Lizard Sun

Connect U FAQ’s

What is the date for the users’ conference?
The main conference is on July 15th and 16th, however the pre-conference workshops begin on the afternoon of July 14th (1 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) and the post-conference workshops take place on the morning of July 17th (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Is the entire conference free?
The main conference is free to all attendees. Most of the meals throughout the four days are also included at no cost. The pre-and post-conference sessions cost $100 per person per session and hotel prices vary. The single suites start at $124/night.

How do I register? Can I register over the phone?
Registration is easy and is only available online at www.connectuniversity.com.

How late can I register?
Registration is open until the day of the users’ conference. However, the hotel reservation deadline is June 12, 2008.

What are the session topics for the main conference?
Currently, the pre- and post-conference workshops are the only confirmed sessions. Beginning in March, the main conference session topics will be posted on the Connect U Web site as they are confirmed.

Is this more for Hobsons EMT clients than for ApplyYourself clients?
This year’s agenda is very balanced between presenters representing ApplyYourself clients, Common Application member, EMT clients, some partners, and staff. In addition, there will be product feedback forums on all solutions, including ApplyYourself, the Common Application and EMT products, roundtable sessions for peer-to-peer discussion groups by campus or department type, and sessions on general best practices in enrollment management and retention. Finally, ApplyYourself, EMT and Common Application staff will be available for hands-on, one-on-one consultations during all hours of the conference. Our goal is to build on the success of last year’s conferences and combine them into a single, even (better) event.

How will I be charged if I do choose conference extras?
If you select pre- or post-conference workshop options or any of the conference extras with an associated cost, such as a laptop rental or an extra EMT Excellence Awards guest ticket, we will mail you an invoice prior to the conference. We accept payment via check or money order. We do not accept payment via credit card.

Will I get to spend time with my Account Manager/CRM during Connect U?
Yes. Most of our Account Management team will be at this year’s Connect U working in different capacities. There will also be plenty of time during the breaks, receptions and in the evenings to spend one-on-one time with your Account Manager.

What is the EMT Excellence Awards Banquet all about?
The EMT Excellence Awards Banquet is a ceremony during the users’ conference. The awards represent EMT, ApplyYourself and Common Application members. Prior to the event, our staff will nominate institutions who they feel have excelled in various aspects of product use and promotion. Final winners are selected by the EMT Management Team. Awards honoring those institutions are presented at a dinner on the evening of the last day of the conference. One of the awards, the Peer Excellence Award, is voted on by attendees of the conference on-site during the event. All presenters and speakers are on the ballot as nominees of the Peer Excellence Award. This award winner is also announced at the EMT Excellence Awards dinner and ceremony.

Can I bring a guest to the EMT Excellence Awards?
Yes. Guest tickets can be purchased when you register for Connect U. While your attendance is free, each guest ticket costs $75.

What meals will I need to provide for myself and what are my dining options?
In addition to refreshments throughout the day, breakfast and lunch will be provided on Day 1 of the main conference (July 15th); breakfast, lunch and the EMT Excellence Awards dinner are provided on day 2 of the main conference (July 16th); and breakfast is provided on the morning of the post conference workshops (July 17th).

There are three restaurants at the Pointe Hilton and several more just a few blocks from the resort. Visit the conference Web site’s Hotel & Travel section for a complete list of local restaurants and contact information.

Will there be Internet access?
Yes, there will be complementary wireless Internet access in the conference center area of the resort during Connect U. In-suite Internet access will be provided at a reduced rate of $6 per guest suite per day. We are also offering rental laptops for $100.

How do I reserve a hotel room?
Call the resort at 602-997-2626 to set up your room reservation. You will need a major credit card to place a deposit on the room. Make sure to mention that you will be attending the Hobsons Connect University Users’ Conference.

How much do the hotel rooms cost?
Rates for the standard suites during Connect U are only $124/night. Both single and double suites are available as well as one- and two-bedroom Casitas for $200 or $248 per night.

Can I share a room to cut down on cost?
Yes.

Does the resort have workout facilities and when will I have time to work out?
Yes, the resort has a fully equipped fitness center with personal trainers, cardio and weight training machines, and a wide variety of aerobics and Pilates classes. The fitness center opens at 5 a.m. – hours before the first Connect U sessions begin, and closes at 9 p.m. - a few hours after the last session ends on every day but July 16th.

When should I arrive and depart?
If you plan to attend the pre-conference workshops, you should plan to arrive late Monday morning (July 14th) as the first workshop starts at 1 p.m. The final post-conference workshop ends at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday afternoon (July 17th). If you also expect to remain until the conclusion of the post-conference workshops, you should not schedule air travel anytime before 2:30 p.m.

The main conference opens with breakfast and registration at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15th and concludes with the EMT Excellence Awards Banquet & Ceremony on Wednesday, July 16th at 10 p.m. If you are only attending the main conference, you should plan to arrive on the evening of July 14th and depart on the morning of July 17th.

What is the best way for me to get to and from the airport?
Taxi or shuttle bus. The cost of a taxi car ride to the resort from the airport ranges from $28-$35 one way. The Super Shuttle can be arranged by calling 602-244-9000 (individuals) or 602-225-2225 (groups). Approximate cost is $15 per person.

Additional travel information is on www.connectuniversity.com/hoteltravel.

Can I bring my family to the resort?
Yes, families and guests are welcome to join you at the resort; we ask, though, that children do not attend any of the formal Connect U scheduled events and meals. There is an option on the registration form to bring a guest to the Excellence Awards for a cost of $75; however, the guest should be aware that this is an adult event and there will be an open bar.

The resort offers plenty of options for your guests during the day; including a relaxing spa and salon, state-of-the-art fitness center, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and plenty of pools. Depending on the age of the children, there may be options for daytime activities that the guest can arrange directly through the hotel at their own expense:
http://www.pointehilton.com/squaw-peak-river-ranch-coyote-camp-schedule.htm.
Hobsons is not responsible for minors in attendance at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort during the Connect University conference.