Conference FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered below, please contact ASMEA at [email protected] or 202-429-8860.

GRANTS AND AWARDS

Do I need to provide receipts to ASMEA in order to obtain my grant?

No, you are not required to submit receipts to receive Travel or Research Grant funds.

I received a Travel Grant, how do I obtain my funds?

You will receive your funds at the conclusion of the conference. A staff member of ASMEA will give you a check at the registration table after the final conference session.

conference paper Submission

Where do I submit my conference paper?

You will submit your conference paper via the online portal.

When is my conference paper due?

The conference paper is due September 30, 2024. All paper submissions are reviewed by the Conference Committee. The Committee makes the first-round recommendation for possible publication in our peer-reviewed scholarly publication, the Journal of the Middle East and Africa. In addition, the Committee selects the Conference "Best Paper Prizes."

What format should I use when submitting my paper?

Papers should be 5,000-7,500 words, adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style, include properly formatted footnotes, and be submitted online as a Microsoft Word document. Papers that do not adhere to these requirements will not be reviewed.

When will I present my paper?

The final schedule will be made available before the conference. The schedule is subject to change. Please note, we are unable to accept scheduling requests for individual paper/ panel presentations. Make your travel arrangements so that you are prepared to present at anytime during the conference.

The website won't allow me to upload my paper telling me I'm "ineligible to take this form," what should I do?

If you are unable to access the online submission form, it could be your membership expired or you are not yet a member. You can renew or sign-up here. Presenters are required to be members in good standing.

Registration

I'm a student, why do I keep getting charged the non-member rate for Conference Registration? 

Only student members are eligible for the student conference rate. To learn more about membership with ASMEA and to join, visit here. If you are an active member, make sure you are using the correct email address associated with your account. There is also the chance that your membership has expired and you will need to renew. If you are still having difficulty, contact [email protected].

I’m a full member, why am I being charged the non-member rate for the Conference Registration fee?

If you are an active member, make sure you are using the correct email address associated with your account. If your membership has expired, you can renew here. If you are not currently a member, click here to join ASMEA. For assistance, please email [email protected].

How do I become a member?

You can find out more about membership and join here.

Do I still need to pay a registration fee to attend if I am a presenter?

Yes. All presenters and discussants need to be members and registered attendees to present. You can register here.

Are there day passes available?

Not at this time. Anyone wishing to attend any part of the conference must register at the applicable rate.

What does my conference registration include?

Your registration grants you access to all conference events including sessions, opening and keynote addresses, movie screenings, and exhibit area. In addition, registration includes provided meals such as breakfast on Sunday and Monday; Sunday banquet luncheon; Monday boxed lunch; morning and afternoon coffee breaks; and, reception food and drink. Each attendee receives a name tag with lanyard, a tote bag, a conference program, a pen, and a notebook.

I am interested in becoming a Discussant, what do I need to do to participate?

If you are interested in becoming a Discussant, you must be an active member of ASMEA and be registered to attend the conference. When you fill out the conference registration form, select "Yes" for the question asking if you are interested in serving as a discussant.

Can I bring a guest to the conference?

For a fee of $40.00, you may bring a guest to the reception and the panel you are presenting on. If you would like your guest to attend any other part of the conference, they must register to attend. There are no day passes or other à la carte options at this time. You can pay for your guest at the event or when you register online.

I am interested in bringing a group of undergraduate students to the conference, are there any special group rates?

Undergraduate student groups of a certain size may be eligible for a discounted rate. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Are children permitted to attend the Conference?

Due to the content and the structure of the conference, the event does not lend itself to being an appropriate venue for young children to attend. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any daycare options at the event.

I need a receipt to get reimbursed for membership fees and conference registration, how can I get one?

Login to your membership profile and view your invoices. You can also contact Emily Lucas at [email protected] for a receipt. 

Hotel

Where will the conference take place?

The conference will be held at the Washington Georgetown Marriott located at:

1221 22nd Street NW
Washington, DC 20037

Visit the hotel website directly HERE.

What is the conference room rate?

The room rate is $172.00 a night. 

Can ASMEA help me find a roommate to offset the cost of staying at the hotel?

ASMEA is not able to assist in the arrangement of roommates for attendees, however, members have access to a discussion board through our website and could coordinate sharing a room there.

The dates I wish to book my stay at the hotel are sold out, where else can I stay?

There are many hotel options in the area. When searching, use key words like "Foggy Bottom" or "Dupont Circle" in addition to "Washington D.C. Hotels" and you will find a great selection of nearby hotels.

Does the hotel have Wi-Fi?

If you would like to have access to Wi-Fi in your hotel room, you will have to pay a daily fee or join the Marriott Bonvoy program. Wi-Fi will be provided in conference areas.

Meals

Are meals provided at the conference?

The opening reception on Saturday will be a cocktail reception featuring appetizers and drinks. Breakfast, lunch, and various coffee and snack breaks will be provided on Sunday and Monday. 

Are there Kosher/Halal options?

Kosher/Halal options are available by advanced request and are only provided at the banquet luncheon on November 2nd. Vegetarian options are available. Additional charges may apply for special orders. Contact [email protected].

Can ASMEA accommodate my food allergies?

Please contact ASMEA as soon as possible so any special diet requests can be arranged with the hotel. Additional charges may apply for special orders. Contact [email protected].

Travel

What airports are located near Washington, D.C.?

The nearest airport is Reagan National Airport accessible by Metro, shuttle, taxi, or other car service. Dulles International Airport is accessible via shuttle, taxi, or other car service. Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is located 45 miles outside Washington, D.C. and be accessed via shuttle, train, taxi, or other car service.

How can I get around Washington, D.C.?

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provides transportation throughout D.C. and many of the surrounding areas. You can also use taxi or other car services. The hotel is located centrally and is walkable to many restaurants and tourist destinations.

What restaurants are located near the hotel?

View a list of nearby restaurants we have aggregated. This is not an endorsement of any establishment and is provided for informational purposes only. 

Where can I find information about things to do in Washington, D.C.?

A good place to start would be to visit the Official Tourism Site of Washington, D.C. You can find information on restaurants, events, museums, etc. 

Can ASMEA help me obtain a visa since I am coming from overseas?

We are only able to provide a letter of invitation on your behalf. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website here to learn about your visa options.

How can I obtain a letter of invitation?

Registered attendees may request a letter of invitation. Contact Emily Lucas at [email protected] to obtain a letter. 

What is the best way to get in contact with ASMEA?

Emailing [email protected] is the best method of contact. However, you can also reach us at 202-429-8860.

Do you have a question that you can't find here? Contact us so we can answer it and add it to our FAQs. Contact [email protected].