Have a question about the conference that’s not answered here? Leave a comment below and we’ll add a response to our FAQs.
What’s the dress code at The Homestead? During the conference, business casual attire is fine for all conference activities. If you are staying at the Homestead before or after the conference, please note jeans are discouraged in The Great Hall, and in the evening, collared shirt and jacket are required in the Dining Room.
Do I need to make reservations for the spa or other Homestead recreation activities? As a conference registrant, you do not need to make special arrangements for the conference entertainment or other conference activities. However, if you (or your guest) wish to enjoy the spa or any of The Homestead’s recreation activities, advance reservations and appointments are required to ensure preferred times. Please call 800-838-1766.
What about parking? A $5 parking fee is included in the room rate and will be charged to all attendees per day.
Can I extend my stay at The Homestead? Subject to availability, the $159.15 per night rate (includes 10% resort fee, applicable taxes, and parking fee) is available to conference attendees three days before and three days after the 2014 conference dates.
What about meals? Conference and guest registration includes buffet breakfast in the dining room on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; and delicious buffet dinners on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Dietary restrictions may be accommodated with advance notice. If you arrive on Sunday, dinner is “on your own.” Should you choose to dine separately in one of the Homestead’s restaurants during the conference, or if you are extending your stay before or after the conference and wish to dine at The Homestead, advance reservations (800-838-1766) are required.
I plan to bring family members. What activities would include them? If you’ve registered your family members as conference guests, then they’re welcome to join you for all conference meals and evening entertainment. When you’re busy with the conference programming, your guests can enjoy all that The Homestead and the surrounding Hot Springs area has to offer.
I have Celiac disease (no wheat or gluten). Can the Homestead accomodate this or will i need to pack a suitcase of food? Thanks, Barb
The Homestead is equipped to handle most food allergies and dietary restrictions. We’re checking specifically about your requirements, Barb. Watch this space for confirmation that you’ll have wonderful Homestead cuisine that meets your needs. For all our guests with special dietary needs, please make sure to include all the details in your conference registration so that the Homestead culinary staff can prepare accordingly.
I’m planning to bring my child and husband? Will the hotel have regular activities for non conference guest? For example room service, non conf Dining option and use of the pool?
Hello Simiran,
We’re so glad your family will get to enjoy a real vacation while you attend the Conference. Weather permitting, the pool will be available throughout the conference. You’ll want to call 1-800-838-1766 to make arrangements for other activities and for non-conference dining. Dining options during the conference may be limited, but the great folks at The Homestead will make sure no one goes hungry. Or you can make a non-conference attendee registration that includes all the meals and entertainment provided for conference attendees. Priced at just $250, this guest package includes three breakfasts at The Homestead’s famous breakfast buffet, two lunches and two dinners.
Some of the sessions in the agenda state they’ve been submitted for “I” or “S” recertification credits. Since I only have a PHR, will those also count as general recertification credits?
Great question, Victoria! Any program that qualifies for International and / or Strategic recertification credit will also count as general recertification credits, so you should feel free to select from any of the concurrent sessions and know that you’re well on your way to PHR recertification. A final list of all programs and their recertification credits, as well as instructions for submitting your information, will be available at the conference. See you then!
Will attendees receive all the presentations (either paper or on CD) since we will not be able to attend each one?
Hi Nancy,
You’re right! There are so many terrific concurrent sessions that it will be hard to choose which ones to attend. Many of the presenters have agreed to share their slides and they’ll be posted to this website during the conference and will remain posted for at least one week after the conference concludes. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that all materials from all sessions will be available. We encourage you to connect with other attendees during breaks, meals and social events to hear about the different sessions and share insights from what you’ve learned throughout the Conference.
Thanks for your reply.
Hi, Rachel!
Will there be computers for our use at the conference?
Hi, Deb!
Although we won’t have a computer station as part of the conference, there are a few options if you need to get online. The resort fee includes free wireless in all guest rooms, so if you have you’re bringing a computer (or any other device that needs internet access), you’ll be all set. The Homestead also has a Business Center with computers available; you can call 1-800-838-1766 to get all the details to make sure they’ll be able to meet your needs.
See you at the Conference!
My spouse has been able to make arrangements to join me at the Homestead, but only for one evening. Would it be possible for me to purchase a meal & entertainment pass for her on Tuesday evening only?
Hi Andy,
We’re looking forward to see you and your wife at the Conference! You’ll be able to buy individual meal tickets at the Conference registration desk, and your guest is welcome to join you for the social activities on Tuesday evening. Meal tickets are available for $25 for breakfast, $35 for lunch and $60 for dinner.
Will I be able to use the Homestead’s parking facilities even though I am staying off-site? If not, any suggestions? Thanks.
Parking will be available at The Homestead for all conference attendees. Parking is available for $5 per day.
What do you consider Business Casual as far as dress is considered?
During the conference, The Homestead has a relaxed dress code and pretty much anything goes (including denim). We encourage comfortable attire that you’d wear on a “casual” day at work. The Homestead is a large conference facility and temperatures can fluctuate, so it’s also a good idea to dress in layers or bring a sweater.
If you’re arriving before the conference begins Monday morning or planning to extend your stay after the conference, The Homestead’s typical dress code applies. Guests are encouraged to wear collared shirts (or the equivalent), casual slacks and shorts. Jeans, tank tops and baseball caps are discouraged in the Great Hall.
What’s the benfit of attending the state conference over the national–other than cost and distance traveled?
Hi Jessica,
We’re fans of both the Virginia SHRM State Conference and SHRM National, but since you asked… The state conference is a terrific value for the time and money spent. Whether you’re looking for HRCI recertification credits, networking opportunities, or a chance to refuel your mind and recharge your energy, there are few opportunities ANYWHERE better than what we have right here in Virginia. In addition, because the state conference is a local effort, it provides exceptional opportunities to meet people in your own backyard, to learn from vendors who support businesses in our communities, and to get actively involved to help make future conferences exactly what YOU want them to be.
I hope we see you in April at The Homestead. It’s a great complement to what SHRM has lined up for Chicago in June.
What is the cancellation policy for the conference?
Hi Crystal,
Your best option if you register for the conference and find yourself unable to attend is to transfer your registration to someone else…there is no charge for transferring a registration to another person. There is a $50 administrative fee to cancel a conference registration and receive a refund.
Good Evening:
I’m a student working toward a degree in human resource management and will be attending the Southeast Regional conference March 8-9, 2013. However, I’m also interested in attending the state conference. Is there any benefit to my investing time/money at this juncture? Until I’m certified, I can’t “bank” the CEs.
Hi Trish,
Thanks for your question…and for pursuing a career in HR! You’re correct that you aren’t able to ‘bank’ recertification credits, so whether the conference is a worthwhile investment for you is more about the opportunity to learn in a non-school environment and network with colleagues in a variety of human resource roles from diverse organizations across the state. We do our best to keep the conference costs reasonable (it’s among the best HR conference bargains in the nation), but I know that attending the conference still requires a significant investment of time and money. That said, I’ve always found that the people I meet and the relationships that develop are as valuable a conference benefit as the credits I earn. This year we’ve added an additional networking reception on Sunday evening to facilitate even more interaction with fellow conference attendees.
Whether this year or after you’ve graduated, I look forward to meeting you at a State Conference before too long!
Best,
Rachel