Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Where will convention events be held?

A: All convention events will take place at The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.

Q: Are there any health and safety requirements for attending the convention?

A: ACI will be following the health and safety requirements set by the local, state, and federal governments at the time of the convention. Meeting rooms and special event spaces at The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown will be set to normal convention capacities.Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html for the latest travel guidelines. 

Q: Where can I check e-mail during the convention?

A: Check your e-mail at the ACI Cyber Café or bring your own laptop and use the FREE wireless internet in the exhibit area.

Q: I am a first-time convention attendee. Is there an orientation I should attend?

A: Yes, you are invited to attend the Convention Orientation Breakfast on Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Also, watch your e-mail for information on additional events to attend.

Q: I have an ADA accommodation request, who should I contact?

A: All ADA accommodation requests can be sent to Event Services at conventions@concrete.org.

Q: I need to rent a scooter or wheelchair, do you have any recommendations?

A: We recommend Scootaround Personal Transportation Solutions available in Philadelphia. Visit https://scootaround.com/en.

Committee Meetings

Q: Can I attend committee meetings?

A: Anyone who is registered for the in-person convention may attend open committee meetings listed in the convention program book or mobile app.

Q: How do I join an ACI Technical Committee?

A: Visit this web page and complete the application.

Sessions

Q: Can I attend the technical sessions?

A: Yes, all in-person registered convention attendees are encouraged to attend the sessions throughout the week or view them on-demand. Anyone registered for on-demand sessions only, can watch on-demand recordings through the convention app/platform.

Q: Are session handouts available?

A: Yes, session handouts will be available on the ACI website at the conclusion of the convention and will remain online for at least 4 weeks following the convention.

Q: Is a speaker-ready room available?

A: A speaker-ready room will be available to session moderators, speakers, and committee chairs.

Q: What are the hours of the speaker-ready room?

A: The speaker-ready room will be open the following hours:

Saturday, November 2 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 3 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday, November 4 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Q: Where is the speaker-ready room located?

A: The Speaker Ready Room will be located at The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown - Registration desk II (5th floor).

Q: Does ACI offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participation in sessions?

A: At this time, ACI is submitting session information to AIA for approval to offer CEUs for participation in the live convention sessions. Attend the entire duration of a live participating session and record the codes given out during the session using the worksheet provided in the program book. In most cases, one contact hour is equal to one Professional Development Hour (PDH). Check with your state board for acceptance criteria. On-demand sessions do not qualify for CEU's. ACI does not offer CEU's for attendance at committee meetings.

Networking/Social Events

Q: What networking opportunities are there during the convention?

A: There are numerous networking events during the convention, including but not limited to: the Opening Reception (Sunday 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.), Women in ACI Reception (Monday 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.), Concrete Mixer (Tuesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.), and President's Reception (Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.). Networking events are open to all registered convention attendees and guests.

Q: Can my children attend the networking events?

A: Only registered guests or attendees may attend convention events.

Exhibits

Q: What are the exhibit hours?

A: Exhibits will be open during the following hours:

Sunday, November 3 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 4 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Q: What is the cost of an exhibit booth?

A: Exhibit Booths are available starting at the $2,500 sponsorship level and above. Please contact Kim Spillane (kim.spillane@concrete.org or +1.248.848.3197) for more details.

Q: What are the benefits of exhibiting/sponsoring?

A: So many! For a detailed list of sponsor benefits, view the prospectus here.  

Q: How can my company become an exhibitor?

A: An exhibit booth is one of the many sponsorship benefits. To become an exhibiting sponsor, fill out the sponsor application located at here.

Destination

Q: What is the typical weather in Philadelphia, PA in November?

A: The average daily high in Novmeber is 56°F (10°C) and the average low is 47°F (8°C). Visit www.weather.com for the latest weather forecast. 

Registration

Q: What is included as part of my registration?

A: In-person convention registration includes attendance at committee meetings, sessions, networking events, and exhibit area activities. Additionally, registration fees cover the cost of meeting room rental, audiovisual equipment, coffee breaks, cyber café and wireless hotspot equipment and fees, signs, pre-convention and on-site materials, registration staff, and materials.

On-demand technical session registration includes participation in all on-demand technical sessions. The registration fee also covers the cost of event platform fees, equipment, and staffing.

Q: How do I register for special lunches and receptions?

A: It is highly recommended you pre-register for all ticketed in-person lunches and receptions. Space is limited and these events are expected to sell out. You can register for these events online when filling out the registration form. You can also add these events to your registration by contacting Customer Service at registrar@concrete.org

Q: If my guest is only attending the networking events, does he/she need to register?

A: Yes, they will need to register as a guest to attend any networking events, guest events, or tours.

Q: If I am only coming to make my presentation, do I need to register?

A: If you are a speaker only attending the session to make your presentation (and not participating in any other convention event), you do not need to register. Please note: You will NOT receive a name badge or other convention materials if you do not register. One day registrations are available.

Q: I have a question about registration, who should I contact?

A: If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Customer Service at 248-848-3812 or registrar@concrete.org

Q: Where will registration be located on site?

A: In the Franklin Hall at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel.

Q: What are the hours of registration?

A: Registration will be open during the following hours:

Saturday, November 2 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 3 7:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 4 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 5 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Hotel

Q: Does ACI have a group rate at a hotel?

A: Yes, for more information visit our hotel webpage

Q: Does ACI have government rate rooms?

A: Yes, ACI has a small block of government rate rooms at The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. More information on government rate rooms can be found here.

 

Transportation

Q: How can I get from the airport to the The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown?

A: Taxi cabs, shared-ride services, and rental car centers are all available at the Philadelphia International Airport.

Q: Is there parking available at The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown?

A:Valet parking is $69.50/day.

Travel

Q: I need a letter of invitation to obtain a visa. Can you help me?

A: Request your letter of invitation from ACI Event Services. Provide your full name, mailing address, and e-mail address. E-mail us at conventions@concrete.org. Note: ACI is unable to provide financial assistance. Letters will only be given to registered convention attendees.

Q: How far in advance should I request a letter of invitation to obtain a visa?

A: ACI recommends requesting a letter of invitation six (6) months prior to each convention.

Q: Will ACI submit my letter of invitation directly to the consulate?

A: ACI will send all letters of invitation directly to the individual requesting the letter. Individuals must submit the letter to their consulate. ACI will not communicate with embassies or consulates on your behalf.

Q: Will ACI provide financial support?

A: Unfortunately, ACI is unable to provide financial assistance to attendees.

Q: What are the latest airport security guidelines?

A: For the latest airport security guidelines, visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel.

Don't See Your Question - Contact Us

Name Responsibility E-mail
Lauren E. Mentz, CMP Director, Events and Publishing Services—Oversees Event Services Department; Convention & Event Operations, Host Chapter Relations +1.248.848.3799 lauren.mentz@concrete.org
Courtney E. Clemens, CMP Event Planner—Food & Beverage Events; Meeting Scheduling; Onsite Operations +1.248-848-3817
courtney.clemens@concrete.org
Michaela G. Moore Event Planner—Session and Speaker Coordination; Opening Session; Onsite Operations +1.248.848.3785
michaela.moore@concrete.org
Carole A. Berrelez Event Planner—Room Block Management; Exhibit Hall Activities; Host Chapter Coordination; Onsite Operations +1.248.848.3186
carole.berrelez@concrete.org
Kim A. Spillane
Sales/Business Development Coordinator—Exhibits and Sponsorship Sales
+1.248.848.3197
kim.spillane@concrete.org
General Information +1.248.848.3795
conventions@concrete.org

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Upper Level Sponsors

ACI Northern California and Western Nevada Chapter
Baker
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Master Builders
PS=0
Sika
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