FAQ's

Q. When do I pick up my registration materials?
A. If you have pre-registered, pick up registration materials at the Conference registration table. Registration opens at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Tivoli Theatre and at 7:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday at the Tivoli Theatre.  Your registration badge is your pass to all Conference events, including the Saturday luncheon at the Convention Center.  Please wear it to all events.

Q. Can I purchase additional Conference programs?
A. One program is included with your registration. Additional copies are $5 each, while supplies last.

Q. Can I buy a one-day ticket to the Conference?
A. One-day tickets may be purchased for Thursday or Friday of the Conference for $55.  The Saturday one-day ticket is $65 and includes the luncheon with speaker Robert Hicks.

Q. Do you offer a student admission price?
A. Full time students with a current school I.D. receive a Conference student admission price of $20, good for all three days, including the Saturday luncheon.

Q. Where should I stay during my visit to Chattanooga?
A. Whether you're looking for elegance or traveling on a budget, Chattanooga has it all.  For your convenience as a Conference attendee, the Sheraton Read House is offering reduced room rates of $109-129.  A directory of other hotels within walking distance to the Tivoli Theatre is available on the Chattanooga Visitor's Bureau website.

For Conference events that are not within walking distance, we are pleased to offer Conference shuttle service to the Chattanooga Theatre Centre for the drama readings on Thursday and Saturday, and to the Chattanooga Convention Center for the Saturday luncheon.  Click here for the Conference Shuttle Schedule.

CARTA—Chattanooga’s public transportation—offers a free, daily, downtown shuttle that runs from the Tennessee Aquarium to the Chattanooga Choo Choo.  This service may be used on Friday and Saturday to reach the Tivoli Theatre, as well as Chattanooga restaurants and tourist sites.   A map will be enclosed in your registration packet showing the shuttle route. Special CARTA shuttles will transport you to the Saturday luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Shuttles will leave every five minutes.  After the luncheon, shuttles will return you to the Tivoli Theatre.   
                                
Q. Is parking provided for Conference attendees at the meeting sites?
A. There is plenty of parking available near each meeting site, although no special parking is designated for Conference attendees.  We suggest parking at the Shuttle Park South (by the Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market Street) or Shuttle Park North (Bijou Theatre, 215 Broad Street) and riding the free electric CARTA shuttle.  If you are staying in a downtown hotel, the hotel should provide parking during your stay.

Q. Will I be able to buy books written by all the authors at the Conference?
A. Wild Hare Books, the Conference book vendor, will offer a wide selection of titles from all the authors.  These books will be for sale each day of the Conference.  Cash, check, or major credit cards will be accepted.  The official book signing is Friday, March 30, 2007, immediately following Wendell Berry's keynote address on the Tivoli Theatre stage.

Q. Where can I eat during meals “on your own”?
A. The downtown Chattanooga area provides many dining options to suit your tastes and your wallet.  Refer to the dining guide in your registration packet for a listing of venues within walking distance to the Tivoli Theatre.

Q. Can I purchase video or audio tapes of the events?
A. No videotapes or audiotapes will be sold.

Q. How many people attend the AEC Conference?  Will I actually be able to meet the writers?
A. Approximately 1,000 people attend this Conference for all or a part of the schedule.  There are scheduled book signings and breaks between events, at which time many writers mingle with Conference attendees.

Q. I don’t know anything about Chattanooga.  How can I find out more?
A. A Visitor's Guide is included in your registration packet, or for more information visit the city’s website, www.chattanoogafun.com, or call the Chattanooga Visitors Bureau at (800) 322-3344.

Q. What do people wear at these events?  Is any event dressy?  What’s the weather like in Chattanooga in late March?
A. Guests are welcome to wear comfortable, casual clothes to all events.  The weather is usually mild in Chattanooga in late March, but cool temperatures and wind are not uncommon, especially in the evening.  It would be wise to bring a coat or jacket.