FAQ
General Information for Attendees
Facing Race is the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference. This biennially, one-of-a-kind space serves as a vital intersection where community organizers, activists, and movement makers converge to build power and strategies to advance racial justice. The conference provides attendees unprecedented access to resources, information, and collaborative opportunities geared towards advancing racial equity for all.
Over its 15-year legacy, Race Forward has consistently delivered this transformative experience, highlighting places like North Carolina, Detroit, Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore, Berkeley, and New York. The 2024 chapter of Facing Race is gearing up to be an unforgettable and cup-filling event.
We are gathering over 4,000 attendees at the America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, Missouri, from Wednesday, November 20th through Friday, November 22nd, 2024. While the 2022 event was in-person and online, the 2024 edition returns to our original in-person experience. We recognize the unparalleled value of personal interactions and are committed to facilitating a safe and accessible in-person event. This approach not only fosters deeper connections among attendees but also allows us to immerse our audience in our host city's vibrant culture and history.
Our choice of location is intentional: St. Louis, which stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and community spirit. By gathering in Missouri, we aim to amplify these themes, grounding our discussions in the fabric of a city that encapsulates much of what we advocate for at Facing Race.
Facing Race is for all people who desire to build awareness of racial equity, identify solutions to dismantle systemic racism, and come together with people who share a passion for racial justice. Facing Race welcomes people of all ages, races, ethnicities, occupations, sexual orientations, gender identities, faiths, and political ideologies.
The in-person Facing Race Conference will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, at America’s Center Convention Complex from Wednesday, November 20 - to Friday, November 22, 2024.
Registration & Pricing for Attendees
Full Conference Tickets Include
- Entry to Wednesday’s Opening Celebration.
- Breakfast, lunch, and a coffee break will be on Thursday and Friday of the conference.
- Access to Conference App
- Conference Materials Distributed Onsite
- All programming (Programming for 2024 will include the keynote presentation(s), plenary sessions, breakout sessions, cultural performances, art exhibit, local tours, exhibition and vendor space, and much more.)
If you experience any issues with the Cvent registration portal, please call Customer Care 24/7 at 866-318-4357. Press Option 1, then press Option 1 again.
You do not need to create a Cvent login to register for the conference. However, we strongly encourage you to make one if you’d like to access your registration ticket quickly to view breakout session information and other necessary information for the conference. A log-in account will also allow you to easily make any registration changes if you need to transfer or cancel your registration.
PRIORITY OPTION: After completing your online registration, you may pay immediately via credit card. If you have any issues with registering, please contact us at Facingrace@raceforward.org.
REGARDING CHECKS: We encourage attendees to register online with a credit card. We also accept online ACH payments for group registrations (five or more people). If neither of these options is viable for you, please contact facingrace@raceforward.org
FOR INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS: Credit Card Authorization will be requested at the time of your ticket purchase. Please contact facingrace@raceforward.org for more information and title the subject line to read: Facing Race International Payment.
Yes, you can register for another person during the online registration process.
Please note: you will be asked for demographic and contact information for each registrant and personalized information, including language access needs. If you are registering on behalf of someone else, please make sure you have their accurate information available.
Yes, you can transfer an already purchased ticket to another person. Tickets can be moved anytime, and no money is refunded.
- Access Your Confirmation Email: Locate the registration confirmation email you received when you first registered.
- Click on the Modify Link: The email should have a "Modify" or "Edit Registration" link/button. Click on it. This will typically redirect you to the registration page, where you can make changes.
- Transferring Registration: Look for an option labeled "Transfer Registration," "Change Attendee," or something similar.Follow the prompts to input the details of the new attendee. Both you (the original attendee) and the new attendee should receive confirmation emails about the transfer.
- Save Changes: After making your desired changes, ensure you click on any "Save" or "Submit" buttons to finalize your changes.
The daily rate to attend the conference is $300.00.
If you can no longer attend the 2024 Facing Race Conference, refunds are possible.
Cancellations received in writing/via email before October 7th, 2024, will receive a refund as follows:
Refund Amount If Canceled By:
7/8/2024 - 75% Payment Returned
9/9/2024 - 50% Payment Returned
10/7/2024 - 25% Payment Returned
Please note: no refunds will be processed after October 7th, 2024.
Refunds requested within 90 days of the payment date will be issued in the form of the original payment method to the person or organization that made the payment. If the refund request is earned after 90 days of the payment date, the refund will be issued via check to the original payee. Please allow up to 4 weeks for the refund to be processed.
If you are no longer able to attend Facing Race, you can also:
- Request to Transfer your registration to someone in your organization or network.
- Donate your registration as a scholarship to those who need registration support.
Please contact Hiba Elyass at facingrace@raceforward.org for more information on these options.
A portion of your ticket to Facing Race may be tax-deductible. Contact your tax advisor with additional questions. Note that donations to Race Forward may be tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
Yes, you can cancel your ticket by logging into the Cvent platform via your confirmation email.
- Access Your Confirmation Email: Locate the registration confirmation email you received when you first registered.
- Click on the Modify Link: The email should have a "Modify" or "Edit Registration" link/button. Click on it. This will typically redirect you to the registration page, where you can make changes.
- Cancellation: Once in the modification section, look for an option or button labeled "Cancel Registration" or similar. Click on it and follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation. After cancellation, you should receive a confirmation email. Retain this email for your records.
- Save Changes: After making your desired changes, ensure you click on any "Save" or "Submit" buttons to finalize your changes.
Please be aware that full refunds will not be issued for tickets canceled after October 7th, 2024. Please see our refund policy.
Yes, you can add additional pre-con tickets or events by logging into the Cvent registration site using the account you created to register for the conference. Use the confirmation number received in your email to access your account and purchase the add-on ticket separately. You will then receive a new confirmation number via email.
- Access Your Confirmation Email: Locate the registration confirmation email you received when you first registered.
- Click on the Modify Link: The email should have a "Modify" or "Edit Registration" link/button. Click on it. This will typically redirect you to the registration page, where you can make changes.
- Pay the Difference: Depending on the changes made, you may be asked to pay a difference in cost from your original order. Please be prepared to pay for any changes to ensure they are
- Save Changes: After making your desired changes, ensure you click on any "Save" or "Submit" buttons to finalize your changes.
The last day to purchase tickets is October 30th, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST.
To support our programming and ensure it meets the needs of our community, we ask optional questions at registration to learn more about our audience. We understand privacy concerns, so these questions are optional and are not required for conference registration. Any information you feel comfortable sharing is secure and confidential, to be used in aggregate form and without identifiers (e.g., name, email). For more information, refer to our Privacy Policy.
Venue & Hotel
The central hotel for Facing Race 2024 is Mariott St. Louis Grand.
Information for this hotel is listed below and for our other conference hotels in the immediate area. Please note that you can select any hotel you’d like to lodge in for the conference duration.
Marriott St. Louis Grand
800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis MO 63101,
Rate per night for single and double occupancy: $199 + (18.929% tax)
FACING RACE MARRIOTT RESERVATION LINK
Courtyard St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center
823-827 Washington Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Rate per night for single and double occupancy: $169 + (18.929% tax)
FACING RACE COURTYARD RESERVATION LINK
Yes, special conference rates are available at all the conference hotels. You can book through the reservation links above to get this rate. These rates apply to standard single and double accommodations. Guests should advise the hotel of any changes in length of stay at least 24 hours before check-in, as they will be charged for early departures.
Hotel #1
Marriott St. Louis Grand
800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis MO 63101,
Rate per night for single and double occupancy: $199 + (18.929% tax)
*Reservation Link forthcoming*
Hotel #2
Courtyard St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center
823-827 Washington Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Rate per night for single and double occupancy: $169 + (18.929% tax)
FACING RACE COURTYARD RESERVATION LINK
Scholarships & Volunteers
To make Facing Race accessible to as many people as possible, Race Forward provides scholarship opportunities. To learn about scholarship eligibility, click here.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Facing Race Team at facingrace@raceforward.org. Facing Race will be accepting applications on a rolling basis starting November 14th, 2023!
Yes, Race Forward values the contributions of volunteers at Facing Race and provides volunteer opportunities. If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, please volunteer here! If you have additional questions, please contact the Facing Race Team at facingrace@raceforward.org. Facing Race will be accepting applications from November 14th through March 1st, 2024.
Accessibility & Childcare
Yes, childcare will be available at the Facing Race 2024 conference. Childcare is minimal and will be reserved on a first-request basis until we reach capacity. Parents and caregivers must supply proof of vaccination or proof of negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event's start for all children 5 years or older attending Facing Race. Children will be required to wear masks during the conference.
When registering, please indicate whether you’ll need childcare.
Facing Race strives to create an inclusive and respectful space for all attendees. To do so, we have incorporated several resources to increase accessibility, including language interpreters, all-gender restrooms, physical and emotional accessibility resources, fragrance-free spaces, and more.
During the registration process, registrants are given the opportunity to express their accessibility & disability needs. If there is a specific request in which you need a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to the Facing Race team at Facingrace@raceforward.org. .
We will provide more information as we get closer to the conference.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
To learn more about organization, foundation, university, and corporate sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Development Department at sponsorship@raceforward.org.
Yes! We will be launching our call for vendors shortly! Please note that local to Missouri vendors and exhibitors are offered priority placement in acceptance to the conference.
Call for Proposals
This year, we welcome in-person proposals for engaging 90-minute breakout sessions. These sessions may include film screenings, panel discussions, hands-on art projects, or skill-building. Learn more about the 2024 Facing Race programming tracks to consider when developing your session!
The deadline to submit is March 1, 2024!
NEW:2024 REGISTRATION, TRANSPORTATION & LODGING SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTERS:
Race Forward encourages prospective presenters keen on in-person presentations at Facing Race 2024 to explore our need-based registration and presenter lodging scholarship. However, before applying, we urge you to check if your organization can subsidize or fully cover your participation. Our mission is to maintain the affordability of the Facing Race Conference, ensuring broad access. Hence, we require presenters for the 2024 conference to register at a subsidized rate.
In-Person Presenter Registration Rates for 2024:
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For those with support: If you are affiliated with an organization or institution or have any other financial support, you will register at a reduced rate of $300.
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For grassroots participants: If you are not affiliated with a nonprofit or institution, or if you're part of a grassroots team, a student, unemployed, or on a fixed income, please reach out to us for potential further reductions.
In-Person Registration Includes:
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Admission to all sessions, including plenaries, keynote talks, breakout sessions, performances, and the exhibitor hall.
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Event merchandise and other exciting takeaways.
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Complimentary breakfast and lunch on designated conference days.
Lodging Scholarships: We cover one shared Double Occupancy Room with two queen-sized beds at a conference-designated hotel for two nights. Check-in is Wednesday, November 20th, and check-out is Friday, November 21st, 2024.
Special Requests: We are committed to ensuring the comfort of all our presenters. If you have specific needs, like being trans or gender non-conforming, health-related concerns, or if you're traveling with children that would necessitate a private room, please notify us. We will review accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis.
Regarding Travel:
For Facing Race 2024, please be advised that presenters will be responsible for their own ground transportation and flight costs. We encourage all potential presenters to consider this when submitting their applications and making arrangements to participate.
Facing Race 2024 Schedule: The conference will begin with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, November 20th. The breakout sessions will take place Thursday -Friday, November 21st-22nd. Followed by two days filled with breakout sessions. The event concludes with a Mainstage event on Friday, November 22nd. Please note the schedule is subject to change, and we recommend presenters stay updated through official communications.
We are excited about the potential for you to present at Facing Race 2024 and to further the cause of racial justice together.
Race Flicks
The Race Flicks application will be available until February 2, 2024. To apply, please complete the application by February 2, 2024, including a preview link to screen your film. Only completed films will be considered. We will notify all applicants of your status via email by early July 2024.
GARE Membership Meeting
No. The Membership Meeting may only be attended by employees from current GARE member jurisdictions that are in good financial standing as of Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
Each attendee should register individually using a government email address. If you encounter problems while registering, please email gare@raceforward.org using the subject line “G4RJ, GMM REGISTRATION SUPPORT.”
You do not need to create a Cvent login to register for the conference. However, we strongly encourage you to make one if you would like to access your registration ticket quickly to view breakout sessions and other necessary information for the conference. A login account will also allow you to easily make any registration changes if you need to transfer or cancel your registration.
PRIORITY OPTION: After completing your online registration, you may pay immediately via credit card. If you have any issues with registering, please contact us at gare@raceforward.org.
We encourage attendees to register online with a credit card. An invoice can be requested for group registrations (5 or more people) by completing the “Additional Billing Information,” question on the “Personal Information,” section of registration. If neither of these options is viable for you, please contact gare@raceforward.org.
Yes, you can register for another person during the online registration process.
Please note: you will be asked for demographic and contact information for each registrant and personalized information, including language access needs. If you are registering on behalf of someone else, please make sure you have their accurate information available.
Yes, a full refund is possible through October 7, 2024. If you can no longer attend the GARE Conference at Facing Race, refunds are possible.
Below are your options to cancel your ticket for the GARE Annual Membership Meeting at Facing Race:
- At the bottom of the Homepage click on the “Already Registered” button under “Register Now.” From there, you will be brought to the Registration Summary page. From that site, click “Cancel Registration.” Once submitted, you will receive a pop-up notification verifying the registration cancelation. The confirmation email also includes a link to modify the registration.
- Cancellations received in writing/via email, for a GARE Members ticket ONLY, before October 7th, 2024, will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Facing Race & GARE team. Please send your requests to gare@raceforward.org;
- Refunds requested within 90 days of the payment date will be issued in the form of the original payment method to the person or organization that made the payment. If the refund request is earned after 90 days of the payment date, the refund will be issued via check to the original payee. Please allow up to 4 weeks for the refund to be processed.
If you are no longer able to attend the GARE Conference at Facing Race you can also:
- Request to Transfer your registration to someone in your organization or network. Instructions can be found in the general Facing Race FAQs. This can be an opportunity to donate your registration as a scholarship to those who need registration support.
Please contact us at gare@raceforward.org if you have any questions.
Where is the conference venue?
America’s Center Convention Complex
701 Convention Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63101
(800) 325-7962
Where can I find lodging for the conference?
The central hotel for Facing Race 2024 is Mariott St. Louis Grand.
Information for this hotel is listed below and for our other conference hotels in the immediate area. Please note that you can select any hotel you’d like to lodge in for the conference duration.
Special conference rates are available at all the conference hotels. You can book through the reservation links above to get this rate. These rates apply to standard single and double accommodations. Guests should advise the hotel of any changes in length of stay at least 24 hours before check-in, as they will be charged for early departures.
Marriott St. Louis Grand
800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101
Rate per night for single and double occupancy: $199 + (18.929% tax)
Courtyard St. Louis Downtown/Convention Center
823-827 Washington Avenue St. Louis, Missouri 63101
Rate per night for single and double occupancy: $169 + (18.929% tax)
St. Louis Lambert International Airport
10701 Lambert International Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63145
(314) 890-1333
Yes, if your jurisdiction is in good financial standing. To be in good financial standing, your jurisdiction must have sent GARE annual dues payment for 2023 by October 16, 2024, for your jurisdiction to receive its complimentary code and use it by the October 30, 2024,11:59pm PST registration deadline.
Each jurisdiction will be given one (1) complimentary ticket, which will be emailed from gare@raceforward.org with the subject line “G4RJ MM TICKET CODE.”
Please note, that jurisdiction codes will be sent out in early February. If you are a jurisdiction lead, please do not register before receiving your code.
Your ticket for the GARE Membership meeting includes the pricing to attend Facing Race. We are not offering one-day ticket pricing
- Racial equity practitioners from all GARE member jurisdictions
- New and experienced racial equity practitioners from GARE member jurisdictions interested in collaboration, networking, and shared learning
- Racial equity practitioners of any experience level from GARE member jurisdictions.