FAQs - AF4Q Summit
We look forward to seeing you in D.C. on November 13-14 at the 2014 event ALIGN: A Summit on Increasing Value in Health Care. If you cannot locate the answer to your question, please email us at events@forces4quality.org.
For your convenience, we have grouped questions into the categories below:
ABOUT THE MEETING back to top
Can anyone attend the meeting?
Attendance is by invitation only. If you have questions, e-mail us at events@forces4quality.org.
Where can I find the agenda?
Check out the meeting page on our website.
What should I wear?
We recommend business casual attire and flat shoes. Please bring a sweater or jacket, even if outside temperatures are high, as meeting space can get chilly and temperatures can vary dramatically between rooms. This is a function of the hotel and not something we can usually control.
Do I need to bring anything to the meeting?
Bring what you need to be comfortable. Please note there is no place to store laptops or other personal items, so you should keep them with you at all times.
How do I get up to speed before the meeting?
Check out our meeting page, where we will post information on speakers, background materials, and other interesting and helpful items. Once you are registered, you will also get periodic emails from our team with announcements and updates.
Do I have to talk at the sessions?
No, but we welcome your voice whenever you feel comfortable adding it.
REGISTERING back to top
When is the last day to register for the national meeting?
October 13, 2014.
What do I need to do on the registration form?
Most important, check that your name, title, organization, and email address are accurate–we use this information for your name badge, participant list, and emails to keep you informed.
What if I have food allergies?
Please note any food allergies on your meeting registration form and alert us when you check in. We will work to accommodate your needs.
What if I have problems registering?
Email our team at events@forces4quality.org.
FOR AF4Q PROJECT DIRECTORS back to top
How do I take advantage of the three consumer scholarships for my team?
The National Program Office will cover travel and expenses for three consumer attendees from each Alliance. As a reminder, these slots are reserved for attendees who meet the definition of an AF4Q consumer (individual consumer or consumer representative). The ideal participants will have attended at least one prior AF4Q national meeting, and be actively engaged in AF4Q-related work. Please contact Deborah Roseman (droseman@gwu.edu) if you have questions about whether a particular individual meets the definition before extending an invitation.
Submit each name, role/affiliation, email address, and phone number to droseman@gwu.edu and events@forces4quality.org by August 15. We regret that the NPO will be unable to cover expenses for individuals who do not meet the AF4Q consumer definition.
What is the time commitment for consumer attendees?
Consumer attendees will arrive in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 so they can participate fully in the consumer meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Consumers may stay until Friday, Nov. 14.
Can the consumers on "scholarship" just buy their own plane tickets?
We prefer to work with your consumers to purchase their flights directly, primarily because the process for reimbursement through the GWU system (where we are housed) can take from six to 10 weeks, and in practice has sometimes taken as long as six months. Our team will work closely with our guests to get them the flights they prefer.
FOOD AND NETWORKING back to top
Do you provide breakfast?
We provide a hot breakfast both mornings, open to all registered attendees.
Do you provide vegetarian options?
Every meal will include vegetarian options. Please note food allergies on your registration form so we can accommodate them.
Can we bring spouses, children, friends, or guests?
Meeting sessions are for registered attendees only. This includes the evening event, which is a networking event for attendees. We have budgeted this event only for registered attendees, and we are holding the event to facilitate networking and building business connections. We regret we cannot accommodate guests, spouses, or children. We cannot accommodate children at sessions or the evening networking event. We appreciate that some people like to bring guests or family with them to these events. Please note that this is at your own personal expense: AF4Q cannot cover any expenses for these guests, including meals, travel, or transportation. This includes food and beverage provided to meeting attendees in breaks, at meals (whether buffet or plated), and at social events.
AFTER THE MEETING back to top
How do I keep the conversation going after the meeting?
Follow the progress of your peers on our website at www.forces4quality.org, sign up for our free email newsletter, and join the conversation on Transformation Has Begun, a unique Facebook community launched by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
We also recommend Twitter as a great way to stay current with program-level developments. Follow the National Program Office here, or use the #AF4Q hashtag.