1. If I can’t attend the conference because I am experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, will my organization still receive the travel stipend?

If an individual has COVID-19 or is experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, ILRC will reimburse eligible organizations for travel expenses incurred up to $1,000.

If your organization is not eligible for a travel stipend, all costs associated with participation in the conference, such as lodging, airfare, etc., will be at your own risk. We will not reimburse you for any costs incurred.

  1. What if the ILRC postpones or cancels the conference?

We recommend looking for flexible or refundable travel arrangements in the event that the conference needs to be canceled or postponed for safety reasons.

COVID-19 Protocols

 

  1. What are the COVID safety protocols for the conference?

Vaccines

All attendees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 with at least the following:

-Two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech;
-Two doses of Moderna; or
-One dose of J&J/Janssen

By attending this conference, you are attesting that you meet the above vaccination requirement. We will offer limited religious and medical exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Amber at [email protected] if you would like to request an exemption.

Masking

We strongly encourage attendees to wear a mask during the conference, but it is not required. Masks will be available at the registration table.

Testing

We strongly encourage people to take a rapid COVID test before the event. Tests will be available at the registration table upon request.

What if I get sick?

For everyone’s safety and well-being, please do not attend the conference if at any point you feel sick. If you are eligible for a travel stipend, please notify Amber at [email protected] if you cannot participate or continue participating in the conference due to illness.

Naturalization Workshop

 

  1. Is it mandatory to attend the Saturday naturalization workshop?

Conference attendees are encouraged to attend the workshop if possible, but participation is not mandatory. In order to volunteer at the workshop, you must complete this registration form (separate from the conference registration form). If you sign up for the workshop and your plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we ensure we have sufficient capacity at the workshop.

  1. My organization is eligible for a stipend. If I do not participate in the workshop, will I still receive my stipend?

Yes, the stipend will still be available for your organization even if you do not participate in the workshop.

  1. Will transportation to the workshop be provided? 

Transportation to the workshop will be available. Charter buses will pick up attendees on Saturday, October 14, at 7-7:15 am at the Houston Marriott Westchase. However, transportation from the workshop back to the hotel or the airport will not be provided.

  1. What if I need to leave the workshop early to catch my flight?

We are approximating the end time of the workshop around 3 pm, so we ask you to plan your travel accordingly. If your flight time requires you to leave early, please be sure to let us know either on the sign-up form or via email.

Weather

 

  1. What are some weather considerations?

Average October weather in Houston is high temperatures in the 80s and low temperatures in the 60s. Our gathering will be indoors, and we encourage you to bring warm clothing in case you find the air conditioning cold.

There is still a chance of hurricanes in October, so we will closely monitor the forecast in the weeks and days before the event. If storms will make it unsafe to travel or hold the conference, the NAC reserves the right to cancel or postpone the event for the safety of all participants.

Reproductive Health and LGBTQ Issues in Texas

 

  1. What should I know about access to reproductive health care in Texas?

The laws in Texas around reproductive health may be different than in your state. If you are pregnant and concerned about accessing healthcare while you are traveling, we advise that you speak with your doctor and be aware that laws and practices related to reproductive health in Texas are currently in flux.

  1. What should I know about LGBTQ+ issues in Texas?

Laws and practices around LGBTQ+ issues in Texas may be different than in your state. You can learn more about a range of issues and track the status of legislation with resources from Equality Texas: Issue Briefs and Legislative Bill Tracker 2023