Annual Conference FAQs
Annual Conference FAQs
Get answers to your question about GFOA’s 119th Annual Conference, taking place from June 29–July 2, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington, DC
How do I register for the conference?
Log in to your GFOA account and register online, here.
Please note if you have an outstanding balance on any conference registrations or ticket orders, only credit cards will be accepted onsite. Additionally, your registration must be paid in full to receive your conference badge and access to sessions.
What is the registration fee for conference?
Government Members each pay: $575
Private Sector Members each pay: $775
Non-Members each pay: $1065
Students each pay: $175
Retired Government Members each pay: $50
Preconference sessions fee are: $205 per session for Government Members, $245 per session for Private Sector Members, $270 per session for Non-Members, discounted pricing is not available for students or retired registrants.
I am a member of my state GFOA. Does this make me eligible to receive the GFOA member discount rates?
Membership in a state or provincial association does not transfer to national GFOA membership. GFOA members receive discounted rates. Please visit GFOA’s membership page to read about fees and learn more about becoming a member. If you have any questions about membership, please contact GFOA's membership department.
I need to register multiple staff from my office. Can I create an account online and register everyone under that account?
At this time groups of individuals cannot be registered together. Please have each attendee log in and complete registration using their existing GFOA account.
Can I register for the conference over the phone?
We do not accept registrations over the phone. Please register for the conference online.
How do I register as a student or retiree?
Please fill out this PDF form and submit it to training@gfoa.org.
Please note you must be a student or retiree member of GFOA to be eligible for this discounted pricing.
When I register online, do I have the option of paying by check?
Yes, when you’re registering for the conference using GFOA’s eStore, please select the “Pay Later” option and enter “Check” and the check number in the P.O. field (i.e., Check #XXXX). Please mail your check then to GFOA, 203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2700, Chicago, IL 60601.
Please note if you have an outstanding balance on any conference registrations or ticket orders, only credit cards will be accepted onsite. Additionally, your registration must be paid in full to receive your conference badge and access to sessions.
Once I submit my conference registration, will I receive a confirmation?
Yes, a copy of the confirmation and invoice will be emailed to the registrant as a PDF attachment.
What are the dates for the cancellation and refund policy?
Conference and preconference seminar cancellations, registration changes, and refund requests must be made in writing to GFOA at training@gfoa.org.
There will be a $50 fee for all attendee cancellations received before May 16, 2025.
Attendee cancellations received between May 16, 2025, and June 18, 2025, will be refunded, less a 50 percent service fee.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after June 18, 2025.
No refunds will be issued for the Tuesday Night Closing Event after June 13, 2025.
I have a past credit for a conference registration. Will I be automatically registered for the DC conference?
No, if you have received a past credit, we ask that you register and then please contact us at training@gfoa.org so we can assist in applying your credit.
Will I need a REAL ID to attend the conference?
If you are flying to the conference from within the US, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board your flight. This requirement will be in effect during the span of the conference.
A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. It's identified by a gold star in the top right corner. Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID (or a passport) will be required for domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities. Learn more here.
When will I receive my badge?
Badges will be available to be picked up onsite at registration located in the East Salon, Street Level, off the Grand Lobby, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The conference registration desk and self check-in kiosks will be open during the following times:
Friday, June 27 - 11:30am–4:00pm
Saturday, June 28 - 7:30am–4:00pm
Sunday, June 29 - 8:00am–4:00pm
Monday, June 30 - 8:00am–4:00pm
Tuesday, July 1 - 8:00am–4:00pm
Do you have downloadable information about the conference?
Will there be a first-time attendee scholarship offered for 2025?
No, unfortunately the first-time attendee scholarship is not being offered for GFOA's 119th Annual Conference.
If I am previously registered, how do I add a guest?
Follow these steps to add a guest:
Click on the 119th Annual Conference Registration Link: Click here to access the registration link.
View the "Registration" Box: Below the conference event details, locate the "Registration" box.
Add a Guest: Click on Add a guest.
Complete the Register Guest Form: Fill out the form with the guest's details and select Save and Close.
Confirm Registration: Click on Check Out & Confirm Registration to finalize the process.
What are preconference seminars?
Preconference seminars are designed to give participants a more in-depth look into current issues before the conference even begins! GFOA’s preconference seminars also offer a great opportunity for you to earn additional CPE credits. This year’s preconference seminars will take place on Friday, June 27, 2025, and Saturday, June 28, 2025. Learn more here.
What are this year’s preconference offerings? How do I register? Will breakfast or lunch be available?
Click here for details on this year’s offerings, CPE credit awarded, and to register.
Taking an afternoon session on Friday or Saturday?
An afternoon snack will be available in your session room.
Taking a morning session on Saturday?
A continental breakfast will be available in your session room.
Taking a morning and afternoon session on Saturday?
Enjoy a continental breakfast and afternoon snack in your session room, as well as a grab-and-go lunch.
What is the registration fee for preconference sessions?
Preconference sessions fee are: $205 per session for Government Members, $245 per session for Private Sector Members, $270 per session for Non-Members.
Where are the preconference seminars being held?
Preconference seminars will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Is the fee for preconference seminars per course?
Yes, there is a fee to attend each preconference seminar.
Where are the sessions are being held?
Sessions will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC. 20001
How many sessions will be available?
More than seventy sessions will be available. Click here to view sessions.
What is the schedule of conference sessions?
The general session begins at 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Sessions conclude at 12:10 pm on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Click here to visit the conference schedule overview for more details. Click here to see concurrent session listings.
How many CPE credits are available?
It is possible to earn more than 20 continuing professional education (CPE) credits at GFOA’s Annual Conference. Additional CPE credits can be earned by attending one or more of GFOA’s preconference seminars.
GFOA is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.
Do I need to pre-select the concurrent sessions I plan to attend at conference?
No, delegates do not need to select the sessions they want to attend in advance. However, seating may be limited, so we recommend arriving early for the best seating options.
Who are this year’s keynote speakers?
Keynote presenters will focus on delivering a perspective about current events, public finance knowledge, and essential leadership skills that can benefit all finance professionals. Stay tuned to learn more about this year's keynote speakers!
Will conference be recorded?
All content is presented for an in-person experience and is not recorded for future access.
How do I become a conference exhibitor?
If you are interested in exhibiting, click here to learn more and access the contract and floorplan.
How do I become a conference sponsor?
Sponsorship is a great way to get your company noticed beyond the Exhibit Hall floor, click here to learn more.
Who is GFOA’s official housing company?
Connections Housing is the ONLY official housing company for this event and will not contact attendees directly to make a reservation. Booking through GFOA’s official housing provider will ensure that attendees receive the GFOA discounted rate and are working with a reputable company and that credit card information is secure. Book here.
Will there be shuttles available between hotels and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
No, GFOA block hotels are within walking distance of the convention center and the Marriott Grand Marquis is connected by a pedestrian bridge on the Lower Level.
Will transportation be provided between the airport and conference hotels?
No, transportation between the airport and hotels is not provided. There are a number of ways to get to and from DC are airports. Transportation options include taxicabs, ride-share services, and shuttles.
How do I get to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?
GFOA block hotels are within walking distance of the convention center and the Marriott Grand Marquis is connected by a pedestrian bridge on the Lower Level.
Learn more about the public transit and parking options available near the convention center here.
Will there be a Closing Event?
Yes, the Closing Event exclusive for ticketed GFOA conference participants and guests will take place Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at The Anthem DC featuring Night Ranger. Learn more.
Looking for something to do?
Click here for recommendations and city information provided by Destination DC.
What weather can be expected in June and July?
Summer visitors to Washington, DC will experience warm weather, averaging in the eighties. For the latest weather information, go to weatherchannel.com.
How do I join the online Annual Conference Member Community?
Click here to join GFOA's Annual Conference Member Community. In this community, you'll be able to engage with fellow attendees, ask questions about the conference, and get updates leading up to Orlando. This community is for active government members of GFOA. You can sign in by using your GFOA username and password.
Will meals be provided during conference?
Lunch will be provided on Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1, to all registered delegates, but not to exhibitors and guests.
Can GFOA accommodate dietary restrictions at the Annual Conference?
Yes, GFOA can accommodate dietary restrictions for attendee lunches on Monday and Tuesday. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and kosher options are available if requested in advance. During the registration process, there is a section to note your dietary needs. If you have any questions, please email conference@gfoa.org.
What is the dress attire for the preconference seminars and conference sessions?
We recommend wearing business casual attire and comfortable shoes.
Will photos and/or videos be taken during the conference and events?
By attending this conference, your photo is subject to be taken and used for various promotional purposes, including posts made on social media during the event.
Where can I find the latest information on the conference?
Stay up-to-date on current developments by visiting gfoa.org/conference.
What should I do if I have a question that is not on this list?
We’re happy to assist you with any additional questions you may have about this year’s event. Please contact us.