General
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What are the dates and location of the conference?
- Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL
October 21 – October 23, 2026
- Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL
- What is the schedule for the event?
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What is the theme of the conference?
- Igniting Opportunity: Powering the Deals, Connections, and Insights that Shape What’s Next
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Where can I find the conference attendee list?
The conference attendee list is available exclusively in the conference mobile app. The app will be available in early September. Registered attendees will be sent an email on how to access the conference app and the list. The attendee list can be downloaded by using the desktop version of the conference mobile app.
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What is the dress code for the event?
- Business professional/smart casual is appropriate. A jacket or sweater is suggested as meeting rooms may be cold.
Registration
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How can I register for the event?
- Click here to secure your spot!
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What are the registration fees, and what do they include?
- Senior Housing & Care Provider (Operator) $2,341*
- Healthcare Provider/Payer $2,341*
- Developer $3,277
- Capital Provider $3,277 *
- Transactional Service Provider $3,277 *
- Product/Service Provider $4,297*
- Small Operators (10 or fewer properties) $1,873*
Please contact us at registrar@nic.org to receive a code to use during checkout.
* Early bird discounted rates valid through August 26, 2026
Your registration includes:
- Attendee list (e-mail addresses are not included)
- Networking Lounges
- Educational Sessions
- Meals at the NIC Café
- Receptions
- Headshot Lounge
- Shoe Shine
- Relaxation Station
- Specialty Coffee Bar
- LinkedIn Corner
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Is there a deadline for registration?
- No, registration is open until the last day of the conference.
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When does the Early Bird rate end?
- To take advantage of Early Bird registration rates, registrations must be received by the NIC Registrar no later than August 26, at 11:59 PM CT.
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How do I receive my conference badge?
You can pick up your badge onsite at the NIC Registration Area located on Lobby Level of the Sheraton Grand Chicago. Badge Pickup will be open:
- Wednesday, October 21: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday, October 22: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday, October 23: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
NIC does not mail badges in advance.
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What is the NIC Badge Policy?
- You must wear your badge and lanyard at all times to move about the space.
- Badge swapping is not permitted. Anyone found wearing a badge that does not match their identification will be removed from the conference without a refund. In addition, the registration of any attendee whose badge is being worn by another individual will be forfeited.
- The NIC Conference has security in place to ensure that only registered individuals have access to the conference space.
Keep your badge in a safe place. Replacement badges can be printed onsite at a cost of $250 to the attendee.
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Do you allow on-site registration?
- Yes, starting at 7:00 am CT on Wednesday, October 21.
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What is NIC's event registration replacement policy?
- If you are no longer able to attend the 2026 NIC Fall Conference and your company would like to replace your registration with another colleague, a $395 administrative fee will be applied.
- The original registration will be cancelled minus the $395 fee, and your company will be provided with a code to honor the rate of the original registrant.
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Are group discounts available?
- Yes, for Operators only. Companies registering 3 – 5 individuals receive a 4% per person discount, and companies registering 6 or more individuals receive a 6% per person discount. Please note that all individuals must be from the same company and must register at the same time.
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What forms of payment are accepted?
- You can pay by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover) or by check.
- Payments by check will be accepted until Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Registrations submitted using the check payment option are considered pending until payment is received.
- Make checks payable to National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC) and mail to:
NIC
c/o Registration
One Park Place
Suite 450
Annapolis, MD 21401- To avoid cancellation, checks must be received within 7-10 business days of submitting online registration. In the event of cancellation, hotel rooms reserved at the NIC group rate may also be canceled by NIC. Conference re-registration will be at the current registration rates.
- Please note that registrations purchased using company checks/credit cards can be canceled by company personnel on your behalf.
If you originally selected Check Payment and would like to update your payment method to Credit Card, from the registration page please click Already Registered and enter your email address and confirmation number. From there, you can access your registration, update your payment method, and submit your payment by credit card.
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Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
If you are no longer able to attend the conference and your company would like to replace your registration with another colleague, a $395 administrative fee will be assessed. The original registration will be cancelled, and your company will be provided with a code (if applicable) to honor the rate of the original registrant.
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What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- Cancellations must be submitted online via the event registration site or by email to registrar@nic.org
- Cancellations received on or before September 2, 2026, will be assessed as a $395 administrative fee.
- On or after September 3, 2026, no refunds will be granted.
- In the event of registration cancellation, hotel rooms reserved at the NIC group rate may run the risk of also being cancelled. Conference re-registration will be at the current registration rates.
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How do I access the conference attendee list?
The conference attendee list is available exclusively to registered attendees through the Conference Mobile App. Registered attendees will receive an email in early September with details on how to download the app and access the attendee list.
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Does NIC sell attendee lists?
NIC does not sell attendee lists. The only way to access the official conference attendee list is through the Conference Mobile App, available only to registered attendees. If you receive an email from someone claiming to have a NIC attendee roster for sale, or feel you are receiving questionable promotional emails, please forward the email to events@nic.org.
NIC Academy
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Is there a NIC Academy Boot Camp taking place during the conference?
Yes! The Senior Housing Boot Camp will take place in conjunction with the 2026 NIC Fall Conference. This is a stand-alone event, separate registration is required.
Program
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Who are the keynote speakers and session presenters?
- Please visit our Sessions page for the most up to date listing of sessions and speakers.
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How can I view or download the event schedule?
- Please visit the Conference Schedule page for details. The mobile app will be available in early September.
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Will presentation materials or recordings be available after the conference?
- Session recordings are not available for this event. If presentation materials (e.g.,. handouts or PowerPoint presentations) are available, you will be able to access them through the conference mobile app after the session concludes.
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How do I access session evaluations?
- A session evaluation will be emailed to you at the conclusion of each session you attend.
Attendee Experience
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Is Wi-Fi available at the hotel?
- Yes, Wi-Fi will be available to conference attendees.
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Are meals or refreshments provided?
- Yes, your registration includes breakfast, lunches, and breaks.
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Is there a mobile app?
- Yes, the NIC Events mobile app will be in use for the Fall Conference. The attendee list, including networking via the app, will be available in early September.
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What networking opportunities will there be at the event?
- There are numerous ways to make the most of your networking experience. Join us at dedicated events throughout the conference, including the Welcome Reception, Networking Reception, Women’s Networking Reception, and the First-Time Attendee Gathering. Take advantage of the networking lounges, which provide space for both informal conversations and meaningful connections. Be sure to also pay attention to the color of your conference lanyard—each one corresponds to a different attendee group to help guide and enhance your networking.

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What is the Networking Lounge Etiquette?
We kindly request attendees to observe good networking etiquette by following these policies:
- The only company signage or display materials permitted are those posted by NIC.
- Networking spaces must remain accessible and available at all times to all fellow conference attendees.
- Networking Lounges are accessible only by badged conference attendees.
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How do I request accessibility accommodations?
- Please indicate your needs during the conference registration process, or email the registrar after confirming your conference participation at registrar@nic.org.
- What are NIC Conference Policies?
Sponsorship
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How can I learn more about becoming a sponsor?
- Contact sponsorships@nic.org for information and to discuss opportunities to support the conference. Please visit our Sponsorship page for more information.
Travel and Housing
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What are my travel options?
Welcome to Windy City! You have two options when flying into Chicago:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 18 miles from the hotel.
- Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is approximately 12 miles from the hotel.
Taxi, limo, rideshare, rental cars, and public transportation are available from both airports to the Sheraton. The hotel does not provide shuttle service.
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Is there a NIC conference room block at the hotel?
We’ve got you covered! NIC has partnered with three top-notch hotels in Chicago, IL, offering exclusive discounted rates for our conference registered attendees. These rooms are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to book early!
- Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk (Host Hotel)
Stay where the action is!
Address: 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
Rate: $389/night (single/double occupancy + tax)
Available through: September 18, 2026, or until sold out - Loews Chicago Hotel (Host Hotel)
Just steps away from the host hotel—modern vibes and great city views.
Address: 455 N Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 (240 ft next to the Sheraton, 1 Minute walk between properties)
Rate: $289/night (singleoccupancy + tax), $309/night (double occupancy + tax)
Available through: September 18, 2026, or until sold out - Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile
A cost-effective option with all the essentials!
Address: 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60611 (0.2 miles, 2 minute walk from Sheraton)
Rate: $299/night (single/double occupancy + tax)
Available through: September 18, 2026, or until sold out
Important Note: You must be registered for the conference to access these discounted rates. Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive the official hotel booking links.
Book early—these blocks fill up fast!
- Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk (Host Hotel)
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How do I change/replace/cancel my hotel reservation?
- Once you’ve booked your hotel room, be sure to check your individual confirmation email for all the important details—including your hotel’s specific cancellation and deposit policies.
- Need to make changes? Whether it’s a name change, adjusting your arrival or departure dates, or canceling your reservation, please contact the hotel directly. They’ll be happy to assist!
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In what time zone will the event take place?
The event will take place in Central Time (CT).
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What type of weather should I anticipate?
Chicago in October features cool, crisp autumn weather with average daily highs in the mid to high 50s and overnight lows ranging from the upper 40s to the upper 30s.
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Where can I find more information about entertainment and dining options?
Learn more about all the options to take advantage of in Chicago: https://www.choosechicago.com/
