Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who should attend this conference?
Over 200 attendees are expected, including representation from DBP membership, WMM 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers, WMM Best Companies for Multicultural Women, NAFE Top Companies for Women and other top U.S. and global companies. These representatives include figure heads/members of network and affinity groups such as Asian, Hispanic, Women, African-America, Disabled and GLBT.
Q. How could my company participate in the annual NALC?
Attendees: In the year’s past, many corporations have elected to send the leadership of their own internal network group or an individual who is contributing significantly to the morale and values of the company’s workforce or customer base.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Please, contact Meghan Donnelly at 202-463-3782 to learn more about these opportunities.
Q.Is there a discount for sending a group of people from a business?
Yes. A special rate applies if you register as a group. See registration page.
Q. Will I be able to register for this event onsite?
Onsite registration for this event will be available; however, we strongly encourage prospective program attendees to take advantage of the pre-registration rates. This year’s event is limited to only 250 participants.
Q. What are the registration desk hours?
The conference registration is from 8:00 am – 5:00pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2008.
Q. What is included in my registration fee?
Registration to the NALC includes the following:
- Wednesday, February 25
- Morning General Session Affinity Groups Networking Lunch
- 6 Breakout Sessions
- Networking Reception
- Thursday, February 26
- 6 Breakout Sessions
- Executive Sponsor Awards Luncheon
Q. If I register for the conference and then cannot make it, can I get a refund or send someone else in my place?
We will be providing refunds to individuals who cancel before the cut-off date May 5. There is an administrative $45 cancellation fee. If you would like to send someone in your place, you may make that substitution at any time.
Q. I am driving to the conference, will there be any parking available?
Parking fee: $37 per day. For daily offsite parking please contact the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers at (212) 581-1000 for details
Q. What hotels are available for the NALC ?
NALC is being held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. To book your hotel room you must first register for the conference.
Q. How can I get from the airport to my hotel?
New York City is serviced by two major airports. Please refer to Hotel section of the NALC website to obtain additional information.
Q. What is the proper attire for this conference?
The NALC events on both Wednesday and Thursday are business/professional. Please know, conference rooms can be very hard to keep at a desirable temperature, so you might want to pack a sweater or light jacket.
Q. Will there be an opportunity to network with other conference attendees?
Yes. The program reception, breakout sessions and refreshment breaks offer each attendee the opportunity to make new professional contacts. Please come prepared with plenty of business cards.
Q. What is the history of the annual Network and Affinity Leadership Congress (NALC)?
In May 2006, Diversity Best Practices (DBP) hosted its 5th Annual Trailblazers Symposium, at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia. Themed “Many Faces, One Vision: Inclusion,” this 1½ day event is considered by its Fortune 1000 attendees as the event to learn and share best practices for developing and maintaining corporate network and/or affinity groups.
The first NALC event was held in 2007 in conjunction with Diversity Best Practices (DBP) Summit & Gala. Over 150 attendees from 60 companies participate in sessions focused on building business value and group strength. Prior to the 2007 events, DBP held a series of annual Trailblazers Symposiums, which began as women’s networks and then included all network leaders
