2010 NOFA SUMMER CONFERENCE FAQ
When is registration open?
Registration hours are:
Friday 8/13 11am-7pm
Saturday 8/14 7am-1pm and 4-7pm
Sunday 8/15 7-10am and 1-3:30pm
Can I register at the Conference?
Yes! Go to the Registration Tent to register. The cost of the conference increases by $5 per day if you register on site.
Can I get a reduced rate on registration?
Yes! Visit the "Creative Registration Financing" section of our website for opportunities for Work Exchange, Helping Hands, early bird and group discounts, and Farming Education Funds. [link coming soon].
Can I get a free registration to the conference?
Yes! You can participate in Work Exchange for free registration and camping. Visit our website for an application and information on Work Exchange [link coming soon]. There are a limited number of spots so sign up early!.
Can I earn money at the conference?
Yes! You can work as a volunteer for Helping Hands and earn $25 for every four hours of work, or $30 if you help with the Children's Conference. For more information, visit our website [link coming soon], or contact Dennis Cronin at rabbitnet@juno.com.
Will I receive a program book before the conference?
No. This year we will not be sending program books in the mail unless you don't have email or specifically request one. This will save us $1500 that we can use to enhance the conference experience for everyone. We feel that because the information will be readily accessible on the website well in advance of the conference, this cost saving decision will not burden or minimize your experience.
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 bring my dog?
No! All pets must be left at home.
Can I just buy any combination of the 7 possible meals? Yes! You can purchase any combination of meals (Friday lunch through Sunday lunch) when registering for the conference.
Prepaid meals will be listed on your name badge.
Meals will be available for cash purchase at the dining commons for walk-in registrants at a slightly higher price.
The Saturday Local Meal 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: http://www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/campusmap.pdf.
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 park my car before 5pm on Friday?
Free parking will be available only in specific surface lots on campus before 5pm on Friday and you must have a golden dashboard pass. When you arrive to campus, park temporarily in the Campus Center Parking Garage (rate is $1.50/hour) and head to Registration. At Registration you'll get a golden dashboard parking pass listing surface lots that are free and you may move your car to one of these lots. Refer to the campus map for the locations of these lots. www.nofasummerconference.org/pdfs/campusmap.pdf. The dashboard pass must be filled out completely and displayed in clear view on your car's dashboard. If you need an additional pass, you may obtain one at conference registration.
Parking for Brett Hall (non-A/C dorm registration): Before Friday at 5pm, the closest available lot to Brett Hall is lot 49. Note: Lot 46 directly in front of Brooks/Brett/Wheeler is a 24 hour restricted lot. There is no parking available there at any time.
Parking for North Apartment Building C (A/C dorm registration): Before Friday at 5pm, the closest available lot to these dorms is lot 44.
If you would prefer to leave your car in the Campus Center Garage, it will be open for the entire conference. There is a cost of $1.50/hour to park in the garage during the day and a flat rate of $3.00 from 5:00pm - 5:00am, payable to the garage attendant upon exit.
If you will be in the garage for an extended period, ask for a discount coupon at Registration. This coupon will entitle you to a full day of parking in the garage for a flat $5.00/day. Simply present the discount coupon, along with your garage gate ticket, to the attendant the first time you exit the garage. The attendant will charge you $5.00 and staple a receipt to your coupon which allows you to come and go for the rest of that day at no charge.
Where do I park my car after 5pm on Friday?
After 5pm on Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday, you may park for free in any surface lot on campus except Lots 21, 29, 35, 39, 46 (in front of Brett & Brooks Dormitories), 47, 50, 54, 67, and all spots directly behind the Fine Arts Center (parallel to lawn with tent.)
Where do I park my RV or Camper?
Before 5pm on Friday RVs and Campers must park in the North End of Lot 25 on Commonwealth Ave. After 5pm on Friday RVs and Campers can move to any numbered lot, as per above. We encourage those with campers/RVs to park in the north end of lot 25 near the tree line as it provides some added space and privacy for you. However, if you would prefer to be closer to the registration area and/or restroom facilities, you may move to one of the lots, as per above.
If you park in a Tow Zone or a Restricted Lot you will be towed. If your vehicle is towed, you may claim it at Ernie's Towing in North Amherst by calling (413) 586-1021. The charge is $90.00, payable in cash or by major credit card (no checks). There is an additional charge of $20.00 per day for vehicles left unclaimed longer than 24 hours. These charges are in addition to any applicable parking fees payable to the University of Massachusetts. Should you need a ride to Ernie's to claim your car, you can call the number above and ask for a pick-up. Ernie's staff always attempts to pick up stranded folks on the UMass campus.
Where is a local swimming hole?
Puffers Pond, directions are here
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 HIGHLY preferred. Credit cards are not accepted. 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.
Where do I stay if I'm not camping, staying in a dorm or the Campus Hotel?
There are motels and hotels in the UMASS area listed on the website, Click Here.
Where are the workshops?
Workshops will be held in the Campus Center classrooms, on local farms, in lounge spaces in Brooks and Brett dorms, and in various noted locations on the lawn. See link to the campus map: click here
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. You will need to either drive there or find someone to ride with.
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 Live Auction, and the Farmer's Market, and nothing else?
Yes! The Fair, the Live Auction, and the Farmer's Market are free and open to the public from 3:00-6:00 pm on Saturday.
Who do I contact if I want to play music or provide entertainment at the Fair?br /> You can contact Tricia Cooper at (617) 558-3322 or at triciaannecooper@gmail.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.
How do I donate to the Live Auction?
Contact Mindy Harris, Auction Coordinator, at mindy@nofamass.org; 310-663-0054..
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.