FAQ

National Harbor 21 • Area Conference on Science Education

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

Ensure that you have updated the CLEAR Health Pass.

Do I need to do anything with the CLEAR app if I attended the NSTA Portland conference?

If you attended the recent NSTA Portland Conference, you will not need to delete the CLEAR app and/or reload. However, there is a new CLEAR code that you will need to enter for the National Harbor conference: EFATTENDEE12. Once you open the CLEAR app, there is an option on that page to “CHANGE.” This is located immediately beneath the “Attendee Health Pass” line. Once you click on “CHANGE,” you will be prompted to take a picture to confirm you are who you say you are. Next, continue to follow the prompts.

What airport is closest to the conference?

National Harbor is close to all three of the area’s major airports:

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

What should I bring with me to the conference?

Please remember to pack masks, sanitizers, and cleaners.

Does the hotel require a credit card when checking in?

Yes, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center requires a valid credit card for incidentals at check-in.

What time zone is National Harbor?

National Harbor is on Eastern Standard Time

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

Both Uber and Lyft services are available.
Taxis are also available. Click here for more details:
Those who prefer public transit will find it’s incredibly easy to go to the Gaylord by bus from both Maryland and Virginia via:
- WMATA NH1 Bus Line
- WMATA NH2 Bus Line

What is the conference hotel?

NSTA is only contracted with the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for housing.

Is conference shuttle available during the conference?

As all conference activities will be located at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, no shuttle services will be provided.

Who do I contact if there are any 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 the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at 301-965-4000.

Where is the conference located?

Conference Services, the exhibits, the NSTA Store, sessions, and events will be located at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (701 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD 20745).

When does the conference begin and end?

The conference will begin with concurrent sessions on Thursday, November 11, at 8:00 AM and end on Saturday, November 13, at 4:00 PM.

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

Proceed to the CLEAR Check-In, located Baltimore 1 of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, before going to Express Check-in to retrieve your badge.
After your participation has been cleared, proceed to Express Check-in, located at the Annapolis Registration Desk.
Each day, a different color-coded wristband will be distributed at the CLEAR Check-in. You will need to obtain the proper color wristband for entry into sessions and the exhibit hall.

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 at the Annapolis Registration Desk during conference services hours.

Where can I retrieve my badge for the conference?

Badges can be printed at NSTA Express Check-in, which is located at the Annapolis Registration Desk. Care kits will also be distributed at this location.

Colored stickers will also be available to identify distancing comfort levels:
red: let’s socially distance
yellow: I’m okay with minimal contact
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.

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 conference.

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

The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center maintains a 24/7 on-property security staff that are trained in basic first aid, CPR, and the use of the automated external defibrillators. If someone becomes ill, they should request assistance by contacting Gaylord National’s Safety Services department at 301-965-4500 or extension 333 on any hotel phone.

How close is the nearest COVID testing site?

Located less than three miles away from the convention center, Greater Baden Medical Services provides drive-thru (ONLY) COVID-19 testing. All insurance accepted, uninsured welcome. No referral required. Schedule an appointment at 301-888-2233 extension 658. The current operating schedule is Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM. The Medical Center is located at 6196 Oxon Hill Rd., Suite 540, Oxon Hill, MD 20745-3112; phone: 301-686-1665.
Concierge COVID Testing is also available. To set up an appointment to have a COVID test done at the hotel, register here.

How close is the nearest hospital?

Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center is located five miles from the convention center: 11711 Livingston Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744, 301-292-7000

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

NSTA has provided its guidelines to the vendors, hotels, and 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?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the common areas on the hotel side of the GNRCC only.
Should you require Wi-Fi in a meeting room or on the exhibit floor, please use this link to order services.

Are meals included?

No.

Is there any place to eat in the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center?

Located on the premises, The Market Place is open every day, from 6:00 AM to 12 Midnight. There are also several restaurants in the Waterfront District, within easy walking distance of the convention center.

Where can I find a schedule of events and other information about the conference?

Visit the National Harbor conference onsite page here.

What are the hours for Conference Services?

Located at the Annapolis Registration Desk, Conference Services will be open during the following hours:

Thursday, November 11 • 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Friday, November 12 • 7:00 AM–4:30 PM

Saturday, November 13 • 7:30 AM–4:00 PM

What are the hours for the NSTA Store?

Located in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall B, the NSTA Store will be open during the following hours:

Friday, November 12 • 10:45 AM–3:00 PM

Saturday, November 13 • 9:00 AM–12 Noon

What are the Exhibit hours?

Located in Prince George’s Exhibit Hall B, Exhibits will be open during the following hours:

Friday, November 12 • 10:45 AM–3:00 PM*

*with exclusive Exhibit Hall/Exhibitor Workshop hours, 1:30–3:00 PM

Saturday, November 13 • 9:00 AM–12 Noon

Is there any special check-in if I am a presenter or presider?

After your participation has been cleared at the CLEAR Check in, located in Baltimore 1 of the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (GNRCC), proceed to Express Check-in, located at the Annapolis Registration Desk to retrieve your badge and materials.
After obtaining your badge and materials, proceed to the Woodrow Wilson Registration Desk to check in as a presenter or presider.

How can presenters upload materials for their sessions?

To share session materials, presenters should click here. Choose session day and title, find your session documents on their computer, and click Upload. To upload multiple files, simply repeat the process.

How can attendees download session materials?

If a presenter has uploaded resource for his or her session, a link will appear in the session description in the National Harbor session browser that is visible to all users. Users can click on the link to download the file directly from the session browser.

How can I document professional development experiences during the conference?

There are two options offered to document your professional development during the National Harbor Area Conference:

NSTA will acknowledge up to 25.5 clock hours for the NSTA National Harbor Conference. Please note that these hours are not graduate/ continuing education units. To document see instructions for creating your own transcript/certificate at: https://www.nsta.org/graduate-credit.
You can also earn one (1) or two (2) graduate-level credit/units in professional development through Dominican University of California course 9072. To obtain credit/units, you must be registered for NSTA National Harbor Area Conference, complete the required assignments, and pay a fee of $104 for one credit/unit or $208 for two credits/units. An NSTA transcript is also required. Register for graduate-level credit by Saturday, December 4, 2021, and submit the required assignments by Monday, December 13, 2021. Click here for complete details.

How do I get around town?

There are a number of ways to get around. Hop on the metro, take a tour around the city by trolley, rent a car, the choice is yours!

Where do I park?

There is onsite parking at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Daily parking rates are $30 for self-park and $49 valet.