The 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in New Orleans begins next week! To ensure attendees are well-equipped to enjoy their convention experience, taking place June 25-28 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCC) in New Orleans, here is an overview of what you need to know before you head to NATA 2024.
Keep Up With Events, News and Your Fellow ATs
Navigate NATA 2024 like a pro with the NATA 2024 convention app. You can sync the app across all your devices and stay organized with up-to-the-minute exhibitor, session, speaker and on-site event information. You can also use the app to find attendees and connect with your colleagues. Search the App Store (Apple devices) or Google Play for “NATA 2024.” Some features require creating an account and logging in.
Follow NATA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for any need-to-know updates and breaking news. You can also use the #NATA2024 hashtag to share your experience and connect with other attendees.
Convention Daily News will come to your inbox each day of convention. Get a recap of the previous day and check out featured events. For even more news, read NATA Now’s coverage of NATA 2024 every day.
Dress for Comfort and Success
NATA 2024 is a business casual event. New Orleans in June is hot and muggy, with a chance of rain most afternoons, so plan your outfits accordingly. MCC is well-air conditioned, so a light jacket may be needed. Also be considerate of how much walking will take place during the convention.
Athletic shoes with business casual attire are expected and acceptable at NATA 2024. The convention footprint at MCC is large, covering several city blocks. Also note that some events take place at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, which is a 20 minute walk from Hall G. Select convention hotels are within walking distance of MCC.
Scroll down on the “Explore New Orleans” convention webpage to download a map of the area to access MCC, hotels, restaurants and more. Be sure to check the New Orleans weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Alternate Transportation
Select NATA hotels will have air-conditioned shuttle service to MCC for official NATA convention events. All other properties are walking hotels or require local transportation, such as taxi or ride share.
Shuttle service is available June 25-28. Please allow around 30 minutes from your hotel to MCC. Visit the Transportation page of the convention website for more information.
For those who choose to drive, parking is available in surface lots surrounding MCC.
Special Accommodations Are Available
The online registration process includes an opportunity for registrants to request assistance to be able to fully participate (mobility, hearing, vision, etc.) in official convention events. If special accommodations are requested, NATA staff will contact you for details.
If you need to request special accommodations, or make other updates to your registration record, visit the NATA 2024 registration page and enter the email address and password you used to register in the "Already Registered" section.
All facilities being utilized for NATA 2024 meet ADA requirements. Reserved seating at the front and back of all session rooms is available for visually impaired attendees, wheelchair access or anyone who needs it.
NATA 2024 is a Cashless Event
On-site payment options for NATA 2024 are limited to credit/debit cards only. We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
Grab Your Badge at Registration
Upon arrival at NATA 2024, proceed to the registration area inside NATA Connect in MCC, Hall G, to get your badge and other convention materials before attending educational sessions or events. For your convenience, registration will be open daily June 25-28 at the following times:
- 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 25
- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26
- 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27
- 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28
Note: For the safety and security of all convention attendees, NATA doesn’t offer on-site badge reprints.
Stock Up at the Ribbon Bar
After you pick up your registration materials, head to the NATA 2024 ribbon bar and add ribbons corresponding to your setting, professional interests, honors, volunteer service and more. This will help you network with other attendees – and show off!
Question? Get an Answer at the NATA Info Counter
The NATA Info Counter, located in MCC, Hall G, outside NATA Connect, is your go-to spot to connect with an NATA office team member who will be able answer – or get an answer – for any question you have throughout the week. The NATA Info Counter is open:
- 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., June 25
- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26
- 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27
- 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28
Lost and Found
The NATA Info Counter also serves as the Lost and Found Center for NATA 2024. Stop by the counter to drop off something you’ve found or to see if your lost item has been turned in.
Wi-Fi Will Be Available
Wireless internet is available in the lobby food courts, corridors, and public spaces for tasks that are not bandwidth intensive such as reading email and light web browsing.
Mother’s Room
The Mother’s Room is located on the first floor of MCC across from the first aid offices in front of Hall H. The on-site lactation room provides privacy and may be accessed at any time. An additional room is located outside the NATA 2024 footprint in front of Hall B, if needed.
Plan Your Meals
For your convenience, MCC has several dining options, including the Lagniappe Food Court just outside Hall F. You can also catch a meal in the nearby Riverwalk Outlets.
Safety Reminders
As with any destination, we recommend that conference attendees practice common sense and don’t wander into deserted, non-tourist areas of the city. Wear your name badge at all times while in the convention center and remove it when out in public.
- Unsecured Items Policy: Personal belongings shouldn’t be left unattended anywhere during NATA 2024. Unattended items are subject to removal by security. NATA isn’t responsible for unattended items that are destroyed, damaged or stolen.
- See Something, Say Something: If you need to report a safety or security risk to NATA staff, visit customer service in the registration area. If you need to report a security risk within MCC, you may use any red phone inside the center (dial 3040) or dial 504-582-3040 from your personal phone to reach MCC security staff. Note: NATA has been advised not to call 911, as this will delay emergency services arriving to the scene.
- Smoking Policy: In an effort to create a healthy environment for all guests, the use of tobacco is strictly prohibited inside MCC. This includes, but isn’t limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, all forms of vapor cigarettes, cigars, pipes and oral tobacco. Those who wish to use tobacco may do so in designated smoking areas in front of the convention center.
- First Aid Care: If you’re in need of any first aid supplies while in MCC, first aid facilities are located at the Hall H entrance. For emergencies, contact facility security at 204-582-3040 or by dialing 3040 on any red house phone.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
As a first-time convention attendee, you are embarking on an adventure filled with opportunities to learn and network with your colleagues and friends. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you navigate your first NATA convention:
Before You Go
- Review the full convention schedule to familiarize yourself with all the events taking place during NATA 2024.
- Peruse the educational programming, which includes abstracts, and add the ones you’re interested in to your custom convention schedule within the NATA 2024 convention app.
- Consider the exhibitors you want to visit at the AT Expo by checking out the floor plan and using the exhibitor listing/booth search.
- Check out the maps feature on the NATA 2024 convention app to get the lay of the land before arriving in New Orleans.
While On-Site
- When you arrive, the first thing you will want to do is pick up your convention registration materials. Your registration materials will include your name badge, guest badges (if any) and pre-purchased event tickets. Be sure to have your registration email confirmation and photo ID handy.
- Pick up your first-time attendee ribbon from the Ribbon Bar.
- Kick off your convention experience at the NATA Happy Hour 5:15 to 6:15 June 25. Look for signs around the Happy Hour to connect with others in your setting and more.
- Take advantage of other social events such as the 75th Convention Anniversary Celebration held 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. June 26 at Mardi Gras World, the Day Two Party, 7 to 9 p.m. June 27 at the Fillmore and more. Find the full event list on the Special Events page of the convention website.
