Frequently Asked Questions

Location

Where will the conference be this year?
The 2020 Connections Conference will be held at Skagit Valley College:
​
2405 E College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Check-in will be in the Cardinal Center.
How do I get to the conference? 
The conference is located on the Skagit Valley College campus.  Check in will be in the Cardinal Center, and the first keynote will be held in the DuVall Center (Gym).
Is there a map to the conference site?
Will I be able to park for free? 
Free parking is available on the SVC Campus.

Cost & Registration

How much does the conference cost?​
Early Bird Registration (January 10, 2020-March 1, 2020): $80       
General Registration (March 2, 2020-March 18, 2020): $95
NO DAY OF REGISTRATION WILL BE ACCEPTED
​Can i register the day of the conference
Because each participant must pre-register for sessions, pre-registration is required.
Are there refunds?
There are no refunds. However, if you are unable to attend, a substitute may come in your place. No-shows will be charged. If the conference is canceled, the conference liability is limited to return of registration fee.
I entered incorrect information on my registration. How can I change it? ​
Please contact us at ConnectionsConference@UnitedGeneral.org or call (360) 854-7159.
How do I register?​
​If you would like to fill out registration online, online applications will be available January 10th.
If you would like to print out a copy of the registration page to be mailed, please address to:
ATTN: Connections Conference
2031 Hospital Drive
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
How do I register and/or pay for employees or a group?
For group registration, please print the registration form and have the interested parties complete the forms. The completed forms can be input online or mailed to United General District 304 with a purchase order or check for the amount required. 

Scholarships

Who is eligible for the scholarship?
Priority is given to those in Skagit County and who have not received the scholarship in the past conferences, but anyone who submits their application can qualify for a scholarship. Those who qualified for scholarship in a previous conference and then did not attend the conference are not eligible for another scholarship. If applying for a scholarship, please wait to register until scholarships have been awarded on February 3rd.
When will Scholarship information be available?
Scholarship information will be available with registration, which comes out January 10th.
Where do I find the Scholarship form?
You can find more information and apply here. ​If you are on the Conference’s mailing list, the scholarship form is included in the brochure.
When is the Scholarship due?
January 28th.
What do I get if I apply for the Scholarship?
A reduced price for the conference through a partial scholarship.  
Should I turn in my registration form (including payment) with or before I submit a scholarship form?
​No, scholarship forms must be submitted and approved before sending in registration forms or payment. Once scholarship applications are reviewed and announced on February 3rd, registration and payment can be sent.  
Where do I send my scholarship form?
Connections Conference
United General District 304
2031 Hospital Drive
Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
When and how do I find out if I have received a scholarship?
Recipients of the scholarship will receive an email notification a week after the scholarship end date.

Meals

What are the lunch/food options?
Lunch will be provided by Java Jo's.  The choices include:
Veggie Wraps (with the cheese on the side as a vegan option)
Chicken Cashew Salad (with the croissant on the side as a gluten-free option)
​Beef Taco Salad
Will there be any additional food?
A light breakfast and an small afternoon snack will be provided. Feel free to bring additional snacks if you need.
Will breakfast be provided? 
There will be coffee and a small fair for breakfast.  
Can you accommodate my dietary restriction?
If you have a dietary restriction, please consider packing your own lunch for the conference.  

Clock Hours and Stars Credit

Do I need clock hours? How much do they cost?
Clock hours are for continuing education and are geared towards K-12 educators. If you are not a K-12 educator, you will most likely not need clock hours. The fee for Clock Hours is $19. More information about NWESD 189 can be found HERE.
What if I don’t know my STARS number? 
If you don’t know your STARS number, be prepared to give your full name and date of birth as we can search for your number in the STARS system. 
How many STARS credits can I earn? 
​For this conference a maximum of 7 STARS credit are available. STARS/Merit Credits are counted for every hour of attendance; credits will be rounded down to the nearest quarter hour. 

Conference

When is the conference?
​The conference is on Saturday, March 21st, from 8:30 am-4:30 pm.
Who is presenting at the conference?
Miriam Dressler - Nutrition Focus Keynote (morning)
Dr. Diane Craft - Physical Activity Keynote (afternoon)
Breakout sessions presenters.
Is this conference interactive?
Yes! View presentation descriptions here or in the registration form for more information.
I can’t attend the whole conference, can I still get full STARS credits? is there a discounted price?
The amount paid is a set amount, regardless of time spent at the conference, as are the number of STARS credits per hour attended.