2011 NOFA SUMMER CONFERENCE FAQ

REGISTRATION

When is registration open?
Registration hours are:
Friday: 11 am - 7 pm
Saturday: 7 am - 11 am, and 4 pm - 7 pm
Sunday: 7 am - 11 am
Can I register at the Conference? Yes! Go to the Registration Tent to fill out a walk-in registration form. There is a $5 per day walk-in registration fee.

Can I pay with Credit Card for walk-in registration?
Yes, you can pay with your credit card. All credit card information will be taken down on the walk-in registration form and processed at a later time.We hope to move registrants more quickly through the line by handling credit card transactions in this way. If you are uncomfortable with this format of paying we accept checks and cash as well. There are ATM machines on the UMass Amherst Campus in the Campus Center.

Can I make changes to my registration online?
Yes, sign-in with the username and password you created and you can make changes to your registration.

Can I do some work to get a reduced or waived registration fee?
Yes! Visit the registration section of our website (www.nofasummerconference.org/registration.php), and look under "Creative Financing" on the right hand side, for opportunities of Work Exchange, Beginning Farmer Scholarship, Farming Education Fund. Participants that register before July 11, 2011 can take advantage of the early bird discount rates which are listed on the registration form. For groups of ten or more, there is the group discount of 10% off registration fees. Contact registration@nofasummerconference.org for more information.

Will I receive a program book before the conference?
No. Program books will be available at the Registration Tent at the Conference. All the information in the program book is also available ahead of the conference on the NOFA Summer Conference website.

Can I bring my dog?
No. All pets must be left at home.

FOOD

Can I just buy any combination of the seven meals?
Yes! You can purchase any combination of meals (Friday lunch through Sunday lunch) when registering for the conference. All prepaid meals will be served in the Worcester Dining Commons on the main UMass Amherst campus [link to map at "campus"]. Meals for which you have prepaid will be listed on your name badge, so please be prepared to show your name badge at Worcester Dining Commons. Meals will be available for cash purchase at the dining commons for walk-in registrants at a slightly higher price. The Saturday All-Local Dinner will not be available for cash purchase.

What if I don't want to eat at the Dining Hall?
UMass vendors will offer organic options out on the lawn during the conference. There are also many restaurant options in the Amherst area. You can walk downtown or catch a Shuttle Bus from North Pleasant Street to downtown. See link to the campus map: www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/campusmap.pdf.

ACCOMODATIONS

Where can I camp?
Camp sites will be available on the library lawn adjacent to the Campus Pond and on Metawampe Lawn. Camping fees are $12 per night, per person age 13 and over (free 12 and under). Limit of one tent per campsite (15'x 15').

Where are the restroom facilities & showers for campers?
The Student Union will be open 24 hours a day for restroom access. Porta-potties will be available near the camping areas. Showers will be in Brett Dorm.

Where do I pick up my dorm key?
After checking in at the Registration Tent and receiving your dorm assignment, pick up your access card & dorm key at Brett Dorm. A $70.00 deposit is required ($50/key + $20/card). A check payable to UMass is the preferred method of deposit. Credit cards will NOT be accepted for the card & key deposit. Your check will be returned to you when your key and access card are turned in at Brett Dorm.

Are there sheets and towels in the dorms?
No! You must bring your own sheets, towels, pillows and blankets.

Are the dorms air conditioned?
No, but you may bring a fan to keep you cool. The deluxe dorms in North residential area are air-conditioned.

Where can I stay if dorms are full?
Rooms are available in the Campus Center Hotel. You may make reservations by calling 877-822-2110 or going to www.umasshotel.com. Be sure to mention the code NOFAC to receive a preferred rate. For other hotel/motel accommodations in the area: www.nofasummerconference.org/accomodations.php

Where should I park at the NOFA Summer Conference?
See parking info here: www.nofasummerconference.org/program.php#when

Where is a local swimming hole?
Puffers Pond, directions are here.

PROGRAM

Where are the workshops? Workshops primarily take place in the Campus Center on the 1st 8th and 9th floors. There are also workshops in the Brett, Brooks, and Wheeler dorms, as well as some workshops that are outside on the lawn. There are tour workshops at some local farms.

Additionally, the Northeast Animal-Power Field Days component of the conference will be held at the UMass Research Farm in South Deerfield, which is approximately 15-minutes from UMass Amherst by car. Please note that shuttle buses will be provided between UMass Amherst and the UMass Research Farm.
You can find a complete list of the workshops and locations here: www.nofasummerconference.org/workshops.php

Are the workshop rooms and dormitories handicapped accessible?
Yes, all of them! Please note that the bathrooms on the 8th and 9th floor of the Campus Center are not Handicapped Accessible.

Will I ever need my car during the conference?
A few workshops are off campus at local farms (denoted as "TOUR" in the workshop descriptions). You will need to either drive there or find someone to ride with. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to and from the farm you plan to visit. Approximate travel times to on-farm workshops are provided in the workshop descriptions.

Can I just pay to go to the keynotes and nothing else?
Yes! You can pay $15 at the door for each of the keynotes (held in the Campus Center Auditorium). See link to the campus map: www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/campusmap.pdf.

Can I just pay to go to the Contra Dance or the Zydeco Dance?
No, you must pay for admission to the conference to attend the dances.

When and where is the Fair?
On Saturday afternoon from 3-6pm by the Campus Pond. Take part in our first annual live auction during the fair. Details will be available on the website as they unfold. See link to the campus map: www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/campusmap.pdf.

Can I just go to the Fair, the Silent Auction, and the Farmer's Market, and nothing else?
Yes! The Fair, the Silent Auction, and the Farmer's Market are free and open to the public from 3:00-6:00 pm on Saturday, August 13.

Who do I contact if I want to play music or provide entertainment at the Fair?
You can contact Laura Shafavaloff at laura_ma_photo@yahoo.com.

How do I get into the Farmer's /Crafter's Market?
You can sign-up on the Registration Form under the listing "Sat Market." A space at the market costs $20 if you have registered for the conference and $40 if you have not. You may rent a table for an additional $15. Please list the products you will be selling in the space provided on the registration form. Note that some items require an insurance policy. You may also sign-up for the Farmers Market using the online registration form online registration form.

How do I donate to the Silent Auction?
You can sign up to donate to the silent auction, which will be held during the Fair on Saturday afternoon, using the online form: www.nofasummerconference.org/ADform.php. Any questions about the auction may be directed to Auction Coordinator Mel Shaw, mel.q.shaw@gmail.com.