GFIRST Frequently Asked Questions

General Conference Questions

• When and where is the 2008 GFIRST National Conference being held?
• Do I have to be a member of GFIRST to attend the Conference?
• Are the facilities ADA compliant?
• Is there a fee to attend the Conference?
• Can I register online?
• I haven’t received a registration confirmation–whom do I contact?
• How do I cancel my registration?
• Will I be required to wear a badge at the Conference? How and when do I get my badge?
• If I am a contractor supporting a Federal agency but the agency does not issue an identification badge, how can I ensure I receive the proper credentials?
• Do I need to present an ID when I pick up my Conference registration on site?
• Is there a dress code for the Conference?
• Are meals included in the Conference?

Program Questions

• When will the 2008 GFIRST National Conference Program be available?
• Are Professional Development/CEUs available at GFIRST?
• Do I need to pre-register to attend technical sessions?
• Must I pre-register to attend the Pre-Conference Training Sessions?
• What does "Birds-of-a-Feather" (BoF) mean?
• How do I attend or schedule a "Birds-of-a-Feather" meeting?
• How can I obtain a copy of the Conference proceedings?

Travel and Accommodation Questions

• What hotel accommodations are available for the 2008 GFIRST National Conference?
• How can I get to Orlando (airline & car rental information)?
• Is parking available at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center ?

Still have a question? Click here.

General Conference Questions

When and where is the 2008 GFIRST National Conference being held?
The 4th Annual GFIRST National Conference will take place on June 1–6, 2008, at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
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Do I have to be a member of GFIRST to attend the Conference?
No. The Conference is intended for cyber incident responders, Chief Information Security Officers, cyber security vendors, and law enforcement personnel supporting cyber security issues. All are welcome.
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Are the facilities ADA compliant?
Yes, the facilities are ADA compliant.
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Is there a fee to attend the Conference?
There is no fee to attend the Conference.
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Can I register online?
To register electronically via our secure website, simply complete the online registration form. The online registration site works with Internet Explorer and Netscape V6 or above. If you encounter problems registering online, please send an email to gfirst@us-cert.gov.
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I haven’t received a registration confirmation–whom do I contact?
For any registration questions or concerns, please send an e-mail to gfirst@us-cert.gov.
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How do I cancel my registration?
If you need to cancel your registration, please send an e-mail to gfirst@us-cert.gov no later than April 30, 2008.
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Will I be required to wear a badge at the Conference? How and when do I get my badge?
Yes, all Conference attendees will be provided with badges at registration and must wear their badges at all times to gain access to the Conference sessions and associated events.
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If I am a contractor supporting a Federal agency but the agency does not issue an identification badge, how can I ensure I receive the proper credentials?
If you are a contractor supporting a Federal agency but you do not possess an agency issued identification badge, please have your government team lead contact gfirst@us-cert.gov.
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Do I need to present an ID when I pick up my Conference registration on site?
Yes. Photo identification is checked on site. All attendees will need to show a State-issued photo ID (driver’s license), or a Federal/agency government-issued photo ID (agency badge) in order to receive the proper 2008 GFIRST photo identification badge and badge holder. Come prepared with your identification. There are no exceptions.
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Is there a dress code for the Conference?
We recommend that attendees dress in business casual attire for the Conference. In order to maximize your personal comfort, we do recommend that you consider wearing layers and/or sweaters. This will allow you to adjust to any varying conditions in Orlando and in the meeting rooms.
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Are meals included in the Conference?
Meals will be provided to Government attendees on travel status. Government attendees must deduct the M&IE allowance for (3) lunches that are provided as part of the conference from their travel vouchers. All other attendees have the option to purchase lunches.
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Program Questions

When will the 2008 GFIRST National Conference Program be available?
The 2008 GFIRST National Conference Program will be available in late spring.
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Are Professional Development/CEUs available at GFIRST?
Professional Development/CEUs are not available. A Certificate of Attendance will be given to all Conference attendees after the Conference.
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Do I need to pre-register to attend technical sessions?
In order to ensure a seat, you do need to sign up for any Pre-Conference Training Sessions (which will be held on Sunday and Monday). However, you do not need to register in advance for the technical sessions (which will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday).
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Must I pre-register to attend the Pre-Conference Training Sessions?
Yes; however, you may choose to attend a different training session on site.
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What does "Birds-of-a-Feather" (BoF) mean?
A BoF is a self-directed opportunity for peer-to-peer networking available to all attendees during the 2008 GFIRST National Conference.
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How do I attend or schedule a "Birds-of-a-Feather" meeting?
This is done on site. Bulletin boards with sign-up sheets are provided for each BoF daily. Room assignment is determined based on number of participants. Post early to get the word out!
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How can I obtain a copy of the Conference proceedings?
All registered Conference attendees will receive a CD containing all presentations and tutorials received prior to the submission deadline. Presentations not included on the Conference will be available shortly after the presentation in the US-CERT portal in the Library section of each compartment. Attendees must have access to the US-CERT portal to access the presentations. Hard copies of the presentations may also be handed out during the session at the discretion of the presenter.
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Travel and Accommodation Questions

What hotel accommodations are available for the 2008 GFIRST National Conference?
A block of rooms has been reserved at the:
Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center
8101 World Center Drive Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 1-800-823-8300

You can reserve your room online or by phone (government and special Conference rates are available) to be a part of the 2008 GFIRST Conference.

Check-in/Checkout: 3 p.m./11 a.m.
Hotel Tax: 12.5%
Parking: Self–Complimentary
Cancellation Policy: A 3-day cancellation policy is in effect.

Book by phone
Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center
8101 World Center Drive Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: 1-800-823-8300

Book online
Government employees
Valid Federal, State, or local government-issued photo identification is required upon check-in to guarantee the federal per diem rate of $99.
Non-government employees
Special Conference rates are available for non-government employees.

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How can I get to Orlando (airline & car rental information)?
Airport and ground transportation options are available in the Travel section of this website.
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Is parking available at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and Conference Center?
Yes, there is parking available at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and Convention Center. Daily self-parking is complimentary.
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