2006 INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION FOR NONPROFITS

June 14-17, 2006

There is no better place to experience the convergence of media outlets, nonprofit groups and world political organizations than Washington, DC. This synergy makes this year's Institute for Strategic Communication for Nonprofits a must attend event for nonprofits communication professionals, film buffs and both veteran and novice documentary filmmakers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where does the Institute/SILVERDOCS take place?

2. What is the relationship between the Institute for Strategic Communication for Nonprofits and SILVERDOCS/AFI?

3. Where should I stay in Silver Spring?

4. Planes, trains and automobiles -- or how do I get to Silver Spring, Maryland?

5. Weather and wardrobe considerations?

6. What are Silver Sessions and how do I sign up?

7. How do I reserve Festival Screening tickets in advance?

8. Where do I pick up my registration materials and badge?

9. Networking opportunities?

10. How do I reach the Conference staff?

1. Where does the Institute for Strategic Communication on the 14th take place – Then from Thursday to Saturday, where does SILVERDOCS take place?

The Institute for Strategic Communication for Nonprofits sessions on Wednesday, June 14th, will take place at Discovery Communications World Headquarters at One Discovery Place (corner of Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road);Then, SILVERDOCS on 15-17 also takes place in Silver Spring, Maryland. Film screenings, panels, workshops, master classes, Silver Sessions and social events are held in four main locations all within a two-block radius. The venues include the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center located at 8633 Colesville Road; Discovery Communications World Headquarters at One Discovery Place (corner of Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road); the Roundhouse Theatre at 8641 Colesville Road (next door to the AFI Silver); and The Cinema Lounge, the social hub of the Festival. The Cinema Lounge is located on the second level of the Wayne Avenue Garage complex of retail stores on the East side of the Silver Plaza. Accessible by elevator and stairs, the entrance is through double doors next to the Bombay Company, directly across from Lebanese Taverna.

2. What is the relationship between the Institute for Strategic Communication for Nonprofits and SILVERDOCS/AFI?

The School of Communication at American University has had a long-standing relationship with SILVERDOCS – Given the natural compatibility of the topics of both events, it made sense to join forces this year and bring both audiences together for part of the Institute.

3. Where should I stay in Silver Spring?

The Courtyard By Marriott Silver Spring is the Official Hotel Sponsor of SILVERDOCS. Please contact 301.495.6770 for more information on discounts. http://www.marriott.com/wassv.

There are many hotels in the area. For more information and to book a hotel room, please visit: http://www.idcide.com/hotels/md/silver-spring.htm You can also use Travelocity.com and All-hotels.com.

4. Planes, trains and automobiles -- or, how do I get to Silver Spring, Maryland?

Silver Spring is located just outside Washington, DC.

By train:

Amtrak is the best way to arrive from the Northeast corridor. Save 50% off the best available rail fare for one adult companion traveling in coach with a paid regular (full fare) Adult, or discounted Senior Citizen or Disabled rail fare ticket for Amtrak travel to Washington Union Station (or BWI Airport Rail Station). Reservations must be made at least three (3) days in advance of travel. Seats are limited.

Please contact us for more information on discounts at 301.495.6776

The AFI Silver is less than four hours from Penn Station in New York: www.amtrak.com. Hop on a train to Union Station in Washington, DC, and then Silver Spring is just a 10 minute Metro ride up the Red Line. The Silver Spring Metro Station (as well as the Silver Spring Metrobus Station) is two blocks from the AFI Silver. For a metro map, go to http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm. Check out the trip planner on the WMATA website as well.

By plane:

If you are flying, make your reservations as soon as possible. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia (IAD) are all close. To learn how to access the Metro from each of these airports visit http://www.wmata.com/riding/visitors/visitors.cfm

Transportation from airports to Silver Spring:

From BWI Airport, take the MARC train (Penn Line Southbound) to Washington, DC's Union Station and then transfer to the Metro's Red Line to Silver Spring. Please note: The MARC train does not run on Saturdays or Sundays. On Saturday or Sunday, you can take Amtrak, Super Shuttle or a taxi. You can make reservations for Super Shuttle in advance by calling 1.800.BLUE VAN, but doing so is not necessary. A taxi from BWI costs about $55. There is also a Metrobus from BWI.

For a MARC schedule, go to http://www.mtamaryland.com. For a Metro map, go to http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm.

The Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has a Metro stop a short walk from the terminals. From the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, take the Yellow Line to the Gallery Pl/Chinatown Station, then transfer to the Red Line to the Silver Spring Station. A taxi from DCA costs about $30.

From Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia (IAD), you will need to take Super Shuttle or a taxi. A taxi from Dulles costs about $60.

Automobiles and parking:

Log on to http://www.mapquest.com for individual driving directions to 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910. There are several public parking lots located within two blocks of the Conference venues. The closest is the Wayne Avenue public garage (Wayne between Georgia Avenue & Fenton). It allows for ticketed payment (no meters) and is free after 8:00 p.m. weekdays and all weekend. There is another public garage located on Ellsworth Dr. right off Fenton.

5. Weather and wardrobe considerations?

June tends to be quite hot and humid in the Washington, DC area and is subject to unexpected summer thunderstorms. Be sure to bring a sweater, as many venues are well air-conditioned. Because the Conference events are held in several different locations, comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella are recommended.

6. What are Silver Sessions and how do I sign up?

Silver Sessions are small group meetings with international development, programming and acquisition executives; program officers from the NEH, NEA and NSF; theatrical, DVD and international broadcast distributors; marketing and PR consultants; producers representatives; legal advisors and industry leaders. Attendance is limited to 15 participants. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be sent an e-mail explaining how to go about signing up for Silver Sessions. Industry Pass holders may sign up for six Silver Sessions in advance and Conference Day Pass holders may sign up for two in advance, subject to availability. Registered Conference attendees may sign up on-site for additional Silver Sessions on a first-come, first-served basis depending on availability. Please note: The full list of Silver Sessions may not be available on the website until after May 24.

7. How do I reserve Festival Screening tickets in advance?

Once you have registered you will be sent a confirmation e-mail from SILVERDOCS with detailed instructions on how to reserve tickets in advance for Festival Screenings and Special Screenings, and how to sign up for limited attendance sessions.

8. Where do I pick up my registration materials and badge?

Your Institute and Festival Pass will be available for pick-up at the Institute Registration Desk located in the lobby of Discovery Communications World Headquarters at One Discovery Place (corner of Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road);. If you have reserved tickets in advance for daytime Screenings or Special Evening Screenings, these will be waiting for you with your registration materials. Registration opens on Wednesday, June 14 at 8AM. Breakfast will be served at 8.30AM.

9. Networking opportunities?

The Institute and SILVERDOCS are all about networking, so whether you are on your own or participating with a colleague, plan to make new acquaintances and spend time getting to know panelists, industry representatives, fellow communication professionals, filmmakers and film buffs.

10. How do I reach the Institute organization team?

Office: 202 885 2082

Cell: 202 276 2622

http://socnonprofitinstitute.pbwiki.com/

email: nonprofitinstitute@american.edu