About  |  Registration  |  Hotel & Travel   |  Sponsorship  |  Attendee Experience  |  Event Policies  |  FAQ
 Know Before You Go


NAEP 2025 Know Before You Go

Attendee Information for the NAEP 2025 Conference & Training Symposium

Welcome to the NAEP 2025 Conference & Training Symposium! Please review the information below detailing the event schedule, site location, parking, and more. If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to contact the NAEP office at [email protected] or at (206) 209-5286.


Conference WiFi & App

WiFi Network: MarriotBonvoy_Conference
WiFi Password: CHSBQT25

Hold NAEP 2025 in the palm of your hand! Search "NAEP Events" in the Apple App Store or Google Play to locate and download the free conference mobile app. Use the same email you use to register for the conference to log in to the app. 

Download NAEP Events App

Return to Top


Travel and Parking Details

The Charleston Marriott Hotel is 11.7 miles away from the Charleston International Airport, which is approximately a 19 minute drive.

Directions to Conference Venue
Airport Ground Transportation Options


Daily on-site and valet parking is available at the Charleston Marriott hotel.

On-Site Parking

Daily: $18.00

Valet

Daily: $25.00

Return to Top


Registration Desk Hours

The conference registration desk will be open at the following times.

Registration Desk Hours
The registration desk will be located at the Crystal Promenade
Sunday, April 27 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, April 28
8:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday, April 29
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday, April 30
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday, May 1 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM


Return to Top


Schedule

View the full schedule on our website and on the NAEP conference app. Check out the Attendee Experience page to learn more and see a list of all of the special events this year.

View Complete Schedule

Return to Top

 


Map of Venue

Here’s a venue map to help you navigate NAEP 2025. Keep it handy as you make your way through the conference!

View Map of Venue


AICP CE Credits

Most NAEP 2025 Conference sessions are registered for AICP credits. Each hour of sessions attended is typically eligible for 1 AICP credit hour. AICP certification maintenance credits are self-reported on the AICP CM Log on the APA website.  

More information will be available after the conference.

Return to Top


Meals

 Monday, April 28, 2025

  • Opening Reception | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Cash bar (two drink tickets provided) with heavy hors d'oeuvres

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

  • Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Buffet style
  • Lunch | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Buffet style
  • Presidents Reception | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Open bar with heavy hors d'oeuvres Ticket Required to Attend

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 

  • Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Buffet style 
  • Lunch | 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM | Buffet style
  • Emerging Professionals Reception | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Cash bar with light hors d'oeuvres

Thursday, May 1, 2025 

  • Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM | Buffet style

Dine Arounds

We are thrilled to offer dine arounds to our attendees to enhance your conference experience. Savor an extra networking opportunity to get to know one another outside of a conference setting. Choose one or two of the amazing local Charleston restaurants you want to check out, sign up, and get to know your fellow attendees while you enjoy delicious food. Who knows? You might find you have more in common than just your great taste in food and associations.

You may sign up for one restaurant each day after registering for the conference. While it is free to sign up, please note that you are responsible for the cost of your own food and beverage.

Sign Up Now

Return to Top


Working Group Passport

At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the Working Group Passport activity. Attendees will be given a passport sheet at the registration desk and will have to talk to 5 working group members and have them sign one of the boxes. Once you have 5 signatures, turn in your passport at the NAEP table in the exhibit hall to be entered into a drawing for a free gift basket!

Opportunities to talk to working group members include:

  • Visit the working group table in the exhibit hall during breaks.
  • Attend sessions presented by working group members and talk to them after the session. These sessions will be listed in the information section of the event app at the start of the conference. 

Winner must be present for the prize drawing at Wednesday's breakfast from 7:00 - 8:00 AM to win on April 30, 2025. Prize will be from the Charleston CVB. 


Dress Code

The dress code for the NAEP 2025 Annual Conference & Training Symposium is business casual. We recommend wearing layers, as session rooms can be chilly. Comfortable shoes are also encouraged, as conference days can be long and often involve moving between multiple sessions.


Tips for Attending the NAEP Conference

1. Plan which sessions you want to attend in advance

Check out the schedule on the website or download the app and make a note of which sessions or presenters you especially want to see.

2.  Wear comfortable shoes

You might find that you do a surprising amount of walking at a NAEP conference. Between getting from your hotel to the conference venue, walking between sessions, and going out in the evening for dinner or social events, you may well be on your feet all day. So make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and won't cause you pain.

3. Dress in layers

Business casual is appropriate for all NAEP conferences and any related events. We do recommend that you dress in layers as session rooms can vary in temperature.

4. Do attend the social events

Social events such as receptions or networking events are an important part of the conference experience as they give you a chance to talk with the other attendees and sponsors in a more informal setting. So do make an effort to attend at least some of the social events as well as education sessions.

5. Stay in touch

As we all know, conferences are a great way to connect with our counterparts at other organizations or friends we haven't seen in a long time. Don't let contact end at the conference! We encourage you to stay in touch, share ideas, and compare challenges to get the most out of the conference.

Return to Top


Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, is a major tourist destination. Nestled on the southeastern coast, Charleston is famed for its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel historic houses, particularly in the elegant French Quarter and Battery districts.

Discounted Tours of Downtown Charleston for Attendees

  1. Charleston Harbor Tours
    Take a boat tour of Charleston Harbor to see iconic sites like Fort Sumter and enjoy stunning views of the Ravenel Bridge. Discount code is CVBGroup.

  2. Palmetto Carriage Works

    Explore the dark side of Charleston. A family friendly tour, the perfect way to spend the evening with your family learning about the history and hauntings of Charleston. Discount code is BARNCARD.

Getting Around

Rideshares: Ubers and Lyfts are readily available throughout Charleston and can be a convenient way to travel around the city, especially in the evening.

Public Transit: The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas. The DASH Trolley is a free service that runs through downtown Charleston, offering a convenient way to see many of the city's main attractions.

Biking: Charleston is a bike-friendly city with several rental options available. Bike lanes and bike paths are common, particularly in downtown areas.

Walking: Charleston is highly walkable, especially in the historic downtown area. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as many streets are paved with cobblestones. It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk from one end of downtown to the other.

Important Tips

Historic District: Many of Charleston’s historic buildings and homes are open to the public for tours. Be sure to check the visiting hours as they can vary.

Public Restrooms: Free public-use restrooms are not abundant in Charleston, so it's best to plan ahead. Restrooms are available in most restaurants, bars, and attractions for paying customers.

Explore Charleston

Return to Top


Field Trips & Ticketed Events

Please Note: The events listed below required an additional fee and were not included in the standard conference registration. Attendees had the option to purchase tickets for these events during the registration process.

SCORE Oyster Reef Build  |  Monday, April 28, 2025  |  Ticketed Event

Details

  • Meet at the dock at 1:00 PM
    • Walking distance: Behind the Charleston Marriott across Lockwood Drive. After crossing Lockwood Drive head left towards the marina. Look for the dragon boats
  • Return to the dock at approximately 4:30 PM
  • Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours.
  • Address: Brittle Bank Park Dock
    185 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29403

**Required**
Closed toe shoes that attach securely to your foot (no crocs). Moving and lifting up to 50lbs bags will be involved. Please bring a refillable water bottle. When packing, be sure to bring clothes and shoes that can get muddy and wet, and a plastic bag to store your clothes when you travel back home.


President's Reception |  Charleston SpiritLine Cruise  |  Tuesday, April 29, 2025  |  Ticketed Event

Details

  • Meet in Charleston Marriott Lobby for Bus Pick-Up: 5:30 PM
  • Cruise Boarding: 6:00 PM
  • Return to Dock: 9:00 PM
  • Bus Drop-Off at Charleston Marriott: 9:30 PM

Fort Sumter Field Trip |  Thursday, May 1, 2025  |  TICKETED EVENT

Details

  • Meet in Charleston Marriott Lobby for Bus Pick-Up: 8:45 AM
  • Tour Begins: 9:30 AM
  • Tour Concludes: 11:45 AM
  • Bus Boarding: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Arrival at Hotel: 12:15 PM

Sponsor and Exhibitor Information

If you are a sponsor and/or exhibitor for NAEP 2025, please download the 2025 Exhibitor Toolkit for all your necessary information! 

View 2025 Exhibitor Toolkit

Return to Top