Frequently Asked Questions

Below are responses to some of the most common questions about the Summit. Can't find the answer to your question? Contact us!

Q: How far is the hotel from the airport?

A: It's less than 5 minutes by car/shuttle from the DCA airport to the hotel, or 15 minutes by Metro/walking.

Q: Is there a hotel shuttle available for getting to the hotel from the airport?

a: Yes! The Renaissance offers a free shuttle servicing DCA and the Crystal City Metro stop. Visit our Travel page to learn more about ground transportation options, including taxis, ride share, and Metro (subway). 

Q: Where is the hotel located?

The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel is in the newly developed National Landing area of Arlington. It is a 10 minute walk to the restaurants and shops on 23rd street and a 20 minute walk to the Crystal City Metro station. Want to go visit the monuments and museums of DC? It's just three Metro stops away. View our Travel page for more information.

Q: What amenities does the conference hotel provide?

A: The Renaissance Arlington has a fitness center, on-site restaurant and coffee shop, and free Wi-Fi. Visit the hotel website for more information. On-site parking for Summit guests is available at $28/night.  Pets are welcome for a fee.

Q: Will there be time to sightsee?

A: The Summit provides an action-packed two days of training and activities. The last event on Friday, June 26, ends at 6pm, and the conference officially ends at 3:30pm on Saturday, June 27. However, many guests decide to come early or stay after the conference for additional sightseeing. The NVFC is arranging a group bus tour to see area attractions after sessions conclude on June 27 - stay tuned for details. 

Q: What is there to do in Arlington?

A: Arlington is a suburb of Washington, DC. In addition to access to the nation's capital, Arlington has its own history, monuments, and attractions, including the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial, and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Just a few Metro stops south is historic Old Town Alexandria, VA. Find out more on our Travel page.

Q: Is the Summit family-friendly? Can guests attend any sessions/meals at the Summit?

A: Yes! We offer a guest registration for people 12 years and up. This registration includes four breaks, two lunches, and the networking reception for just $79. Children under 12 are free. 

Q: What is there to do in Arlington for families with kids?

A: Venturing into DC to visit the International Spy Museum, Planet Word, National Museum of Natural History, National Zoo, and National Air and Space Museum are all family favorites. Want to get active? Visit the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in the country at the East Potomac Golf Links. Northern Virginia features hiking trails and great views, including Great Falls National Park and Roosevelt Island Park. For more ideas, visit https://www.stayarlington.com/blog/arlingtons-kid-friendly-to-do-list/. View our Travel page for additional info.

Q: I have accessibility needs - will I be able to attend the conference?

A: Yes! The NVFC invites attendees to share any accommodations and accessibility needs in our registration process, including visual, audio, mobility, dietary, and special considerations like private lactation space. The conference hotel includes accessible rooms and meeting spaces. We want to make sure everyone is able to join and have a successful conference! If you have any questions, contact us.

Q: Can my service or therapy dog attend?

A: Certified service animals are welcome based on venue restrictions. Therapy dogs are on a case-by-case basis, depending on individual establishment restrictions. The Renaissance is a pet-friendly hotel (fees and restrictions apply). 

Q: What's included in the registration fee?

A: We recognize the challenges for many volunteers in attending a national conference like this. We use grant and sponsor funds wherever possible to minimize the cost to attendees, worked with the hotel to offer discounted room rates and free parking, and provide meals and amenities whenever possible. The registration fee of $179 includes two days of classroom-based training, daily light breakfast, daily morning break, daily lunch, and Friday evening reception with appetizers and drinks.

Q: Is financial assistance available to help me attend the Summit?

A: Yes! The NVFC is able to offer post-conference reimbursements through a stipend program. Stay tuned for more information. 

Q: I received a stipend, but I can't attend the Summit anymore. Can I transfer my stipend to another department member?

A: Each stipend recipient is selected by committee review through a nationwide application process. Transfers are not permitted. If the stipend application period is still open, your department member is welcome to apply. 

Q: I can't make the Summit - will there be a way to attend virtually?

While the Summit will not be offered virtually, select courses will become future webinars and trainings in the NVFC Virtual Classroom.

Q: What other training opportunities does the NVFC provide?

A: The NVFC offers many training opportunities, including:

  • In-person: Conferences and workshops by request
  • Virtual Classroom: On-demand courses 
  • Live Virtual Training on Zoom: Monthly+ opportunities including webinars and panel sessions

Find out more about all of these options at www.nvfc.org/trainings. 

Q: Can I submit a presentation or speaker proposal?

A: The call for presentations for the 2026 NVFC Training Summit closed on November 2. Please stay tuned to our website at www.nvfc.org for future speaking opportunities.

Q: If I register but can't go, can someone else go in my place?

A: Yes! Please just notify the event organizers so we can update the registration record. 

Q: If I register but can't go, can I get a refund?

A: Registration fees are fully refundable until May 31. From June 1-20, half of the fee will be refunded. No refunds after June 20.