Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last day a person can sign up?
What items should participants bring or not bring?
When will participants receive additional information?
Will there be a gathering point in the Capitol in case someone wants to drive or metro in?
Do participants have to be registered for the Annual Meeting or Research Conference?
Can participants bring guests?
Is there a cost?
Will participants have the opportunity to meet with their senators and representatives? Or just representatives?
When is the last day a person can sign up?
The last day to register was March 19.
What items should participants bring or not bring?
Participants should be in business attire and wear comfortable shoes. A day on the Hill involves quite a bit of walking.
NCTM will be providing materials for participants to leave behind at the meetings and/or guide their discussion. We will go over these in the webinar and the morning of the event from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Generally, identification is not needed, but it is a good idea to have your ID anyway.
Review the
list of prohibited items—note that it varies by location. The Capitol and the Capitol Visitors Center do not allow food or liquids to be brought in. The House and Senate buildings do.
You may want to review information on
visiting the Capitol Complex and a
map of the Complex.
When will participants receive additional information?
There was a webinar for participants on March 22 and was recorded if you couldn't make it at that time.
There will be an orientation the morning of the Hill visits from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. All participants are encouraged to attend this event, as there will not be a central meeting spot on the Hill for this purpose. Support staff will be on site in the House cafeteria if challenges arise but there is no structured meeting on the Hill.
We are also hoping for a group photo outside the Capitol to mark this occasion.
Will there be a gathering point in the Capitol in case someone wants to drive or metro in?
It is best for individuals to participate in the session at the convention center that morning to receive materials.
Do participants have to be registered for the Annual Meeting or Research Conference?
This is a day for NCTM members and conference attendees. We are setting up appointments for these individuals.
Can participants bring guests?
Capitol Hill offices (particularly in the House) can be small, so unexpected guests are discouraged.
Is there a cost?
There is no participation cost. The trip from the convention center to the Hill is about a $10-$12 cab ride, generally a little less for an Uber or Lyft, and can also be reached by metro.
Will participants have the opportunity to meet with their senators and representatives? Or just representatives?
NCTM is working to set up meetings for each participant with the three members of their Congressional delegation – offices of two Senators and their Representative. Most likely these meetings will be with staff, not members, given how busy this time of year is on Capitol Hill. However, you never know who will show up.