Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL:
REGISTRATION:
MEMBERSHIP:
CLASSES:
HOTELS:
TRANSPORTATION/PARKING;
CHILDCARE:
DRESS:
GENERAL:
Q:
What is the NTP?
A: The National Training Program (NTP) is an annual event sponsored by FEW. Recently we celebrated FEW's 40th Anniversary, and in 2010 we will be hosting our 41st annual training program. The NTP is a nation-wide training and networking event designed to provide high-quality training for FEW's members and everyone who recognizes education as a means to achieve career success. The NTP is one of the most comprehensive training programs of its kind. Participants connect with leaders in education, business and industry through training classes, in the expo hall and during special events. Attendees learn more about issues, products and services that they can use in their jobs.
Q: Who
attends an NTP?
A: Attendees include federal, civilian and
military top staff, senior management officials and officers, line
supervisors and employees representing a wide variety of occupations,
including accountants, computer specialists, procurement and acquisition
officials, Equal Employment Opportunity and diversity managers,
administrative and clerical specialists, engineers and scientists, park
and forest rangers, training specialists, human resource specialists and
more. You do not have to be a federal employee to attend the NTP, as many
of the course offerings cover a broad range of subjects and do not specifically
apply solely to federal employment.
Q:
What’s new in 2010?
A: Expanded course curriculum and new trainers,
all training courses linked to Office of Personnel Management
Leadership Competencies, exciting keynote speakers, a Military
Recognition Day and of course, close proximity to the New Orleans
French Quarter! Watch our website for the most up-to-date information
- www.fewntp.org.
Q: What events are
scheduled during NTP week?
A: Schedule of Events - see
the full schedule
Sunday, July 11 |
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. |
|
Opening Reception |
Monday, July 12 |
8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. |
|
Opening Session w/ Continental Breakfast
Agency Forums
How to Get A Federal Job Workshop
All About FEW Workshop
Expo Hall Grand Opening
Career Fair with FEW Foundation
FEW Awards Program |
Tuesday, July 13
Military Recognition Day |
78:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. |
|
Military Forum and Workshops
Legislative Luncheon |
Wednesday, July 14 |
7:45 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
|
|
Diversity Town Hall
Twilight Sale in Exhibit Hall
Ice Cream Social |
Thursday, July 15 |
7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. |
|
Mardi Gras Gala |
Friday, July 16 |
7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
10:00
a.m.-1:30 p.m.
|
|
Annual
Membership Meeting
FEW Friday Celebration
(Install New Board of Directors/Speaker)
|
Q:
What are Agency Forums?
A: Agency Forums provide a unique opportunity
for agencies to update their personnel on agency policies, procedures
and issues, to include personnel changes and Equal Employment
Opportunity (EEO) Programs, action items on EEO reports; provide
a venue for the discussion of concerns and network with counterparts
from throughout the U.S. and abroad. Check with your agency
headquarters office to see if meetings for your department or
agency are scheduled. A list of Agency Forums will be posted
on our website www.fewntp.org under
the Agency Forums.
Q: How can I get
more information on the NTP?
A:The NTP website www.fewntp.orgcontains
the most up-to-date program information. Call 202-898-0994.
REGISTRATION:
Q:
How do I register for the NTP?
A:
The NTP Registration Pamphlet was issued in March 2010. The Registration
Form is available; both the entire pamphlet and the registration form are
posted on the website under REGISTRATION. Complete the NTP Registration
Form; include credit card or payment information and obtain an approved
training form/purchase order if your agency or company is paying
for your registration.
You will be able to submit your registration in three easy
ways
- On-line: www.fewntp.org
- By fax:
301-694-5124
- By mail: FEW 2010 NTP
PO BOX 71-1822
Columbus, OH 43271-1822
Q:
How much does it cost to attend the NTP?
A:
Registration Rates
Early Full Registration, by May 31, 2010 |
Member |
$ 825 |
Non-Member |
$1,050 |
Regular Full Registration,
after May 31, 2010 |
Member |
$ 900 |
Non-Member |
$1,125 |
Special Registration Rates |
|
|
Full Registration Military/Student |
$ 595 |
One Day |
$ 300 |
One Day Military |
$ 200 |
Q. How many credit hours do I need to be enrolled in to
qualify for the student registration rate?
A: To qualify for student rate, you must be
enrolled in three classes per semester or quarter. Q.
I am the spouse of a military service member (active duty or reserve/guard)
can I get the military discount?
A: The special military rate only applies to
active duty or reserve/guard military personnel.
Q:
What is included in the full NTP registration fee?
A: Full NTP Registration includes all training
classes on Monday— Thursday,
tickets to the Welcome Reception, Opening Session, FEW Awards Program and
Legislative Luncheon, Diversity Town Hall, entrance to the Expo Hall and
the bookstore, a badge and a conference kit. However, you must check the
appropriate boxes for the special events that you plan to attend. The One-Day
registration rate includes access to one day of training classes, entrance
to the Expo Hall and Bookstore, a badge and a conference kit.
Q:
Where do I register? Paper form? Online?
A:
Both paper and online registration materials are available at www.fewntp.org or
by requesting email from [email protected]
Q: I cannot download your NTP Brochure or Class
List, please send me something I can use.
A:
Call 202-898-0994 or send a message to [email protected] and
someone will send copy of the registration pamphlet to you. Someone may
be able to send the information to you electronically in Word, PDF, WPF,
etc., formats, whatever the person can read.
Q:
I cannot attend the NTP, but I have paid for it. How do I go about getting
a refund? To whom do I mail my request?
A:
Refund/Cancellation Policy. A $75 cancellation
fee will be charged for all cancellations received in writing
by May 31, 2010. Please submit a copy of your registration confirmation
notice. Refunds will not be processed for requests received after
May 31, 2010. Submit your request to the registration address
or to [email protected].
Q: Do the NTP Courses earn CEUs?
A: No, FEW's NTP does not offer CEU's; however, many organizations
accept hour-for-hour credit as Continuous Learning Points (CLP's).
Q:
I am a FEW member and plan on attending, but my agency
is not funding my attendance. Is there a special registration
rate for FEW members paying “out of pocket”?
A: The Out-of-Pocket registration form and
instructions are now posted in the Members Only section on www.few.org.
Q:
When and how can I get a copy of the registration book?
A: The 2010 NTP Registration Pamphlet is now
available electronically on our website at www.fewntp.org.
It is posted in PDF file format so that you can download and view
it on screen, or print out the sections or pages you want. You
can request a smaller, printed copy of the registration book by
sending a request to [email protected] or calling 202-898-0994. You will
need to provide your complete name, address, phone, fax and email
address.
Q: Can my agency include
conference administrative costs in an employee's per diem allowance
payment for attendance at a conference?
A: General Services Administration—Federal
Travel Regulation; Conference Planning, 41 CFR Parts 301- 11 and
301-74, Per Sec. 301-74.13, states: “No.
Per diem is intended only to reimburse the attendee's subsistence expenses.
You must pay conference registration fees separately, either directly or
by reimbursing employees who pay such expenses and submit travel claims"
Q:I have not received a receipt for my payment. I need
one to turn in for reimbursement from my agency.
A:
Contact FEW’s Registration Office at [email protected] or
call 301- 694-5243 or 866-229-5243
Q: Is it possible to get a print-out of the classes for which
I signed up online?
A:
A confirmation letter is automatically generated when you sign
up online and it gives a print-out of your classes. If you register by
mail or fax, you will receive a confirmation letter which includes a list
of your workshops.
Q: My agency registered me for the FEW
conference last month, but I have not received anything in the
mail. Is there a way to check and be sure that I am registered and
signed up for classes?
A:
First, be sure that your agency sent both FEW’s registration
form and your purchase order or credit card payment. If you have not heard
within 10-14 days, you may inquire at [email protected] or
call 301-694-5243 or 866-229-5243.
Q: I want to register a person for the national
training, but I can't fax my credit card information. What is
the phone number to call?
A:
Hard copy registration form is available, fax or email for non-online
registration. You may call 301-694-5243 or 866-229-5243.
Q: What do I do if I have a special
dietary or accommodation need?
A: Please enter special dietary needs on the
registration form. It is very important that you identify your
special needs ahead of time so that accommodations can be made.
Q:
Do you have accommodations for handicapped attendees?
A: FEW supports the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and complies with the requirements within. Qualified
American Sign Language (ASL) sign language interpreters will be
provided at a minimum during the Opening and Closing Plenary sessions. Additional
interpreter services at breakout sessions and conference events
will be provided, upon advance request of the attendees, when necessary
to ensure effective communication. Other types of reasonable
accommodation services will be provided, as available in the meeting
locality, to support dietary, mobility, low vision and other types
of special needs. FEW will work with agencies to ensure that
the event will be as supportive as possible for the attendees.
Conference attendees requiring auxiliary aids and services should
indicate their specific needs on their registration form. An
NTP staff person will contact the registrant to ensure that specifically-needed
services are available. Pre-registration fees for persons with
disabilities desiring to register for the conference are extended
through May 31, 2010.
MEMBERSHIP:
Q: I joined FEW last
year at the NTP but have not received a membership number/card,
or I don’t know my membership number.
A: Contact FEW’s National
Office at 202-898-0994.
Q: How do I join FEW?
A: Visit the FEW website ( www.few.org),
select the JOIN FEW button and then the JOIN FEW menu item to the Membership
page.
CLASSES:
Q: How can I review
a list of NTP classes?
A: A complete list of workshops with descriptions
is available at www.fewntp.org under
the Registration tab. Call 202-898-0994 for a copy of the registration
pamphlet.
Q: Where can I read
more about the trainers?
A: Trainer Biographies and contact information
are posted on our website at www.fewntp.org under
the Registration Tab, in the section Trainer Biographies.
Q:I am a trainer—do I have to bring copies to hand out or will the
NTP do the copying for me?
A: Please refer to the specific language in your trainer contract as it addresses
handouts for FEW’s NTP.
Q:
I am interested in attending the FEW event. Maybe I am missing some information
on the website, but I'm looking for the schedule as to what topic is covered
on each date of the event and cannot find it. I am interested in management
topics.
A: If you are unable to access the workshop listing
on the website, you may request a print version of the registration
pamphlet by calling 202- 898-0994 or sending an email to [email protected].
You may also request that someone send you a listing. Be sure
to specify if you want it in Word or as a PDF file.
Q:
All the workshops I want are closed. Can I still get into the ones I want?
A:
This depends on cancellations, whether or not the classroom setup will
be expanded, etc.
HOTELS:
Q:
Which hotel should I choose?
A: The New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New
Orleans will be the co-host hotels for FEW’s 2010 NTP. Additional
information about the Marriott is posted on our website www.fewntp.org under
the Hotel and Transportation section. All NTP events will take place at
the New Orleans Sheraton and Marriott Hotels.
Q:
What are the hotel rates?
A: The New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans will be the co-host hotels
for the FEW’s 2010 NTP They are located directly across from each
other on Canal Street, with events being held at both locations. Each hotel
is now accepting reservations at a special rate of $104 single occupancy
and $124 double occupancy per night. See lodging
page at www.fewnep.org for more
information.
Q:
I’d like to share a hotel room. Does FEW handle requests
for room sharing?
A: No. FEW does not get involved in making arrangements
for room sharing. If you are a FEW member and are looking to conserve
on lodging expenses, check with your Chapter President or Regional
Manager who may know of other members who are looking to share
rooms.
Q: The hotels say they are
full and not accepting reservations; what do I do now?
A: Check www.fewntp.org for
regular updates on housing. You may also call FEW’s National
Office at 202-898-0994.
TRANSPORTATION/PARKING:
Q:
Is
shuttle service provided by FEW from the New Orleans airports
to the hotel?
A: No. Complete information on ground transportation
is posted on our website at www.fewntp.org under the Hotel and
Transportation Tab.
AREA AIRPORT New Orleans (MSY)-
MSY
Take I-10 East to Poydras Exit to Camp Street, turn left to
Canal St.
Airport
Shuttle; fee: 20 USD (one way); reservation required; Estimated taxi fare:
33 USD (one way).
Q: Is parking available at the hotel?
A: Yes; however, parking is limited. Self-parking
rate is $10.65 per night and valet parking is $19.17 per night.
Marriott Parking: Valet parking fee: $33.60 USD daily; off-site
parking fee $30 USD daily; one vehicle per room. No oversized parking
available any time. Limited onsite availability during special
events.
Sheraton Parking: Valet parking service is available on a first-come-first
served basis (spaces are limited, and oversized vehicles are not
permitted). Vehicles are secured in a covered garage adjacent to
the hotel. Overnight parking rate for cars is $30.18 including
tax per night.
CHILDCARE:
Q:
Will there be childcare provided on-site at the NTP?
A: FEW does not provide child care at the NTP,
but tries to provide information on local childcare facilities
available to attendees.
DRESS:
Q: What is “business
casual”?
A: Dressing professionally, looking relaxed
yet neat and pulled together. Some suggestions for women:
- Reasonable length skirt (not mini-skirt)
- Capris or full length trousers of a non-denim jean material
combined with a top (such as a dress shirt, blouse, polo, or
sweater set)
- Dress with skirt length at the knee or below and dress shoes
Some suggestions for men:
Combination of collared shirt (such as dress shirt or polo shirt),
trousers (such as khakis) with a belt and dress shoes (such as loafers)
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