When and where is ComNet15?

ComNet15 will take place from September 30 through October 2, 2015 in San Diego, California at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

What is the theme of the conference?

The theme of ComNet15 is Making Ideas Move, the concept used in our multipart series, presented in partnership with The Stanford Social Innovation Review, in which a diverse group of leaders from foundations, nonprofits, and research institutions shared how effective communication has helped them drive social change.

Who should attend?

You. The conference is aimed at social sector professionals interested in communications who share our belief that strategic communications can be a force that helps spur positive social change.

In 2014, we hosted CEOs, policy and program leaders, communication directors and social sector consultants from across the globe including Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; Ben Relles of YouTube; Alfred Ironside, Vice President for Global Communications at Ford Foundation; Dave Isay, Founder of of StoryCorps; Rebecca Arno, Vice President of Operations and Communications at the Denver Foundation; Jim Canales, President of Barr Foundation; Minna Jung, California Communications Director of Environmental Defense Fund; Grant Oliphant, CEO of the Heinz Endowments; Joanne Krell, Vice President of Communications at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation; Deena Leventer, Communications Director at Yad Hanadiv-Rothschild Foundation in Israel and more.

See a full list of our 2014 conference attendees here.  

Why should I attend?

The Communications Network will host over 500 senior nonprofit and foundation professionals from across the social sector for three days of learning, networking and idea sharing to advance the field strategic communications and help you improve your work. Attending the conference will provide you with the unique opportunity to make connections with other leaders in the social sector while learning about the latest developments in strategic communications that will help you communicate your message in an impactful way.

Where can I find the conference schedule?

Find it on the Schedule page here.

Will I be able to connect with other conference attendees prior to the conference?

The names, affiliated organizations, and twitter handles of registrants will be made public so registrants can have the opportunity to connect before the conference. Please note that we will not share or sell registrants personal contact information, such as email addresses or phone numbers. Current Communications Network members can communicate using our online Listserv:  or connect through our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheComNetwork.

Are there limits on how many sessions I can participate in?

No. Once you are registered, you are allowed to attend as many sessions as you would like.

Who is the host committee?

The host committee is comprised of the following individuals:

MInna Jung - Environmental Defense Fund, Daniel Silverman - The James T. Irvine Foundation, Vidya Krishnamurthy - William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Marc Moorghen - Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Nancy Eiring - Surfrider, Michelle Slingerland - San Diego Grantmakers, Allison Holmes - Annenberg Foundation, Brent Thomson - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, LaMonte Guillory - LOR Foundation, and Holly Potter - Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. 

Are consultants able to attend the conference?

Yes, but they have to be current members of The Communications Network to do so. Only foundations or nonprofits can register as non-members. Additionally, there is a strict no-solicitation policy at the conference that registrants should be aware of. If you are a consultant and would like to join the Network, you can find more information here. 

About The Communications Network

If you’d like to learn more about The Communications Network, check us out on our website: http://www.comnetwork.org/

Are there still seats available? 

Unfortunately, ComNet15 sold out in late August. You can add your name to the waitlist by emailing [email protected]

What are the fees to attend the conference?

Early bird registration will be $625 for Communications Network members and $799 for non-members. Early bird registration will close on June 21. Regular rates for the conference (after June 21) will be $749 for Communications Network members and $949 for non-members. Additionally, a limited number of single day passes will be available for $499. Single day passes will only be available for Communications Network members.

When can I register?

Registration opened June 1, 2015 and ended in late August  when tickets sold out. There are only approximately 500 spots, so register early!

Are you offering discounts on hotel and travel?

Registrants for the conference will receive information on reserving discounted rooms at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort after they have completed registration for the conference. The conference will not be offering discounts for travel.

How do I register for ComNet15?

You can register for ComNet15 by visiting the registration page.

Is there an early registration discount?

Yes, early bird registration will be $625 for Communications Network members and $799 for non-members.

Are group discounts offered?

Group discounts are not offered for regular registration. However, sponsors receive free and discounted registrations depending on the sponsorship level. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please visit our Sponsors page.

Do presenters receive a complimentary registration fee?

Presenters will receive a discounted registration fee. Presenters must register for the conference. Instructions were emailed with submissions acceptance notifications.

What do my registration fees include?

Registration fees include:

- Access to 5 plenary sessions

- Ability to choose from among 12 breakout sessions

- Opportunity to register our pre-conference skill-building workshops (additional fees apply)

- Admission to the ComNet15 Exhibitor Hall

- Entry to conference's opening night reception - including light appetizers and beverages

- A discount on your hotel room (if booking at the Loews Coronado Bay)

- A copy of Change Agent, the Network's journal & conference program

- A conference "swag bag" and related conference materials

- Meals including breakfast on Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2 and lunch on Thursday October 1

- Coffee breaks with snacks available throughout the day on Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2

Registration does not cover the cost of a hotel room, so please reserve your room separately.

May I attend the conference without registering?

No. Anyone who would like to attend the conference must register.

May I register for a single day at a reduced rate?

Yes, a limited number of single day passes will be available for $499. Single day passes will only be available for Communications Network members.

Can I get a refund for ComNet15?

Yes, you can get a full refund until September 15, 2015. No refunds will be available after that date. 

Can I transfer my registration?

Yes, but you must alert us if you do so. Keep in mind, if you are a member and are transferring your registration to someone else, it must be another member in order for them to receive the reduced member registration price.

What hotel should I stay in and how do I book a room?

The conference will be hosted at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, California. Registrants are encouraged to stay here. Once you’ve registered, you can book a room at our preferred conference rate of $229 a night by visiting their website: http://www.loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort/. You will receive information after you have registered about reserving a room at the discounted rate. Rooms are also available at The Glorietta Bay Inn in downtown Coronado. 

Can I stay at a different hotel?

Yes, you are welcome to stay at a different hotel but transportation from your hotel to the conference site will not be provided by the conference. Most registrants will stay on-site at the Loews.

If I choose to stay in San Diego for the weekend, can I stay at the hotel for the discounted rate?

Arrangements should be made directly with the hotel.

What else is there to do in San Diego?

There are so many things to do in San Diego! Please check out our Things to Do page that lists some of the most popular things to do. Besides enjoying the weather, check out these links for more ideas of things to do in the city:

- http://www.sandiego.org/

- http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60750-Activities-San_Diego_California.html

- http://www.sandiego.org/articles/25-fun-free-things-to-do-in-san-diego.aspx

How do I get to the hotel?

Conference attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the conference site. To get directions to the conference site, please visit our Directions page. Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located at 4000 Coronado Bay Road, San Diego, CA, 92118. The Resort is located approximately 13.2 miles from the San Diego International Airport and the average travel time between the two locations is 25 minutes.

You can take a cab from the San Diego airport. Uber is also available in San Diego. The hotel does not provide a shuttle to and from the airport. 

Where can I park and how much does it cost?

You can park at the conference site. Valet parking is $33 per night, with in and out privileges. Rates are subject to change. Self-parking is $29 per night. Please note the rates are subject to change. Parking for day guests is $9 per hour ($29 max).

What meals are included?

The opening night reception will include appetizers and beverages, but not a full dinner. Breakfast will be provided on Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2. Lunch will be provided on Thursday October 1. Coffee breaks with snacks will be available throughout Thursday October 1 and Friday October 2. Dinner will not be provided on any night of the conference.

What is the dress code?

The dress code for the conference is business casual. The temperature in San Diego during late September and early October typically varies from 65°F to 74°F and is rarely below 61°F or above 80°F. Please note that the majority of the conference will be held indoors with the exception of the opening night reception, which will be outside. Please plan accordingly. Yes, flip-flops are fine. 

When will breakout sessions take place?

Presentations will take place Thursday October 1, and Friday October 2, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, CA. 

How do I register for a breakout session?

It is not necessary to register for breakout sessions. If you register for the conference, you'll have the opportunity to choose your breakout sessions during the conference. You can use the ComNet15 app to set up a customized itinerary/schedule for the conference if you wish. 

Do presenters have to register for the conference?

Yes. Presenters can register for the conference at the reduced presenter rate. Details about the discounted presenter fee were e-mailed with acceptance letters. 

Will the sessions or keynotes be recorded? 

We are investigating recording the sessions and keynotes and will provide an update at a later date when we have finalized our decision.

Who are the keynote speakers?

- Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor and producer.

- Elliott Kalan, an Emmy Award-winning head writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, co-host of The Flop House podcast, and the writer of Spider-Man & The X-Men from Marvel Comics. 

- Clarence B. Jones, the former personal counsel, advisor, draft speech writer and close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

- Farhad Manjoo, "State of the Art" columnist for the New York Times, NPR contributor, former columnist for the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Slate, & WIRED, and author of True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society

What time will they be speaking?

Please check the Schedule page or the ComNet15 app for updates.

What will the format be of the presentation?

The format of each presentation will be an interview between the keynote speaker and a moderator.

What is The Lab at ComNet15? 

The Lab is an interactive space for companies and organizations to collaborate and connect with ComNet15 conference goers to debut programs or showcase innovative communications products that are changing the way we communicate. 

Is The Lab the same as a conference sponsorship? 

No. Participation in The Lab is an opportunity for companies to work with communications and social sector professionals to help them better utilize their products and tools in an interactive setting. If you are interested in sponsoring the conference, you can view a list of our sponsorship opportunities at comnet15.org/sponsors.

Who attends the conference? 

Last year’s conference attendees included folks from the following organizations:

The Rockefeller Foundation, StoryCorps, NYU, YouTube, The New York Times, Crisis communications guru Judy Smith, BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith, The Hewlett Foundation, Human Rights Watch, The Ad Council, The Stanford Social Innovation Review, The James Irvine Foundation, NPR’s Terry Gross, and Ezra Klein from Vox.com.

A list of ComNet14 attendees can be found here. 

Who sets up the meetings? How? 

Meetings will be set up by conference attendees prior to the conference via an online scheduling tool. It is possible that conference attendees will also have an opportunity to schedule meetings when they arrive at the conference for registration if meeting times are still available.

What will we meet about?

What do you do? Are conference attendees a user of your product? If so, how can you help them improve their experience? If not, why aren’t they using it? Would it be a good fit for their organization’s communication efforts? If they’ve signed up to meet with you, chances are they already have a few questions of their own. These meetings are intended to open a dialogue between outstanding companies and nonprofit and foundation leaders about using a company’s products or services to have a larger impact on society. 

How long will Lab meetings last?

Each meeting will be for up to 15 minutes.

Will there be breaks between meetings?

Companies will be able to schedule two 20 minute time slots throughout the day to take breaks between meetings. Additionally, The Lab will close for lunch on Thursday October 1 from 12pm to 1pm PT.

When is the ComNet15 conference?

The Communications Network annual conference, ComNet15, will take place September 30 - October 2, 2015 in San Diego, CA, at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

What time will The Lab be open?

The Lab will be open on Thursday October 1 from 10am - 5pm PT.

How much does it cost to participate in The Lab/be a Comnet15 exhibitor?

The Lab is free for the 2015 conference. It is likely The Communications Network will charge a fee to participate in future years. For future events, special consideration will be given to those who join us at ComNet15.  

What do companies and organizations get for participating in The Lab?

Each company that participates in The Lab will receive the following:

• Invitation to the Opening Night Reception on Wednesday September 30
• Discounted rate for hotel room at the Loews Coronado Bay
• Invitation to The Network’s sponsor reception on Thursday October 1
• Valuable professional contacts from major social sector institutions 
• Exposure for your business

Who leads The Communications Network?

The Communications Network’s Board includes senior leaders from some of the world’s most consequential social change organizations. 

Among them: Ford Foundation, The MacArthur Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Lumina Foundation, The Duke Endowment and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation. You can find a complete list of our Board members here. 

Sean Gibbons is the Executive Director of the Network. Prior to joining The Communications Network, he held a series of leadership roles at Third Way, a public policy think tank in Washington. D.C. and served as the Director of Media Strategy at the Center for American Progress. Before his career in public policy, Gibbons was an award winning producer at CNN and worked at ABC News on programs including World News Tonight with Peter Jennings and Nightline with Ted Koppel. 

Who can I contact for more information about the conference or participating in The Lab?

If you would like additional information, please contact , Executive Director of The Communications Network, at .

How do I become a sponsor?

Please visit our Sponsor page to see all of our sponsorship opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, you can email Sean Gibbons at . The Communications Network is open to customized sponsorships so if you have a proposal, please contact us at .

How do I pay for my sponsorship?

You will receive an invoice for your sponsorship. We are happy to accept credit cards or checks.

Is my sponsorship tax deductible?

Your sponsorship is could be partially tax deductible as The Communications Network is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Please check with your accountant or a tax expert to determine this.

Do sponsors receive free registration to the conference?

Some sponsorship opportunities do include free registration to the conference. All benefits of sponsoring are listed on the Sponsors page. If you have questions about the benefits for specific sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at .

Do sponsors receive invitations to any special conference events?

Yes. All sponsors will be invited to a sponsors-only reception during the conference. The reception will be hosted by the Board of The Communications Network.

I'd like to donate to the Network. Who should I contact?

Please check with an accountant. We welcome charitable donations so if you are interested in giving to The Communications Network, please contact Sean Gibbons at .

Does The Communications Network accept advertising in its conference program?

Yes. Foundations and nonprofits can advertise in the conference program by becoming sponsors. Please visit the Sponsor page for more information.