Thank you again for registering for the APPAM 2018 Fall Research Conference. We're excited to host you and over 2,400 of your colleagues this week in Washington, DC!

Below is some helpful information we wanted to share with you before you arrive so you may make the most of your experience at #2018APPAM.
Hotel & Transportation Information

All 2018 Fall Research Conference sessions and events will take place at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park, located at 2660 Woodley Road NW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20008 USA. The hotel desk can be reached at (202) 328-2000.

Airports
30 miles / 40-minute drive – Driving directions from Dulles Airport to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park are available here.

7 miles / 20-minute drive – Driving directions from Reagan National Airport to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park are available here.

40 miles / 1-hour drive – Driving directions from Baltimore Airport to the Washington Marriott Wardman Park are available here.


Ground Transportation
Rental Cars
The major rental car companies can be found at all of the airports.
Rental Bicycles

Shuttles, Taxis, and Ridesharing Information
Apps like LyftUber, and  Via are widely used in the DC area, providing both rideshare and private car services.

Metro Service
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has a Metro station just 1 block from the hotel. Find directions to the Woodley-Park Zoo Metro Station here.
Registration Information
When you arrive at the hotel, please proceed to the APPAM Registration Desk to pick-up your conference name badge. The APPAM Registration Desk is located in the Atrium on the Exhibit Level, just outside of the Exhibit Hall.

Registration Desk Hours
  • Wednesday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday: 7:45 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:45 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 7:45 am - 12:00 pm

Registration for the 2018 Fall Research Conference includes access to all sessions, continental breakfast each day, refreshment breaks each day, receptions each evening, lunch on Saturday, and all other non-ticketed conference activities.

If you registered for the Opening Lunch, your ticket for this event will be with your name badge. If you indicated you would be attending the PhD Fair and/or the Membership Breakfast, you can just attend, there are no tickets needed. If you requested a hard-copy program when you registered, pick up your copy when you receive your name badge. 
Faster Check-In
We are again using the check-in kiosks where you can proof your badge and make any edits before it prints at the desk.
  1. Proceed to the APPAM Registration Desk
  2. Visit a Pre-Registration check-in station
  3. Scan your QR code or type your full name
  4. Pick-up your name badge and tickets (if applicable) from the printer located next to the check-in station
  5. Grab a lanyard, information flyers, and badge ribbons
  6. You're ready to go!

You can also check-in by entering your name and organization at the kiosk.
Sessions & Programs
With over 300 panels and roundtables at this year’s conference, we encourage you to plan your #2018APPAM experience in advance. Below are some helpful resources to get you started.

The APPAM Conference app provides the most up-to-date session information, allowing you to build your personal schedule, browse paper abstracts, and take notes. Connect with fellow attendees via the app, enhancing your networking opportunities at the conference.

Download the 2018 app by searching your app store for "APPAM Conferences"
Exhibitor Passport

All APPAM attendees are encouraged to participate in the Exhibitor Passport program. The process is simple: visit exhibitors, collect stickers, and win prizes!

Visit Exhibitors
This year's conference welcomes 35 exhibitors that share APPAM's goal of furthering public policy research. From publishers and think tanks to research labs and academic programs, there's something of interest for everyone.

Collect Stickers
By visiting an exhibitor booth and interacting with their staff person, you can earn a sticker from that institution. The more stickers you collect, the more prizes you can win.

Win Prizes
There will be three $200 Amazon gift cards up for grabs as the program's grand prizes. By collecting 10 exhibitor stickers, you will earn one entry into the grand prize drawing. By collecting 20 exhibitor stickers, you will earn two entries towards the grand prize drawing. The drawing will be held on Saturday afternoon and winners will be notified via email.
BONUS! The first 50 attendees to collect 20 stickers and present their passport at APPAM Central can collect an instant prize in addition to their drawing entries! Completed passports can be returned to the Registration Desk.
APPAM Central
Don’t forget to visit APPAM Central to receive a complimentary APPAM gift! Simply complete a quick survey. APPAM Central prize hours are:

  • Thursday: 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm
  • Friday: 10:00 am — 12:00 pm
  • Saturday: 11:30 am — 1:30 pm
Connect Online
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Download the Conference App
The APPAM Conference app provides the most up-to-date session information, allowing you to build your personal schedule, browse paper abstracts, and take notes. Plus, you can connect with fellow attendees via the app, enhancing your networking opportunities at the conference.

Download the 2018 app by searching your app store for "APPAM Conferences" or click this link from your mobile device .

Join the Conversation
Connect with your fellow attendees via social media by following us on Twitter at @APPAM_DC and using #2018APPAM. You can also locate us on Facebook at APPAMDC.

WiFi Information
During #2018APPAM, attendees may connect to WiFi in all meeting spaces.

Network Name: Marriott Conference
Password: APPAM2018
Weather and Dress Code
The temperature during the Fall Research Conference has a predicted average temperature of 59*F high/42*F low. Find the full forecast here.

The dress code for the 2018 Fall Research Conference is business casual so be sure to check the weather before you pack your bags!
2018 Special Events
Wellness Workout: Fun Run & Walk

Thursday,
6:30 – 7:30 am 

Location: Meet in the hotel lobby
There will be three course leaders that will run/walk at various paces to accommodate participants of all levels. Course maps will also be provided for those that prefer to run on their own. The full course is three miles through Rock Creek Park, but participants are welcome to do as much or as little as they’d like.

Not sure if you want to attend? You can just show up on the day of and if there's room, we'd love to have you!
Opening Luncheon

Thursday,
12:00 – 1:30 pm 

Location: Thurgood Marshall Southwest - Mezz Level
Join your fellow members for an opening luncheon to kick off the conference. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues or schedule time to get to know someone new.

The Future of Public Policy Education: Three top policy school deans will discuss the state of public policy education, what issues the field is grappling with, job prospects for graduates, and what the future holds for APPAM member schools. 

Tickets may be purchased onsite at the Registration Desk for $38, if you didn't purchase one when you registered.
Poster Happy Hour

Thursday,
3:30 – 5:00 pm 

Location: Exhibit Hall C - Exhibit Level
In lieu of concurrent sessions on Thursday afternoon, join us for a new poster happy hour. This session serves as one of the conference’s three judged poster events and will feature hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine. This happy hour will flow directly into the Welcome Reception with heavy appetizers and a full bar. Attendees are welcome to attend both.
Welcome Reception
 
Thursday,
5:00 – 7:00 pm

Location: Exhibit Hall C - Exhibit Level
Attendees are invited to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for the evening. The year's reception will include carving and action stations for a variety of hearty food options as you mingle with fellow attendees.
Wellness Workout: High Intensity Interval Training

Friday,
7:00 – 7:30 am 

Location: Thurgood Marshall North - Mezz Level
Join us for a high intensity circuit workout! Define and strengthen your body in this muscle conditioning class combining cardio and strength exercises. Be prepared to work a multitude of muscle groups through a series of exercises in this 30-minute class. All fitness levels are welcome.


Not sure if you want to attend? You can just show up on the day of and if there's room, we'd love to have you!
Membership and Awards Breakfast

Friday,
7:30 – 8:30 am

Location: Thurgood Marshall Southwest - Mezz Level
This new breakfast serves as the annual APPAM membership meeting. An overview of what has been going on at APPAM, a presentation of the slate of candidates for the APPAM Policy Council and a discussion of the future of APPAM will be presented. Awards being presented during this breakfast include the Raymond Vernon Memorial Award, PhD Dissertation Award, and the 40 for 40 Fellowship recipients.

No ticket is required for this event.
Presidential Address & APPAM Awards 

Friday,
5:00 – 6:30 pm

Location: Thurgood Marshall Southwest - Mezz Level
The Friday evening address will feature presentations of the David N. Kershaw Award and the Peter H. Rossi Award, as well as the Presidential Address delivered by APPAM President David Johnson. His address is entitled Measurement Matters: Policy in Federal Statistics and Data.

The format will change a bit this year, with drinks and appetizers available during the event and continuing into the following reception. All conference attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments at the Presidential Reception from 6:30 8:00 pm.
LGBTQI Mixer

Friday,
7:45 – 9:15 pm

Location: Jefferson - Mezz Level
As research on issues facing the LGBTQI communities has increased, APPAM has been consistent in supporting related sessions at the Fall Research Conference to ensure this important work is being heard.

For the first time ever, the 2018 conference features a formal LGBTQI Mixer directly following the Presidential Reception. Relax and mingle with fellow members of the LGBTQI communities as well as scholars working on these topics. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Attendance is not limited to conference attendees.

Wellness Workout: Flow Yoga

Saturday,
6:30 – 7:15 am 

Location: Thurgood Marshall Foyer - Mezz Level
Start the final day of the conference with 45 minutes of relaxation during the morning’s flow yoga class. Mats will be provided and all levels are welcome.


Not sure if you want to attend? You can just show up on the day of and if there's room, we'd love to have you!
Poster Luncheon

Saturday,
12:00 – 1:30 pm 

Location: Exhibit Hall C - Exhibit Hall
This poster luncheon is free to all conference attendees, but a ticket will be required to pick up a lunch. Tickets, which will be limited, can be obtained from any of the presenting authors during the session.
Have questions about #2018APPAM?
We're here to help! Many answers to common questions can be found in our FAQ page . Not finding an answer above? Please feel free to email the APPAM staff.
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Thank you to our 2018 APPAM Fall
Research Conference Sponsors !
We look forward to seeing you in DC!