NASP Convention Exhibits
Discuss, firsthand, the most innovative, up-to-date products, books, and services that are helping shape the future of school psychology. The Exhibit Hall is located in the Riverside Center Exhibition Hall on the Purple Level of the Hyatt Regency Chicago. A list of exhibitors, with description, and the Exhibit Hall Floor Plan will appear in the Exhibit Hall Handbook, located in your on-site registration packet.
The Exhibit Hall offers a wonderful opportunity to browse new products and pick up free information. We strongly suggest that you attend to the Exhibit Hall hours and include your visits in your daily schedule. Every year, some attendees are disappointed to learn that they missed this important aspect of the convention. Please note that the Exhibit Hall is not open during the evenings.
Exhibit Hall Hours
2010 Exhibit Hall hours are as follows:
Wednesday, March 3 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 4 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 5 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
NASP Village
Be sure to visit the NASP Village, located on the southwest side of the Exhibit Hall in the Riverside Center Exhibition Hall, to learn about new and ongoing NASP services and resources.
Nationally Certified School Psychologist Program
Join the ranks of school psychologists who have earned the NCSP credential. Why? The NCSP credential provides increased job flexibility through streamlined credentialing. Some states and many school districts provide financial compensation to those who hold the NCSP certification. Gain national recognition of your commitment to the highest levels of professionalism and practice. Stop by the certification section of the NASP Village to meet NCSP board members and staff, learn about the NCSP program, and pick up a new or renewal application.
NASP Advocacy Action Center
Take advantage of direct online access to your elected officials. Stop by the Government and Professional Relations area for information and an opportunity to use NASP’s Advocacy Action Center to make your opinions heard on Capitol Hill. Also get practical, free information on key policy issues for school psychologists, parents, and teachers.
NASP Membership
See the latest online resources that are available in the Member Services section of the NASP website. Get information on NASP membership. Not a member? Join at the convention. See the membership section of the NASP website or page 10 of the preliminary program for more information about the benefits of being a NASP member.
Additional NASP Booths Near the NASP Village
NASP 2011 Annual Convention in San Francisco, CA
Stop by to learn about San Francisco and next year’s NASP convention, February 22–26, 2011, at the Hilton and Nikko hotels in San Francisco.
NASP Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Questioning Issues and Multicultural Affairs Committees
Committee members will be on hand to answer questions and discuss current activities and initiatives. Resources and handouts promoting cultural competence and responsiveness to the needs of students and families from diverse backgrounds will be available.
NASP Children’s Fund
The NASP Children’s Fund, Inc., is a tax-exempt, nonprofit, independent charity. The Fund accepts and disburses monies for charitable purposes that are consistent with the Fund’s priorities. These include:
- Advocating for the essential rights and welfare of all children and youth
- Embracing individual and group differences in children and youth based upon gender and diverse ethnic, cultural, language, and experiential backgrounds
- Promoting learning environments which facilitate optimal development
- Producing effective interventions that address both learning and social/emotional issues that impede a child’s success and happiness
Funds are raised primarily through individual donations from NASP members and proceeds from the Children’s Fund Auction, which will be held 6:00–7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 4, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
NASP Publications Center
Take advantage of convention discounts and special shipping arrangements on all NASP publications. Come browse the Publications Center, meet NASP Publications Board members, and see the latest publications and all NASP bestsellers, which are available at the lowest prices of the year.
Getting the Most Out of the Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall is one of the most popular features of the NASP convention each year. Exhibitors welcome the opportunity to promote their products, services, and organizations. Visitors are eager to see new products, find helpful intervention materials, and make connections for options that can help students. To maximize your experience, please keep the following ideas in mind:
- Note the hours that the Exhibit Hall is open for business. Try to schedule times to visit instead of dropping in. The hall has more than 100 booths, so you can spend a great deal of time there at once or visit several times over three days. The hall closes permanently at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, so don’t delay your visit until the last minute.
- Please do not venture into the hall to browse before the opening, and leave promptly at the closing unless you are in the midst of placing an order.
- The hall is busiest at the opening times each day, particularly on Wednesday, when certain exhibitors have special giveaways. The smallest crowds tend to be in the hall on Friday.
- Review the floor plan and exhibitor descriptions to find your favorites or those that are of particular interest to save time if you need to visit in short time frames.
- Identify “must see” and “want to see” exhibitors and those from whom you can just pick up information if there is not enough time to visit individual booths. Don’t forget the “Take One Tables” located in the Exhibit Hall.
- Visit as many booths as you can. Exhibitors are there to assist you, not push their products. Let them know you appreciate their attendance—their financial support is absolutely essential to the success of our convention each year.
- Please be cognizant of the fact that some materials in the booths may be free and others are for sale at special convention prices. Unfortunately, theft does take place in the Exhibit Hall and is generally the result of confusion about what is free and what is not. Don’t be afraid to ask if you are not sure.
- All “Take One” materials, unless marked as “desk copy,” are free. Please limit yourself to one copy from each “Take One” organization.
- Scan your Exhibit Hall identification card to provide your contact information at the booths of all vendors exhibiting products or services in which you are interested. This will enable vendors to follow up with you after the convention to keep you informed of valuable information about their products and services. Please be aware that all information captured on the registration form, except your home and cell phone numbers, will be included on your Exhibit Hall identification card. Do not swipe your ID card in the booths of any vendors whom you do not wish to receive your contact information.
- Request that bulky literature or samples be mailed to you instead of having to carry them home with you.
Have a wonderful time in the Exhibit Hall. See and enjoy all the new products and services the exhibitors have brought to the NASP convention. A list of organizations exhibiting at the NASP 2010 Annual Convention will be available on this website in January 2010.
Exhibit Hall Identification Cards
Exhibit Hall identification cards will be scanned in the Exhibit Hall, to provide contact information to vendors, and at the entrance to the NASP-approved Continuing Professional Development educational sessions, for attendance documentation. Please be aware that all information captured on the registration form, except home and cell phone numbers, will be included on your Exhibit Hall identification card. Do not swipe your ID card in the exhibit booths of any vendors whom you do not wish to receive your contact information.