GAC Frequently Asked Questions

Background
 

What is the Government Affairs Conference (GAC)?

The annual NCBFAA Government Affairs Conference (GAC) offers attendees the opportunity to have a seat at the forefront of industry developments and legislative initiatives.  This is accomplished by receiving timely and critical updates directly from the influential players involved in the process, and by serving as a platform for the engagement of Senators and Congressional Representatives to ensure their understanding of the industry’s most pressing and challenging issues.

Who should attend?

All NCBFAA Regular, Associate and Affiliate members are invited to attend, as well as non-members who are eligible for NCBFAA Regular or Affiliate membership.

Due to the fact that importers and exporters (NEI Professional Members) can now attend various NEI webinars and participate in NEI Case Studies to obtain their necessary CEUs throughout the year, the NEI Professional Members (those not eligible for any type of NCBFAA Membership relating to Regular, Associate or Affiliate) are no longer eligible to attend the Annual Conference or Government Affairs Conference.

If registering as a Non-Member for an NCBFAA event, please note that your registration must first be approved by NCBFAA staff prior to being processed in our database. We ask that you refrain from making any travel arrangements until you have received a confirmation email, reflecting that your registration has been accepted.

For more information on membership, please click here.

How do I register for the GAC?

To register for the GAC, click here. Please note that you will need to have your NCBFAA individual account login credentials. If you do not have an NCBFAA account, you will need to create one, by clicking here. If you need to have your login information sent to you, you may request them here.

Once you have your login credentials, please make sure to review your account information and make any necessary updates (Name, Company Name, E-mail address, etc.) before continuing registration. For more information on account maintenance click here.

Payment for registration is by credit card or ACH only.

Please note that registration and hotel reservation cutoff dates are subject to availability and may sell out before the listed dates. For this reason, we recommend registering early to secure your GAC registration and hotel room.

How can we keep track of conference events?

The NCBFAA GAC Program page will contain all updates to the official GAC program. Information will also be distributed via the Monday Morning e-Briefing and e-mail blasts.

What should I do prior to the event, from a legislative perspective?

The NCBFAA strongly encourages you to arrange meetings with the offices of your Senatorial and Congressional Representatives either on your own initiative or in conjunction with your local Affiliated Association, if they plan to attend the event. We suggest reviewing our Write My Representative tool kit for tips and guidance on how to contact your Representative. You should proceed to make your own appointments, or you may wish to defer to those of your Affiliated Association.

How do I connect with my representative before the GAC?

You can connect with your representative before the conference in a number of different ways: phone call, letter, e-mail, or a visit to their local office. We suggest reviewing our Write My Representative tool kit for tips and guidance on how to contact your Representative. For more information on connecting with your congressional representative, please visit the links below.
 

When will the position papers be available?

The event organizers wait to draft the position papers until they are reasonably certain that the issues considered will still be relevant by the time the event convenes. That said, every effort will be made to ensure that these are available no later than one month out from the Conference.

Where can I find sample letters to send to my representatives?

This sample letter may be used to arrange your appointments with your representatives when you visit the Hill during the conference.

What if I need to cancel my GAC Registration?

Cancellation and refund requests must be made in writing by August 29, 2025. A refund of the full conference fee, minus a $75 administrative fee, will be given for cancellations received by that date. After August 29, a refund of the full conference fee, minus a $150.00 administrative fee, will be given for cancellations. Submit all requests to bgillis@ncbfaa.org. NCBFAA regrets that refunds will not be given for no-shows. Substitutions are gladly accepted! Badge sharing, splitting, and reprints are strictly prohibited. 

How do I notify you of my special needs?

For those of you with special needs, e.g., dietary or physical access, please remember to complete the “Special Needs” field when registering for the Government Affairs Conference. To access the “Special Needs” field, click on Register Now at the top of the GAC splash page. Then log in and click Continue to open the Recipient Information page. The “Special Needs” field is directly above the “Billing Option” drop-down box at the bottom of that page, or you can contact kobeirne@ncbfaa.org.

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Hotel / Transportation
 

How do I make hotel reservations?

In an effort to more accurately manage our room block allotment, the NCBFAA 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 registration, you will receive a link to the Grand Hyatt Washington reservation page that includes NCBFAA's special room block rate of $329.00(+tax)/night. The aforementioned price takes into account the hotel's $20 Destination Fee.

When is the cut-off date for the Conference Hotel room block rate?

The conference room block rate will be available until August 7. Hotels in DC are historically sold out around this date, so we encourage you to make your hotel reservation as soon as possible!

Please note that registration and hotel reservation cutoff dates are subject to availability and may sell out before the listed dates. For this reason, we recommend registering early to secure your GAC registration and hotel room.

What do I do for hotel reservations if no rooms are available at the Conference Hotel block rate?

If the hotel has no rooms available, please send your information, including the nights you need, to kobeirne@ncbfaa.org. We will put you on our waiting list and contact you should there be a change in availability.

What do I do if I need to cancel my hotel reservations?

If you find you have to cancel your room, please contact kobeirne@ncbfaa.org before doing so, as we may be able to utilize that room for the waitlist in the event someone still needs a room. 

How far is the Conference Hotel from the airport(s)?

If flying into:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the Conference Hotel is approximately 3.7 miles or a 15-minute drive.
• Dulles International Airport (IAD), the Conference Hotel is approximately 27 miles or a 41-minute drive.
• Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI), the Conference Hotel is approximately 32 miles or 58-minute drive.
  
  

What is the best way to get to the conference site from the airport(s)?

From Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA):

• Shuttle service – there is currently no shuttle service from Ronald Reagan International Airport to the Grand Hyatt Washington.
• Metro service – take the yellow line towards Greenbelt to the Gallery Place - Chinatown Station. Walk 0.3 Miles to the Grand Hyatt Washington which is located at 1000 H St. NW. For metro rates and schedules,  click here. 
• Rideshare Service is available for approximately $15-$25 one way.

From Dulles International Airport (IAD):

• Shuttle Service – there is currently no shuttle service from Dulles International Airport to Grand Hyatt Washington.
• Metro Service – take the silver line to the Metro Center Station. From Metro Center, it is a 4 minute walk to the Grand Hyatt Washington which is located at 1000 H St. NW. For metro rates and schedules, click here.
• Rideshare Service is available for approximately $50-$75 one way.

From Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI):

• MARC Train - Take the shuttle to the BWI Rail Station (Amtrak), the MARC Train is $8 one way, and $16 round trip. It will take you straight into Union Station. Once at Union Station, you can use the metro to take the red line towards Shady Grove to the Metro Center Station. From Metro Center, it is a 4 minute walk to the Grand Hyatt Washington which is located at 1000 H St. NW. For metro rates and schedules, click here.
  
  

Will I have trouble getting a taxi?

Because taxis can be hard to come by at such a busy time, you may consider utilizing the popular and convenient cab-hailing service, Uber. Simply create an account online (you will need to provide your cell phone number and credit card information), download the app onto your smartphone, and sign in using the credentials you just created.

What is the cost of parking at the Conference Hotel?

The Grand Hyatt Washington offers the following parking rates for guests and visitors:

Valet Parking

• 0–2 hours (tax/fees included) - $34.00
• 2-8 hours (tax/fees included) - $44.00
• 8 - 24 hours (tax/fees included) - $63.0
• Overnight + tax (This equals out to $76.70 w/ 18% tax) - $65.00
• Oversize vehicles (limit 6'6") + tax (This equals out to $88.50 w/ 18% tax) - $75.00

Self Parking

Self-parking is available at the 10th Street garage attached to Grand Hyatt Washington, which is located on 10th Street between H and G Streets. Please note that self-parking at the 10th Street garage cannot be charged to your room. Additionally, there are no in-and-out privileges in the self-parking garage.

• 0-1 hour - $12.00
• 2-4 hours - $19.00
• 4-10 hours - $20.00
• 10-24 hours - $45.00

Self Parking (11th Street City Center Garage)

Description: Additional parking is available at 11th Street City Center Garage, which is located on 11th Street between H Street and Palmer Alley. Pricing is subject to change, per garage ownership.

• 0-1 hour - $10.00
• 2-4 hours - $14.00
• Maximum/all-day - $19.00
• Overnight - $22.00
• Evenings (weekdays, enter after 6 p.m. and exit before 2 a.m.) - $10.00
• Weekends (daily flat rate; must exit before 2 a.m.) - $10.00
• Early Bird (flat rate; weekdays between 5–9 a.m. and out by 6 p.m.) - $14.00

Click here to view the parking information provided by the hotel.

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Conference
 

What should I remember to bring to the Conference?

While this is not an encompassing list, here are a few items you won't want to forget:

• Red, White and Blue colored clothing for a day on the Hill.
• Comfortable walking shoes for the day on the Hill.
• Printed Materials sent out pre-conference from the NCBFAA (There will be no hard copies available on site):
• Welcome Letter
• GAC Program
• GAC Speakers
• GAC FAQs
• NCBFAA Affiliated Associations
• Attendee Listing by Last Name
• Attendee Listing Geographically
  
  

What are the hours of the NCBFAA Registration/Information Desk?

• Sunday, September 7: 3 – 7 p.m.
• Monday, September 8: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 9: 7 – 9 a.m.
  
  

What are the rules regarding conference badges?

Badges are required for admission to all conference sessions and functions. If they are not on a lanyard, they should be worn “High and Right.” Badges are non-transferable and are distributed at registration. Individuals not previously registered can pick up badges at the NCBFAA registration Desk upon payment of appropriate fees.

What is the conference policy on the use of cell phones and devices?

We understand that pressing business may interrupt you, but please be considerate of your fellow attendees, presenters and special guests. These devices should either be turned off or set to vibrate. In the event of a call, please step OUT of the room. Because of the highly professional manner in which our industry members conduct themselves, this issue should not be a concern, but we would like to reiterate this information for anyone not familiar with our policy and thank you in advance for your cooperation and consideration.

When is the official opening event?

The official opening event is the Board Welcome Reception on Sunday from 6-7 p.m.

What is the dress code for the conference?

Participants are encouraged to attend the conference in business casual attire during the day. Evening functions are also business casual. When going to the annual trek on the Hill, we recommend you to dress to impress! We also encourage wearing red, white and blue during the day on the Hill.

How can I earn Continuing Education Credits for attending GAC events?

Credits for LCB, CCS/MCS, and CES/MES can be earned for attending all of the Monday sessions. Once the session content has been fully developed by the GAC Planning Committee, it will be send to an accreditor to finalize the number of credits the material will be worth. Following the conclusion of the Conference, all attendees will receive an email including instructions on how to log their credits for attending the event.

How can my Spouse / Guest participate?

Spouse / Guest registration is for the Capitol Hill and Board Receptions ONLY. If attending any other functions you must pay the full registration fee. We recommend that Spouses / Guests visit or call the concierge desk in the hotel lobby for resources and recommendations to take full advantage of their time in DC.

What meals are included in registration? 

Sunday, September 7th:

• Opening Reception (For all Attendees)

Monday, September 8th:

• Breakfast is on your own 
• Lunch from 12 – 1:30 p.m.
• Dinner on your own

Tuesday, September 9th:

• Breakfast is served 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. (service stops once the presentation begins)
• Congressional Reception – from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

*(Any dietary needs should be listed under special needs during the registration process. Some dietary requests incur an additional expense.)

Is there a business center at the Conference Hotel?

Yes! There is a FedEx Business Center located in the hotel. The hours are Monday - Friday from 7:30AM-6:30PM and 10:00AM-2:00PM on Saturday. 

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Local Area / Attractions
 

What will the weather be like during the conference dates?

The average temperature in Washington, DC, for September ranges between 60° F and 80° F. Also plan to bring adequate business attire for conference sessions with the average room temperatures of 65°F in each session.

What can I do on my downtime while I’m in Washington, DC?

Below are links to help you plan your stay in the Nation’s Capital:

• Destination DC is the official tourism and convention corporation of Washington, DC.
• OpenTable.com is great for making reservations at the cities tastiest restaurants.

 Look for deals on activities and events on Groupon.com, Living Social, and TravelZoo.com

• DC Metro
• Smithsonian Institute
• National Zoo
• The Kennedy Center
• Eastern Market
  

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Upcoming Conferences