FAQs
General Information
What day should I arrive? What day should I leave?
The conference officially starts on Sunday, January 21, with the Annual Luncheon-Awards Presentation beginning at NOON. The Expo Hall will open at 3:00 pm.
The conference concludes at 4:15 pm on Wednesday, January 24th.
There are pre-conference courses scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning. Post-conference courses will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. See course descriptions under Pre- and Post-Conferences on this site.
Where will the conference events take place?
The Expo Hall, the education sessions, and all events and social activities will be held in Caribe Royale Resort Convention Center.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Pick up your registration badge at the onsite IW Registration / information desk in the Convention Center.
What is the schedule for the educational sessions?
There are three two-hour class times each day, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, totaling nine sessions available for you to attend. Make a choice of one session to attend at each class time. Choose whichever courses appeal most to you. Review the session descriptions and create your own schedule.
There are no advance reservations for any of the sessions.
Select one session to attend from the five sessions offered at each class time indicated.
Simply show up for class. Please arrive early. Student badges will be scanned at the classroom door.
Is there a separate registration to attend any one of the Pre-Conference courses and the Post-Conference course?
Yes. Registration and fees for any of the Pre-Conference courses and the Post-Conference course are offered as options separate from InspectionWorld registration.
What are some things that I should think about bringing with me?
- Comfortable shoes — you'll be walking a lot
- Plenty of business cards
- A jacket for walking outside
- Work-out gear, if you want to take advantage of the resort’s fitness center
- Swimsuit for the hotel swimming pool
- A camera / smart phone or tablet
EVENT INFORMATION
Is the Exhibit Hall open during the Opening Night Reception?
Yes, the spotlight will be on the exhibitors during the Opening Night Reception on Sunday. All exhibitors will be on hand during the event, and we encourage you to circulate through the Expo Hall while enjoying the food and beverage service. Discover the latest information and technology shaping our industry.
Can I bring a guest to the Opening Night Reception?
Yes, but because there is a per-person cost for each attendee, you will be required to purchase a Sunday Exhibits-Only ticket for your guest to gain entry. Only registered attendees (including registered spouses) and those with an Exhibits-Only ticket will be allowed to enter the Exhibit Hall during the Opening Reception. Tickets are available at the onsite ASHI Registration/Information Desk.
Are spouse tours included in the Spouse Registration fee?
The spouse tours are purchased separately. There are three Spouse registration categories: Spouse Full Conference, Spouse Conference Education, and Spouse Social (no tours) registrations do not include the spouse tours. All spouses will have unlimited access to the Spouse Lounge Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm and Wednesday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
My spouse will be registering for Full Conference/Education, but really wants to participate in one or more spouse tours. Can she/he do this?
Yes, of course. Tickets for the individual spouse tours/activities are available online in advance.
Can I purchase tickets for the President's Gala only?
Yes. Tickets are available online in advance and onsite.
Where will the Annual Business Meeting and Awards Luncheon be held?
This year the Annual Business Meeting and Awards Presentation will be a luncheon held on Sunday, January 21 at 12:00 pm. This event is included in the registration for all registered attendees and exhibitors. Additional guest tickets are available online in advance and onsite at the ASHI Registration Desk.
How do I enter the ASHI Prize Drawings?
You will find your prize drawing coupons in the Coupon Book that is included in your Registration Bag. Fill out the day-coupon and drop it off at the ASHI booth in the Expo Hall for your chance to win all day in each of that day’s drawings! Each day has a specific color. In addition, many exhibitors will be holding their own prize drawings in their booths.
What are the Expo Hall hours?
Expo Information
The Expo Hall doors are open from 3:00 - 8:00 pm on Sunday which and the Opening Night Reception to be held from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. On Monday, exhibits will be open starting at 7:00 am until 5:00 pm, and all day from 7:00 am through 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Attendees are normally in educational sessions for most of the time on Monday and Tuesday, but exhibitor personnel will be available in their booths during all exhibit hours and available to meet with you.
How do I exhibit?
If you know of a company that would like to be a part of the InspectionWorld Expo, please direct them to contact Dave Kogan at 847-954-3187 or at davek@ashi.org.
Will I be able to talk with ASHI staff about Membership, programs, products and services?
Yes, visit the ASHI booth for all the information you will ever want to know. You can receive membership information and also details on The ASHI School. You can select from ASHI logo clothing that will be on display. You can meet with an ASHI verifier. You will be able to review the many features of the ASHI website – and learn how this can be an excellent sales tool for you. Get assistance in updating your “Find an Inspector” profile.
In addition, in the surrounding booths, you will find representatives of many of the ASHI-endorsed products and services – including providers of education, testing, business management services, and specialty inspection designations.
When and Where are the Grab ‘N Go sessions held during lunch hours in the classrooms located just down the hall from the Expo Hall. Directional signs and scheduled events will be prominently posted and will be announced in advance during the education sessions. These sessions are offered by vendors and they are held on Monday 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and on Tuesday 11:30 am - 12:30 pm.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Can I register for the conference online?
You can register online if you are paying with a credit card. Online registration opens on September 1st. If you prefer to pay by check, you must mail in your registration form. You may also register onsite at the IW Registration / Information desk.
What is the cost to register?
See the schedule of registration fees on the website. You may take advantage of early bird registration discounted fees until December 15.
Is there a partial fee if I want to attend only part of the conference?
Or is there a special guest fee if I want to bring my spouse or friend who's coming for just one event? We will be able to accommodate special requests on a one-by-one basis at the onsite ASHI Registration / Information Desk. Single-day registrations, single-day Expo Hall access, extra tickets for the President’s Gala, and extra tickets for the Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon tickets may also be purchased online as part of your conference registration.
May I purchase single-event tickets?
Yes. You may purchase additional tickets for the Opening Night Reception and the Gala Dinner/Dance when you register online in advance, or visit the onsite registration desk.
Where do I go to register onsite?
Conference registration will be conveniently located at the ASHI Registration/Information Desk located in the Conference Center.
What materials will I receive as part of my registration? You will pick up your registration materials onsite at the ASHI Registration/Information Desk. No materials are mailed in advance. When you arrive, you will receive your Conference Badge (which provides you access to conference sessions, the Expo Hall and food and beverage functions). In addition, you will receive a tote bag that contains a Conference Padfolio and Pen, the Coupon Book, and numerous handouts to explain everything you need to know about the conference.
How many meals are included with my conference fee?
For all Full Conference and Conference Education registrants (and registered spouses) the following meals are provided as part of your registration:
- Sunday: Annual Luncheon and Awards Luncheon and Expo Hall Opening Reception with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar (one complimentary drink ticket per registrant)
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Continental Breakfasts
- Monday and Tuesday lunches: Lunch will be “for-purchase” at a station inside the Expo Hall and "for purchase" Lunch will be in the foyer on Wednesday.
- Beverage breaks are included
What if at the last minute I find I can't attend? Can I get a refund of my registration fee?
Cancellation Policy: Notice of cancellation must be submitted in writing. Cancellations received by 12/16/17 will be refunded in full. Cancellations received after 12/16/17 are subject to a $100 service charge per person. No refunds will be processed after 1/24/18.
If there is a problem with my hotel accommodation when I arrive, what should I do?
All accommodation issues are handled directly by the hotel staff. Aside from reserving a block of rooms big enough for the projected number of attendees, unfortunately ASHI does not have the authority to do anything about correcting errors made in the type, size, or location of your room. If the desk clerk is unable to help you, ask to speak to a manager. With so many people arriving at the same time, there may be an occasional mix-up, but the staff at the hotel is there to serve its customers. Don't be afraid to ask.
Can I attend InspectionWorld without staying at the conference hotel?
Yes, however, since all activities will take place at Caribe Royale Resort, you should always consider the convenience factor when making your decision as to where to stay. Furthermore, ASHI has contracted with Caribe Royale Resort for a block of rooms at the special conference rate (which, as you are probably aware, is part of the overall package of contracting for meeting space and food and beverage service). Attendees who use the conference hotel are helping ASHI to fill the room block.
Can I extend my stay at the conference hotel?
Yes. The special conference rate is available for the nights of the ASHI events, Sunday, January 21 through Wednesday, January 254 and in addition to these nights, the group rate is available three (3) days prior and three (3) days post based on availability. If you wish to stay additional nights, you will be advised to make your reservations at the earliest opportunity.
Questions: Contact inspectionworld@ashi.org or 847-954-3188.
