FAQs

GENERAL

Where is the conference taking place?
What time does the conference start and end?
This is my first conference – what do I need to know or do?
What is the dress code for the conference?
What should I bring with me to the conference?
Will wireless internet access be available at the Hyatt Regency Chicago?
What meals will be covered at the conference?
Are dietary restrictions or requirements for special needs accommodated at the conference?
What activities are available in the surrounding city?
Where can I get a conference program?
Will any networking activities occur during the conference?
I'm active on Twitter/LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook. What's the best way to follow live updates from the conference?

REGISTRATION

Whom should I contact if I’m not receiving communications about the conference from AME?
How can I change my email and other details in my registration?
Can I share my registration?
If I purchased a group of registration passes, how do I assign them?
Can I attend only one day of the conference?
When will I receive my conference badge?
When will the registration desk be open at the conference?

SESSIONS

How do I sign up for sessions?
How do I know which session is best for me?
Are speaker handouts available for sessions?
Do I need to attend all the sessions relating to a particular theme?
How can I become a presenter?

TOURS

When can I sign up for a tour?
How much does it cost to attend a tour?
How can I tell if a tour is full?
If a tour is filled, is there any chance I can still attend this tour?
Can I attend more than one tour?
How do I know which tour is best for me?
Do I need to bring my own safety gear for the tours?
Are tour host speaker handouts available for tours?
If a tour requires proof of U.S. citizenship, what should I bring?
How can my company become a tour site for the AME conference?

WORKSHOPS

When are workshops held?
When can I sign up for a workshop and how do I pay?
How much does it cost to attend a workshop?
How can I tell if a workshop is full?
How do I know which workshop is best for me?
My workshop got cancelled – what should I do?
I am registered for a workshop – does my registration include meals?
Can I attend a workshop but not the whole conference?
Are presenter handouts available during workshops?
How do I find which workshop(s) I signed up for?
I'm signed up for a workshop but want to switch – what should I do?
I want to take my coworker’s place at a workshop – what should I do?
How do I get reimbursed for a workshop I no longer want to attend?
How can I become a workshop presenter?

EXHIBITS

Who exhibits at the conference?
When will the exhibit hall be open?
How can my company exhibit?

SPONSORSHIP

Which companies are sponsoring the Chicago conference?
How can my company sponsor a future conference?

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS

I'm coming to the conference from overseas - what do I need to know or do?

HOTEL AND TRAVEL

What do I need to know about the conference venue, hotel and transportation?
Is wireless internet access available in the hotel rooms?

ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

What is the Accelerator Program?
Do I belong to an Accelerator Program group?
Does everyone in my group need to come from the same facility or company to qualify for the Accelerator Program discount?
How does registration work?
I belong to an AME Consortium. Can my consortium members participate in the Accelerator Program?
Must I pay for all of my registrations at once to qualify for the discount?
What forms of payment do you accept?
Do I need to pay a membership fee for each person I’m registering via the accelerator program?
Do I have to register for my workshops and tours separately?
Do workshops and tours cost extra?
My group is not within one company, but we are attending together as an international group or as some other type of grouping. Do we qualify for the accelerator program?

COMPANION PROGRAM

What is the Companion Program? 

AME

How do I get more involved with AME?
What is the AME Excellence Award?
What is the AME Champions Club?
In what activities do AME Champions Club members participate at the conference?
Where will future AME conferences be held?
What events are happening in my area?
How can I host an event in my region?
How can I volunteer with AME?
Are volunteers compensated by AME?
How can I access AME’s Target magazine?

SURVEYS

How do I fill out a survey?

 

GENERAL

Where is the conference taking place?
All pre- and post-conference sessions, workshops and keynotes for the 35th annual AME International Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago located at 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Conference tours will depart from this location as well.

What time does the conference start and end?
The conference begins with the opening keynote presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8 a.m. and concludes on Thursday, Nov. 7, with the closing keynote presentation ending at 4 p.m. However, there are lots of pre- and post-conference activities taking place on Sunday, Nov. 3, Monday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 8. Be sure to visit the conference schedule for more detailed information.

This is my first conference – what do I need to know or do?
We’ve tried to cover lots of common questions in this list. If this is your first conference, you’ll definitely want to attend one of the two scheduled Club NuBee Night events which take place on Sunday, Nov. 3 and again on Monday, Nov. 4, both from 5-5:45 p.m. Our presenters will offer an overview of the conference and answer your questions. In the meantime, if you don’t see an answer to your question in this list, please email Laura Cloninger at lcloninger@ame.org.

What is the dress code for the conference?
The dress code is business casual, with some attendees leaning toward a more casual style and others leaning toward business attire. Whatever your preference, we suggest you consider layers as it is difficult to predict the temperature in a room where you have a large number of people gathered. Additionally, tour sites require closed-toe shoes with a heel height of no more than one inch.

What should I bring with me to the conference?
Appropriate footwear and clothing: If you plan to participate on a tour, you will need to wear closed-toe shoes with a heel height of no more than one inch, a long or short-sleeved shirt/blouse and long pants. For the rest of the conference, plan to dress in layers.
Business cards: The AME conference offers myriad networking opportunities, so bring plenty of business cards to hand out as you share, learn and grow with other conference participants.
Proof of U.S. citizenship: If you signed up for a tour that requires proof of U.S. citizenship, please bring your passport, social security card or military ID. Please note that a U.S. driver’s license is not considered proof of citizenship.
New this year! AME is partnering with two tour sites to help collect donations for these facilities. Please consider packing an extra clothing article or toy to donate through the inaugural AME Gives Back program. To find out specific needs and more details please visit the AME Gives Back page on the conference site.

Will wireless internet access be available at the Hyatt Regency Chicago?
Yes, complimentary basic wireless internet access will be available throughout the AME conference space. In addition, complimentary basic wireless internet access will be available for sleeping rooms booked within the AME block.

What meals will be covered at the conference?
For conference participants: Breakfast and lunch will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, there is a Welcome Reception scheduled in the exhibit hall on Monday evening that will include light refreshments.
For tour participants: Lunch will be provided at the tour site on each day, Monday through Thursday.
For workshop participants: Dinner will be provided for Sunday and Monday evening workshops only. Lunch will be provided for full-day workshops on Monday. Lunch will not be provided for half-day workshops on Monday and Friday.

Are dietary restrictions or requirements for special needs accommodated at the conference?
AME is committed to providing a safe and healthy conference environment for all our participants. If you have food allergies, special dietary requirements or have a disability and will require a special accommodation to participate at the conference, please email conference@ame.org by October 4, 2019, and an AME staff member will contact you to discuss.

Please note, any special needs requests must be communicated to AME prior to arriving at the conference in order for AME to arrange for safe and accurate accommodations. Onsite requests may not be honored or guaranteed.

What activities are available in the surrounding city?
Chicago has plenty to offer! Click here for ideas on what to do while you are visiting the windy city.

What will the weather be like in Chicago?
Chicago temperatures in early November average between 54 degrees Fahrenheit (or 12 degrees Celsius) during the day and 39 degrees Fahrenheit (or 4 degrees Celsius) in the evening. For the latest weather forecast, visit Accuweather.

Where can I get a conference program?
With new conference content being added frequently, we do not print programs. You can view the most current schedule by clicking on the schedule icon in the conference app. You can also find the latest information about all the conference sessions and activities on our interactive online Chicago conference schedule.

Will any networking activities occur during the conference?
There will be multiple networking activities and opportunities for conference participants, including Club NuBee orientation sessions, Progressive Dine-Arounds, the AME-zing Race and, new at AME Chicago 2019, the Photo Hunt and The Game. At each meal function, we encourage you to sit with conference participants you don't know and engage in conversation. If you’re taking a plant tour, you have the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation while on the shuttle traveling to the tour location. Click here for more information on networking activities.

I'm active on Twitter/LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook. What's the best way to follow live updates from the conference?
In addition to following AME’s social media accounts for updates and other information before, during and after the conference, we recommend following (and posting on) the activity feed on the app. Likewise speakers, tours and conference participants are encouraged to use the #AMEChicago hashtag when sharing social media content.

REGISTRATION

Whom should I contact if I’m not receiving communications about the conference from AME?
Please contact Laura Cloninger at (224) 232-5980 x221 or lcloninger@ame.org.

How can I change my email and other details in my registration?
Contact information can be updated on your profile page. Enter using your email and registration confirmation code. If you no longer have your code, you can opt to have it resent to you. For email address changes, please contact Laura Cloninger at 224-232-5980 x 221 or lcloninger@ame.org.

Can I share my registration?
Registrations are accepted on an individual basis. There are one- and two-day passes available for purchase. Click here to view the available registration options.

If I purchased a group of registration passes, how do I assign them?
Closer to the date of the conference, an email including a registration code will be sent to the person who purchased the registrations. Distribute this code to each team member to use on the payment page during the registration process. This code will be the same for each of the members in your group and will include the last name of the person who purchased the registrations. Using the code will allow each team member to register themselves without payment required. Please be aware that pre-paid registrations do not cover the non-member fee so there may be a $150 balance due if the person is not an AME member. 

Can I attend only one day of the conference?
Yes! You can attend one, two or all three days. You can purchase a day pass during the registration process. A one-day pass is $995 and a two-day pass is $1990.

When will I receive my conference badge?
You will pick up your AME conference badge onsite at the AME registration desk located in the grand foyer on the ballroom level of the east tower at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Conference badges are not mailed. You will receive an email confirmation from AME that contains a bar code. Print that email and bring it with you to the AME registration desk for faster processing.

When will the registration desk be open at the conference?
The AME registration desk will be open during the following hours. The registration desk will be located in the Grand Foyer at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, East Tower, Ballroom Level:

Sunday, Nov. 3: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 4: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 6: 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 7: 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 8: 7:00 a.m.  to 8:30 a.m.

SESSIONS

How do I sign up for sessions?
There is no need to sign up or register for our practitioner/interactive sessions. These have open seating, though some will fill up more quickly than others. We recommend that you arrive early to ensure you get a seat. The app is a great tool to plan each day by adding sessions to your schedule. Please note that creating your schedule in the app will not guarantee you a seat in a session, it will simply help you plan your time.

How do I know which session is best for me?
Descriptions of presenting companies, the expected learning points, skill level and session highlights are noted online. We recommend that you read through the information and find sessions that best suit your needs.

Are speaker handouts available for sessions?
Session presenters generally do not provide handouts. Presentation files will be available for download on the conference website and on the app if the presenter shares their files with AME. Be sure to check the session page on the app or the conference website for updated information.

Do I need to attend all the sessions relating to a particular theme?
No, you should select the practitioner/interactive sessions that most interest you. At any given time during the conference, you will have three practitioner presentations and four interactive sessions from which to choose (or you may elect to participate on a site tour.) You should move around among the sessions in order to maximize your learning.

How can I become a presenter?
The program for Chicago is now full. If you are interested in presenting at the AME Toronto 2020 International Conference, click here to review the themes and submit your request.

TOURS

When can I sign up for a tour?
You may sign up for one tour beginning Monday, August 26 at 10 a.m. CDT. Those who have registered for the conference and provided their contact information will receive an email reminder when tour sign up opens.

How much does it cost to attend a tour?
Tours are complimentary, and every attendee may register for one tour.  Space permitting, you may register for additional tours on-site.

How can I tell if a tour is full?
If a tour is full, the registration system will indicate this and you will be able to choose another tour site. At the conference, there will be a visual board indicating which tours are available or full. You can stop by the tour desk onsite for more information.

If a tour is filled, is there any chance I can still attend this tour?
Typically, there are a few conference attendees who do not show up for their scheduled tour. If a tour you would like to attend is full and has no advance restrictions, you can show up at the tour check-in room 30 minutes before the tour departure time and check in with the bus captain to wait standby. In order to go on your first-choice tour, we recommend that you sign up as soon as tour sign-up begins, rather than waiting until you arrive in Chicago.

Can I attend more than one tour?
Paid conference attendees are entitled to sign up for one tour prior to the conference as part of their registration fee. You can edit your profile to add a tour when sign-up opens on Monday, August 26 at 10 a.m. CDT. As we get closer to the conference, an option to participate on a second tour may become available. If this happens, AME will send out an email notification with more information.

How do I know which tour is best for me?
Tour descriptions and highlights are provided on the conference website. We recommend that you read through the information and find a tour that will best suit your needs.

Do I need to bring my own safety gear for the tours?
If the tour you are attending requires personal protective equipment, it will be provided to you by the host facility, unless otherwise noted. Please note, all facilities require attendees to wear full leather-like closed-toe shoes with a heel height of no more than one inch, a long or short-sleeved shirt/blouse, long pants (no shorts, skirts or dresses). Please review the information for each tour site(s) you have selected to ensure that you are in compliance with the requirements.

Are tour host speaker handouts available for tours?
Some host facilities may give a brief overview of their company and their continuous improvement process. Host facilities are not required to provide handouts. You may ask the host facility for an electronic copy of the material, although they are not obligated to provide one.

If a tour requires proof of U.S. citizenship, what should I bring?
If the tour you signed up for allows only U.S. citizens, please bring your passport, social security card or military ID. Please note that a U.S. driver's license is not considered proof of citizenship.

How can my company become a tour site for the AME conference?
The tour sites for Chicago have all been selected. If your company is interested in hosting a tour during the AME Toronto 2020 International Conference, please contact one of the Toronto tour co-chairs: Brian Bush at brianbush@sympatico.ca or 905-691-1946, or Dave Deskur at davedeskur@gmail.com or 519-831-7810.

WORKSHOPS

When are workshops held?
Workshops will be offered on Sunday, Nov. 3, Monday, Nov. 4, and Friday, Nov. 8 during the conference week. Workshops are an additional fee and require advance registration. Click here to find the right workshop for you!

When can I sign up for a workshop and how do I pay?
Workshop registration will open on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. CDT. Immediate payment is required upon registration.

How much does it cost to attend a workshop?
With your conference registration, a half-day workshop is $200, an evening workshop with dinner is $250 and a full-day workshop with lunch is $350. You will be prompted for payment during the registration process. AME accepts major credit cards. Check the pricing page for additional pricing information, and check the schedule to view workshop options on Sunday, Monday and Friday.

How can I tell if a workshop is full?
If a workshop is full, the registration system will indicate this, and you will be able to choose another workshop. At the conference, there will be a visual board indicating which workshops are available or full. You can also stop by the AME registration desk onsite for more information.

How do I know which workshop is best for me?
Workshop descriptions, expected learning points and key takeaways are provided on the conference website. We recommend that you read through information to find a workshop that will best suit your needs.

My workshop got cancelled – what should I do?
Prior to the conference: If you received a notice from AME that your workshop was cancelled, you can edit your profile online and select a new workshop.
Onsite: You can modify your registration online or go to the AME registration desk for assistance.

I am registered for a workshop – does my registration include meals?
Dinner will be provided for Sunday and Monday evening workshops only. Lunch will be provided for full-day workshops on Monday. Lunch will not be provided for half-day workshops on Monday and Friday.

Can I attend a workshop but not the whole conference?
Yes, you can register to participate in a workshop without attending the whole conference. The charge for workshops without conference registration is $700 for full-day, $400 for half-day and $500 for evening with dinner.

Are presenter handouts available during workshops?
Workshop presenters are not required to provide handouts. If handouts are available, they will be provided at the start of your workshop. Workshops are typically conducted by consultants. Because providing such training is part of how they make their living, presentations are usually not available for download.

How do I find which workshop(s) I signed up for?
You can determine which workshop you signed up for by logging in to your registration profile. Click here to access your registration profile.

I'm signed up for a workshop but want to switch – what should I do?
You can change the workshop you want to attend by switching it in your registration profile. Simply log in to our registration system. Click here to access your registration profile.

I want to take my coworker’s place at a workshop – what should I do?
Please email your request to Laura Cloninger at lcloninger@ame.org.

How do I get reimbursed for a workshop I no longer want to attend?
Please email your request to Laura Cloninger at lcloninger@ame.org.

How can I become a workshop presenter?
The workshop schedule for Chicago is full. If you are interested in presenting at the AME Toronto 2020 International Conference, click here to learn more about submitting your presentation proposal.

EXHIBITS

Who exhibits at the conference?
We have many exhibitors who will be in Chicago to enhance your learning experience. Click here for the most current exhibitor list, and check back as the website is updated often.

When will the exhibit hall be open?
The exhibit hall opens with a welcome reception at 4:30 p.m. on Monday and closes at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Specific times for visiting the exhibitors are designated on the schedule, and you are welcome to visit any time they are open during the conference.

How can my company exhibit?
If you are interested in exhibiting at the AME Toronto 2020 International Conference, contact Darlene King at dking@ame.org or 224-232-5980.

SPONSORSHIP

Which companies are sponsoring the Chicago conference?
Click here to check out our AME Chicago 2019 sponsors.


If you are interested in sponsoring the AME Toronto 2020 conference, please contact Darlene King at dking@ame.org or call 224-387-3365.

HOTEL AND TRAVEL

What do I need to know about the conference venue, the hotel and transportation?
All conference activities will take place at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601. Tel. 312-565-1234. Check out the AME Hotel & Travel Information page for information on Chicago airports, ground transportation options and booking a hotel reservation at the AME group rate. Renting a car is not recommended.

Is wireless internet access available in the hotel rooms?
Yes, basic wireless internet access will be available complimentary for sleeping rooms booked within the AME block. In addition, complimentary basic wireless internet access will be available throughout the AME conference space.

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS

I'm coming to the conference from overseas - what do I need to know or do?
Travelers coming to the United States to conduct temporary business such as attending conventions and conferences need visitor visas unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for additional details related to passports, visas, etc.

Some tour sites require proof of U.S. citizenship: If you have signed up for a tour with this requirement, please bring your passport, social security card or military ID. Please note that a driver's license is not considered proof of citizenship.

Currency and electrical adapters: U.S. currency is required if you would like to pay for items in cash. All major credit cards are accepted throughout Chicago. If you will require an electrical adaptor to charge or power your electrical devices, don't forget to pack one.

ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

What is the accelerator program?
Previously referred to as the Large Group program, The Accelerator Program is for companies bringing teams of 10+, 25+ or 50+. The more people on a team who share the AME conference experience, the more impact it will have on a company’s goals and objectives.

The Accelerator Program provides the perfect forum for maximizing an organization’s efforts to improve their processes and positively impact their culture.

Do I belong to an accelerator program group?
If your company is sending multiple people to the conference, you may be part of the Accelerator Program. Simply click on the Accelerator icon inside your conference app and search for your company by name. If your company is listed there, you are an Accelerator! Tap your company name to find more information, such as your facilitator name and contact information, your seating assignment during keynote sessions, your debrief room assignment and more. You can also click here to view the participating Accelerator Program listing on the website.

Does everyone in my group need to come from the same facility or company to qualify for the accelerator program discount?
Not at all! Your group can include people from different facilities within your organization or even your customers and suppliers. You’ll just need to designate a point person to get a count of how many registrations you’ll need and register for that many “TBD registrations.” Your point person will get a TBD code closer to the conference. You then send your TBD code to every member of your team so that they can register themselves. The TBD code ensures that they will not have to pay during the registration process.

How does registration work?
Once you pay for your registrations, you will receive a TBD code to provide to each of your team members. Each team member will need to register himself or herself using the TBD code. Employees must use their company email domain when registering with their TBD code. Our system will not recognize an employee’s personal email address as part of the Accelerator Program.

I belong to an AME Consortium. Can my consortium members participate in the accelerator program?
The Accelerator Program is available to members of any AME Consortium. Contact your facilitator to learn more.

Must I pay for all of my registrations at once to qualify for the discount?
Our Accelerator Program conference facilitators are more than willing to work with you to schedule payments and assist you with anything else you may need leading up to the conference. As soon as we process your payment, our system will produce your TBD codes so that you and your team can register for the conference.

What forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay by check or credit card.

Do I need to pay a membership fee for each person I’m registering via the Accelerator Program?
If the registrant is an AME member or belongs to an organization owning a corporate membership, no additional member fee is required. If the registrant is not a member, he or she will be offered the option to purchase an individual membership for $150 or to pay the $150 nonmember fee. We strongly advise you to consider purchasing a corporate membership. Click here to learn more about the benefits of corporate membership.

Do I have to register for my workshops and tours separately?
Yes! Check out all the tours and workshops offered by clicking the schedule icon of your conference app or visiting our conference website. To register for a tour, simply add it to your schedule on the app. To register for a workshop, click here to visit our online registration portal.

Do workshops and tours cost extra?
Tours are free! All conference participants are guaranteed at least one tour, though keep in mind tours fill up fast. Workshops are an additional fee and take place on Sunday evening, Monday and Friday during conference week. Find the right workshop or tour for you, and register today through our conference website!

My group is not within one company, but we are attending together as an international group or as some other type of grouping. Do we qualify for the accelerator program?
Groups are reviewed for Accelerator programming by the Accelerator Program Chair. Please contact Cheryl Jekiel at accelerator@ame.org for more information.

COMPANION PROGRAM

What is the companion program?
The AME Companion Program provides those traveling with their significant others the opportunity to experience and enjoy the conference city. Companions can participate in a variety of planned group events from Tuesday through Thursday during the conference. This program is an excellent way to meet new friends or reconnect with old friends!

To view the schedule, cost, activity details and to register for the program, please click here. Please note that companion participants must provide their own unique email address.

AME

How do I get more involved with AME?
AME is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! Please fill out the online volunteer form. You’ll hear back from us shortly thereafter.

What is the AME Excellence Award?
The AME Excellence Award recognizes manufacturing plants that have demonstrated excellence in manufacturing and business. The primary focus of the award is to acknowledge continuous improvement, best practices, creativity and innovation. This award supports AME’s vision, mission and values of inspiring commitment to enterprise excellence through shared learning. Click here to learn more.

What is the AME Champions Club?
The AME Champions Club is exclusively for the Champions of Excellence within a plant or facility. Membership in the Champions Club enables these agents of change to interact directly with a select group of individuals who shoulder similar responsibilities to improve their company’s competitiveness and who approach that challenge with an equally high level of enthusiasm and insight. Champions Club membership also enhances their company’s commitment to the excellence process while creating a broader alliance of companies within AME. Click here to learn more.

In what activities do AME Champions Club members participate at the conference?
The Champions have several leadership events and networking opportunities at the conference, which are for Champions and invitees. Contact Burgess Oliver, AME Champions Club Executive Director, at 615-969-3343 for more information.

Where will future AME conferences be held?
Click here to see a list of upcoming conference city locations and dates.

What events are happening in my area?
Click here to find an event in your region.

How can I host an event in my region?
Please fill out the online volunteer form and indicate that you would like to host an event. You’ll hear back from us shortly thereafter.

How can I volunteer with AME?
There are many ways to get involved, from short-term projects to board and committee service. To volunteer with AME, click here to complete our volunteer web form, and share your interests with us. We will take it from there!

Are volunteers compensated by AME?
AME is a not-for-profit and compensates their dedicated, hard-working volunteers with thanks and gratitude. Depending on the level of engagement a volunteer has and the roles and responsibilities they take on, volunteers can receive benefits such as a conference or regional event admission.

How can I access AME’s Target magazine?
Target magazine is AME’s quarterly publication designed for senior and experienced manufacturing professionals who are continuously reinventing products and services to meet tough competitive challenges. Members can access the latest issue or view back issues via the Target archives!

SURVEYS

How do I fill out a survey?
Filling out a survey is easier than ever. Simply click on the schedule icon in your conference app, select the session you would like to provide feedback on, tap "survey" and begin!

AME will send out an overall conference survey to all participants after the conference.