Courtesy of Bellwether Enterprise

As you prepare to attend the 2023 NIC Fall Conference, here are a few important reminders to help you take advantage of all the event has to offer.

Before You Arrive

Download the NIC Conference Mobile App 

The app is an essential tool, both for preparation and for optimizing conference resources on-site. Access the attendee list ahead of time, view the Main Stage Sessions, schedule meetings and communicate with fellow attendees, and so much more. Search for “NIC Events” on the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

Download The App

Conference Badges

If you registered and paid in full by September 29, your conference badge will be mailed to you. All other attendees may pick up their badges at the NIC Conference Registration Desk located on the Lobby Level of the Sheraton Grand Riverwalk Chicago beginning Monday, October 23 at 7:00 a.m. Please always wear your badge. The conference badges will allow you access to the conference space. There is a fee for any lost badges onsite.

If you need a badge reprint due to incorrect information or your badge got lost in the mail, please visit the Badge Reprint area at the NIC Conference Registration desk.

Lanyard Colors

Access the Attendee List

The Attendee List is available to view in the mobile app. A downloadable Attendee List is only available in the desktop version of the NIC Conference Mobile App. Download the file and sort it. Many attendees contact each other using the list to confirm meetings ahead of time. Learn more.

Download the Final Program

The final program is available for download and is also accessible via the NIC Conference Mobile App. Use this resource to get a comprehensive, easy-to-read overview of what the 2023 NIC Fall Conference has to offer. You can even print it and view it on the plane!

Download the final program

Weather

During the conference, you can expect temps in the low 60s in the day and mid 40s at night. There is a chance of rain, so be sure to pack your umbrellas.

Attire
Business attire is recommended at the conference.

Once You Arrive​

Acclimate Yourself

Get acquainted with the conference space! At the NIC Registration Desk are helpful maps in the Schedule at-a-glance pointing out important conference locations. You can also view a map of the space in the NIC Conference Mobile App.

Network

NIC facilitates networking throughout the conference. Whether you wish to see and be seen or break away for more private discussions, you will find ideal venues and resources throughout the hotel. Look for the following opportunities:

• Networking Lounges - Gather with fellow attendees anytime, in three settings.
  • • Riverwalk Networking Lounge
      • Riverwalk Level, Level 1
    • Chicago Ballroom Networking Lounge
      • Ballroom Level, Level 4
    • Loews Networking Lounge
      • Loews Lobby Level

• Receptions – On Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., NIC will host receptions that you don’t want to miss. Join your peers and your new business connections for two fun events before you head out for your night on the town.
•  Women’s Networking Meetup is held in the Chicago Ballroom 6, level 4, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23. All women are invited to participate in this informal networking event co-hosted by American Seniors Housing Association and the Senior Housing Women’s Initiative. Don’t forget to pack something pink! 

• Meet-up Points – Find these convenient meeting locations throughout, designed to make connecting with contacts easy.

Networking Lounge Etiquette
The Networking Lounges are designed to facilitate attendee interactions, in an organic, business-friendly environment. Attendees are requested to observe good networking etiquette, while observing the following policies:

• The only company signage or display materials permitted are those posted by NIC
• The space must remain accessible and available at all times to all fellow conference attendees
• Networking Lounges are accessible only by badged conference attendees

Gain Insights

Find a complete schedule, along with detailed session descriptions, in the NIC Conference Mobile App and in the digital final program.

The 2023 NIC Fall Conference offers ten stand-alone, non-concurrent sessions, all conveniently located in the Sheraton Ballroom, Ballroom Level, Level 4 -—designed with comfortable seating and additional aisles to reduce crowding. Remote viewing areas are located outside of the Ballroom to allow you to enjoy the sessions in a less-crowded environment. We also brought back NIC Talks this year—These informative and inspirational TEDx-style talks will be brought front and center to the main stage.

NIC Café

The NIC Café is a fresh market concept open during conference hours serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Re-fuel when it’s convenient for you! Designed to create efficiencies for your meetings schedule as well as eliminate congestion around food functions, the NIC Café will serve as your hub for meals. The NIC Café is located on the Lobby Level, Level 3 – Chi Bar Foyer. The All-day snack carts can also be found on the Lobby, Level 3—Chi Bar Foyer.

Monday, October 23

All-day Break Items
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Morning Break
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Lunch + Food Trucks
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Afternoon Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday, October 24

All-day Break Items
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
 Breakfast
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
 Morning Break
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Lunch + Food Trucks
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
 Afternoon Break
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday, October 25 

All-day Break Items
7:00 AM – 11:00 p.m.
 Breakfast
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
 Morning Break
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Vegan and gluten-free options will be available at the NIC Café and labeled accordingly.  
 Food trucks are available during lunch hours and are free to conference attendees while supplies last! Access the Food Trucks outside, in front of the hotel. 

Kosher Accommodations
Glatt kosher options are available for attendees who requested kosher meals in advance. Glatt kosher mealtimes follow the NIC Café schedule.

Location: 

Lobby Level, Level 3 – Fountain View 

Get Assistance
Conference Concierges are easy to find throughout the conference space and are there to assist you with information and any needs you might have, from masks to mobile device chargers.

Be Pampered
Take advantage of attendee resources. Get professional help updating your online profile at the LinkedIn Corner, enjoy gourmet coffee at the specialty coffee bar, visit the relaxation station, get a new headshot, take your networking out on the town with evening car service, and find dessert waiting for you when you return. If you need to take a call or get some work done, use an individual private workspace. There is also a coat and item check specifically for conference attendees.

First-time Attendees

Watch the First-time Attendee Webinar

If this is your first NIC conference and you missed the webinar, you can review the recording here. This webinar offers a great source of tips and insights on preparing for the conference.

Watch the Recorded Webinar

First-time Attendee Gathering
This is your chance to network with fellow first-time attendees, meet NIC Leadership, and hear tips and tools for how to make the most of your conference experience.

Location:
Ballroom Level, Level 4–Chicago Ballroom 6
Hours:
Monday, October 23
1:35 PM – 2:30 PM

First-time Attendee Seating in Main Stage Session Room
The main stage session room will have seating for first-time attendees to gather together to make connections with others. Feel free to discuss educational insights and network with one another in between sessions.

Be Social!
Use social channels to let your network know what you’re learning and experiencing at ‘the NIC’. Follow and share #NICFall23 for up-to-the-minute highlights.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.