FAQ

What do I need to do before arriving at the conference?

Ensure that you have updated the CLEAR Health Pass.

 

What airport is closest to the conference?

• Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is approximately 20 miles.
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is approximately 7 miles.

 

What should I bring with me to the conference?

Please remember to pack masks, sanitizers, and cleaners.

 

Do the hotels require a credit card when checking in?

Yes, conference hotels require a valid credit card for incidentals.     

 

What time zone is Houston?

Houston is on Central Time .

 

How do I get from the airport to the conference hotels?

• If you are using Uber, Lyft, or a taxi for transport to and from one of the airports, please visit this link for information: Getting to and from the airports
• For more information regarding transportation, please select the Transportation tab here: https://www.nsta.org/houstonhousing

 

What are the conference hotels?

NSTA has contracted with several downtown Houston hotels. Please visit the NSTA housing page at https://www.nsta.org/houstonhousing for information.

 

Who do I contact if there are problems with my housing reservation?

Please confirm your housing reservation prior to arrival. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties upon arrival, contact:

 

• Visit Houston, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time, Monday–Friday, at 713-853-8973.

Where is the conference located?

Conference Services, the exhibits, the NSTA Store, sessions, and events will be located at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC) at 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010. Most meetings, ticketed workshops, and special events will be held at the Hilton Americas Houston Hotel at 1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010.

 

When does the conference begin and end?

The conference will begin with concurrent sessions on Thursday, March 31, at 8:00 AM and end on Saturday, April 2, at 4:30 PM.

 

I have received an e-mail with my registration confirmation. What should I do when I arrive on-site?

• Each day, a different color-coded wristband will be distributed at the CLEAR check-in line. You will need to obtain the proper color wristband for entry into sessions and the exhibit hall.
• All participants are required to go through the CLEAR Check-in Line located in Lobby C of the GRBCC prior to entering the conference areas.

 

What do I do if I have not received my registration confirmation e-mail?

• Before arriving at the conference, please contact us at reg@nsta.org.
• At the conference, please visit Conference Services located in Lobby C of the GRBCC.

 

Where can I retrieve my badge for the conference?

Badges can be printed at Express Check-in, located in Lobby C of the GRBCC. Care kits will also be distributed at this location.

•  If wanted, colored stickers will also be available to identify distancing comfort levels:
  • o red: let’s socially distance
  • o yellow: I’m okay with minimal contact
  • o green: totally okay with any contact

 

What is the protocol for unvaccinated children? Are they required to register/create an account and upload a negative COVID test via CLEAR?

Parents/guardians above the age of 26 can add minors ages 14–17 to their Health Pass flow and/or bring their negative test with them. However, it is recommended that anyone 18 and under provide their vaccination card and/or negative COVID test in advance to CLEAR to ensure a smoother and more practical process. For instructions on creating a CLEAR Health Pass, click on this link: CLEAR Health Pass. Should you have questions, contact CLEAR at 855 CLEAR ME or memberservices@clearme.com.

 

What happens with international attendees? Does CLEAR work with them as well?

The CLEAR Health Pass does not accept international verification of vaccination. Rather, anyone traveling from outside the U.S. is REQUIRED to provide a negative COVID test result within 48 hours of the start of the conference.

 

What is the protocol IF I begin to exhibit signs of illness?

Go directly to the medical center, located on Level 1 across from Exhibit Hall E or visit the closest hospital or urgent care center listed below.

 

Where is the closest medical facility located?

• • St. Joseph Medical Center, the closest hospital to GRBCC, is located at 1401 St. Joseph Parkway, Houston, TX 77002, 713-757-1000.

 

Where are the closest COVID Testing facilities located?

• • University of Houston–Downtown, 201 Girard St., Houston, TX 77002

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred via curative.com or

888-702-9042.

• • CVS Pharmacy, 917 Main St., Houston, TX 77002, 713-982-5565

Patient must visit CVS website to book appointment.

• • CVS Pharmacy, 300 Milam St., Houston, TX 77002, 713-223-0371

Patient must visit CVS website to book appointment.

 

Are vendors, hotels, and convention center staff also following the NSTA COVID protocol?

NSTA has provided its guidelines to the vendors, hotels, and the convention center, and has requested that only individuals who meet these guidelines be assigned to the conference and have contact with attendees and NSTA staff.

 

Is there complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the convention center? If so, what is the access code?

• • Complimentary Wi-Fi (introductory speed) is available in all meeting rooms, common areas, general assembly, and ballrooms at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The network is named Complimentary WiFi and no password is needed.
  • If you would like to upgrade the Wi-Fi for your presentation, please click here for individual purchase for Instant Internet ($12.95/device).
  • If you would like to upgrade the Wi-Fi for your presentation, please click here for individual purchase for Exhibitor Internet ($79.99/day).

 

Are meals included?

No.

 

Is there any place to eat in the convention center?

Starbucks is located in the center, as well as Le Madeleine, a grab ‘n go concession that will be positioned in the center during conference hours. There are a few restaurants located on Avenida De Las Americas, just outside of the GRBCC. The hours for these restaurants are 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.