Dress Code and Packing
The dress code for the conference is Business Casual. We recommend layers as conference room temperatures can vary. Pro Tip: New York weather in the fall can be unpredictable. Check the forecast 48 hours out and always pack a compact umbrella or a light raincoat.
During the day:
- Dresses, blouses, button-downs, polos
- Slacks, chinos, or skirts
- Comfortable walking shoes (NYC involves more walking than expected)
Layering is key:
- Light jacket, blazer, or sweater for cooler mornings/evenings
- Conference rooms can vary in temperature
Overall, think professional but comfortable, with layers.
Evening (Saturday reception): Elevated business casual (e.g., nicer top, blazer, or dress)
Even if you stay primarily in the hotel, you will likely do a significant amount of walking. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Many attendees choose to wear sneakers while commuting and switch to professional shoes upon arrival at the venue.
- Portable charger
- Water bottle
- Business cards
- Light jacket/wrap
Registration and Logistics
Check-in will be located in the Sutton Complex on the second floor of the New York Hilton Midtown.
Conference staff will be at the CIEE welcome table to greet you and provide assistance.
Registration will be open 8am-5pm on Friday and Saturday; 7am-10am Sunday.
- Wi-Fi is included in all guest rooms
- Wi-Fi will be provided in the conference rooms
Yes – you can store your bags on the 1st floor at the luggage storage area (located near the Herb N’Kitchen restaurant and gift shop).
The full schedule is available in the official conference app, which you can download from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple Store (iPhone) for real-time updates and session details. You can also view or download a printable PDF copy of the agenda here.
Meal and Dietary Accommodations
Saturday
- Breakfast is provided
- Lunch is provided
- Dinner – appetizers are provided at offsite reception at Monarch Rooftop
Sunday
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Yes – please make sure to include information about your restriction or allergy when you register.
We recommend budgeting approximate $75-$150 total for meals not included in the conference program:
Friday (arrival day)
- Lunch or snacks: $15–$30
- Dinner: $25–$60+
Sunday (departure day)
- Lunch/snacks: $15–$30
In New York City, casual meals typically range from $15–$35, while sit-down dinners are often $25–$60+ per person depending on the restaurant and neighborhood.
Getting Around NYC
New York Hilton Midtown is located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas (6th Ave), between 53rd and 54th Streets.
SUGGESTED PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Attendees are responsible for covering their own ground transportation costs. There is no airport shuttle to the hotel. Taxi and rideshare (Uber/Lyft) services are available from all three airports.
Public transportation is the most affordable option and provides convenient access to the New York Hilton Midtown (1335 Avenue of the Americas, between W. 53rd and W. 54th Streets); we advise using the routes described below and using Google Maps or your preferred transit app for real time departure information on the day of your arrival.
- JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport): Follow the signs for the AirTrain JFK and take it to Jamaica Station. At Jamaica Station, pay the $8.75 AirTrain fare by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, smartwatch, or OMNY card at the fare gates. Then follow the signs to the E subway line toward World Trade Center. Pay the $3.00 subway fare by tapping a contactless payment method at the subway turnstiles. Exit at 5 Av/53 St Station and walk approximately 2 minutes to the New York Hilton Midtown. Total travel time is approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Total public transportation cost is approximately $11.75.
- LGA (LaGuardia Airport): Follow the signs for the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue. The Q70 bus is free and does not require a ticket. At Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue, follow the signs to the E subway line toward World Trade Center. Pay the $3.00 subway fare by tapping a contactless payment at the subway turnstiles. Exit at 5 Av/53 St Station and walk approximately 2 minutes to the hotel. Total travel time is approximately 50 to 65 minutes. Total public transportation cost is approximately $3.00.
- EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport): Follow the signs for the AirTrain Newark to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station. Purchase an NJ Transit ticket to New York Penn Station using the NJ Transit mobile app before boarding or from one of the ticket vending machines at the Rail Station. The ticket includes the AirTrain access fee and costs approximately $17.25. At New York Penn Station, follow the signs to the E subway line toward Jamaica Center. Pay the $3.00 subway fare by tapping a contactless payment method at the subway turnstiles. Exit at 5 Av/53 St Station and walk approximately 2 minutes to the hotel. Total travel time is approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Total public transportation cost is approximately $20.25.
Estimated one-way fares:
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Taxi or rideshare, approximately $50 to $70.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Taxi, approximately $90 to $110 (flat-rate fare plus applicable surcharges, tolls, and tip). Rideshare, approximately $85 to $130+, depending on demand.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Taxi, approximately $100 to $130. Rideshare, approximately $80 to $140+, depending on demand.
Amtrak trains arrive at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station (8th Ave between 31st & 33rd St). You have three options from the station:
The E Train subway (10-15 minutes total):
Take the Uptown E train from 34 St – Penn Station.
Ride 3 stops to 7 Ave (53rd St & 7th Ave).
Walk 1 block east to 6th Avenue.
Walking: ~25-30 minutes straight up 7th or 8th Avenue to 53rd Street, then east to 6th Avenue.
Rideshare: ~10-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Pick up outside Moynihan Train Hall.
Yes, all rooms are 100% accessible
Miscellaneous
While we love the support of family and friends, we strongly encourage you to attend solo. The conference is a whirlwind weekend packed with sessions, and the schedule doesn’t leave much extra time. If you do choose to bring a guest, please keep the following in mind:
- Guests are not permitted to attend any official conference workshops, seminars, or sessions. These are strictly for registered attendees to ensure a focused learning environment.
- If you plan on having a guest join you for the weekend (even if they are only attending the Saturday event or staying in your hotel room), you must indicate this on your registration form so we can provide you with the correct pricing and availability.
- Friday arrival day – when your flight or train arrives in New York
- Sunday departure day – sessions will conclude at 1:15
A benefit to booking through Flightfox is the real time support they offer if an airline cancels or delays a flight. They are attentive to any last minute changes and will do what they can to support in the event of a canceled flight or significant delay(s). That being said, you are your best advocate in the event of flight delays or cancellations and should try your best to work with airline staff directly at the airport to resolve any travel day disruptions.