Q: What are the dates the Convening?
A: Tuesday and Wednesday, March 1-2, 2022.

Q: Where will the convening take place?
A: The Convening will take place at the Planet Word Museum in Washington, DC.

Q: Where can I find the latest agenda?
A: Please check the agenda for timing and updates. Please keep the start and end times in mind when making your travel reservation.

Q: Do I need an invitation to attend?
A:  Yes, an invitation from the IMLS is required. Please do not make any travel plans until your participation is confirmed and you have received instructions from the organizers.

Q: Can I transfer my invitation to a colleague?
A:  Invitations are not transferrable. However, if you would like a colleague to participate in your place, please send an inquiry to: registrar@cmpinc.net. Please provide their name, position title, and email address. Someone from the planning team will respond quickly to confirm availability.

Q: Is there a fee to attend the Convening?
A:  There is no cost to attend. However, as mentioned above, the meeting is by invitation only.

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend the Convening?
A:  Yes. We will enforce a vaccination entry requirement. Therefore, all attendees must be fully vaccinated and be prepared to show proof of vaccination upon entry. At the registration desk (located in the Planet Word main lobby), please be prepared to show proof that you are fully vaccinated (either vaccination card or picture thereof), as well as Proof of Identity. If you cannot present proof of full vaccination, you must present proof of a negative FDA-approved COVID-19 test dated within 2 days of the start of the convening on Tuesday, March 1.

Q: Do I need to wear a mask to attend the Convening?
A: As you may be aware, the Washington, DC, mask mandate currently is set to expire on Monday, February 28; and we do not anticipate the Mayor taking any action to extend it. The masking requirement at our venue host, Planet Word, however, remains in effect. We anticipate that Planet Word will require all attendees to the Empowering Readers convening to comply with mask-wearing requirements in all Planet Word common areas, but may relax masking requirements for the fourth floor convening space and designated meeting rooms on the second floor.

Q: Will my expenses be covered?
A: The IMLS will cover the cost of airfare, hotel accommodations, per diem, and local transportation for all invited participants. Instructions for booking travel will be sent to approved attendees shortly after they RSVP.

Q: Will the Convening be available to virtual participants?
A: At this time, we are not planning to live stream the Convening.

Q: Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Registration and Logistics Related Questions: registrar@cmpinc.net
A: Content Related Questions: readers@imls.gov

Q: What is the dress code for the Convening?
A: Business Casual

IMLS-Sponsored Event COVID-19 Health and Safety Procedures and Protocols

As you may be aware, the Washington, DC, mask mandate currently is set to expire on Monday, February 28; and we do not anticipate the Mayor taking any action to extend it. The masking requirement at our venue host, Planet Word, however, remains in effect. We anticipate that Planet Word will require all attendees to the Empowering Readers convening to comply with mask-wearing requirements in all Planet Word common areas, but may relax masking requirements for the fourth floor convening space and designated meeting rooms on the second floor.

The vaccination entry requirement will remain in effect throughout our convening. At the registration desk (located in the Planet Word main lobby), please be prepared to show proof that you are fully vaccinated (either vaccination card or picture thereof), as well as Proof of Identity. If you cannot present proof of full vaccination, you must present proof of a negative FDA-approved COVID-19 test dated within 2 days of the start of the convening on Tuesday, March 1.

More information about event protocols:

• When you register, you will be able to choose a red (please maintain physical distancing from me), yellow (please greet me with a fist or elbow bump), or green (please feel free to give me a handshake or a hug!) dot to add to your name badge to indicate your level of comfort with physical contact.
• There will be individual hand sanitizers, extra masks, and wipes available at the registration desk.
• Throughout the event space, large hand sanitizer dispensers will be available.