Conference FAQ
About the Third Coast Conference
Who staffs the Conference?
Third Coast has a small but dedicated team of staff members — get to know us! We also have an amazing group of volunteers, who receive a gratis Conference registration in exchange for working 6-8 hours during the Conference weekend. And, we couldn’t make the Conference happen without the many workers of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel & Conference center, our tech director Shelly Steffens, and the onsite team of engineers.
Why is the Third Coast Conference in Chicago?
The Third Coast International Audio Festival is an arts non-profit based in Chicago, and we take pride in convening folks from around the world here in the City of Big Shoulders.
Do you offer financial support?
We know that conferences are expensive to attend, especially without institutional support. This year, we were able to offer a limited number of [confidential] travel stipends to those with demonstrated financial need. In addition, our long-running volunteer program and the AIR New Voices program each provide gratis registration to the Conference. Applications for all three programs have now closed and all applicants have been notified.
Registration
I AM NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED. CAN I PURCHASE A REGISTRATION WHEN I ARRIVE TO THE CONFERENCE?
No. Registrations will be entirely sold out before the Conference begins. We do not sell additional registrations at the door.
I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND! CAN I GET A REFUND FOR MY REGISTRATION? CAN I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION?
Conference registrations are non-refundable. However, you can sell your registration directly to another person. (We'll miss you!).
To complete your Registration transfer, the person who is receiving the registration must submit the 2019 Conference Registration Transfer Form by no later than Friday, October 25 at 11:59 PM EST. Upon submission of the form, both the original attendee & the new attendee will be contacted directly to confirm. (Note: it is the responsibility of the person who is transferring their Registration to arrange for payment between yourself & the person who will be attending the 2019 Third Coast Conference. Third Coast will not facilitate payments between attendees transferring their Registrations.)
I ALREADY REGISTERED, BUT I NEED TO CHANGE SOMETHING IMPORTANT ON MY NAME TAG OR REGISTRATION! WHAT DO I DO?
Fill out the Information & Name Tag Update Form (open until 11:59 PM on Friday, October 25) to change the information on your name tag, or provide new information about your dietary and accessibility needs.
WHEN DO I HEAR WHETHER MY AUDIO/CAREER COMPASS/SOUND/VISUAL DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED THE CONFERENCE?
We’ll be in touch with you directly if you’ve been chosen via lottery for an audio doctor’s appointment. Stay tuned!
Why does Third Coast ask for personal demographic information like race & gender?
Third Coast is dedicated to creating an equitable environment for all in attendance. We collect this information about our attendees to better understand the make-up of the community we serve, and to aid in our work towards building a more equitable field. We will never share your personal information without your explicit consent.
Accommodation & Travel
I'm arriving after 6:30pm on Thursday — where do I go?
The Conference Registration Check-in table (in the Conference Commons) will close at 6:30pm. Don't fret! You can still attend the Opening Reception (19East @ 19 E. 21st Street, Chicago, IL 60616) and Late Night Provocations (in the Regency Ballroom @ the Hyatt). We will check your name at the door of each event. You will still need to check in at the Registration table on Friday, which opens at 7am.
Which airport is closest to the Conference hotel?
Midway Airport (serving Southwest & Delta airlines) is the closest airport to the Hyatt and is connected to the city by the CTA Orange Line Train. O’Hare airport (serving all major airlines) is also connected to the city by the CTA Blue Line train, which is a 45-minute ride directly to downtown.
How do I get to Hyatt McCormick Regency Place by public transit?
You can use the #3 CTA bus, or take the El via the Red Line or Green Line. See Chicago Transit Authority’s website for more information.
Do I have to stay at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel?
No. Attendees are free to choose where they stay during the Conference. (But if you do want to stay at the hotel, please use our attendee booking portal to receive your reduced Conference rates.
What can I expect to budget for (food, lodging, travel)?
We've put together a rough estimate of the costs associated with attending the Conference.
During the Conference
Will there be gender-neutral bathrooms available onsite at the Conference?
Yes!
Will there be a private room available for nursing mothers?
Yes!
Is the Third Coast Conference accessible to folks with limited mobility?
Yes! We strive to make the Conference as accessible as possible. If you have a specific question or concern, please reach out to conference@thirdcoastfestival.org.
Can I reserve a meeting room at the Hyatt to conduct my own meetings & business?
We offer limited opportunities do so as part of our sponsorship packages! If you're interested in sponsoring the Conference, please e-mail us at conference@thirdcoastfestival.org. If not, you're welcome to meet in the common spaces of the hotel and/or go offsite to hold meetings.
Can I reserve a seat in a particular Breakout Session?
All of the programming at the Third Coast Conference is on a first-come, first-serve. (That said, each Breakout Session happens twice, so you have two opportunities to attend!) Some sessions can be very popular, but no one is ever turned away.
Is there an additional cost for evening programming?
Late Night Provocations, the Opening Reception, and the 2019 Third Coast/Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition Awards Ceremony are all included as part of your registration. Other evening events, such as live shows or happy hours may have additional fees! (And we'll make sure to mark 'em.)
Getting Involved
How can I contact other attendees?
The week before the Conference, we will share the Conference Networking Directory by email, with the names and contact info of attendees who have opted-in. You can also connect with attendees on Switchboard & by using the #ThirdCoast19 hashtag on social media.
I want to talk about sponsorship opportunities!
We have several opportunities remaining to sponsor the 2019 Third Coast Conference. Please contact conference@thirdcoastfestival.org for more information.
Don't see the answer to your question?
Reach out directly to us at conference@thirdcoastfestival.org