Summit Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who should attend the Summit?

The RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit is open to everyone, but much of the content is directed at coastal restoration, conservation, and management professionals and enthusiasts. This may include restoration practitioners, policy makers, land and property managers, developers, engineers, commercial and recreational fishers, and more.

Q: How do I register for the Summit?

You can register for the 2022 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit here: https://raesummit2022.estuaries.org/registration.asp. Early bird registration is open until Oct. 7 so do not wait – secure your spot today and take advantage of big savings.

Q: What does my registration include?

Registration for the 2022 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit includes access to over 300 presentations, panels, plenaries, and posters as well as a networking reception and poster/expo hall. Attendees can also register for field sessions and workshops at additional varying costs.

Q: What benefits come with in-person vs virtual registration?

In-person and virtual registrants will have access to all presentations, plenaries, and posters. Those joining us in New Orleans will be invited to join three receptions, three days of continental breakfast, and access to field trips and workshops. Virtual attendees will be able to livestream sessions from the Jefferson and Jackson rooms (click here to see the agenda). All attendees will have access to on-demand recordings of Summit presentations after the close of the Summit.

Q: How do I join as a virtual attendee?

A link to join the 2022 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit as a virtual attendee will be sent in the days leading up to the event. If you register as a virtual attendee, please keep an eye out for emails with more information. With questions, please reach out to rae@estuaries.org. All sessions in the Jefferson and Jackson Rooms will be livestreamed during the Summit. You can view the full agenda here.

Q: What if I must cancel my registration?

To cancel your registration, submit a written request to registration@raesummit2022.estuaries.org by October 7, 2022. All cancellation requests received on or before October 7, 2022, will be issued a refund, minus a $50 processing fee. After October 7, 2022, cancellations will not be refunded.

Q: Can I transfer my registration?

Registration substitutions (i.e. having a colleague use your registration) are allowed with no administration fee charged. Substitutions will be accepted in writing to registration@raesummit2022.estuaries.org if received by November 21, 2022.

Q: What if I register for in-person, and need to switch to virtual?

In-person registrations may be converted to virtual attendance prior to October 7, 2022, with a refund provided reflecting the registration rate differential. To help us avoid food waste, if you decide after October 7 to attend virtually, please contact registration@raesummit2022.estuaries.org. Virtual registrants may also be changed to in-person attendance by paying the registration rate differential applicable at the date the change occurs. Submit request for changing registrations to registration@raesummit2022.estuaries.org.

Q: Will I be refunded if I contract Covid-19 and cannot attend in-person?

If you are unable to attend due to Covid-19 or any other illness, your in-person registration will be converted to a virtual registration. No refunds will be provided after October 7, however you can transfer registration to a colleague until November 21. If you have questions, please contact: registration@raesummit2022.estuaries.org.

Q: What benefits come with sponsorship?

Sponsorship benefits for the 2022 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit vary based on level, however, each sponsorship includes name recognition on the 2022 RAE Summit website and program booklet. More detailed information on sponsorship benefits can be found here.

Q: When can I select my expo hall booth?

Booth selection has begun and all sponsors have been notified that the selection window is open. Booth selection was offered within sponsorship levels (from highest to lowest) in the order in which sponsors were committed. New sponsors are now selecting booths on a first-come-first-served basis.

Q: Is there a group rate available at the hotel? How can I book a room?

RAE has secured rooms at the Hilton Riverside New Orleans Hotel at the government per diem rate of $136/night for all Summit attendees. To book using the RAE Group Rate, visit: https://book.passkey.com/event/50277405/owner/107/home.

Q: How far is the hotel from other Summit venues?

Most of the events, including sessions, plenaries, and the sponsor expo hall will take place within the Hilton Riverside New Orleans Hotel. All off-site events, not including field sessions, will take place within a short walk from the hotel. Transportation to and from field sessions and the restoration project will be provided for registered attendees, however, transportation to off-site receptions will not.

Q: Do you have any recommendations on things to do/places to eat on my own?

The city of New Orleans has something to offer everyone, including world class dining, historic sightseeing, and much more. We have partnered with New Orleans & Co. and encourage you to check out their website for a full list of opportunities in the city: https://www.neworleans.com/.

Q: Are there shuttle buses from the airport to and from the hotel?

The Hilton Riverside New Orleans Hotel does not provide shuttle service to/from the airport. Shuttle service can be reserved through New Orleans Airport Shuttle (https://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com/) online or by calling 504-522-3500. Additionally, taxis and other rideshare services are available at New Orleans International Airport.

Q: Is RAE taking any precautions related to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic?

RAE will follow all local, state, and federal guidelines surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic at the time of the Summit. Please be aware that regulations change rapidly, and we will do our best to announce any changes in policy or practice as they become available. We strongly encourage all attendees to have received the most up to date Covid-19 vaccine and boosters and respect other attendees’ level of comfort.

Q: How do I check New Orleans’ current Covid-19 transmission risk level?

Visitors can view current New Orleans Covid-19 information at the city’s Health Department website here: https://nola.gov/health/coronavirus

Q: What happens if there is a natural disaster before or during the Summit?

The safety of Summit attendees, RAE Staff, Hotel staff, and everyone involved in making the Summit a success is our foremost priority. In the event of a natural disaster or other unforeseen event, RAE will follow all local, state, and federal guidance and clearly communicate any change of schedule or cancellations with all attendees through multiple communication channels.

Q: How can I stay safe in New Orleans?

Although most of the events at the 2022 Summit will take place at the Riverside Hotel, we encourage you to venture out and enjoy the city while you are here. New Orleans & Co. has put together a great guide on how to enjoy the city safely during your stay. You can read it here: https://estuaries.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Visitor-Safety-Statement-Juy-2022-FINAL.pdf.

Q: How can I present at the Summit?

The deadline to submit presentations has passed, however we are still accepting poster presentations. You can submit your poster here: https://raesummit2022.estuaries.org/call_for_proposals.php.

Q: How is the content selected? Is the content peer reviewed?

The Summit is intended as a professional rather than academic conference. All presentations are reviewed by more than 50 reviewers with topic experience and scored by our Summit Program Committee. The goal of the Summit is to be innovative, thought provoking and practical. While we do try to screen for relevant content, we do not assess the research methods or replicability of any results. The Summit is intended to be a professional conference, an opportunity to hear from peers about their projects with emphasis on lessons learned, get updates from the policy realm, and learn about innovations in coastal restoration and conservation. Our Program Committee reviews all oral presentations for relevance, timeliness, and applicability to the broader community.

Q: I’ll be attending in-person, but I’m interested in two or more sessions occurring at the same time. Will there be recordings?

Each presenter will submit a recorded version of their presentation to be shared with all registrants. We expect these recordings to be made available to all participants at the close of the 2022 RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit.

Q: How is RAE promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at the Summit?

Restore America’s Estuaries is advancing DEIJ principles through supporting organizations aimed at uplifting marginalized and/or underrepresented groups and providing financial support if necessary. We have a robust scholarship program with the goal of expanding access to the information and networking opportunities the Summit provides, particularly to students and early-career professionals with a focus on those who would not otherwise be able to attend. Lastly, we have a full track of sessions and workshops at the Summit dedicated to discussions around advancing DEIJ in coastal restoration, including sessions on our Inclusive Coasts Initiative, discussions about environmental justice, and time to ask questions of individuals who are leading the environmental field in a more equitable direction.

Q: Will there be opportunities to provide feedback for future RAE Summits?

Following the Summit, all registrants will be sent a survey to provide feedback, as we have done in years past. This feedback is critical in our planning of future events, particularly as it concerns topic areas, cost, and location. We also encourage attendees to provide feedback in real time on site or email rae@estuaries.org.

Q: Is a justification letter available for my employer or academic institution?

Yes, you can download a sample justification letter here.