Empower Youth Success 2026

Attendees

1. Registration, Payment, & Ticketing
   • How do I register for the conference? Click  to register.
   • What forms of payment do you accept? Check is our preferred payment. We accept check, major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), ACH bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Link by Stripe, and EIP Scholarship. Cash is not accepted.
   • How do I pay by check? Checks are made out to Network for Youth Success and mailed to: Network for Youth Success, 415 River Street, Floor 2, Troy, NY 12180.
   • I don't have a PO Number. If you selected Invoice and don't have a PO, that's ok - leave that field blank during the checkout process.
   • Do you offer group or early-bird discounts? No. Discounts are available with membership benefits. Purchase a membership .
   • Do you offer student or nonprofit rates? No.
   • What ticket categories are available (e.g., full conference, one-day passes)? Please see our  for all the ticket options available.
   • I'm not sure if I can attend conference, what should I do? Please wait until you have confirmation to register. Upon registration, payment is mandatory.
   • What is your refund policy? Registrations are non-refundable.
   • Can I get a refund if my plans change? Registrations are non-refundable.
   • Can I transfer my ticket to someone else? Registrations may be considered for transfer to another individual for the same event if given at least two weeks advance notice. Contact  to request a transfer. The person receiving the ticket(s) must have a Sched account set up; click  to set one up.
   • Is there a deadline for transfers? At least two weeks advance notice for transfer.
   • Do you have Scholarships available? Scholarship funding to participate in this training may be available through the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please visit . You may also contact EIP by email at , or by phone at either (800) 295-9616 or (518) 442-6575.
     If you have received an EIP, please digitally sign it and email it to .
     Need help filling out the EIP application? Find .
     Scholarship funding to participate in this training may also be available through CSEA.  Please email  for more information.
   • When do I receive my registration confirmation or badge? Your registration confirmation email should be received immediately after registering. If you selected Invoice/PO, an invoice will also be emailed to you. If you don't see it, double check your SPAM/Junk folder. Your name badge will be distributed when you check in at the conference.
   • What should I do if I haven’t received my confirmation email? Please reach out to .
   • I think I selected the wrong ticket. What do I do? Please reach out to .
2. Conference Logistics
   • Where and when does the event take place? The conference is held at Hilton Albany, 40 Lodge St., Albany, NY 12207 from Wednesday April 29th until Friday May 1st, 2026. Open registration is available on Wednesday April 29th and Thursday April 30th with one-day or two-day tickets available. 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21 CCLC) Conference is held on Thursday April 30th. The LEAPS and BOOST conference is held on Friday May 1st. 
   • Will there be a conference app or schedule I can download? Yes, the schedule is available . To download the app, click here.
   • Is there a recommended dress code? Yes, business casual.
   • Are meals or refreshments included with my ticket? Yes, coffee and tea are served each morning. Check the  for exact times. Water stations are set-up throughout the session rooms and conference space. Lunch is included with conference ticket. All other meals are not provided.
3. Travel & Accommodation
   • Are there special hotel rates for attendees? Yes, a room block has been set-up. 

      – Discounted Room Rate – $154/night
     to book your room*. For a portion of the conference dates: click Book Room, Select Edit Stay at top of page, Adjust dates and guests as needed, Click Update, and Complete Booking process.

     You can also book by calling the hotel at 1-866-691-1183 and reference your group code: 1EY26.
     The room block will be open until Tuesday, March 31, 2026 or until it fills up.
     

     *All participants are responsible for booking their own hotel lodging and any costs associated.
   • How do I get to the venue from the airport or train station? If you are an overnight guest you can request complimentary shuttle service (based on availability) by calling the Hilton Albany at 518-462-6611. There is public bus transportation. You can also arrange a ride via taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
   • Is parking available on-site? Conference parking is a discounted $10 per day in the hotel’s garage. Bring your garage ticket to the Registration table to receive a sticker code to scan for the discount.

     For all other parking including metered street parking and parking garages, check out 

4. Accessibility & Special Needs
   • Is the venue accessible to wheelchairs or those with mobility issues? Yes. Check out the Conference Accessibility and Accommodations here. 
   • Can I request special dietary accommodations? Yes, include your specifics on your conference registration.
   • Who should I contact for any additional accommodation requests? Include your specifics on your conference registration or contact .
   • Is there a lactation room available? Yes, the key card is located at the Registration table and can be requested as needed. There is a mini refrigerator in the room. Be sure all storage containers are clearly labeled. The Network is not liable for items stored in this room.
   • Is there a quiet space available? Yes, the State Room is for meditation/quiet space and is open to be used as needed by attendees.
5. Networking & Sessions
   • How do I schedule or sign up for specific sessions? You can use the Sched  to select your preferred sessions and build your schedule. Space is first come and adding it to your schedule does not guarantee your space in the session. If space in the room is full, please attend another session.
   • Is there a networking lounge or opportunities? There is an Opening Session each day. There is a lounge area on the First Floor in the Lobby.
   • Will I have access to session recordings or presentation slides afterward? Sessions will not be recorded. Presenters are encouraged to upload their slides and materials at least 2 weeks before conference. The materials will be in the participant shared folder .
6. Code of Conduct
   • Does the conference have a code of conduct? Training and event policies are found here.
   • Who should I contact if I experience or witness inappropriate behavior? Please go to the Registration table or contact .

1. Call for Proposals & Submission
   • How do I apply to be a speaker? We are not accepting additional speaker RFPs at this time.
   • What are the important deadlines? RFPs were due Friday, November 21st, 2025.
2. Session Logistics
   • How long are the speaking slots and what format is expected? There are 45 minute speed sessions and 90 minute sessions. PowerPoint/Google Slides are recommended.
   • What audiovisual equipment will be provided? All rooms will have a projector and screen. Most rooms will have a handheld wireless microphone and speakers. Note: surface devices and iPads will NOT work with our projectors.
   • Can I request additional technology or resources? Yes, all requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance and submitted to . Presenters are responsible for supplying laptop, power plug, HDMI connection port or adapter (i.e. for Mac products), dongles, presentation clicker, flipcharts, post it's, markers, handouts, resources, business cards, etc.
3. Travel & Accommodation
   • Will speakers receive travel or hotel accommodations? The primary/lead presenter will have their conference registration fee waived on the day they are presenting. Presenters are responsible for all travel expenses and accommodations related to the conference.
   • Are there any speaker discounts on lodging or flights? No. Presenters may use the conference room block for discounted room rates. See information above under Travel & Accommodation. Presenters are responsible for booking their own hotel lodging and any costs associated. 
4. Promotions & Materials
   • How can I promote my session to attendees? We've put together the Presenter Toolkit. It contains sample email, social media posts, and graphics for you to share out to your network. Find it .
   • Can I distribute handouts or promotional materials? Yes, you can upload them to the Google Shared Drive . You can also bring printed materials to pass out during your session.
   • Are there any branding guidelines for speaker materials? No. However please consider how your audience will engage with your content if they are visually or hearing impaired in some way. We've put together this  to help your presentation be most accessible.
5. Post-Event Materials
   • Will my presentation be recorded and shared? No. Only your uploaded presenter materials will be shared with the attendees.
   • Can I get attendee feedback from my session? Yes, you can access your feedback through the mobile app. It will also be emailed to you within two weeks post conference.

1. Sponsorship Packages
   • What sponsorship levels are available? Find our Sponsor Guide .
   • What are the main benefits of each package? Page 5 of the Sponsor Guide outlines the benefits for each Sponsor Level.
   • Are there any add-on opportunities (e.g., sponsored sessions, coffee breaks)? Yes, the Diamond and Sapphire Sponsor Levels have Speaking Opportunities available at conference. Other opportunities include One Day, Two Day, and All Days Vendors with Non-Profit discounted pricing, Resource Table Materials, and Conference Brochure ads. To discuss available opportunities or pitch a new idea, contact .
2. Booth & Display
   • What is the booth size and layout? It is roughly 6 foot by 4 foot. One skirted table and two chairs are included.
   • What setup and teardown times are permitted? Vendor set-up may start as early as 6:30 am. We would love to have you all set up and ready to go by 7:15/7:30 am, as we know there are always early birds. Vendors should remain at their tables during lunch/vendor time and in between each session. We ask that you stay through the start of Session 3 each day (see agenda in the brochure). Vendors staying each day may leave their set-up however do not leave any valuables as the Network and Hotel are not responsible for stolen items.
   • Will electricity, Wi-Fi, or extra furniture be provided? Based on availability, there is access to 110-volt outlets for electricity (must be requested in your vendor booth submission). You are responsible for brining extension cords. Wi-Fi network and password will be shared on location. Any other services and accommodations must be requested at least thirty (30) days in advance. Any request for booth special arrangements must be approved by the Network and the Hotel thirty (30) days prior to the event.
     
   • Can I bring my own display materials and equipment? Yes. Note: Storage, placement, shipment or reshipment of exhibit materials; special lighting, additional booth furnishings, extension cords for electricity, carpet or individual booth cleaning; and any other special service ordered by the exhibitor are not included. Vendor agrees that it will not use any item in the banquet or function space that creates amplified noise, smells, or visual effects, other than decorations, without advanced notification to and written approval by the Network and the Hotel.
   • I need help with something else. Vendor policies are located . Please reach out to with any questions.
     
3. Branding & Marketing
   • How will my sponsorship be promoted before and during the event? Find our Sponsor Guide . We promote via email, social media, Sched mobile app, and printed materials and signage.
   • Will my logo be featured on signage, the website, or marketing materials? Page 5 of the Sponsor Guide outlines the benefits for each Sponsor Level.
4. Payment & Deadlines
   • Can I host a sponsored workshop or demo? Yes, the Diamond and Sapphire Sponsor Levels have Speaking Opportunities available at conference.
   • What are the payment terms and methods? We accept payment in full, PO, or invoice with net 30 terms. Check is our preferred payment. Checks are made out to Network for Youth Success and mailed to: Network for Youth Success, 415 River Street, Floor 2, Troy, NY 12180. We also accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), ACH bank transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Link by Stripe. Cash is not accepted. We also accept raffle prizes and gift in kind donations.
   • Is a deposit required to secure the sponsorship? No.
   • Are there any deadlines for submitting artwork or promotional content? Yes, all deadlines are communicated in the sponsorship confirmation email.
5. Lead Generation & Networking
   • Will I have access to attendee contact lists? No, we do not give out attendee contact information.
   • Can I attend networking sessions or speaker events? Some Sponsor Levels include conference tickets. For those levels, yes you can attend sessions. Vendor tickets do not include admission to sessions.
   • Are there dedicated sponsor-attendee connection opportunities? Yes! The Sched Mobile App includes Lead Retrieval. Every attendee has a QR code on their name badge. Vendors can effortlessly capture leads and stay in touch after the event.

1. Location & Directions
   • Where is the venue located? The conference is held at Hilton Albany, 40 Lodge St., Albany, NY 12207.
   • How do I get there by public transportation? If you are an overnight guest you can request complimentary shuttle service (based on availability) by calling the Hilton Albany at 518-462-6611. There is public bus transportation. You can also arrange a ride via taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
   • Is parking available and is it free or paid? Conference parking is a discounted $10 per day in the hotel’s garage. Bring your garage ticket to the Registration table to receive a sticker code to scan for the discount.

     For all other parking including metered street parking and parking garages, check out 

2. Venue Amenities
   • Is free Wi-Fi available? Yes.
   • Are there on-site dining options or nearby restaurants? Yes.
   • Where can I find an ATM or business center? On the Lobby level of the hotel. 
3. Accessibility
   • Is the venue wheelchair-accessible? Yes. 
   • Are there hearing assistance devices or other adaptive services? See Conference Accessibility and Accommodations . 

1. Online Access
   • Will there be a virtual option for attendees who can’t travel? No.
   • For how long will attendees have access? Chat functionality on the mobile app is deleted from the event two (2) weeks after the event ends. The presenter materials will remain available on Google Shared Drive  for at least 1 year post event.
2. Recorded Sessions
   1. Will recorded sessions be available after the event? No.

1. General Inquiries and Troubleshooting
   • Who can I contact if I have general questions, encounter technical issues during registration, report problems with the event app or scheduling tool? Contact .