What's New > 53rd National Conference Update: Saturday, June 28
The 53rd National Conference of the National Association of Teachers of Singing begins in one week! We are excited to know that you will be among the nearly 1,000 attendees on site at the Boston Marriott Copley Place.
In preparation for your trip to Boston, the NATS National Office will be sending a series of e-mails and reminders to assist in your planning and travel. This is the first of those messages, and we hope that the information contained here will be helpful. If you have other questions, please e-mail us at info@nats.org so that we can better assist you.
We look forward to seeing you in Boston this time next week!
Remember to download Guidebook to help you plan and stay on schedule
The NATS 53rd National Conference has gone mobile using Guidebook! We strongly encourage attendees to download our mobile guide to enhance your experience during your time in Boston. You'll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule, browse exhibitors, see complete presenter information, view maps, connect with others members and more! The app is compatible with Blackberry devices, iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches and Android devices. The app and guide downloads are absolutely free, so take advantage of this wonderful tool to help you start planning for Boston!
Conference updates and information will be pushed regularly through this portal, so it is a great way to stay informed of the happenings in Boston.
Click here for information on downloading the app and Boston Guidebook
Help us share what is happening in Boston through social media (#NATSinBoston)
While 1,000 or more attendees are expected at this year’s conference, that leaves thousands more NATS members who are unable to attend due to schedule conflicts, financial hardship or work obligations. While those members might not be in Boston in body, they certainly are in attendance by spirit. One way you can help your colleagues and students feel the energy and excitement of Boston is by sharing your experiences on social media!
Be sure to post your photos and updates on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube or whatever your social media platform of choice might be! We will share your messages via the Official NATS platforms as well.
Use the hashtag #NATSinBoston with each post to properly brand your messaging. Make it fun and exciting. Tell us YOUR thoughts and show us what YOU see. We can’t wait to see what you have to say! And start from the minute you walk out the door – On my way to #NATSinBoston and @OfficialNATS conference!
#NATSinBoston
Registration is simple and easy; just visit the fourth-floor registration desk
Registration will be simple and easy for attendees at this year’s conference. The registration table will be located on the fourth floor in the main lobby. Those who have pre-registered can simply check in and receive their badge and conference bag. Those who are registering on site can fill out the simple registration form, make payment and their badge and conference bag, as well. The hours of operation for the registration desk are listed below:
Friday, July 4 – 12-4 p.m.
Saturday, July 5 – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, July 6 - 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, July 7 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8 – 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
On-Site Registration: If you are planning to register on site, please note that the online portal will reopen on June 30 to make this process easier for you. Simply visit the registration page at NATS.org/Boston2014. You can complete your registration form online and make payment by credit card from the comfort of your room or home and have your materials waiting for you when arrive at the registration desk. Our online portal accepts MasterCard and Visa only. If you prefer to pay with Discover or American Express, you can do so at the registration table, in addition to payment by check, purchase order, or cash.
Transportation/Parking in Boston for daily attendees or those who are driving
Parking is available near the Boston Marriott Copley Place, either through the hotel, in the nearby self-parking lots, or at the Metro Boston Transportation Authority commuter parking lots in outlying areas.
Hotel Valet Parking: $49 daily (unlimited in/out privileges)
Off-site Self-Parking: $37 daily
For those attendees arriving by air, multiple options exist. NATS has negotiated a discounted shuttle rate from Boston Logan Airport. For more information about parking and transportation, visit the NATS.org/Boston2014 click the Boston Conference transportation page.
Internet Access
Free internet access is available to conference attendees in all lobby areas of the hotel, in addition to the guest rooms for attendees staying at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Paid internet access is available inside the conference rooms for attendees desiring to stay connected through Wi-Fi during the sessions. See the registration desk for more details.
Visit the NATS Message Board and find transportation buddies, last-minute rooms, etc.
Some NATS members are still looking for roommates or to offer their paid registration
to other members because unexpected personal matters will prevent them from attending
the conference at all. Be sure to visit the Message Board and post your needs. Others will see and have an opportunity to respond. Several members have already connected through this resource. Give it a try!