CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 FAQs

Registration, travel, and housing

How do I register and how much does registration cost?

We are pleased to be able to offer sliding-scale registration based on need:

  • Super-subsidized $95 — This subsidized option provides full access to CULTURE/SHIFT for students, underemployed individuals, and others for whom attendance would not otherwise be possible.

  • Subsidized $185 — This subsidized registration provides full access to CULTURE/SHIFT for individuals who can cover their own registration.

  • Sustainer $300 — By registering at this level, you support the sustainability of CULTURE/SHIFT by paying the actual per-person cost. Please register at this level if you or your organization can.

  • Sponsor $600 — This registration makes the conference more affordable to someone who needs it by covering one additional conference registration to be awarded as a full scholarship.

What does my registration include?

Registration entitles you to take part in all CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 sessions including workshops, plenaries, opening and closing ceremonies, and parties. Lunch and refreshments are included each day, as well as snacks for the opening and closing ceremonies and parties.

I would love to attend CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 but I’m not sure I can afford to. Do you have opportunities for volunteers or work trade?

Yes, a limited number of volunteer registration scholarships are available for those who assist with set-up, registration, presenters, tech, and logistics. Email us at cultureshift@usdac.us, subject line “CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 Volunteer” to inquire about opportunities.

I’m registered. How do I find housing?

A block of rooms is available at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Albuquerque and will be available on a first-come first-served basis until October 1, 2018. This official conference hotel is a one-minute walk from the Convention Center and within walking distance to our other host venues. To book at our special conference rate of $95/night (plus taxes and fees) for single/double occupancy, say you are attending CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 when book over the phone.

The following hotels and B&Bs are also within a mile of the CULTURE/SHIFT 2018:

  • Hotel Andaluz

  • Hyatt Regency Albuquerque

  • Days Inn

  • Knights Inn Downtown Albuquerque

  • Econo Lodge Downtown

  • Hotel Parq Central

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton

  • Howard Johnson by Wyndham Albuquerque Midtown

Which airport do I fly into and is there transportation from the airport to the conference?

Albuquerque airport (ABQ) is a short ride from the CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 site. The DoubleTree Hotel can provide a shuttle service to those lodging there. A taxi between the airport and hotel should be less than $20 including tip.

Do you offer any travel or housing scholarships?

Sorry, our budget doesn’t allow for this.

Will there be transportation to and from CULTURE/SHIFT 2018  events?

All CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 events will be within a 5-15 minute walking distance of the Albuquerque Convention Center. We will organize volunteer drivers for anyone who is unable to walk between events. Please indicate this need on your registration form.

This is my first time in New Mexico, are there suggestions for what to experience outside of the convening?

Here are some resources for visitors: New Mexico Tourism and Travel, Albuquerque Visitor Guide.

We also invite you to stay through Sunday afternoon to enjoy two cultural events unique to Albuquerque: Indigenous Comic Con and the Muertos y Marigolds Parade.

Will the space be ADA accessible?

Yes. The Convention Center is ADA accessible. Most of our partner/offsite spaces are also ADA accessible.

I have special dietary needs. Will there be vegan or gluten-free options?

There will be vegan and gluten-free options available throughout CULTURE/SHIFT 2018. Please indicate this need on your registration form.

Do you offer interpretation?

Please indicate any interpretation needs on your registration form and we will do our best to meet them.

What will the USDAC do to provide a safe and welcoming space?

The USDAC’s Working Agreements will be part of every participant’s packet. Every person who attends is responsible for ensuring that all participants feel welcome. The USDAC has a zero tolerance policy for violent behavior and language that insults people on account of race, religion, gender, ability, or other characteristics.

What is the refund policy?

We can refund registrations up to two weeks before the start of CULTURE/SHIFT. Unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds after October 18th.

Program, presenters, and sponsorship

Where can I find out more about the presenters, programs, and events happening during the convening?

You will find the CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 program and presenters at our website. More information is being added all the time, so be sure to check back frequently.

I have a session I would like to present at CULTURE/SHIFT 2018, how do I submit a proposal?

Between our local host committee and our national organizing team, much of CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 programming is already in the works. And we’re excited to announce an open call for workshop/session proposals and FRED talks! If you’re interested in offering something—in addition to your presence and participation—please review the opportunities here. Proposals are due by August 20th, 2018 at 10 PM EST.

If your workshop/session proposal is accepted, you will receive free registration for all three days of CULTURE/SHIFT 2018. Those who are accepted to present a FRED talk are responsible for their own CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 registration fee.

Workshop/session presenters receive priority status on the home hospitality guest list (we do our best to provide everyone with home hospitality who requests it, but cannot guarantee housing), and recognition in the CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 printed program and website.

All presenters who are accepted through our open call process are responsible for their own travel and hotel.

I am a vendor, artist or an organization, is there a designated exhibition area in which I can share information about my work?

We will have a limited amount of curated vendor space and information tables available during the convening. Email us at cultureshift@usdac.us, subject line “CULTURE/SHIFT 2018 Vendor/Info Table” to inquire about opportunities.

How can my organization sponsor CULTURE/SHIFT 2018?

The convening costs much more than registration will bring in, so we are especially grateful to those who wish to assist with sponsorships. We also welcome any group who can volunteer to set up/take down sessions or events, provide food or refreshments for receptions, or host our out-of-town-visitors (as guides or through home hospitality). Please drop us a note at hello@usdac.us and we’ll be delighted to find a convenient time to talk.