Frequently Asked Questions

What's the deadline to register for the conference?
There is not a deadline to register for the conference; however, some preconference sessions may have capacity limits and fill prior to the start of the conference. To ensure your seat, register before the conference begins. You may register online for the conference through the last day of the conference, August 18 or onsite starting Tuesday, August 15.

Do I have to register in advance?
No, onsite registration for attendees will be available starting on Tuesday, August 15 at 7 AM at the Kansas City Convention Center. However, we highly encourage you to register in advance.

Can I register to visit just the Exhibit Hall?
To visit the Exhibit Hall, you can register for a complimentary expo pass on the Registration page.

What does my registration fee include?
See pricing and packages on the Registration page.

Will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Confirmations are sent via email for all registrations. If you did not receive yours, please check your spam folders. If you cannot locate your confirmation, please email Registration Customer Support.

Will I be refunded if I have to cancel my registration?
Find full cancellation and refund details on the Registration page.

Can I transfer my registration to another member of my department/staff?
Yes, registration may be transferred to another person in your organization subject to certain conditions. Contact Registration Customer Support to transfer your registration. 

I transferred my registration from FRI 2022 to FRI 2023, what do I do now?
Once registration is open, emails will be sent to all participants who transferred their registration. If you do not receive it, the email could have gotten caught in spam filters. Please email conferences@iafc.org and we will resend the information to you.

When can I make my hotel reservations?
Hotel reservations will be confirmed at the below rates until July 27, 2023 or until sold out, whichever occurs first. After July 27, hotel rates are at the discretion of the hotels. 

What hotels have been reserved? What are the rates?
We have negotiated a block of hotels at conference rates walking distance to the Kansas City Convention Center.  Hotel information and rates can be found on the Hotel page.

I only need housing for FRI. How can I reserve a room?
Housing remains open for select hotels.  Please continue to search for your housing needs on the hotel page.

When making a reservation, some nights are unavailable for the dates I need. What should I do?
Reserve a room for the dates that are available and then send an email to FRI@maritz.com and request the additional nights. The housing team will work to add inventory with the hotel and will update you if they are able to accommodate.

I've been contacted by a company trying to get me to book hotel rooms - is this legitimate?
We have received reports that other companies are posing as the official housing vendor for FRI and may contact you offering housing for your trip. They are not endorsed by or affiliated with the IAFC or FRI and entering into financial agreements with such companies can have costly consequences.

A hotel poacher/pirate is any unaffiliated hotel or third-party housing company that acts as an official housing company and solicits business from FRI participants. When individuals book hotel accommodations through poachers or pirates, the consequences can be costly; event participants may be left without hotel rooms when they arrive at the event and incur fraudulent charges on their credit cards.

I am a presenter for the conference - where can I go to find information?
Presenters will use their custom Presenter Portal to find the latest information and details surrounding their sessions. Any questions can be directed to Brittany Bowman.

Will I receive credit for the sessions I attended?
The IAFC provides transcripts for attendees seeking educational credit hours for educational sessions attended during FRI. To receive your transcript, participants will be scanned into each session attended. It is the attendee's responsibility to ensure that they have their badge scanned upon entry to each room, including general sessions.  More information can be found on the Transcript page.

I am interested in completing a level of the Officer Development Program at FRI. Do I need to register for a level in advance?
You will be asked during registration your plans to complete a level of ODP. Please indicate it in your registration. If you do not register to complete a level and change your mind, you can still attend all of the necessary classes to earn your certificate. Additional information is posted on the ODP Information page.

Where can I find session information?
Session information will be published on the Education page as it becomes available.

Do I need to register for specific sessions?
No, all sessions are first-come, first-served. You can create an account on the FRI website to favorite (Star Symbol) sessions, presenters, fellow attendees, and events as well as build your own agenda. This account creation will also give you access to the conference mobile app.

What are the booth rules for FRI?
Please view the Booth Rules and Regulations for information on booth height regulations, what is considered a booth violation, booth backwall height allowance, banners, balloons, smoke/fog machines and information on many other items and what is and is not allowed.
If you have any questions about the design of your booth, please contact the exhibits team at (703) 896-4830 or via email at exhibits@iafc.org 

What is included with my booth space?
Pipe and draping is only included with non-island space. Floor covering is not mandatory unless you are displaying a vehicle. Carpet, furniture, and other booth furnishings can be ordered through the Exhibitor Service Manual, view all vendors. Electric and internet is not included with your booth space but may be ordered. FRI will have free Wi-Fi. All booths receive 3 exhibitor badges per 100 square feet with 2 badges per additional 100 square feet. Read all details and costs.

How do I register my booth staff?
All booths receive 3 exhibitor badges per 100 square feet with 2 badges per additional 100 square feet. View all booth staff registration details.

For questions regarding exhibits, please contact Exhibitor Customer Support

Where are all of the exhibitor order forms and information located?
All vendors and forms can be found on the Service Vendors Page.

Is insurance required?
As of January 2023, blanket liability insurance coverage is included as part of your your booth fees. Exhibitors do not need to submit a certificate of insurance unless they will be utilizing an EAC (Exhibitor Appointed Contractor) in which case, either the exhibitor or the EAC will need to submit a COI for that EAC. Details can be found here.

When can I move in to set-up my booth?
View the official FRI Exhibitor Schedule.

Can I carry my booth items/products in myself?
Yes, but they must be able to be carried by hand. See POV info for additional services and instructions.

Is floor covering or carpeting required?
Carpeting is not required (unless you are displaying a vehicle) and is not included with your booth. You may bring your own carpet or purchase carpet through the Exhibitor Service Manual.

Can I sell my products/service at the show?
You may sell your products and/or services at the event. You will be responsible for any applicable taxes.

I'd like to join the IAFC to take advantage of the discounted registration rates. What do I do?
Click here to join the IAFC to take advantage of the member rate prior to completing your FRI Conference registration. Have a membership question? Contact membership@iafc.org.

I'm a member of the press - do you have press registration?
Please send all press requests to the IAFC's communications department at media@iafc.org.

When and where is the FRI 2023?
FRI 2023 is August 16 - 18 in Kansas City, Missouri at the Kansas City Convention Center.

Where is the conference next year in 2024?
FRI 2024 will be held August 7 - 9 in Dallas, Texas.  

Who are the event contacts for FRI?
Please find the event contacts here.

Is there parking available at the Kansas City Convention Center?
More information about the convention center parking can be found here. There are also several parking garages available in the downtown area walking distance to the convention center. 

Is translation available?
All FRI education sessions will be conducted in English. At this time, translation services are not provided.

What are the networking events and where will they be held?
Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall | Wednesday, August 16 | 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday Night Networking Event | Thursday, August 17 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Diversity Breakfast | Friday, August 18 | 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | additional ticket required

There will also be dedicated time in the Exhibit Hall both Thursday and Friday to allow for additional networking opportunities.

Do I need a ticket for the special events?
Tickets for the Welcome Reception and the Thursday Night Networking Event are included with FRI full conference registration. 
Expo Only and Exhibitor registration include tickets to the Welcome Reception. Tickets to the Thursday Night Networking Event can be added on during registration or at the door.

Tickets for the Diversity Breakfast are not included in any registration packages and can be added on to your registration for an additional fee.

What are the Exhibit Hall hours?
The Exhibit Hall hours are as follows:

• Wednesday, August 16 | 3:00 - 7:00 PM
• Thursday, August 17 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Friday, August 18 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Are children allowed in the Exhibit Hall?
All children under the age of 16 are admitted free into FRI exhibits and must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be registered and wear appropriate credentials. No children are permitted onto the exhibit floor during move-in and move-out of exhibits. Children will not be permitted into the general session or other meetings and educational events.

Does FRI have a conference app?
Navigate FRI like a pro with the conference mobile app. Go to your device's App Store or Google Play and search for IAFC Events. FRI 2023 App information. 

Will internet be available during the conference?
Complimentary Wi-Fi access will be available at the Kansas City Convention Center.

What meals are provided at the conference?
The following food functions will take place at FRI 2022:

• Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall | Wednesday, August 16, 3:30 - 6:30 PM | light refreshments will be provided
• Thursday Night Networking Event | Thursday, August 17, 5:00 - 7:00 PM | light refreshments will be provided
• Diversity Breakfast | Friday, August 18 | 7:00 - 8:30 AM | breakfast will be provided (additional ticket required)

Is the Kansas City Convention Center an accessible buildling?
The Kansas City Convention Center is dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience to all patrons including services for those who may need auditory, visual or mobility assistance.  More information can be found here. 

My question is not here! Who should I contact?
We're sorry we couldn't anticipate your needs. Please email us at conferences@iafc.org for assistance.