Frequently Asked Questions About Conference

How much does it cost to attend the Points of Light Conference? 

Registration fees vary. For a full list of registration fees, please view the conference main page. All general sessions, workshops, service projects, etc., are included in the registration fee. Some activities, including the Idea Exchange Dinners, will have additional fees, which will be noted during the registration process.

What are the COVID-19 requirements?

Points of Light will follow recommended local, state and federal guidelines, along with our partners at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile.

Can I apply to speak at the conference?

The call for proposals for workshop presenters closed on January 17, 2023. We have reached maximum capacity with workshop opportunities this year. To receive notice of future calls for proposals, subscribe to the Points of Light email list.

What will in-person attendees experience at conference?

At the 2023 Points of Light Conference, we’ll explore how our global community is taking action on the most complex issues facing our communities and the critical role civic engagement plays in building sustainable, thriving ecosystems worldwide. Attendees will experience: 50 workshops with actionable takeaways led by industry experts; 4 keynote and panel discussions; compelling leadership discussions highlighting best practices; and connections with fellow changemakers ready to collaborate and amplify your efforts.

We’ll offer deeper learning about the complexities of health equity, disaster preparedness, response and resilience, and explore ways that civic engagement contributes to a strong democracy.

Is there a livestream virtual option this year?

There is not a livestream virtual option this year running simultaneously with conference.

Are there age restrictions for conference attendees?

Content is generally designed for professionals actively working in civic engagement. We will have some workshop sessions and main stage speakers geared toward young changemakers. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered for the conference.

Which payment options are available?

CREDIT CARD: American Express, Discovery, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

CHECK: Should you need to be invoiced to pay by check, please contact our conference team at [email protected].

Where can I get a completed W-9 form?

Organizations that require a W-9 form to process payment may send a request to [email protected].

Are there volunteer opportunities available to staff conference?

Yes! There are 40 volunteer slots available to help staff conference. Volunteers receive a discounted rate for the conference in exchange for working a minimum of one four-and-a-half (4.5) hour shift. Volunteer slots will be filled on a first-come, first-saved basis. Please register for conference using the Volunteer ticket type.

What’s required to volunteer in person during the conference?

Volunteers must cover a minimum of one four-and-a-half (4.5) hour shift of concurrent time during one of the three days of the conference. Volunteers must also attend one virtual pre-event training prior to arrival. Volunteers are asked to arrive 15 minutes ahead of their shift start. Volunteers must be 18 years of age with transportation to and from the conference venue. Volunteers who do not check in for their assigned shift are subject to a post-event charge for the full price of conference registration.

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event you are no longer able to attend the Points of Light Conference, we encourage you to substitute your registration with a colleague. Should a cancellation be required, a partial refund may be granted for requests made prior to 5 p.m. ET on June 1, 2023.

All requests for cancellations, substitutions and refunds must be made in writing and emailed to [email protected] with “Cancellation Request” in the subject line. The date of the cancellation will be the date the email is sent. It is the responsibility of the registrant to confirm receipt of cancellation.

There is a $100 processing fee for any cancellation. No refunds will be issued for registrations cancelled or created after June 1, 2023. Credit card refunds will be issued at the time of cancellation approval by the conference team. Bank processing may take additional time. Check refunds will be issued within 60 days of the cancellation request.

I have already registered but can no longer attend. Can one of my colleagues attend in my place?

Substitutions will be honored until 5 p.m. ET on June 1, 2023. In order to process a substitution, the original registration must be paid in full and should not be cancelled. Payment method changes will not be honored. To make the substitution, log into your conference registration profile and update it with the new attendee’s information.