CCIH is excited to host an in-person conference June 5-7, 2023 in Washington, DC. We look forward to the fellowship and networking this gathering will bring. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the conference. We’ll be adding to this page as we get new information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be interpretation (translation)?
There will be simultaneous interpretation into French in the plenary sessions. We are considering including Spanish if there is a demonstrated need. We will make that decision closer to the conference.
How do I know if my abstract has been accepted for the 2023 Conference?
All speakers whose abstract was accepted have been notified. You may be asked to present in a different format or with a different panel. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Will you be accepting additional abstracts/proposals?
We are not accepting new abstracts at this time.
Are there scholarships available?
CCIH is offering a limited amount of scholarships for accepted conference speakers, especially from LMIC contexts, to help with registration costs. Accepted speakers will receive a link to the scholarship application form. Scholarships do not cover travel expenses.
Can I volunteer at the conference?
CCIH has a need for volunteers at the conference. Volunteers may be asked to help speakers keep to their allotted time during their presentations; walk to different buildings or session rooms to make announcements; or to walk to the metro stop to meet attendees. Volunteers must be available starting Sunday, June 4th at 4pm through the end of the conference on Wednesday, June 7th. In exchange for volunteering, your registration fee will be waived. Please email conference (at) ccih.org to express your interest in volunteering.
How should I dress?
Dress for the conference is business casual. Ties for men are not necessary. The weather is usually warm this time of year in the Washington, DC area, however, the sessions will be inside air conditioned spaces.
What if I need a visa to travel but have not started the application process yet?
Accepted speakers and current members of CCIH will be issued invitation letters for the Conference that you will bring to your visa interview. You need to apply for your visa as soon as possible as the wait time for an appointment may be several months and processing of visas also takes time. Read the US State Department website for additional details for applying for a US Visa.
What if I am still waiting for an interview for my visa application or my interview is scheduled for a date after the conference?
Be persistent and check the scheduling website frequently to see if there are cancellations or earlier openings. Others have reported success in getting an earlier appointment date that way.
What if my visa request is denied or I don’t receive it in time?
Please let CCIH know by emailing conference (at) ccih.org as soon as possible if you are unable to attend in person. We hope you can still participate by watching the three plenary sessions, which will be live streamed.
Do I need to be a CCIH Member to attend? Is my Membership current?
The conference is open to anyone, you do not need to be a member to attend. For Individual CCIH Members: Please make sure your membership is up to date. If you are not sure, you can email membership (at) ccih.org to check. If your membership has lapsed, you may renew your membership during the registration process. For staff of member organizations: If you are not sure if your organization is an active member contact us at membership (at) ccih.org.
Registration, Meals and Housing:
Can I get a receipt for my registration?
You should receive an email confirmation with your full payment, indicating the amount paid. If you choose the “pay later” option, you will not receive a receipt until you pay.
What meals are included with the cost of registration?
The following meals are included with your registration:
- Monday Evening Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres
- Tuesday and Wednesday – Boxed lunch
- Monday through Wednesday – Coffee or Tea, Grab & Go Snack
- Pre-conference registrants will receive a boxed lunch
- *Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals are available at the conference. Please email conference (at) ccih.org if you have other dietary restrictions or allergies. For those staying in campus lodging, breakfast and dinner are cafeteria style so there will be multiple options available.
Does CCIH offer refunds?
CCIH will offer full refunds if requests are made in writing 30 days prior to the start of the conference. After May 5, 2023 we can only credit the amount to another conference participant or transfer the credit toward future conferences. Please email conference (at) ccih.org with requests.
Note: Payments made with credit cards will be refunded to those cards; otherwise alternative payment arrangements will be made.
What are my housing options?
If you choose to stay at the university, you will be assigned a single room in a residence hall suite with three to five other rooms, just a short walk from Maloney Hall where the sessions will take place. Each suite has a shared common space and shared bathroom. You can select lodging for one, two, or three days. The cost per night per person is $110 and includes breakfast and dinner. If you would prefer a hotel, please see lists of hotels near Catholic University.
Does the CCIH conference offer Continuing Education credits?
CCIH is not offering Continuing Education Units or Credits for the 2023 conference but will issue Certificates of Participation for those who request one at the end of the Conference.
Is breastfeeding/expressing space available?
There will be designated private space in the conference building for women who are breastfeeding or need to express breastmilk.
What about COVID-19? What do I do if I feel sick at the conference?
We recommend attendees take precautions such as wearing a mask when traveling. Testing and masks will be available on site (but not required). If you feel sick and need to quarantine, notify us immediately and we can assist you with the necessary tests and/or quarantine if necessary. Proof of vaccination is required for non-US Citizens traveling by air to the US. See more about this from the CDC