FAQs

GENERAL

• Why is the NSBA 2021 Annual Conference & Exposition moving to an online event?

  Given the unknowns of the pandemic, hosting a conference of our size in Spring 2021 remains unpredictable. Therefore, to minimize any risk to the safety and health of NSBA 2021 attendees, residents of our host city, New Orleans, and the NSBA team, NSBA 2021 will now take place online from April 8-10, 2021.

• Is there a chance the NSBA 2021 Annual Conference & Exposition will be in-person?

  No. NSBA has decided to transform the in-person NSBA 2021 Annual Conference & Exposition to the NSBA 2021 Online Experience. This will offer our community world-class programming, thought leadership, networking, and exhibits while protecting the safety, health, and well-being of all conference participants.

• In what time zone will the event be hosted?

  Sessions and activities will be hosted in Eastern Time.

• Will the registration process remain the same?

  Yes, you will be able to register online as you have in the past.

• Who should attend the NSBA 2021 Online Experience?

  School board members, superintendents, assistant superintendents, business officials, school safety officers, and other education leaders eager to learn and shape the future of public education. With your full team at NSBA 2021, you can consume more content, learn together, and take advantage of our new team pricing registration rate!

• Can my computer or mobile device handle the online experience?

  Most up-to-date computers and mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones, and hand-held tablets can run the online event for you. Once the NSBA 2021 online platform is available, you will be able to test your internet browser, internet connection, and network settings to be sure they are optimized for your viewing experience. Please note that smartphones are not ideal but do allow for participation in the event.

REGISTRATION

• When will registration open for the online experience?

  Registration will open on December 16, 2020. Specifics will be provided in future communications, as they become available. Join our email list to receive the latest conference updates.

• What are the registration rates?

  We have revamped the pricing structure for individual pricing and added team district pricing for the online experience. See registration rates below.

   

  

  

• What are the benefits of registering as a district team?

  NSBA’s district team pricing structure offers significant savings for school districts. In addition to savings, there’s valuable content for every team member. Your team can include superintendents, assistant superintendents, business officials, school safety officers, and other education leaders and staff. Benefits include:

  • Increased exposure to multiple sessions.
  • More new ideas, strategies, and best practices to implement right away.
  • Different perspectives from your colleagues who are dealing with similar challenges.
  • Expanded online networking opportunities.

• What is included in my registration fee?

  Registration includes access to all sessions, including the ability to access all content on-demand after the event ends. You also will be able to participate in networking sessions, visit the online exhibit hall, set up meetings with other attendees, and chat with your peers during the sessions.

• Will the registration process remain the same?

  Yes, you will be able to register online as you have in the past.

• What is the registration deadline?

  There is no registration deadline. However, you save more when you register on or before February 19, 2021. We recommend registering early so that you can access the online platform in advance to plan out your conference experience.

• Can you register for the online experience on the day of the event?

  While we recommend registering at least a few days before the online experience starts to ensure you have time to log in, set up your profile, and create a customized agenda, registrations will be accepted throughout the event.

• How do I redeem the complimentary conference registration that I won at an NSBA or BuyBoard booth?

  Please contact John Overington at joverington@nsba.org to redeem your complimentary registration.

• What is the conference cancellation policy?

  NSBA accepts only written cancellations submitted to the NSBA Registration Support Center or via Fax at (415) 216-2535. Cancellations for registrations received on or before March 1, 2021, will receive a refund less a $150 processing fee. There are no refunds for cancellations received on or after March 2, 2021. Registrants can expect a refund within one week of submitting their request.

EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

• What content areas will be represented at the online experience?

  There will be nine content areas represented at the online experience. You can find all the areas along with descriptions on the event website.

• How many sessions will be at the online experience?

  There will be 64 concurrent sessions at the online experience, plus general session keynotes, special council events, and networking opportunities.

• When will the educational sessions take place?

  Sessions will take place from 12:30–5:30 p.m. on April 8-9, 2021, and Noon–4:10 p.m. on April 10, 2021. If you cannot make the scheduled time of the session, the content will be available on-demand following the event, for all registered participants.

• Do I have access to all educational sessions?

  You will be given the opportunity to select which sessions you would like to attend. It is up to you to decide which sessions interest you and to attend those sessions as desired.

• Will the NSBA Council luncheons still be held?

  The NSBA Council events will not have a luncheon component but will continue to have focused speakers for each specific council. Registration will not be required for these sessions. Information about Council speakers will be posted to nsba.org/NSBA2021 once they become available.

REPORTING CREDITS

• How many CEU credits can I earn by attending the NSBA 2021 Online Experience?

  The NSBA 2021 Online Experience is eligible for 9.5 credits.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

• How can industry thought leaders participate in the online experience?

  Online environments can be customized with branding. For event sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jeaneen Bodie at jbodie@nsba.org. Interested in becoming a Champion of Public Education? Contact Damien Delgado at ddelgado@nsba.org.

• What is the online event sponsor schedule?

  Exclusive Showcase Hours:
  Day 1: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EDT
  Day 2: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EDT
  Day 3: Noon – 1 p.m. EDT

• When do I need to have my company showcase ready?

  To ensure availability, event sponsor fees must be paid in full and profiles completed by April 1, 2021.

• How long will my company showcase be available to attendees?

  Attendees can access the online experience for approximately two (2) months after the event.

• Who do I contact with other questions?

  If you have other questions, please email info@nsba.org.