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Replenishing Our Toolbox:
Innovative Therapies for Eating-Disordered Clients

Skokie Conference Center
5300 W Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077

May 14, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE CONFERENCE? 
The conference is open to anyone who wants to learn more about working with eating disordered clients/students:  counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, school social workers, school nurses, psychiatric nurses, physicians, nutritionists or anyone studying in these fields.

I HAVE AN EATING DISORDER. WILL THIS CONFERENCE HELP ME?
The conference is not meant to be therapy for those suffering from eating disorders or their family members.  
 
I HAVE BEEN WORKING IN THE EATING DISORDER FIELD FOR YEARS, IS THIS CONFERENCE GOING TO CHALLENGE ME? 
Yes, we have workshops at all levels from learning the basics at a beginner level to more challenging concepts at the advanced level.  The level of each workshop is indicated in the brochure.

I AM A STUDENT  - I AM NEW TO THE EATING DISORDER FIELD – IS THIS CONFERENCE GOING TO BE TOO CHALLENGING FOR ME? 
No, we have workshops at all levels from learning the basics at a beginner level to more challenging concepts at the advanced level.  The level of each workshop is indicated in the brochure.

HOW MANY CE’S WILL YOU BE OFFERING? 
You will receive 6 CE’s - you must attend the whole conference.

WHAT CE’S WILL YOU BE OFFERING? 
Counselors, Social workers/School Social Workers, Psychologists, Dietitians 

HOW DO WE GET OUR CE’S? 
You must sign in for each workshop to prove your attendance.  The CE certificates will be handed out at the end of the conference. 

I AM A PSYCHOLOGIST AND NEED TO LEAVE EARLY CAN I STILL RECEIVE CE’S? 
The APA requires full attendance – no partial credit can be given for partial attendance. 

I AM A SOCIAL WORKER, COUNSELOR OR DIETITIAN AND NEED TO LEAVE EARLY, CAN I STILL RECEIVE CE’S?
Yes, please stop at Castlewood’s table during the conference to make arrangements for your CE to be mailed to you.

HOW DO I GET TO THE CONFERENCE CENTER? 
The Conference Center is located less than 2 blocks West of the Edens Expressway (I-94) at Touhy.  You can also exit the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) at Touhy and go East 14 miles.   Click on http://www.skokieconference.com/directions.php  for more detailed information, including directions.

IS THERE PARKING AVAILABLE?
Yes, there is plenty of parking in front and in the rear of the building at the attached Holiday Inn.

IS THE SKOKIE CONFERENCE CENTER HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?
Yes, we will be on the first floor and the bathrooms are handicap accessible.  If you have any special needs please contact Toni or Angie at the Skokie Conference Center (847) 763-3011.

CAN I GET A RIDE TO/FROM THE CONFERENCE?
Unfortunately there is no shuttle from the airport to the conference center; you will need to take a taxi.  A Blog has been set up to help those who are interested in sharing a ride to or from the Conference Center.  You can post your request at www.EatingDisorderConference.Blogspot.com and read others’ requests as comments to the main blog article. 

DO I HAVE TO MAKE MY OWN HOTEL RESERVATION? 
Yes, you need to take care of that separately from your registration for the conference.  A block of rooms has been reserved under the name “The Awakening Center” at the Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore which is adjacent to the Skokie Conference Center.  A discounted rate of $99 plus tax per night is guaranteed through April 28, 2010.  Reservations can be made by calling (866) 750-3369.

CAN I SHARE A ROOM AT THE HOTEL? 
A Blog has been set up to help those who are interested in sharing a a room at the Holiday Inn.  You can post your request and read others’ requests as comments to the main blog article. www.EatingDisorderConference.Blogspot.com

IS BREAKFAST INCLUDED? 
Since this is a fundraising event, we decided to provide only coffee in the morning.  There is a restaurant in the attached hotel that you may have breakfast if you want.  You can bring a breakfast with – and also a snack for the afternoon.

IS LUNCH INCLUDED – OR DO WE NEED TO GO OUT FOR LUNCH? 
A nice boxed lunch is included in the price of the conference.  The second Plenary session will be held during lunch. 

WHAT WILL THE LUNCH OPTIONS BE? 
There will be choices of boxed lunches provided:  Smoked Turkey Wrap, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Roast Beef Wrap and a vegetarian option.  Served with pasta or potato salad, desert and beverage.

WHAT IS THE A VEGETARIAN OPTION? 
Vegetable and Cheese Wrap. Served with pasta or potato salad, desert and beverage.  Please choose the vegetarian option on the registration form.

I DON’T SEE A WAY TO CHOOSE A LUNCH ON THE REGISTRATION FORM – HOW DO I DO THAT? 
There will be a variety of boxed lunches available – we only need to pre-order the vegetarian option. 

I NEED A SPECIAL MEAL – I NEED TO CHECK THE INGREDIENTS USED FOR THE LUNCH – WHO CAN I TALK TO ABOUT THAT?   
Please call the caterer directly at (847) 763-3011 and talk with Toni.  Please mention that you will be attending The Awakening Center’s conference.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Registration begins at 8:00am and the conference begins at 8:45am.  We suggest you arrive as close to 8am as possible to allow time to register and find a seat before the program begins. 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE CONFERENCE? 
You may want to bring a notebook and pen.  Many people bring their business cards for networking.  The exhibitors often give handouts, so you may want to bring a small tote bag to carry this in.

CAN I BRING A RECORDER TO RECORD THE PRESENTATION FOR PERSONAL USE?
Most presenters do not want their presentation recorded. You would have to get the presenters permission before recording the session. 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
There is no dress code for the conference.  Most people wear business casual or whatever they would wear to a professional networking event.  Also, please dress in layers as we are not in control of the thermostat in each of the rooms and temperatures may not be the same in all of the rooms. 

WHAT TIME DOES THE CONFERENCE START? 
Registration is from 8:00am to 8:45am.  There will be a short Welcome until 9:00am.  The first plenary speaker starts at 9:00am.

WHAT TIME DOES THE CONFERENCE END?
The last workshop ends at 4:15pm.  CE’s are handed out in the foyer from 4:15pm – 4:30pm.

HOW IS THE CONFERENCE STRUCTURED?
The conference begins with a plenary session for the entire group.  Then we break up for the first breakout session of workshops.  We will reconvene for lunch and a second plenary session.  After lunch, we break up again for the last two breakout sessions in the afternoon. 

HOW WILL I FIND WHERE MY WORKSHOPS ARE?
You will receive a map of the conference center and a list of all workshop locations.

WILL I RECEIVE A SCHEDULE OF MY WORKSHOP CHOICES?
No, you will need to write down what workshops you have chosen.

WILL THERE BE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK THE SPEAKER ANY QUESTIONS?
Yes, most speakers allow time at the end of the presentation for questions.

I AM PAYING BY CHECK - HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE? 
If you are paying by check, please print the form.  Send a check for the correct amount made payable to: The Awakening Center, and mail it to: The Awakening Center, ATTN: Conference Registration, 3523 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

I AM PAYING BY CREDIT CARD - HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE? 
If you are paying by credit card, please go to: http://www.recoveryevents.net/Events/3rd-Annual-Midwest-Conference-for-Eating-Disorder-Professionals.html   ***Please be aware there is a $3.75 service fee to register using credit cards online.***

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE OR CAN I REGISTER ON-SITE? 
While we would prefer that you register in advance, you may register on-site.  You will pay a higher fee if you register after May 7th. 

IS THERE A STUDENT DISCOUNT?
Yes – on the registration form there is a student discount option.  Please bring your student ID to registration.

IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR ANAD SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS?
Yes – on the registration form there is a discount for ANAD support group leaders.  You will be asked at registration to name the ANAD group you lead.

CAN MY FRIENDS AND I RECEIVE A DISCOUNT IF WE REGISTER TOGETHER?
Sorry, since this is a fundraising event we cannot further discount the cost of the conference.  Our suggestion is to register before April 1, to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount.

CAN I REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE BY TELEPHONE? 
We’re sorry, but we are not set up to receive registrations by telephone.

WILL I RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION OF MY REGISTRATION? 
Yes, all charge registrations will be confirmed by email.  Those who register by check will receive an email or phone call. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY CONFERENCE TUITION? 
Two Plenary sessions, three breakout workshop sessions and 6 CE’s.  Coffee/tea during registration and lunch.  There are exhibits from various Eating Disorder Treatment Programs that you can visit during breaks. 

DO I NEED TO SELECT MY BREAK-OUT SESSIONS IN ADVANCE?
Yes.  In order to give CE’s, we must have the names of all people who will attend each workshop.  Advance registration also insures each presenter is able to provide hand outs to all the registered participants. 

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I REGISTER – CAN I CHANGE WORKSHOPS ON THE DAY OF THE CONFERENCE?
We ask the presenters to bring an extra 10% of the number of handouts for people who change workshops.   Please be sure to return the handouts for the workshop you are leaving.   Make sure to sign in at the new workshop so that you will receive the correct number of CE’s.

IS THERE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS PER WORKSHOP? 
No, the space we are using is ample for our needs.   

CAN I VOLUNTEER AT THIS YEARS CONFERENCE?
Sorry, we have enough staff and interns for all of our needs.

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED IN NEXT YEARS CONFERENCE?
Your email address will be on our e-mailing list.  Watch for our Save The Date email next fall!

WHO ARE THE SPONSORS OF THE CONFERENCE?  HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORS?
The Awakening Center of Chicago www.awakeningcenter.net and Castlewood Treatment Center of St Louis www.castlewoodtc.com

IS ANAD A SPONSOR?
This year we decided to hold the conference as a fundraising event for ANAD, but ANAD is not a sponsor of the event.  www.anad.org

HOW WILL ANAD USE THE MONEY RAISED?
We will earmark the money to be used for Training of ANAD support group leaders and Research of therapy for Eating Disorders.

IS THERE INFORMATION ABOUT LAST YEARS CONFERENCE?
Last years conference was audio taped.  You can download MP3’s for the Plenary and many of the workshops at: http://www.dcprovidersonline.com/ac/?event_id=AC101

I’VE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE BUT CANNOT ATTEND.  WHAT IS THE CONFERENCE CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY? 
We know that things come up that make people have to cancel.  All Cancellations will be charged a $25 handling fee.  Unfortunately no refunds will be given after April 30, 2010.

HOW DO I CANCEL MY REGISTRATION?
As soon as you know you must cancel, please contact Amy Grabowski at (773) 929-6262 x11 or awakeningcenter@aol.com   Refunds will be processed after the conference. 

I’VE REGISTERED FOR THE CONFERENCE BUT CANNOT ATTEND – CAN I SEND SOMEONE ELSE IN MY PLACE?  
Yes, that would be fine.  As soon as you know you must cancel please contact Amy Grabowski at (773) 929-6262 x11 or awakeningcenter@aol.com.  There will be no cancellation charge for this. 

***If you have any questions that are not answered here, feel free to email: awakeningcenter@aol.com or call (773) 929-6262 x11

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