Register Now for Opening Minds

Online Registration Is Now Closed

Please visit us on site at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (West Building)

Walk-ins welcome, $165 per person. Cash or Credit, only.

Late Registration Until Janurary 18th

  • Non Member Individual      $165
  • Member Individual             $165

Registration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Group Registrations

Members

Online Registration

Professional Credits

Programming

Pricing

Purchase Orders

Special Events

 

Group Registration

Do you require the names of everyone in my group?

Yes. We now require that you submit the names of everyone in your group of 5 or more people. You can attach a list of names to your registration form, or add the individual names to your online registration.

If I’m registering a group, do I need to send a separate registration form for each individual person?

No. Simply write in the total number of people in item [A] at the top of the registration form, and then write the name and contact information of the group contact person at the bottom of the form. Though you will only have one contact person for the group, you must include a list of names of each person in your group.
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Members

What discounts or benefits do members enjoy at Opening Minds?

  • A $20 discount off early, individual registration
  • Access to the Member Lounge, where you can relax and plan your day. The Member Lounge is located in the Exhibit Hall.

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Online Registration

Can I register my group online?

Yes. A group of 5 or more people can register online before November 30, 2012. Groups may register with a single online transaction:

  1. Choose "Group Registration" as the registration type
  2. Enter the first and last names of all attendees
  3. Enter the email address of the primary contact for the group
  4. Enter the primary contact's information, click continue

You may not pay with a Purchase Order online.
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Can I pay with a purchase order online?

No. To submit a registration form with a purchase order, you must print out the form and fax or mail it to our office. The form MUST include a copy of the actual purchase order. We will not process your form if we only have a PO number.
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Pricing

I'm only coming for one day. Do I still pay full price?

Yes. Our prices are set so that one day's fee gets you in for all four days. We do not track your attendance per day.
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How do I know if I am eligible for member pricing? (Am I a member?)

Only current members of Chicago Metro AEYC are eligible for member benefits at Opening Minds. This means you must have chosen "Chicago Metro" as your affiliate when you joined NAEYC. Contact our office if you are unsure of your status or affiliation, or if you have misplaced your membership ID number.
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Can I go to the conference on a scholarship?

Professional Development Funds (PDF) Mini-Grants are now available for Individuals working in child care/after school care programs. PDF Mini Grants are made possible with the generous support of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Apply NOW as funds are limited. For more information if you are in COOK COUNTY, contact Jacqueline Melendez at Action for Children 773-564-8756 and Xochitl Mendez 773-564-8713. Outside Cook County? Contact INCCRRA at 800-649-1884 for CCR&R info.
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What is the deadline for early bird pricing?

The deadline to receive a lower price on conference registration is November 30, 2012. Click here for more details.
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Professional Credits

How many DCFS in-service hours can I get at the conference?

You can earn up to 25.5 credit hours by attending Wednesday through Saturday:

Wednesday, January 23 Conference Day 6 hours available
Thursday, January 24 Conference Day 6 hours available
Thursday, January 24 Make & Take Night 1.5 add'l hours available
Friday, January 25 Conference Day 6 hours available
Saturday, January 26 Conference Day 6 hours available

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How many CPDUs and CEUs for social workers can I earn at the conference?

You can earn up to 25.5 credit hours by attending Wednesday through Saturday:

Wednesday, January 23 Conference Day 6 hours available
Thursday, January 24 Conference Day 6 hours available
Thursday, January 24 Make & Take Night 1.5 add'l hours available
Friday, January 25 Conference Day 6 hours available
Saturday, January 26 Conference Day 6 hours available

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How may Early Intervention Credits can I earn?

We won’t receive the list of approved courses from the E.I. office until the end of the year. If you are interested in E.I. approved workshops, please contact the office for a list.
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Programming

I can only come for one day. Which one is best?

All four days provide a mixture of quality workshops. However, check our daily workshop listings to find out which day has the most workshops of interest to you. (Click here to see daily listings.)
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How can I find out when a certain speaker is presenting?

This information will be available online in November. Click here for more information.
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Purchase Orders

What is the CPS vendor number?

Our Chicago Public Schools vendor number is 47706, and the vendor name is "Chicago Metropolitan Association for the Education of Young Children".
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I’m waiting for my finance department to cut a check, but I do have a PO number. May I send in the registration form?

Yes. Please note, however, that your registration form will be held from processing unless it is accompanied by a copy of the actual purchase order issued by your institution.
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Special Events

Can I bring a friend to the Wine Tasting and Reception?

Yes. For only $15 a person, you can bring a spouse, friend, whomever! Advanced payment is required. Sign up on your conference registration form, or by using the online registration system.
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Can I get credit hours for the Make & Take Music Festival? If so, how many?

Yes. You can get up to 1.5 credit hours by attending the festival from 3:30 pm - 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 24.
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Don't see your question listed here? Feel free to contact the Chicago Metro AEYC office for the answer!