Annual Conference Need-To-Know

We can’t wait to see you in San Antonio!

To ensure your conference experience is as smooth as possible, we ask that you please read the information below. This will GREATLY reduce confusion and/or delays while enjoying all that the IPA USA Conference has to offer.

  1. SCHED – Sched is the platform that will be CRITICAL to making the most of your conference experience in San Antonio. While using the mobile app is ideal while on-site, it is also available using a web browser. By now, you should have received an invite to log in via the Sched app, using the email address you used to register for the conference. If you haven’t received this email, please contact Michelle Raymond via email as soon as possible. Please download Sched and verify you can log in BEFORE arriving in San Antonio.
    1. When looking for your invite or other Sched notifications, please note that they will be sent from “[email protected]

      Download Sched: for iOS/Apple for Android/Google Play
  2. UBER – While most of the conference locations are within walking distance of each other, IPA USA is proving each attendee with a $25 Uber credit to help facilitate travel to and from each location, as well as their hotels. This credit will be claimed via a link distributed in an email to attendees and presenters. You must have an Uber account set up to claim this credit. PLEASE NOTE – use of this credit will be limited to the dates of the Conference, as well as to certain locations specified as Conference locations or attendee hotels.
    1. If your hotel was not one of the three listed as having an IPA USA room block for the conference, please contact Michelle Raymond with the hotel location so it can be authorized for Uber pick-up/drop-off.
    2. LOCATIONS NOT SPECIFIED BY CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS IN UBER WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR PICK-UP/DROP-OFF USING THE $25 CREDIT.
    3. This credit cannot be claimed more than once.
    4. We strongly encourage all attendees to use the Sched app and take advantage of rideshare/carpooling opportunities. Not only will this maximize your Uber credit, but it will keep demand for Uber drivers within limits of their supply – there are multiple events in the San Antonio area that week – and help reduce the environmental impact of cars on the road.
    5. Please be sure to have the Uber app and an account to claim your credit BEFORE arriving in San Antonio.
    6. Please contact Michelle Raymond if you have not received the link to claim your credit

      Uber in web browser Uber for iOS/Apple Uber for Android/Google Play
  3. PARKING – For those driving in for the conference, or renting cars during their stay, there are two options for parking on or near campus on Thursday and Friday.
    1. To receive a daily permit to park on campus at UIW, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK.
      1. Please note – the permit is DAILY. You must apply for a new permit each morning before parking.
      2. These permits are free and only required Thursday and Friday. Parking on campus during weekend hours does not require a permit.
      3. Classes will be in session while the IPA USA Annual Conference is in session. Please keep this in mind when planning your arrival time.
    2. We are also ascertaining the availability of other local parking options along Broadway, or at the Central Market. We encourage those who park off-campus to use the Sched app to rideshare and optimize the use of their Uber credit.
    3. Many of these locations are also within walking distance, under a mile or less.

  4. BADGE PICK-UP AND CHECK-IN – For those who have pre-registered for the conference, badge pick-up will begin at 7:00 AM CT on the mezzanine level of the Student Engagement Center at the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX.
    1. Due to a last-minute conflict with student events, we will not be able to open registration and/or badge pick-up any earlier than this. Please arrive promptly at 7:00 AM CT on Thursday, Oct 6, to prevent delays in beginning the opening session. There are multiple breakfast options, as well as a Starbucks, very close by on the UIW campus.
    2. Please have your badge on at all times. Your badge is your admission to conference events, and admittance will not be permitted without it. If you need a replacement, promptly visit the registration or help desk, located on the mezzanine level.
    3. You will receive event-specific tickets (evening receptions, tours, lunch choices, etc.) as well as your badge at check-in. Please keep these, as we will collect them at the entrance to each event. Tour lunch tickets and tickets for paid events in particular will be required.
    4. If you have not paid for your registration at this time, please bring payment with you. Registration for the conference is not complete until registration fees are paid.

  5. Thursday and Friday, the conference will be centered around the Student Engagement Center at the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX. (Click here for a map). Specific room numbers for each session can be found in Sched, as can dining options while on-campus.

  6. There are a number of Food & Beverage options while attending Thursday and Friday Sessions. Please see this page in Sched for a list of some of these options, both on-campus and off.

  7. The pick-up location for Saturday Tours will be the Luella Bennack Music Center, located a very short walk from the Student Engagement Center, in the buildings closer to the intersection of Broadway and East Hildebrand Ave. Please arrive early enough to be ready to begin boarding the buses by 8:00 AM.

  8. Questions? The Help Desk will be open 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday and Friday.

  9. Change your mind and want to attend either the Saturday night Hoe-Down or the Sunday morning Beastly Breakfast? Please see on-site registration on Thursday, October 6 between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. To allow time for our vendors to prepare for these events, tickets will not be available for purchase after this time.