EmpowerED Conference: Everything You Need to Know

EmpowerED 2020 is just a couple weeks away! To help you maximize your time at the conference—and to ensure you have the Best. EmpowerED. Ever! here are a few tips.  

What to Bring  

Bring your ideas, enthusiasm, questions, and business cards! You’ll have access to ALL presentations and handouts after the event, so no laptop needed. NOTE: If you plan to spend any time outdoors while you’re here, we highly recommend you pack (and remember to apply) sunscreen.   

What to Wear  

The conference is business casual for all events. We do recommend you have a sweater or jacket handy—the temperature in hotel conference centers and restaurants is unpredictable. In keeping with the Fiesta theme for our closing celebration, we’re encouraging everyone to wear something colorful that evening.  

Venue Location 

The event is being held at Tempe Mission Palms. The address is:  

60 E 5th Street  

Tempe, AZ 85281 

If you need to contact the hotel directly, please dial 480.894.1400.  

Transportation & Parking  

As a courtesy to hotel guests, Tempe Mission Palms Hotel provides daily shuttle transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.  Unfortunately, the hotel cannot pre-schedule shuttle pick-ups due to the variations in scheduled versus actual arrival times. 

Upon arrival at the airport: When you arrive at baggage claim and have luggage in-hand, please call the hotel at 480.894.1400. The operator will direct you to the proper curbside location for your terminal and advise you of the estimated pick-up time.    

Departing from the hotel to the airport: The airport shuttle from the hotel to PHX runs on an as-needed basis, leaving every 30 minutes, on the hour and half-hour. Reservations are not required.    

If you’re driving: You’ll want to take advantage of the complimentary hotel valet parking.  

Badge Pick-Up 

Registration will be in the Palm Ballroom foyer. Exit at the back of the lobby and walk across the courtyard. There will be signage to direct you. All attendees are required to check in and pick up their badge and other conference materials. Badges are required for admittance into all sessions, meals, and social events. 

Registration/Reception Desk Hours:  

Monday, March 2 – 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.  

Tuesday, March 3 – 7:30 AM – 8:00 p.m.   

Wednesday March 4 – 7:30 AM – 4:00 p.m. 

Thursday March 5 – 7:30 AM – 4:00 p.m. 

Agenda Information 

Download the mobile conference app to stay on top of the schedule and ask questions during general sessions. This is your one-stop resource for speaker information, session schedules, and much more! Best of all, it's accessible from all devices with an internet browser (smartphones, tablets, and laptops).  

Go to your app store. Access the App Store on iOS devices and the Play Store on Android or scan the QR code: 

2. Install the app. Search for EmpowerED-The SFS Conference ​  

Once you’ve found the app, tap either Get or Install. ​  

After installing, a new icon will appear on the home screen. 

3. Log in using the email you used to register for the conference.  

No printed copies of the agenda will be available onsite; however, there will be signage to assist you. 

Meals 

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies you forgot to mention when you registered, please let us know ASAP.  

To get your mornings off on the right foot, we’ll provide breakfast and all the coffee you can drink. Back by popular demand, other beverages and snacks will be available throughout the day in the East and West Snack Shacks, and a delicious lunch buffet will be served each day of the conference. Evening meals are as follows: 

Tuesday evening attendees are on their own. There are tons of restaurants and activities near the resort or just a short Uber ride away.  

Wednesday evening join your peers for an opt-in Birds of a Feather dinner outing. Groups are organized by school type including: Community College, Four-Year Public, and Four-Year Private institutions. We’ve made reservations at nearby restaurants. All you need to do is click here, and select the group you wish to join and add your name. Then show up in the lobby at 6:15 p.m. to meet your group.  

Thursday – Closing Celebration – We’re wrapping up EmpowerED20 with all things southwest. Join us for traditional foods and libations. There’ll be plenty of cerveza and our very own signature “Empowerita”. Come ready to dine, sip, and socialize (and perhaps a little Salsa or Macarena ;) alongside the sounds of a local Mariachi band, followed by a DJ. Chat with friends and colleagues before you head back home to put all your new ideas to work. 

Connectivity and Social Media 

We will be providing complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the conference center. The login information will be on the back of your badge and posted in various other locations.    

Get Your Camera Ready!  

The conference app and social media are great ways to stay connected during the conference. Post your best pic in the EmpowerED app or other social media. Write a clever caption and include #EmpowerED20.  

Contact the Event Team  

Whether you have a challenge or just want to tell us how much you’re enjoying the conference, feel free to email us at events@campuslogic.com. If your matter is urgent, call or text 602-321-9744.  

Non-Conference Activities 

Tempe Mission Palms Resort is in the heart of the ASU Campus on Mill Avenue, one of the hottest entertainment centers in Arizona, featuring a high concentration of restaurants, cafes, microbreweries, sports bars, unique shopping, and nightlife. The resort is also in proximity to spring training baseball, hiking, museums, and other local attractions. When dining out, reservations are recommended due to the many visitors we have at this time of year. 

About the Author

A 20-year veteran in the field of corporate events, Dena’s a master at creating meaningful, memorable experiences that matter. Her SaaS experience crosses verticals including real estate, cybersecurity, and higher education—to say she’s a details magician would be an understatement. Today, Dena executes seamless events nationwide, built around CampusLogic’s mission to help schools change lives. An Arizona resident, Dena and her family love the sunshine—and if you get a chance to try her baking, count yourself lucky!

More Content by Dena Pope