When and Where is the NODCC 2024 Conference?
- The NODCC Conference will be held on June 27–30, 2024 in Chicago, IL at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare located at 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631.
Who attends the conference and what is the atmosphere like?
- The NODCC is committed to establishing a safe and welcoming environment for all conference participants. As an inclusive and nonpartisan organization, we prioritize the well-being of every attendee, ensuring that each person feels valued and respected, regardless of their background, beliefs, or affiliations. At the conference, we encourage open dialogue, facilitate learning, and promote networking. We deeply value the unique viewpoints of all participants, establishing an atmosphere characterized by empathy, understanding, and support. By embracing the diversity within the NODCC community, our aim is to craft a conference environment that embodies respect and representation.
What is included in the conference registration amount?
- Admission to the 4-Day Conference (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) including 60 lectures and discussion groups
- Thursday evening Family Meet and Greet with a no host bar
- Friday afternoon lunch, Friday evening dinner and special evening program
- Saturday afternoon lunch and Saturday evening dinner and dance
- Exhibitors providing a variety of helpful information and services
- Complimentary childcare in the Kids & Teens Camps for registered attendees aged 2–17
- The hotel will provide a cash and carry breakfast cart on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings in the conference area
Is childcare provided?
- The Kids and Teens Camps are open to children with a DCC and their siblings (ages 2-17). These camps offer a multitude of fun activities, games and crafts. Camps will be supervised by Corporate Kids Events (CKE) and registration will be handled online by CKE.
- The CKE team is experienced in working with children on the autism spectrum and those with epilepsy. It would be beneficial to have a brief discussion with a staff member during drop-off to address any specific concerns you may have.
- Diaper changing services are available for children aged 0-4 years. For children older than 4, CKE kindly requests that a parent or guardian takes care of these tasks.
- For more information on CKE go to: https://conferencechildcare.com/
- To register your child go to: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/AUg9Q4cDJwAjRfwGSvz3fj/.
- Please note out of respect for our conference presenters we discourage bringing children into the lectures and discussion groups. Only those children who are paid conference attendees may attend the camps. Both programs are fully funded through the fundraising efforts of many NODCC families and conference sponsors.
When will registration open?
- Registration is open now! You can register for the virtual conference HERE.
When will the schedule be available?
- The conference schedules are available now. To view the in-person conference schedule click HERE. To view the virtual conference schedule click HERE.
- View 2024 Adults Living with a DCC Program Schedule HERE.
- View 2024 Teen & Adult Siblings Program HERE.
Why stay at the conference hotel?
- The 2024 conference will be held at the at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare located at 8535 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631.
The Marriott Chicago O’Hare is located only four miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and a five minute walk to the Blue Line Train Station providing easy access to downtown Chicago. The hotel offers complimentary airport shuttle service, and the NODCC self-parking rate is 6.00 USD per day.
Why is it so expensive to attend the conference?
- We understand that registration for the NODCC Conference can be costly. Our financial goal for the NODCC Conference is only to break even. We know the importance of gathering our community and providing you with educational resources, and we try to do that as affordably as possible.
- In order to put on a successful conference of this size, expenses include, but are not limited to, meeting room space, technology, and providing food and beverage for conference attendees. It is always our goal to offer an informative and effective conference that is as cost-manageable for our community as possible. The NODCC works to minimize the prices of registration fees by obtaining other funding sources through in-kind donations, sponsors, and exhibitors. The NODCC also offers financial assistance to help attend for those in need. We have compiled funding opportunities that may help offset costs of attending the Disorders of the Corpus Callosum Conference HERE.
Is there a plan to livestream or record the conference?
- If you will not be able to attend the NODCC Conference in person, you can participate virtually through the live streaming of selected lectures during the 4-Day Virtual Conference. The registration fee for the virtual conference is $75. View 2024 Virtual Conference schedule HERE.
- To register for the NODCC Virtual Conference 2024 click HERE.<<<
- Live streamed sessions are indicated with a square on the Conference Schedule. Example: Lecture ♦
What is the weather like in Chicago in June?
- The average temperatures for Chicago in June are 80 degrees for the high and 61 degrees for the low.
Is there a dress code?
- Summer is hot in Chicago, so come dressed for the weather. Traditionally, everyone wears a t-shirt on Friday evening from their “home state.” The remainder of the weekend dress attire is casual – wear what is comfortable for you. Kindly note it has been our experience that the hotel lobbies and meeting rooms may seem chilly to some visitors, so please bring a light sweater with you, or consider dressing in “layers.”
- Children attending the Kids and Teens Camps should be dressed in comfortable, casual clothing, which are okay to get stained, and because the childcare rooms may sometimes be cool include a sweater or sweatshirt.
- Be sure to bring your swimsuit to enjoy the hotel pools and a camera to capture your favorite moments. If you would like to wear a photo of your child (especially those attending without their children), bring it with you and we will provide a plastic sleeve to wear it with your name badge.
What is there to do in Chicago?
- For more information on things to do in Chicago, visit https://visitchicago.com/ or https://www.choosechicago.com/
How can I contact the conference support team for further assistance?
- If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our staff. You can reach us via email at conference@nodcc.org. Our team is here to support you and provide any necessary information or guidance.