Frequently Asked Questions
The conference will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street NW, Washington, D.C.
A room block will be available at the conference hotel. After you register for the conference, you will receive the room block information via email.
Due to limited space at the Grand Hyatt Washington, we have to cap the number of in-person attendees. If we reach our cap before you register or can’t make it to D.C., We are pleased to offer you live access to all continuing education sessions.
The conference will feature:
- Hill Day: An opportunity to advocate to improve the Social Security disability process
- Continuing education sessions: A variety of sessions covering relevant topics in Social Security disability law
- Networking opportunities: Events such as the President’s Reception, mentor/mentee meet-up, NOSSCR PAC reception, legal services meeting, Scully Dinner, NextGen gathering, and circuit roundtables
- Exhibit hall: A chance to connect with vendors offering products and services relevant to your practice
You can find our tentative agenda here, but it is subject to change.
Registration includes:
- Access to all conference sessions and workshops (separate no-cost registration for Hill Day required)
- CLE credits for eligible sessions
- Conference materials
- Access to recordings of sessions after the conference
- Headshot photo lounge
- Breakfast on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, lunch on Thursday, and plenty of coffee!
- Networking receptions
Click this link to submit your need confidentially, and we will work to accommodate you.
- Museums: Smithsonian museums (National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, etc.), National Gallery of Art, International Spy Museum
- Monuments and Memorials: Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Historical Sites: The White House, U.S. Capitol Building, National Archives, Ford’s Theatre
- Neighborhoods: Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill
- Performing Arts: Kennedy Center, National Theatre, Ford’s Theatre
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- &pizza: (1005 H St NE)—Customizable pizzas with unique toppings and a fun atmosphere.
- The Best Sandwich Place (1300 I St NW)—Solid, no frills breakfast, hot and cold sandwiches, subs, and wraps, plus salads and rice bowls.
- Tatte Bakery & Café (1090 I St NW)—Offering delicious coffee and tea drinks and a variety of pastries, sandwiches, salads, and quiches, including gluten-free options.
- Toki Underground: (1234 H St NE)—Ramen spot with a cult following, known for its delicious broths and creative toppings. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it!
- The Big Board: (421 H St NE)—Gastropub with a wide selection of beers and elevated bar food.
- Pollo Campero: (1333 H St NE)—Latin American chain specializing in fried and grilled chicken with flavorful sides.
- Maketto: (1351 H St NE)—Cambodian and Taiwanese restaurant with a cool, modern setting. Offers everything from dumplings to noodles to sandwiches.
- Chiko: (423 8th St SE)—Modern Korean-Chinese restaurant with delicious and inventive dishes. A bit pricier than other options, but still casual.
- Founding Farmers: (1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW)—Farm-to-table American cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Popular for its hearty portions and lively atmosphere.
- Le Diplomate: (1601 14th St NW)—A bustling French bistro with classic dishes, a beautiful patio, and a lively ambiance. Perfect for a special occasion or a leisurely brunch.
- Clyde’s: (707 7th St NW)—A DC institution known for its classic American fare, extensive beer selection, and cozy, pub-like setting.
- Mi Vida: (1901 14th St NW)—Vibrant Mexican restaurant with a modern twist. Offers a wide variety of dishes, from street tacos to upscale entrees, plus a fantastic tequila and mezcal selection.
- International Cuisine: Rasika (Indian), Jaleo (Spanish), Zaytinya (Mediterranean)
The city has an excellent public transportation system (Metrorail and Metrobus). The Metro Center Station is located beneath the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel. Walking, biking, and scootering are also good options for getting around the downtown area. Ride-sharing services are readily available.
No problem! You can change your registration one time for a change fee of $200.
Hill Day
Personal stories make your advocacy relatable and memorable. Legislators and their staff are more likely to connect with your issue when they hear firsthand how policies affect individuals in their communities.
Dress professionally, similar to what you would wear to a formal hearing or business meeting. First impressions are important, and professional attire reflects the seriousness of your advocacy.
You’ll receive a briefing and materials the morning of Hill Day, covering key points and strategies for the meetings. You’ll also have time to meet with your group and practice what to say before heading to your scheduled appointments.
- Check-In: Upon arrival, introduce yourself to the staffer at the front desk and let them know who you are meeting with.
- Possible Wait Time: Be prepared for some waiting, as schedules can shift during the day. Use this time to review materials or practice talking points with your group.
- Meeting Spaces: You may meet in various spaces, such as the legislator’s office, a conference room, or even a hallway. Be flexible and adaptable to the setting.
- Breathe and Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel nervous, but remember you belong in the room. Legislators are there to serve their constituents—you.
- Do Your Research: Before Hill Day, look up your legislators’ policy priorities, voting records, and recent activities. This can help you find common ground or tailor your message.
- Create a Plan: Your group will have assigned roles, such as facilitator, note-taker, storyteller, and fact-knower. Stick to the plan but remain flexible to adapt to the flow of the conversation.
- Prepare Your Ask: Each meeting should include a clear, actionable request, such as supporting a specific piece of legislation.
- Be Flexible: Meetings may be brief (5-10 minutes) or longer (up to 30 minutes). Sometimes meetings happen in hallways or on the move. Adjust your talking points and priorities based on the available time.
- Build Connections: Establish a rapport with the staffer or legislator by finding shared interests or discussing local impacts of policies.
- Stay on Track: Follow your group’s planned structure, but be ready to adapt if the conversation takes unexpected turns.
- Stay Calm: Even if tensions rise or the legislator or staffer is unsupportive, remain respectful and professional.
- Redirect the Conversation: Use your research or planned talking points to refocus the discussion.
- End Gracefully if Needed: If the meeting becomes unproductive, politely end it by saying, “Thank you for your time today. We appreciate the opportunity to share our concerns.”
- Debrief with Your Group: Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and any next steps. Hold this discussion outside the building to maintain confidentiality.
- Send a Thank-You: Follow up with a thank-you card or email to the staffer or legislator, reiterating your key ask and providing any additional materials requested during the meeting.
- Track Progress: Monitor the legislator’s actions on your issue and maintain communication to build a lasting relationship.
Advocacy is about showing up and sharing your truth. Even if the legislator doesn’t agree or commit immediately, your presence and story have planted a seed. You’ve demonstrated courage and contributed to a broader movement for change.
