CCIH is excited to host an in-person conference June 9-11, 2025 in Washington, DC at Catholic University of America (CUA). We look forward to the fellowship, networking, and learning this gathering will bring. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Map
See the image at the bottom of the page for the map for the map of Catholic University highlighting important spots on campus, such as:
- Maloney Hall also known as the Busch School of Business (conference check-in and sessions)
- Millennium North (lodging)
- Garvey Hall (dining)
- Pryzbyla Center (location of CUA’s information desk and on-call assistance).
Health & Safety
What if I become ill or are injured while attending the conference?
Contact a CCIH staff member and they can assist you with seeking medical help. See more detailed health protocol on the main conference page.
What if I have an emergency while attending the conference?
If you believe your incident is an emergency and you are on campus, call the Catholic University Department of Public Safety at +1 202-319-5111 instead of 911. You may call 24 hours a day. The Catholic University Police Force knows the campus well and can find you quickly. If you need a campus escort at night or anytime, you can also call the same number. Public safety patrols the campus 24 hours a day. See what the Emergency phone looks like below.
What are other important phone numbers I should know?
The Pryzbyla Information Desk +1 202-319-5200 is an important number to have in case you need routine maintenance or something is broken in your room, need extra linens, or get locked out of your room. The Pryzbyla Information Desk in the building will have staff there from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. Outside of those hours, you can call the Catholic University Department of Public Safety at +1 202-319-5111, which will be answered 24 hours a day.
How do I make a phone call or communicate if I am from outside the USA?
We recommend that international travelers purchase a pre-paid SIM card when they arrive (at the airport, a convenience store, or online). You may alternatively create a Google Voice number or use WhatsApp when connected to WiFi. WiFi Internet is available in campus buildings for free.
How should I dress?
- Dress for the conference is business casual
- Ties for men are not necessary.
- The weather is usually warm this time of year in the Washington, DC area, however, the sessions will be inside air-conditioned spaces. We encourage you to bring layers.
Will there be interpretation (translation)?
There will be simultaneous interpretation available using Wordly in the plenary sessions. Wordly is an application you can use on your phone or computer. Please bring headphones if you plan on using this option.
Voltage
The United States uses 110-120V (60 Hz). Bring an adapter if you need to convert the voltage to charge your devices.
Will I have access to Wi-Fi?
Yes, please select “CUA Guest” from the list of Wi-Fi networks. When your browser launches, scroll to the bottom and click accept. You will need to log back in after 10 hours.
Is there somewhere to exercise on campus?
You may use the Kane Fitness Center, which is open Monday-Friday from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and on weekends from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Show your Conference Services Cardinal Card for access.
Abstracts:
When will I know if my abstract was accepted?
You will be notified by mid-February whether or not your abstract has been accepted. If your abstract was accepted, CCIH will notify you with more details about the day and time you will present.
Will you be reviewing additional abstracts/proposals?
We are not seeking any new abstracts at this time.
Are there scholarships available?
CCIH is offering a limited number of scholarships to 2025 conference speakers to help them with the costs to participate in the conference (e.g., registration fee, lodging, and meals). Travel costs are not included. These scholarships are available to participants whose presentation abstracts have been accepted by CCIH. There will be an application form sent to accepted speakers in mid-February, after the abstract review process is complete.
Can I volunteer at the conference?
CCIH needs volunteers for the conference. Volunteers may be asked to help speakers keep to their allotted time during their presentations; walk to different buildings or session rooms to make announcements, or walk to the metro stop to meet attendees. Volunteers must be available starting Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 pm through the end of the conference on Wednesday, June 11. In exchange for volunteering, your registration fee will be waived. Please email events (at) ccih.org to express your interest in volunteering.
Visa Questions
- I need a visa to travel but have not started the application process yet.
- Accepted speakers and current members of CCIH can be issued letters for the Conference that you will bring to your visa interview.
- Begin by filling out this form to receive a letter. You need to apply for your visa very soon as the wait time for an appointment may be several months and processing of visas also takes time. Read the US State Department website for additional details for applying for a US Visa.
- I am still waiting for an interview for my visa application/my interview is scheduled for a date after the conference?
- Be persistent and check the scheduling website frequently to see if there are cancellations or earlier openings. Others have reported success in getting an earlier appointment date that way.
- What if my visa request is denied or I don’t receive it in time?
- Please let CCIH know by emailing events (at) ccih.org as soon as possible if you are unable to attend in person. We hope you can still participate virtually.
Do I need to be a CCIH Member to attend? Is my Membership current?
- The conference is open to anyone; you do not need to be a member to attend.
- For Individual CCIH Members: Please make sure your membership is up to date. If you are not sure, you can email membership (at) ccih.org to check. If your membership has lapsed, you may renew your membership during the registration process.
- Staff of member organizations: If you are not sure if your organization is an active member, you can find the list of Members here and Affiliates here, contact membership (at) ccih.org if you still have questions.
Registration/Housing:
- Can I get a receipt for my registration?
- You will receive an email confirmation from events (at) ccih.org with your full payment, indicating the amount paid. If you choose the “pay later” option, you will not receive a receipt until you pay. You are not registered until payment is received.
- What meals are included with the cost of registration?
- The following meals are included with your registration:
- Monday Evening Reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres
- Tuesday – Buffet lunch
- Wednesday – Boxed lunch
- Monday through Wednesday – Coffee/Tea, Grab & Go Snack
- Pre-conference registrants will receive a boxed lunch
- For those staying on campus, breakfast and dinner are included.
- *Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available at the conference. Please email events (at) ccih.org if you have other dietary restrictions or allergies.
- The following meals are included with your registration:
- Does CCIH offer refunds?
- CCIH will offer full refunds if requests are made in writing 30 days prior to the start of the conference. After May 9, 2025 we can only credit the amount to another conference participant or transfer the credit toward future conferences. Please email events (at) ccih.org with requests.
- Note: Payments made with credit cards will be refunded to those cards; otherwise alternative payment arrangements will be made.
- What are my housing options?
- If you choose to stay at the university, you will be assigned a single room in a residence hall suite with three to five other rooms. Each suite has a shared common space and shared bathroom. You can select lodging for multiple nights in the registration form. The cost per night per person is $140 and includes breakfast and dinner.
- Keep in mind this is a traditional dorm room. Soaps, shampoos, and other toiletries are NOT provided.
- Your lodging fee includes linens, a pillow, and a towel. However, there is no concierge.
- Consider bringing an eye mask or earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper.
- Lodging is about a 5-10 minute walk from the cafeteria where breakfast and dinner are served, and about a 10-15 minute walk from the building where our sessions are held. Please plan accordingly.
- If you would prefer a hotel, find lists of hotels near Catholic University here. Please be aware there are other events going on in the Washington DC area at the same time that might cause a shortage of hotel availability.
- If you choose to stay at the university, you will be assigned a single room in a residence hall suite with three to five other rooms. Each suite has a shared common space and shared bathroom. You can select lodging for multiple nights in the registration form. The cost per night per person is $140 and includes breakfast and dinner.
Does the CCIH conference offer Continuing Education credits?
CCIH is not offering Continuing Education Units or credits for the 2025 conference but will issue Certificates of Participation for those who request one at the end of the Conference.
Is breastfeeding/expressing space available?
There will be a designated private space in the conference building (a classroom) for women who are breastfeeding or need to express breastmilk. This room will not have stalls. For more private space, the bathrooms have stalls.
How can we accommodate those with mobility issues?
The facilities at Catholic University are ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant, offering ramps and elevators and accessible for those with mobility issues. If you require additional support, please contact us so CCIH can try to accommodate your situation.
Other Questions?
If you have any questions that have not been answered in our FAQs please reach out to us via email at events (at) ccih.org