GFIRST FAQS
General Conference Questions
- When and where is the 2010 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?
- Is there a fee to participate in the Pre-Conference Training Sessions?
- What is the name and address of the GFIRST vendor for my training request?
- 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 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 2010 GFIRST National Program be available?
- Are Professional Development/CEUs/CPEs available at GFIRST?
- Do I need to pre-register to attend the sessions on the various tracks?
- Must I pre-register to attend the Pre-Conference Training Sessions?
- How can I obtain a copy of the Conference proceedings?
Travel and Accommodation Questions
- What hotel accommodations are available for the 2010 GFIRST National Conference?
- How can I get to San Antonio (airline & car rental information)?
- Is parking available at the JW Marriott?
- What is the $25 Resort Fee included on my hotel confirmation?
Still have a question? Email gfirst@us-cert.gov
General Conference Questions
When and where is the 2010 GFIRST National Conference being held?
The 6th Annual GFIRST National Conference will take place on August 15-20, 2010, at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country, San Antonio, Texas.
[back to the top]Do I have to be a member of GFIRST to attend the Conference?
No. The Conference is intended for those who would like to learn more about cyber security as well as cyber incident responders, CIOs/CISOs, law enforcement personnel supporting cyber security issues, academia, and representatives from private sector incident response and security teams. All are welcome.
[back to the top]Are the facilities ADA compliant?
Yes, the facilities are ADA compliant.
[back to the top]Is there a fee to attend the Conference?
There is no fee to attend the Conference.
[back to the top]Is there a fee to participate in the Pre-Conference Training Sessions?
There is no fee to participate in the pre-conference training sessions.What is the name and address of the GFIRST vendor for my training request?
Department of Homeland Security/US-CERT
245 Murray Lane, SW
Building 410, MS 0635
Washington, DC 20528
888-282-0870Can 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.
[back to the top]I haven’t received a registration confirmation – whom do I contact?
For any registration questions or concerns, please send an email to gfirst@us-cert.gov.
[back to the top]How do I cancel my registration?
If you need to cancel your registration, please send an email to gfirst@us-cert.gov no later than July 30, 2010.
[back to the top]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.
[back to the top]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 by 5pm EDT August 6, 2010.
[back to the top]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 2010 GFIRST photo identification badge and badge holder. Come prepared with your identification. There are no exceptions.
[back to the top]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 San Antonio and in the meeting rooms.
[back to the top]Are meals included in the Conference?
No. Meals are not provided as part of this conference. There are, however, a number of meal outlets onsite and nearby available to participants.
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Program Questions
When will the 2010 GFIRST National Conference Program be available?
The 2010 GFIRST National Conference Program will be available in late spring.
[back to the top]Are Professional Development/CEUs/CPEs available at GFIRST?
Professional Development/CEUs/CPEs are not available. A Certificate of Attendance will be given to all Conference attendees onsite.
[back to the top]Do I need to pre-register to attend the sessions on the various tracks?
No.
[back to the top]Must I pre-register to attend the Pre-Conference Training Sessions?
Yes. If you wish to attend one of the pre-conference training sessions being offered you must register. Please note several of the courses are two-day sessions and you must register for both sessions to be accepted into the class. Confirmations for the pre-conference training sessions will be sent separately.
[back to the top]How can I obtain a copy of the Conference proceedings?
Attendees who have access to the US-CERT portal will be able to access the presentations in the GFIRST compartment. After the conference a special link to the presentations will be sent to all attendees. 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 2010 GFIRST National Conference?
A block of rooms has been reserved at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country:
23808 Resort Parkway
San Antonio, Texas, 78261
Phone: 1-866-882-4420You can reserve your room online or by phone at 1-866-882-4420 to be a part of the 2010 GFIRST Conference Room Block. As the JW Marriott is filling up, and rooms are no longer available at the per diem rate, the hotel is offering a limited number of rooms at $149 per night. Please see the list below of nearby hotels with availability at the per diem rate:
Candlewood Suites - San Antonio North/Stone Oak (5-10 minutes from JW Marriott)
21103 Encino Commons Boulevard
San Antonio, TX 78259
(210) 545-2477
Government rate: $84 per night (Queen Studio), $94 per night (2 Doubles)Courtyard Marriott San Antonio North/Stone Oak at Legacy (15 minutes from JW Marriott)
1803 East Sonterra Boulevard
San Antonio, Texas 78259
(210) 545-3100
Government rate: $117 per nightResidence Inn San Antonio North/Stone Oak (15 minutes from JW Marriott)
1115 North 1604 East
San Antonio, Texas 78232
(210) 490-1333
Government rate: $117 per nightFairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio North/Stone Oak (15 minutes from JW Marriott)
80 Trailcrest
San Antonio, Texas 78232
(210) 491-9595
Federal government rate: $117 per night
State government rate: $112 per nightHomewood Suites San Antonio North (15 minutes from JW Marriott)
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125 North Loop 1604 West
San Antonio, Texas 78232
(210) 497-8200
Government rate: $117 per nightHow can I get to San Antonio (airline & car rental information)?
Airport and ground transportation are available in the Travel section of this website.
[back to the top]Is parking available at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country? What are other transportation options?
- Parking: complimentary on-site parking. Valet Parking: $25/day; $10 short-term.
- Car rental, limousine and luxury car service (arrange through concierge)
What is the $25 Resort Fee included on my hotel confirmation?
A $25 resort fee will be included in all confirmations, but it is not mandatory. The option will be offered at the front desk upon arrival and can be removed at that time.

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