SECAC First Timer Conference: Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I register for the SECAC Conference?
Registration opens on August 1, 2025. You can visit our conference page for more information. If you're not already a member of SECAC, you’ll be prompted to join before registering.

What are the registration fees?
Fees vary by your professional level and registration period. Here’s the breakdown of our conference rates:

• Early Registration (August 1 – September 13)
  • Individual/Institutional Designee: $230.00
  • Independent/Adjunct: $135.00
  • Student: $95.00
  • Retired: $100.00
• Regular Registration (September 14 – October 11)
  • Individual/Institutional Designee: $280.00
  • Independent/Adjunct: $180.00
  • Student: $110.00
  • Retired: $125.00
• On-Site Registration (October 22 – October 25)
  • Individual/Institutional Designee: $330.00
  • Independent/Adjunct: $255.00
  • Student: $140.00
  • Retired: $150.00

What is included in the registration fees?
Registration covers:

• Evening receptions and events
• Daily breakout sessions
• A complimentary tote bag with printed materials on arrival
• Heavy hors-d’oeuvres at Wednesday and Friday evening receptions
• Coffee and light snacks during the day in between breakout sessions
• A member’s breakfast on Saturday morning
• Transportation to Friday’s off-site reception

Additional meals, travel, and lodging are not included.

What are the possible additional costs of attending?
The main additional costs include travel, lodging, and meals. Your travel costs will depend on where you are traveling from. Food outside of the provided snacks and receptions is at your expense.

If I change my mind about attending, will I get a refund?
Conference registration is non-refundable. For questions about SECAC’s refund policy, please contact SECAC Administrator Rebecca Parker at rparker@secacart.org.

Preparing for the Conference

Where can I find the conference program schedule?
The schedule will be posted on our website at Cincinnati - SECAC. A full program will be available at least two weeks before the conference.

How do I choose which sessions to attend?
The final program will list session titles, presenters, and their affiliations. You can attend any and all sessions that interest you!

Are there any designated social events or receptions?
Please stay tuned for more information on social events and receptions.

What transportation options are available to and from the conference venue?
We are working on transport options in Cincinnati. Please visit again for updated information.

These costs are not a part of the conference registration, so please plan appropriately when requesting funding.

Where are recommended places to stay near the conference venue?
Hotel options will be made available in August 2025.

Are meals provided during the conference, or should I plan for meals on my own?
Coffee, light snacks, and a member’s breakfast on Saturday are provided. All other meals are not included, so plan accordingly.

When can I download the app?
We are currently in the process of getting all data for the conference set-up on the conference app. We expect to have it available to download in late September 2025.

At the Conference

When and where is registration/check-in located?
To be confirmed.

Will maps be provided to navigate the conference venue?
Yes, maps will be included in the tote bags, available at the registration desk, and on the Conference App. We will also have signs up outside each room that list the sessions and events happening inside.

Is there a code of conduct or guidelines for conference attendees?
While there is no formal code of conduct, attendees are expected to behave professionally, arrive on time, and respect presenters. Cell phones should be silent and put away during sessions. We also ask that attendees engage fully with the conference as much as possible by attending many sessions and social events, participating in Q+A’s, and visiting the book fair. These elements help raise the overall energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved.

What are sessions, and what should I expect from them?
Sessions are panels on specific topics, varying from art, art history, education, or graphic design. Each session features 3-5 presenters and lasts 105 minutes, including presentations and a Q+A period. Each speaker will have 15-20 minutes to present their research with the aid of a slide deck projected onto a screen.

Can I ask questions during or after a presentation?
Yes, questions are encouraged during the Q+A period. While asking questions is welcomed and encouraged, please be concise to avoid monopolizing the discussion or having lengthy discussions.

What is the formal dress code for the sessions?
There is no formal dress code. Attire ranges from casual to business. Bring a sweater or jacket as conference rooms can be cool.

What are the expected behaviors during sessions?
Attendees are asked to be respectful and quiet during sessions. Please hold your questions until the Q+A period, and refrain from dominating the discussion.

Personal and Professional Development

How can attending the SECAC conference benefit my own personal and professional development?
The conference offers exceptional networking opportunities, exposure to current research, feedback on your work, and opportunities to meet publishers and curators. Many scholars present their work to receive feedback from peers before submitting them for publication. Others with manuscripts ready for publishing take advantage of the book fair by meeting academic publishers and discussing publishing opportunities. Artists sharing their work are broadening the network of curators and scholars knowledgeable about their work. The benefits are numerous and varied!

How can I present my own work at future conferences?
As a SECAC member, you will receive notifications about calls for papers and sessions. Be sure to apply!

How can I obtain a certificate of attendance or participation?
You will receive an official receipt upon registration. For a formal letter confirming attendance, request it at the registration desk.

To view the entire virtual Q & A session, presented by SECAC on August 7, 2024. Please click here.

For any additional questions, please contact SECAC Administrator Rebecca Parker at rparker@secacart.org.