Registration:

What is the Global Trade Educational Conference?

Now in its 10^th year, the Global Trade Educational Conference (G▪TEC) brings together over 300 importers, exporters, customs brokers, freight forwarders, service providers, and global logistics professionals from around the United States. For two days in Oklahoma City, international trade professionals will have the opportunity to update themselves on industry developments and connect with colleagues new and old.

All NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI) Members and potential Professional, and Corporate Members are strongly encouraged to consider joining us for the industry event of the year, the 2024 G▪TEC Annual Conference, where you will:

• Learn from industry subject matter experts on today’s pressing matters!
• Get an opportunity to voice your questions to industry experts about the latest issues affecting your business!
• Find out what new products and services can help your bottom line from our Exhibitors in the Exhibitor MarketPlace!
• Acquire fresh ideas by networking at numerous social venues with old friends and business colleagues while meeting new people!

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Who should attend?

All Importers, Exporters, NEI professionals, and corporate members, as well as non-members who are interested in NEI certification and course offerings. NCBFAA Regular, Associate, and Affiliate Members are invited to attend, as well as those non-members who are eligible for NCBFAA Regular, Associate, or Affiliate membership. For more NCBFAA membership information, please click here. For more NEI membership information, please click here.

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What information do I need to register?

You must have an NCBFAA account to register for the Conference. If you need to create a profile, you can do that here.

Please keep in mind that the information that is currently in your NCBFAA account (Name, Company, E-mail, etc.) should be updated BEFORE registration, as badges and information for the attendee list are populated from this information. 

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What does my G▪TEC Annual Conference Registration include?

A fully paid Attendee registration includes: 

• Access to all Monday and Tuesday sessions
• Two nights of social & networking functions
• Welcome Reception Sunday
• Sponsored Networking Reception Monday
• Breakfast Monday
• Breakfast & Lunch Tuesday
• Access to the G▪TEC 2024 Exhibitor Hall

The Sunday Pre-Conference workshops are an additional charge as well as bringing spouse and any guests.

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How do I register for the G▪TEC Annual Conference?

To register for the 10^th G▪TEC Annual Conference, click here. 

If you are having trouble completing multiple registrations at once, please clear your cache on your computer and use the Chrome browser. If you are still having trouble, we can process your payment manually at this phone number: (240) 847-5708. 

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What is the cancellation policy for my registration?

We’ll be sorry that you won’t be able to join us for this exceptional learning and networking experience!  However, we understand that things happen, so if you can’t attend, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. 

Cancellation Policy: To cancel a registration, please notify us via email to neimedia@ncbfaa.org or call (240) 847-5708. There will be a partial refund for all cancellations. Refunds processed before July 12, 2024 will be subject to a $50 administrative fee and requests after July 12, 2024 will incur a $150 administrative fee. No refunds will be made after July 20, 2024. Registration substitutions are allowed, so if you are unable to attend, but someone else from your organization can be there in your place, please notify us in writing via email at neimedia@ncbfaa.org.

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How do I request a special meal or accommodation?

If you require a special meal or accommodation, please let us know, in specific detail, during registration or contact neimedia@ncbfaa.org. Certain meals may incur additional costs.

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What should I pack for the Conference?

All NEI events are business casual unless designated otherwise. Not everyone agrees on the temperature inside sessions, so be prepared to bring a jacket or sweater to be sure that you are comfortable.

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What is the dress code?

Participants are expected to attend the Conference in business casual attire during the day and at most evening functions. With our industry partners and colleagues attending, it is important for each of us to reinforce the Association's professional image (no shorts, tee-shirts, or flip flops, please).

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What will the weather be during the Conference dates?

Chicago, IL has very warm weather with a gentle breeze in July. The average maximum daytime temperature in Oklahoma in July is 85°F. The average night-time temperature is usually around 70°F. To view the current weather in Chicago, click here.

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How many CCS/CES credits is the G▪TEC Conference attendance worth?

Attendance at the G▪TEC Conference is worth 15 CCS/CES credits. A completion code will be given to participants after the conference. If you are dually certified, the 15 credits apply to both the CCS and CES designations. 

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How do I register for the Pre-Conference Workshop session?

This year G▪TEC 2024, there will be two Pre-Conference Workshops. One session will be HTS Classification and the other session will be Business Development: Best Practices for Global Service Providers on Sunday, July 28th from 1:00-4:00 P.M. CST. To register for the session, please click here.

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Hotel/Transportation:

How far is the Conference Site from the airport?

The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel is approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport which is approximately 30 minutes by car.

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Where can I park my vehicle if I am driving?

At InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Valet Parking is available for a daily rate of 75 USD.

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How do I get from the Airport to the Hotel?

You can also use a rideshare app such as Uber or Lyft.

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How do I make my hotel reservation?

In an effort to more accurately manage our room block allotment, NEI has updated its hotel registration policy requiring attendees to now register for the Conference prior to making their hotel reservations. Upon the completion of your Conference registration, you will receive a link to the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel reservation page that includes NEI’s special room block rate of $219 + Fees (Amenity - $84 and 11.9pct State And 5.5pct City Tax And 1.44 usd Destination Fee Tax) =$286.55 per night. This policy change will ensure all registered attendees have the opportunity to stay at the Conference hotel. Demand for reservations is always high, so make sure you register for the 2024 G▪TEC Annual Conference before June 10th, 2024, when our group rate is up. Please keep in mind that rooms may not be available if we sell out of them before this date, so please secure your reservations at the hotel as soon as possible. Also note that if no available rooms are shown when you go to register, it may be helpful to try adjusting the dates listed in your search. This is because if one of your listed dates is unavailable, no rooms will be shown even if they may be available within the other dates listed in your search. If you have any issues securing your hotel reservation, please contact neimedia@ncbfaa.org

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If I am unable to secure a room at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel, what should I do?

If this occurs, you may contact nearby hotels such as the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Chicago to make an alternate reservation, or make arrangements via any online hotel booking website, keeping the cancellation policy in mind, should accommodations at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel become available. Also note that if no available rooms are shown when you go to register, it may be helpful to try adjusting the dates listed in your search. This is because if one of your listed dates is unavailable, no rooms will be shown even if they may be available within the other dates listed in your search. If you have any issues securing your hotel reservation, please contact neimedia@ncbfaa.org. 

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What is the G▪TEC Conference room rate?

The room rate that has been secured for our Conference attendees is $219 + Fees (Amenity - $84 and 11.9pct State And 5.5pct City Tax And 1.44 usd Destination Fee Tax) =$286.55 per night.

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What does my G▪TEC InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel Room Rate Include?

Click here for hotel room details.

What Wi-Fi is available at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel?

There is complimentary WiFi at the hotel. 

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What is the cancellation policy for my Hotel room?

The Hotel requires that all reservations be guaranteed either by a credit card or by a cash/check deposit for one night’s room and tax. Guarantee/deposit will not be refunded unless the individual reservation is canceled seventy-two (72) hours prior to arrival. Cancellation after the 72-hour window will result in a penalty of one night's room tax.

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What if I want to send items directly to the Hotel?

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Will a spa be available at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel Hotel?

Yes, it's called the Spa InterContinental. Below are the hours. To book a spa appointment, click here.

POOL & FITNESS HOURS -  6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
SPA HOURS -  8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The pool, fitness center, and spa are open 7 days a week. 

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General Conference:

How do I access Conference materials? 

After the conclusion of the conference, the presentations from each session will be on the mobile conference app.

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How can we keep track of Conference events?

Up to, and throughout the Conference, you can go to the G▪TEC webpage on the NCBFAA website to keep track of Conference events. Once on-site, there will be a mobile app that will feature a Conference program page.

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Will there be a mobile app for the Conference this year?

Yes! Once again, the G▪TEC Annual Conference Mobile App will be available for attendees to use throughout the event. The app will open with a splash page, and then lead to a log in screen. Once logged in, the user will see a ‘home’ page with 12 buttons. A side menu will allow the user to see the full list of menu items. Use the app to add and view content for four different types of Conference-goers – Sponsors, Exhibitors, Speakers, and Attendees. Each type will have a main alphabetical list of entries, with the ability to click on a specific entry for more detailed information. All four types will allow app users to ‘follow’ these entries, adding them to a list within the Attendee profile for quick reference. Users can also make additions/changes to their app profile easily.

The app also allows us to add and view content for the Agenda/Schedule. Entries on this list have the ability to click on an entry for more detailed information (including showing the speaker and users who have added the item to their attendance list). From the entry, users can also click to view the speakers’ detail card. The entry also shows its own mini-feed of posts specifically tagged with this entry.

For an added level of connectivity, the app allows for posts, photo posts and surveys the users can participate with. There is a central Activity feed that allows users to see what’s going on during the Conference. They can add to this feed directly or through other parts of the app. Many Activity items tie in with the Leaderboard of the app – users can gain points by completing certain tasks and reaching milestones, adding direct communication/participation with users. In addition, certain activities will be eligible for prizes.

The app supports surveys, both for specific sessions, as well as a general Conference survey. Completion of the surveys will give the NEI team feedback about the engagement of the Conference material and also serve as a way for users to add to their own points. It also includes an overview map for the event location, allowing users to quickly see where they need to be. A section of the app ties directly to the NEI Social Media Sites. The app will also have a Resources section. This section of the app will support a blog that will replace the Daily Voice Annual Conference newsletter and files section (i.e., session handouts) to be available to the user.

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Is there a Business Center at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel Hotel Hotel?

The hotel does have a 24-hour Business Center available, click here for details on all amenities.

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What are the hours of the G▪TEC Registration/Information Desk?                   

• Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sunday - Tuesday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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What is the Conference policy on the use of mobile devices?

We understand that pressing business may interrupt you, but please be considerate of your fellow attendees, presenters, and special guests. No calls are permitted during Conference sessions. All devices should either be turned off or set to vibrate. In the event of a call, please step OUT of the room. NEI will provide numerous power strips throughout Conference session rooms for laptop use. We also request that participants not make recordings of the sessions. It is a violation of federal copyright laws to record session presentations in any manner. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and consideration.

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How can we best support our generous sponsors?

The funding supplied by our Conference sponsors contributes greatly to making it possible for the NEI to provide attendees with the Conference experience they have come to expect over the years. In light of this welcome support, we encourage our attendees to not only visit each of the Exhibitors but also thank all our gracious sponsors who can be easily identified by their Sponsor ribbons.

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Will there be G▪TEC Exhibitors this year?

Yes. The Exhibitors will be in the Avenue and Streeterville Foyer areas and include booths featuring products and/or services geared to the Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/NVOCC industry. We once again remind and encourage everyone to be sure to visit the diverse exhibits Monday and Tuesday during breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch.

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Will panelists have a chance to meet before their presentations?

We suggest all moderators contact their speakers and panelists to finalize their presentations for that day. The NEI Team will be happy to assist in coordinating conference calls between you and your panelists prior to arriving on site. There will be a speaker-ready room available Monday and Tuesday from TBD in the TBD room. 

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How does the Conference use event photographs?

From time to time NEI uses photographs taken at Conferences and events in its promotional materials and on its website. Unless this permission is revoked in writing to NCBFAA Educational Institute, by virtue of their attendance, all Conference visitors agree to the use of their likeness in such materials.

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New this year is two 3-hour pre-conference workshop sessions called "Classification General Rules of Interpretation" and Business Development: Best Practices for Global Service Providers on Sunday, July 28th from 1-4 pm CT. We also are not offering a virtual conference pass this year. All conference passes are for attending sessions are in person only.

The Welcome Reception is being held in the TBD  room where you can expect light fare to be served.

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The Monday Evening Networking Reception sponsored by Avalon Risk Management is TBD. 

Please browse the 2024 Sponsorship Information page to view our growing list of current sponsors and to access the benefits and sponsorship submission form.

Future Conferences:

What are the details for the 2025 11^th Annual Global Trade Educational Conference in Oklahoma City, OK?

The next Global Trade Educational Conference (G▪TEC) takes place on July 2025 at the Omni City Hotel. 

Exhibitor set-up will be on Sunday, July 28th, starting at 12 noon. Exhibits must be finished by 5 p.m. Sunday night, without exception.

There is a maximum of 2 Exhibit Booth Registrants. One registration is included in the exhibit fee. All other workers will need to register as attendees via the website at the full registration price. All registrations will include Conference materials and typical registration access to meals, social functions, and sessions.

• One 6 foot x 30 inch table
• One complimentary registration which includes all sessions (excluding the Pre-Conference Workshop), meals, and social events 
• Two side chairs
• One wastebasket
• A mailing list of all registered G▪TEC attendees as on 07/25/2023, via e-mail
• A follow-up mailing list after the G▪TEC Conference on 08/05/2024
• Company listing in the Exhibitor section of the Conference App
• Company listing in the Exhibitor section of the G▪TEC Conference website
• Ribbons reflecting that you are an Exhibitor

• During the registration process select "Add Guest"
• Complete the registrants information

These services are provided by the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel. Ordering will be available via an email form once registration is complete. 

Once your exhibitor registration has been processed, we will email you and provide detailed shipping information, how to order electric, display material, etc. Please be sure to take notice of the cut-off dates for shipping. You can also find this on our Exhibitor Information page.

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Can we have guests visit the booth?

All attendees on the floor must be registered either as an attendee, exhibitor, or paid guest. If you wish to have someone come and visit the booth, they will need to see the G▪TEC Registration Desk to get registered or be registered ahead of time. 

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When is the G▪TEC Exhibitor Hall open?

G▪TEC Exhibitor Hall will open Sunday, July 28th, from 6-7 p.m.; Monday, July 30th, from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, July 31st, from 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. All exhibits must be dismantled by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

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Do I need to remove my materials Sunday night?

We recommend that electronics such as laptops and other expensive items be monitored or placed out of sight when you are not at your booth.

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Is the G▪TEC Exhibitor Hall open during sessions?

Yes, the Exhibitor Hall will be open all day. We ask that there always be someone in the booth, but if you need to step away, again, please place any valuables out of sight, or take them with you.

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Are raffles allowed in the booths?

TBA

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When does the G▪TEC Exhibitor Hall close?

The Exhibitor Hall will close on Tuesday, July 31st at 2:00 p.m. There is absolutely no dismantling of booths prior to 2:00 p.m., as this is not only a breach of contract but also very disruptive to the Exhibitor Hall and booths around you. Teardown must be completed by 5 p.m.

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