Facing Race: A National Conference in St. Louis, MO — November 20-22, 2024

Know Before you GO!

Multiracial group of people standing and kneeling in large building with Facing Race banner hanging from rafter.

Race Forward | Nov 15, 2024


Greetings All!

As we gear up for the Facing Race conference, we’re excited to share some important details to help you make the most of this powerful event! Facing Race is an extraordinary opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, gain new insights, and forge impactful connections. With the current political climate in mind, we’re prioritizing the safety and security of all attendees, guests, and staff. We’re grateful for your commitment to making this a transformative experience, and we look forward to seeing the impact we’ll create together!

Please see below for all the information needed to get you ready to join us next week.

Review the Conference Agenda

Facing Race Cvent Attendee App

Download the Cvent Mobile App

You may also use the Attendee Website.

Community Safety

Covid-19 Policy at Facing Race

To ensure a safe and efficient experience for all attendees, we have implemented a comprehensive community safety plan, including COVID-19 mitigation measures and streamlined security check-ins. We encourage everyone to arrive early to allow ample time for the check-in process, which will include magnetometers at the entrances and COVID-19 checkpoints.

Registration check-in will be available on-site during the following hours:

  • November 20th: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Pre-conference attendees are encouraged to complete check-in during the early morning hours. General attendees should plan to check in between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Please note that check-in on November 20th will strictly close at 6:00 PM. Attendees who arrive after this time will not be permitted to attend the opening ceremony. We strongly recommend planning your arrival to ensure a smooth check-in process.)
  • November 21st: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • November 22nd: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM

There will be two registration counter areas to serve you:

  • Area 1: Washington Avenue Entrance (3 counters)
    Nearby Hotels: Grand Marriott, Courtyard
  • Area 2: Plaza Entrance (7 counters—we encourage attendees to come to this set of counters for faster processing)
    Nearby Hotels: Embassy Suites, Pear Tree, Magnolia, Holiday Inn

To help streamline the check-in process, we kindly ask that all attendees take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours prior to arriving on-site and bring proof of a negative result. Limited COVID test kits will be available on-site for those who need them. Designated COVID Mitigation Rooms are located at:

  • Plaza Lobby Entrance: Rooms 111
  • Washington Lobby Entrance: Room 104

After confirming your negative test result, you’ll proceed to a kiosk to complete your check-in, where you’ll receive a swag bag and badge.

Thank you for your cooperation in creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone!

Safety & Security

At Facing Race, the safety and security of all attendees, staff, and participants are top priorities. Our dedicated Safety Team will be on-site, serving as a primary point of contact for any security-related concerns or incidents, and available in person during plenary and workshop times for confidential peer support and advocacy. Team members, identifiable by their badges, are approachable at any time and provide vital support services for all participants. The team is here to address safety concerns and facilitate problem-solving, mediation, and transformative and healing justice support throughout the event.

In light of recent election results, we recognize the heightened concerns surrounding safety and inclusivity. Specific security protocols are in place, including magnetometers at every building entrance to screen for prohibited items, and we encourage attendees to report any suspicious behavior or activities to the Safety Team immediately. If you or someone you know experiences harm, such as sexual, verbal, or physical harassment by conference or non-conference attendees, police violence, or otherwise feels unsafe during the conference, please reach out to the Safety Team. Modeled after the Audre Lorde Project’s Safe OUTside the System Collective, our Safety Team includes members from St. Louis’ local community, Black and POC communities, transgender people, women and femmes, and others who believe in community-based safety without relying on police or government intervention. The team includes members with formal crisis intervention training as well as those with valuable lived experience, all united to support a secure, inclusive, and healing conference environment.

Accessibility

Accessibility Guide

To make Facing Race as welcoming as possible, we have included the following information for all participants to use in creating an accessible conference community. Click the link below to find information about Bathrooms, Physical and Emotional Accessibility, Language Accessibility, Childcare, and Self-Organized Religious Services. If you have any questions, please contact Hiba Elyass at facingrace@raceforward.org.

Wellness Space

This year at Facing Race, we are pleased to offer a dedicated Wellness Space designed to provide a sanctuary for rest, reflection, and renewal. Recognizing the challenges and traumas that can impact us, this space is available for attendees to recharge and find support in an environment focused on holistic well-being. The Wellness Space will offer resources and support to address the wellness needs of heart, mind, body, and soul.

We are honored to partner with Power4STL, a community of health leaders dedicated to reducing the impact of trauma related to bullet injuries within the St. Louis region and beyond. Through a holistic approach that prioritizes community healing and comprehensive wellness, Power4STL addresses trauma on every level, empowering individuals and communities to find resilience and healing. In alignment with the conference’s transformative justice values, our Wellness Space is here to foster self-care, collective care, and healing for all Facing Race attendees. The Wellness room will be in room 276.

Transportation

Metro Passes

Facing Race has partnered with Metro Transit to provide attendees with discounted rates on all metro link passes. Please visit this LINK to take advantage of the fare rate and tour the city!

Shuttles

Shuttle Services are available for attendees staying at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, located at 315 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO, to bring them to the Americas Center. Shuttle services will be provided every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM-9 AM on November 21st and 22nd following the schedule below:

  • 7:30 AM
  • 8:00 AM
  • 8:30 AM
  • 9: 00 AM

Note: Shuttles are only arranged to pick attendees up from the hotel and take them to the convention center. Attendees are responsible for making their arrangements to return to the hotel. This is a first come, first served, complimentary service ride. The bus holds up to 27 seats.

SURVEYS 

Your feedback is invaluable! Please take a moment to fill out our surveys to help us improve future events. It’s quick and easy, and we’d greatly appreciate your input.

Share on Social!

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