2013 Conference FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome to the 2013 BALLE Conference FAQ page.  You have come to the right place to answer your conference-related questions. Do you want to know how to register for the conference or learn more about your housing options? Or how you apply a discount code? Look no further. We have arranged questions in sections; click on the following section titles to get to their group of questions then click on the question you want answered:
 
Location and Dates  |  Pricing  |  Registration  |  Travel and Housing
Agenda and Sessions  |  Miscellaneous
 
Can't find your question?  Contact BALLE staff for assistance. See you in Buffalo!
 

Location and Dates

Pricing

Registration 

Travel and Housing

Agenda and Sessions

Miscellaneous

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Location and Dates                                                                                                 

 
What are the conference dates?                                                                                                            
  June 12, 2013 to June 14, 2013. Conference registration check-in and walk up registration begin Tuesday, June, 11 and continue throughout the week. There are pre-conference events on Wednesday, June 12  and the main conference kicks off the evening of Wednesday, June 12 with a reception and opening presentation. The main conference lasts through Friday evening, June 14.
 
Where is the conference?
  BALLE's 11th Annual Business Conference takes place at various adjacent buildings in and around the Buffalo State College Campus in Buffalo, New York. Follow this link to a list of the addresses of all our conference venues and a map of the conference.
 
Is there a map of the conference locations? 
  There will be a map in the middle of your conference program as well as online here.
 
Why Buffalo?
  To draw on Margaret Mead’s famous quote, Buffalo, New York, is living proof that a few committed citizens can, indeed, change the world. Healthy economies start with people who are committed to place and who are empowered through taking ownership whether of a business, a farm, a community garden or simply the dollars in one’s own wallet. Buffalo is a testament to this and if it can happen in a humble Rust Belt city, it can happen in your city too. An article in The Economist recently declared Buffalo, officially, “back in business” and it is undeniable that Localists played a key role in the city’s rebirth. Read more.
 
Who is the co-hosting network?
  We are honored to co-host our conference with acclaimed BALLE Champion network Buffalo First!, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of local independent "Main Street" businesses, organizations and concerned citizens. The mission of Buffalo First is to build a local, green and fair economy in the Buffalo-Niagara region. Buffalo First encourages people to shop locally, helps independent businesses access local goods and services, and gives independent businesses a united voice to shape better policies for local independent and green businesses. Learn more.
 
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Pricing

 
What is the cost of the Main Conference?
  The cost of the Main Conference beginning Wednesday evening, June 12, and ending with our closing Happy Hour Friday evening, June 14, is $595, with a special Early Bird rate of $495 that expires at 11:59pm PST, April 22. Current BALLE Leaders, Champions and Business Members of Champions receive $60 off the main conference ticket.*
 
Main Conference
Ticket Price
 General Registrant
BALLE Champions and their Business Members, and BALLE Leaders
Early Bird thru April 22 $495 $435
Full Rate after April 22 $595 $535

* Discounted rates are available for confirmed Volunteers, Sponsors, Main Stage or Interactive Speakers, Press and Scholarship Recipients. Contact us with a questions.

Are there day rates?
  There are days rates available. You can register for one day of conference programming only; it is not possible to register for two days (ie. Wednesday Only and Thursday Only). If you wish to attend more than one day of conference programming, you must register for full conference admission.
 
Single Day Rates
All Attendee Types
Wednesday Only, (conference kick-off)
$100
Thursday Only (includes evening festivities)
$295
Friday Only (includes closing celebration)
$295
 
Who qualifies for the BALLE Member rate?
  Current BALLE Leaders, Champions and Business Members of Champion Members qualify for our $60 discount off the going Main Conference rate.  This discount applies only to the Main Conference.  There isn't a single-day member discount.  To access your member discount code, log in to the Member Site and visit your 'My Account' page. Business Members of Champions need to create an online profile to get their discount code; create your Business Member profile here.
 
Is there a special rate for members of Buffalo First!?
  Current members of Buffalo First! do receive special discounted access to the Main Conference. Contact the Buffalo First! team to get your discount code. The code is used in place of the BALLE Member discount code and entitles members to $100 off the going Main Conference rate.  Please note: you must select the 'Business Member of a Champion' Attendee Type in order for this code to work.
 
Are there group rates?
  No, there are not group rates available this year.  Please note that you can register additional attendees when you register yourself, simply choose the option "Add Participant" when you finish registering yourself, but before you pay.  
 
The pre-conference events are additional costs, what does each pre-conference event cost?
  These events are not included in the price of admission to the conference. If you wish to attend a pre-conference event you must register and pay for it separately during the registration process. See descriptions of our events here.
  All pre-conference events take place between 8:00am and 4:00pm on Wednesday, June 12, prior to the Main Conference kick off that evening. Questions?  Feel free to contact us.
  • Living Economy Tour: Feed Your Soul – Buffalo’s Urban Farm to Fork Movement (4.5 hours): $65
  • Living Economy Tour: The New Urban Buffalo — Place-based Economic Development Strategies (4.5 hours): $50
  • Network Leaders Exchange (Limited to current BALLE Members): $150*
  • BALLE Funders Circle: Community Capital Meeting (Invite-only): $150
* Current BALLE Leaders, Champions and Business Members of Champion Members receive half off the cost of this workshop. You will find the discount code for this workshop on the 'My Account' page when you log in to the BALLE Member site.
  Please Note: In order to register for the Network Leader Exchange or the Community Capital Meeting you will need to answer a question with a validation code. You will find the validation code for the Network Leader Exchange on the 'My Account' page when you log in to the BALLE Member site. You will receive the validation code for the Community Capital Meeting in your invitation.
 
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Registration

How do I register?
  To register, please visit our registration site now! Registering is quick and simple. Follow these five steps:
 
1) From the landing page, select which type of Registration you want by clicking on the appropriate 'View More' button.  There are five options:
  1. Living Economy Tour Only. Choose this option if you want to attend one of our Pre-Conference Local Living Economy Tours only. You do not wish to register for our Main Conference.
  2. Network Leaders Exchange Only. Choose this option if you want to attend our Pre-Conference Network Leaders Exchange only. You do not wish to register for any part of our Main Conference. Please note! You must be a current BALLE member to attend this workshop.
  3. Invite-Only Community Capital Meeting. Choose this option if you want to attend our Pre-Conference Community Capital Meeting only. You do not wish to register for any part of our Main Conference. Please note! You must be invited to this meeting to attend.
  4. Main Conference. Choose this option if you want to attend the entire BALLE Conference. You will have the option to register for a Pre-Conference event and Dorm Housing (both at an additional cost) during the registration process.
  5. Single Day Registration Only. Choose this option if you want to attend the only one day of the Main Conference. You will have the option to register for a Pre-Conference event and Dorm Housing (both at an additional cost) during the registration process.
2) From your Registration selection page, please enter your email address. This address will be our link to you for registration updates, tracking and modifications. You may need to further clarify your Registration option (for example, which day are you registering for if you selected the Single Day Registration Only option). You will also need to select your Attendee Type from this page.
Please select General Registrant unless you are one of the following:
At this time your price for the Registration item you selected will show. Discounts and comped rate are applied at the end of the registration process!
 
3) The next pages or tabs will ask for you to verify your selection options, enter all pertinent contact information, and answer questions (both optional and mandatory - you must answer the mandatory questions to move through the process) pertaining to your particular registration. 
This is also where registrants attending the Main Conference can add a Pre-Conference event and/or Dorm Housing to their registration (these selections are optional).
 
4) You will come to an Order Summary page. This is where you can verify your complete order, add another participant, and enter any Promo Codes you may have access to to adjust your rate. If you have multiple Promo Codes, simply enter them all in the Promo Code field, separated by commas. Click the Checkout button to move on.
 
5) The final step for Order Completion is entering in your payment information. You must pay for your registration at the time you order.  BALLE accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.  Please do not send a check.  You will verify the basic information to track your order (name and email), agree to our refund policy and enter your credit or debit card information. If you have a $0 balance, you may just need to verify the basic tracking information. Click on 'Complete Order' to finish the process!
 
  You will receive an email with your registration confirmation that contains useful information about the conference. You will also receive emails verifying payment and specific order information. SAVE THESE EMAILS! They act as your receipt of payment as well as your registration confirmation.
 
I started my registration and didn't finish, can I save my registration?
  Yes, but only after you have reached the Order Summary step of the registration process, at which point you have created an Order Number in our system.  At the bottom of that page, and the payment page, there is a 'Save Order' option. When you return to our registration website, enter  the email address you used to start the process.  Your saved registration will expire after five (5) days.
 
How do I cancel or modify my registration?
  Follow this link: a3.acteva.com/myorders and enter your name and email address to access the details of your current registration. You can modify your registration by selecting and deselecting various options. Please note, that if you registered other attendees, you must modify or cancel their registrations.
 
How do I register if I am staff or board of current BALLE Leader or Champion?
  We are so excited that you are attending the conference! Please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a BALLE Leader of Champion. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  1. Before you begin, be sure to log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website.  On your 'My Account' page, in the Discount Codes section, you will find the promo code you need to enter at the end of the process to get $60 off the current Main Conference fee. The validation code and promo code for the Network Leaders Exchange can be found here as well.
  2. After you make your Registration selection, select the 'BALLE Champions & Leaders' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a Leader or Champion. If you are registering for the Network Leaders Exchange, it is important that you verify this Attendee Type.
  3. Proceed through the registration process as outlined above. If you are registering for the Network Leaders Exchange, you will need to answer a mandatory question with the validation code found on your 'My Account' page referenced in (1.) of this question.  If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a similar validation code provided in your invitation.
  4. When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter all pertinent promo codes to access your discounts. Enter the Conference Registration Promo Code to get $60 off the Main Conference rate. Enter the Network Leaders Exchange Promo Code to get $75 off the Network Leaders Exchange rate. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

How do I register if I am a Business Member of a Champion network? If I am a member of Buffalo First!?
  We are so excited that you are attending the conference! Please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a Business Member of Champion.
  Members of Buffalo First! can follow the same instructions, but please note that you need to get a promo code from the staff at Buffalo First! to access the $100 discount off the Main Conference fee (you use this code IN PLACE of the Conference Registration Promo Code that BALLE provides. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  1. Before you begin, be sure to log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website.  If you do not have a profile on our site, visit our Business Member Registration to create your free profile - you must verify that you are a member of a current Champion network. Once created, visit your 'My Account' page, in the Discount Codes section, you will find the promo code you need to enter at the end of the process to get $60 off the current Main Conference fee. The validation code and promo code for the Network Leaders Exchange can be found here as well.
  2. After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Business Member of a Champion' Attend Type to move through the registration process as a Business Member of a Champion. If you are registering for the Network Leaders Exchange, it is important that you verify this Attendee type.
  3. Proceed through the registration process as outlined above. If you are registering for the Network Leaders Exchange, you will need to answer a mandatory question with the validation code found on your 'My Account' page referenced in (1.) of this question.  If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a similar validation code provided in your invitation.
  4. When you get to the Order Summary page, this is where you will enter all pertinent promo codes to access your discounts. Enter the Conference Registration Promo Code to get $60 off the Main Conference rate (Buffalo First Business Members should enter the promo code they receive from their Network to get $100 off instead of $60!). Enter the Network Leaders Exchange Promo Code to get $75 off the Network Leaders Exchange rate. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

How do I register if I am a current BALLE Localist member?
  We are so excited that you are attending the conference! Please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a BALLE Localist Member.
  1. Before you begin, be sure to log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website if you intend to register for the Network Leaders Exchange. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event as it is for BALLE Members only.
  2. After you make your Registration selection, select the 'BALLE Localist Member' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a Localist Member. If you are registering for the Network Leaders Exchange, it is important that you verify this Attendee Type.
  3. Proceed through the registration process as outlined above. If you are registering for the Network Leaders Exchange, you will need to answer a mandatory question with the validation code found on your 'My Account' page referenced in (1.) of this question.  If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a similar validation code provided in your invitation.
  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.
 
How do I register if I am a Main Stage Speaker?
  Thank you for speaking at our conference! As a confirmed main stage speaker, please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a main stage speaker. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  • After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Main Stage Speaker' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a speaker.
  • Proceed through the registration process as outlined above.
  • If you would like to register for the Network Leaders Exchange, you must be a current BALLE Member and log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event and a promo code for a discounted rate if you are a Leader, Champion or business member of a Champion.
  • If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a validation code provided in your invitation.
  • When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter the promo code provided to you by BALLE Staff. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees. Please note that unless you have been given additional promo codes,  pre-conference events and dorm housing are not covered by your promo code and payment will be needed to process your registration.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

How do I register if I am an Interactive Session Speaker?
  Thank you for speaking at our conference!  As a confirmed  interactive session speaker, please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a interactive session speaker. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  • After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Interactive Session Speaker' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a speaker.
  • Proceed through the registration process as outlined above.
  • If you would like to register for the Network Leaders Exchange, you must be a current BALLE Member and log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event and a promo code for a discounted rate if you are a Leader, Champion or business member of a Champion.
  • If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a validation code provided in your invitation.
  • Please note: If you only wish to attend one day of the conference, you are welcome to select the single day registration option, though no discount applies to this rate.
  • When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter the promo code provided to you by BALLE Staff. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees. Please note that unless you have been given additional promo codes, pre-conference events and dorm housing are not covered by your reduced rate and payment will be needed to process your registration.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

How do I register if I am a Conference Sponsor?
  Thank you for sponsoring our conference!  As a confirmed  conference sponsor, please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a sponsor. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  • After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Sponsor' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a sponsor.
  • Proceed through the registration process as outlined above.
  • If you would like to register for the Network Leaders Exchange, you must be a current BALLE Member and log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event and a promo code for a discounted rate if you are a Leader, Champion or business member of a Champion.
  • If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a validation code provided in your invitation.
  • When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter the promo code provided to you by BALLE Staff. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees. Please note that unless you have been given additional promo codes, pre-conference events and dorm housing are not covered by your reduced rate and payment will be needed to process your registration.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

How do I register if I am a Volunteer?
  Thank you for assisting us with our conference!  As a confirmed  conference volunteer, please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a Volunteer. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  • After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Volunteer' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a volunteer.
  • Proceed through the registration process as outlined above.
  • If you would like to register for the Network Leaders Exchange, you must be a current BALLE Member and log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event and a promo code for a discounted rate if you are a Leader, Champion or business member of a Champion.
  • If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a validation code provided in your invitation.
  • When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter the promo code provided to you by BALLE Staff. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees. Please note that pre-conference events (unless you are volunteering) and dorm housing are not covered by your promo code and payment will be needed to process your registration.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

How do I register if I am press?
  Thank you for covering our conference!  As a confirmed member of the press, please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a member of the press or media. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  • After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Press / Media' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as such.
  • Proceed through the registration process as outlined above.
  • If you would like to register for the Network Leaders Exchange, you must be a current BALLE Member and log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event and a promo code for a discounted rate if you are a Leader, Champion or business member of a Champion.
  • If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a validation code provided in your invitation.
  • When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter the promo code provided to you by BALLE Staff. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees. Please note that unless you have been given additional promo codes, pre-conference events and dorm housing are not covered by your reduced rate and payment will be needed to process your registration.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

I received a promo (discount) code, how do I apply it?
  If you received a promo code from BALLE staff or if you have a code found on your My Account page of the BALLE website, you will enter that code toward the end of the registration process on the Order Summary page.  There is a field under your order summary entitled, Enter Promo Code(s). Please enter the code exactly as it was issued to you and then click on Recalculate.  You should then see the relevant line item amount and your order summary adjust to the correct price. If you have more than one code, you separate the codes in that field with a comma.  If you forgot to enter one of your codes after you clicked the Recalculate button, click on 'Modify' to add another code.
 
Will there be any scholarship to attend the conference?
  Yes! We will have scholarships to attend the 2013 BALLE Business Conference, details about our scholarships are found here.
 
How do I register if I am a scholarship recipient?
  Once we have completed the selection process, our 2013 BALLE conference scholarship recipients should please see the question above to get a detailed outline of the registration process, then refer to the additional steps below to register as a scholarship recipient. Remember: All price adjustments occur during the payment process at the end of registration - you will not see your discounted or comped rate until you enter your promo code(s).
  • After you make your Registration selection, select the 'Scholarship Recipient' Attendee Type to move through the registration process as a sponsor.
  • Proceed through the registration process as outlined above.
  • If you would like to register for the Network Leaders Exchange, you must be a current BALLE Member and log in to your Member Account on the BALLE website. On your 'My Account' page, you will find the validation code needed to register for this event and a promo code for a discounted rate if you are a Leader, Champion or business member of a Champion.
  • If you are registering for the Community Capital Meeting, you will need a validation code provided in your invitation.
  • When you get to the Order Summary page, you will enter the promo code provided to you by BALLE Staff. If you have multiple codes, separate them with commas. Click on 'Recalculate' to correct your registration fees. Please note that unless you have been given additional promo codes, pre-conference events and dorm housing are not covered by your scholarship and payment will be needed to process your registration.

  Register now! If you have any questions or would like assistance with your registration, please contact us.

What is the payment policy?
  BALLE conference registration accepts these credit cards as payment: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Payment must accompany your registration. Registrations without payment will not be processed.
 
What is the cancelation policy and how do I cancel my registration?
  If you are unable to attend the conference and would like to cancel your registration, visit a3.acteva.com/myorders, and enter your name and email address to access the details of your current registration and cancel or modify your registration. You will then be issued a credit for your fees that will be processed by BALLE staff and refunded to your credit card.
  If you cancel your registration before June 1, 2013 you will receive a full refund issued automatically to the credit card used to pay for your registration less a 5% processing fee. Please contact us if you need assistance or have questions.
 
Are attendee substitutions permitted?
  If you're unable to attend the 11th Annual BALLE Business Conference, you may transfer your registration to another person by sending us an email with the new attendee's name and contact information as well as your order number by June 1, 2013. Substitutions will not be granted after this date.
 
Can I bring a guest?
  Guests will not be permitted to attend any BALLE conference programming. You may bring guests to the evening festivities on Thursday and Friday night, but they will be required to pay a fee at the door. Please let us know if you intend to bring guests to the evening events so we can plan accordingly.
 
How do I request a receipt?
  To request a receipt for your conference registration fees please send a request via email and include your name and confirmation number.  To request a receipt for housing fees, please contact the hotel you are staying at or BALLE if you are staying in the dorms.
 
Is there walk-up registration?
  There will be walk-up registration available at the conference. Onsite check in and registration will open Tuesday, June 11, 2013. The walk-up rate for General Registrants for the full conference is $595; the walk-up rate for BALLE Members for the full conference is $535, and the walk up rate for Buffalo First! Members is $495.  There are also walk up rates for single day admittance and for pre-conference events.
 
How do I check in at the conference?
  Onsite registration opens Tuesday, June 11, 2013. You must check in to get your conference program, materials and name badge.  Your name badge grants you access to all the conference events, so it is important to check in and get your conference materials as soon as you can. Please stay tuned for more information about the location and details of onsite registration in the months to come!
 
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Travel and Housing

Where can I find information on Buffalo?
  Good places to start are our conference host network and BALLE Champion, Buffalo First!, and the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau.
 
What is the weather like in Buffalo in June?
  Buffalo has the sunniest and driest summers of any major city in the Northeast, but still has enough rain to keep vegetation green and lush. What that means is June is marked by plentiful sunshine and moderate humidity and temperature. Plan for warm, sunny weather (but bring some rain gear, just in case!).
 
How should I make air travel reservations to Buffalo? Are there special rates?
  There are very affordable flights into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). We have arranged flight discounts through Delta, American Airlines, and United. You will receive discount code details in your registration confirmation email.
 
How do I arrange ground transportation from the airport?
  The following link provides information on how you can get from the Buffalo Airport to Buffalo, the city: buffaloairport.com/TransPark.asp. This link also includes information about city buses, shuttles, rental cars, etc.
 
Are there buses or trains to Buffalo?
  Find useful information about buses, shuttles, rental cars and the like on the Buffalo Niagara International Airport website.
 
Is there a ride share?
  No, there is not an arranged ride share system this year.
 
If I drive to the conference each day, is there parking available?
  Yes, there will be free parking on the Buffalo State College Campus. Details will be available at registration.
 
Is there a dorm room option this year? How do I make a reservation?
  Yes there is a dorm option available to registrants who are attending our Main Conference (either the entire conference or a single day). Dorm rooms are available on the Buffalo State College campus right in the heart of conference activity. There is one men’s and one women’s bathroom on each floor, with multiple showers and stalls in each bathroom. Each dorm registrant will receive a linen package that includes sheets, a blanket, and a pillow and case.
  You can book a single-occupancy dorm room for $55 per night, or a double occupancy dorm room for $70 per night ($35 per person per night). Please consider the following:
  • This year, dorm room registration is included in the Main Conference registration process (register here) as an optional item (therefore you will incur an additional charge above your conference registration fee). Please select the type of room you want (single or double) and the number of nights you need the room (one, two, three, or four nights).
  • If you select a dorm room option, there are additional mandatory question you will need to fill out, including your arrival date and departure date. Dorm rooms are available starting Tuesday night, June 11 through Friday night, June 14.
  • If you select a double-occupancy room, the full price of the room will be charged to your registration. If you are sharing the cost of your dorm stay with your roommate, you need to work out that cost reconciliation directly with him or her, outside of this registration system. Please make sure that your roommate does not register a room as well. As the primary contact for the room, you are responsible for providing the necessary contact information for your roommate as asked for in the registration process.
How do I book a hotel room and what are the rates?
Here are some options for hotel rooms during your stay in Buffalo. If BALLE reserved a block of rooms, that is indicated in the description:
 
Best Western on the Avenue
716.886.8333
Medium-sized hotel, with rooms for $129/night (plus taxes). 3 miles from Buffalo State College (the main conference location), with solid public transportation options.  BALLE has a small room block reserved at this hotel, so be sure to request a room in the ‘2013 BALLE Conference Block’ that when you make your reservation. Reservations must be made by May 11 in order to take advantage of this room block.

Holiday Inn – Downtown Buffalo
716.886.2121
Large hotel, with rooms for $129/night (plus taxes).  2.5 miles from Buffalo State College (the main conference location), with solid public transportation options.  BALLE has a small room block reserved at this hotel, so be sure to request a room in the ‘2013 BALLE Conference Block’ that when you make your reservation. Reservations must be made by May 13 in order to take advantage of this room block.

The Mansion on Delaware
716.886.3300
Small hotel, with rooms from $195/night - $395/night (plus taxes). 3 miles from Buffalo State College (the main conference location), with solid public transportation options. BALLE has a small room block reserved at this hotel, so be sure to request a room in the ‘2013 BALLE Conference Block’ that when you make your reservation. Reservations must be made by April 14 in order to take advantage of this room block.

The Elmwood Village Inn
716.886.2397
Very small hotel, with rooms from $95/night - $145/night (plus taxes). One mile from Buffalo State College (the main conference location), with solid public transportation options. BALLE does not have a room block reserved at this hotel.
 
The Lofts on Pearl
716.768.1130
Boutique hotel, with rooms from $209/night - $249/night (plus taxes). In downtown Buffalo, four miles from Buffalo State College (the main conference location), with solid public transportation options. BALLE does not have a room block reserved at this hotel.
 
Do you have suggestions for last minute hotel options?
The conference is still a few months away, but in the event that these hotel rooms sell out or our dorm rooms fill up, here are a few more options to consider, click on the name to go to the hotel website:
You may also consider hotels farther from the conference site but with lower rates. Check Priceline or Kayak for deals. Or consider alternative housing: paying a local resident for a spare bed at their house. Check out options at CouchSurfing.org and AirBnB.
 
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Agenda and Sessions

What is the conference agenda?
The full conference runs from the evening of Wednesday, June 12 through the evening of Friday, June 14.
For a full conference agenda, please see the Agenda page. Updates to the page are posted regularly.
 
When are the pre-conference events?
We have two pre-conference tours, our Members-Only Network Leader Exchange and an Invite-Only Community Capital Meeting all occurring on Wednesday, June 12. The Main Conference kicks off that evening. For more details on these and other special events, please go here.
PLEASE NOTE THAT PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS ARE NOT INCLUDED WITH A FULL-CONFERENCE TICKET. YOU MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS.
It is possible to register for just one of our pre-conference events as well.
 
What are the conference topics this year?
  Topics include, but not limited to:
  • Localist Economic Development Policy
  • Anchor Institution Procurement
  • Incubators, Accelerators, and Food Hubs
  • Disruptive Business Technology
  • Food Oases
  • Creative Community Capital, Crowdfunding, and Soulful Investing
  • Cooperatives and Ownership Innovations
  • Prosperity for All
  • The Arts Economy
  • Real Prosperity and Evolving Narratives of Economic Well-Being
Do I need to register for the interactive sessions?
No. They are included with a full-conference ticket and attendance is on a first-come first-serve basis.
 
How do the collaborative sessions work?
These sessions will be participative and generative collaborations between the participants, with a facilitator assisting the work. Some are hands-on training workshops; others are peer-facilitated work sessions. These sessions will take place concurrently on Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 with our interactive sessions. Stay tuned for more details. 
 
Are there any times to network at the conference?
Absolutely! There are numerous meal, break, party, and dedicated times when you will have a chance to network with all of the amazing folks at the BALLE Conference.
 
What are the off-site parties planned for the conference?
At BALLE, it is always a better party. And with the help of our local network co-host, Buffalo First!, we are in the process of planning some great off-site parties each evening of the conference. Check back soon for details!
 
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Miscellaneous

What meals are included in full conference registration?
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided at the opening night reception on Wednesday, June 12.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14.
A full catered dinner will be provided on the evening of Thursday, June 13.
At the party on Friday, June there will be numerous fantastic local food vendors from which you can purchase delectable dinners. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available at all meals.
 
Where are some good places to eat near the conference venue?
You will be provided with a map of great local eateries when you register and with your conference materials when you check in on site.
 
What if I have special dietary needs or allergies?
Be sure to indicate your dietary needs and preferences at the appropriate point in the online registration process. That way we will be sure to have enough food on hand to suit your needs!       
 
What is the recommended attire for the conference?
Our conference is business casual. June weather in upstate New York is one of the sunniest and pleasant months, so be sure to bring clothing to be comfortable in warm sunny weather but don't forget some rain gear just to be safe! Also, be sure to bring good comfortable walking shoes.
 
Are spouses or children invited to conference evening parties?
Absolutely! If you would like to bring someone to one of the evening parties, they will pay an entry fee at the entrance to the evening events. But please let us know in advance if you wish to bring guests to these events so we can plan accordingly  Details pending.
 
Is childcare provided?
  Buffalo First! is looking into organizing childcare during conference programming during the day.  If you are interested in this option, be sure to indicate your interest and give some basic information about what your needs may be during the conference registration process (there are two optional questions in the registration questionnaire that deal with childcare - don't miss them!)
 
Will there be internet access at the conference venues?
Details pending.
 
Do I need to wear my badge during the conference?
Yes yes yes! Your badge is your key to accessing conference programming, meals, and evening events. You will not be granted access to any conference activities without your badge, so please do not lose it.
 
What do I do if I lose my badge?
Don’t lose it! If you do, we will unfortunately have to charge you a $150 replacement fee.
 
Are there any tips to keep in mind about attending a BALLE conference?
Come prepared to learn, be inspired, network, and have fun.
Soon we will have some tips and advice posted from BALLE conference alums to help you prepare for this event.
But most importantly, drink lots of water, try to get some rest, and make sure you empty out your heart and your mind before you get here because we are going to fill them both to capacity.
 
How do I become a sponsor?
We are excited that you are interested in sponsoring the BALLE conference.  Visit our Sponsor page for more information and to download the conference sponsorship packet.
 
 
 
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