Attendee Registration & Stipend Information
How do I register for the conference?
The conference is free, but you still have to register.
Can I get a refund if my plans change?
No. Since this is a free event, we don’t need to offer a refund; however, please review our ‘no show’ policy (below) and cancel accordingly by May 15, 2026. This will give us plenty of time to fill your seat in this limited-capacity event.
I hear you have a ‘no show’ policy for this free event. Why?
The Office of Rural Promise is providing this professional development opportunity and covering the costs of food, speakers, and venues to ensure the best possible learning experience for all involved. We want you to have a wonderful time. However, space for this conference is limited, and when you register, we expect your attendance and will make financial commitments on your behalf. With this in mind, we will impose a $50 cancellation fee for those who register to attend but *do not show up* to Empower EDU June 16-17, 2026.
* We make case-by-case exceptions should something happen that is out of your control.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
No, we are offering stipends, and since this is a free event, registration is required for tracking purposes and limited space.
I hear you can get a stipend to attend Empower EDU. Is this true?
Yes, we're excited to offer a stipend for attendees. Here's how it works:
Attendees who attend the full Empower EDU conference, June 16-17, 2026, are eligible for a $500 stipend. No partial stipends will be awarded.
You will receive a secure “File Share” email from Janet Johnson ([email protected]) with tax forms to complete in advance of your attendance.
The $500 is a stipend for your conference attendance. It can be used to support travel or other costs.
How long before I receive the $500?
We will do our best to get the funds to you within 30 days.
Conference Logistics
Where and when does the event take place?
June 16-17, 2026, at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, NC
Will there be a conference app or schedule I can download?
You can find the Empower EDU conference app here. If you have an IOS or Android device, you can also download the Sched app here and search Empower EDU.
Is there a recommended dress code?
Not exactly, but most people are dressed in business casual. That said, we always recommend layering your clothes, as temperatures can vary when gathering a large group, depending on room size and the property's ventilation.
Are meals or refreshments included at this event?
Yes. On Tuesday, during the 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm evening reception, we will have a variety of drinks and appetizers. On Wednesday, we will offer a light breakfast, followed by lunch later in the day.
Travel & Accommodation
Are there special hotel rates for attendees?
We have a block of rooms available at our Proximity Hotel event space. The group rate for the hotel is $239 per night. Use this link to make your reservation.
Additionally, we have negotiated a rate at the Hotel Demin—less than 1 mile from Proximity. There is no room block, but the current nightly rate is around $120.
How do I get to the venue from the airport?
The Proximity Hotel is located at 704 Green Valley Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408. Check out this Google Map for more details.
Is parking available on-site?
Yes, The Proximity has an ample parking lot right outside the hotel.
Accessibility & Special Needs
Is the venue wheelchair-accessible or accessible to those with mobility issues?
The Proximity Hotel is equipped to accommodate guests with mobility issues and has rooms available. Please let us know if you have any requests to make this event more comfortable for you.
Can I request special dietary accommodations?
This accommodation was a part of your registration process. We will do our best to accommodate everyone's needs.
Networking & Sessions
How do I schedule or sign up for specific sessions?
You don’t need to worry. Empower EDU operates on a first-come, first-served basis. We aim to offer several high-quality sessions in each time slot, so if one is full, you can choose another. Also, the "rule of two feet" applies here—if you find that a session isn’t meeting your needs, you’re free to leave and attend another one.
Is there a networking lounge or reception?
Yes, we will have a networking reception on Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Will I have access to session recordings or presentation slides afterward?
This will be at the facilitator's discretion. Please ask them before or after the session.
Code of Conduct
Does the conference have a code of conduct?
Yes, see Code of Conduct here.
Who should I contact if I experience or witness inappropriate behavior?
Find an Empower EDu staff member, presenter, or go to the registration desk immediately.
Speakers
Should presenters or those submitting a proposal register for the conference?
Yes.
What audiovisual equipment will be provided?
Each room will have a projector, screen, presenter table, and an event Wi-Fi connection.
Can I request additional technology or resources?
You may, and we will try our best to accommodate your needs, but we cannot guarantee anything.
Will my presentation be recorded and shared?
No.
Can I get attendee feedback from my session?
We will conduct a summative event evaluation, but if you want specific feedback for your session or workshop, please create one and allow time for your attendees to complete it after your session.
Venue & Logistics
Where is the venue located?
The Proximity Hotel is located at 704 Green Valley Rd, Greensboro, NC 27408. Check out this Google Map for more details.
Is parking available, and is it free or paid?
Yes, The Proximity has ample free parking right outside the hotel.
Is free Wi-Fi available?
Yes. You will be able to receive this after registration.
Are there on-site dining options or nearby restaurants?
Yes. The property has food, but we also made a small-scale Google Map for your convenience.
Virtual Component
Will there be a virtual option for attendees who can’t travel?
We will not be offering a virtual option for Empower EDU. Please join us in person.
Will recorded sessions be available after the event?
No. This is a face-to-face event.
Contact & Additional Support
Who can I contact if I have general questions or encounter technical issues during the event?
For any inquiries, please first ask the hotel and event staff onsite. If that doesn’t work, please proceed to the Registration Desk for assistance.
