We hope you have an incredible conference experience without incident — but things happen! Here are a number of important resources to help you handle any obstacles that come up while you’re at ONA18.
Code of conduct
We want to remind everyone that ONA has a Code of Conduct for our events. We’re committed to providing a positive environment that is welcoming to all people, and we created the Code of Conduct to clearly state our expectations for staff, supporters, volunteers, speakers and attendees.
Reporting a problem
Please be sure to review the Code of Conduct before we get together in Austin. While there, be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert ONA staff if you notice what you assess to be a dangerous situation, someone in distress or violations of this Code of Conduct. You can also email Head of Programs and Events, Trevor Knoblich, trevor@journalists.org or Director of Programs, Jennifer Mizgata, jennifer@journalists.org.
Your badge
Please wear your badge and keep it visible throughout the conference. Check your email on Wednesday morning for the bar code you’ll scan to pick up your badge at the registration desk.
Registration Desk hours:
- Wednesday, 7–9 p.m.
- Thursday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Conference help
If you need help with anything — whether it’s finding a specific room or getting first aid — find a volunteer wearing a bright orange “Volunteer” T-shirt. You can also visit the Registration and Help Desk across from the JW Grand Ballroom on the fourth floor or tweet with the hashtag #ONA18Help.
Help from the hotel
Mario Alejandro is the Director of Loss Prevention at the JW Marriott Austin. You can reach him at (512) 474-4777 Ext. 4546.
Hotel security personnel are certified in first aid and CPR.
Health and emergencies
In case of emergency:
- Dial 911; TTY 711 (if using a hotel phone, dial “0”)
- Crisis Text Line (connect to a trained crisis counselor): Text HOME to 741741
- Non-emergency police matters: (512) 974-2000
- In the event of an evacuation, follow EXIT signs throughout the hotel.
If you find yourself in need of medical or mental health care, these are some of the nearest facilities to the JW Marriott Austin.
Pharmacies
CVS Pharmacy (5-minute walk from the hotel).
Address: 500 Congress Ave. Austin TX. 78701
Phone: 512-474-2380.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Peoples RX (14-minute drive from the hotel).
Address: 3801 South Lamar, Austin TX. 78704
Phone: 512–444-8866.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Urgent Care
Integral Care Psychiatric Emergency Services (12-minute drive from the hotel)
24-hour crisis hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357).
Non-crisis hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357) – Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk in Clinic: Richard E. Hopkins Behavioral Health Building
Address: 1165 Airport Blvd., Second Floor, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 10pm, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
First Choice Emergency Room Care Center (10-minute drive from the hotel)
Address: 2020 E. Riverside Dr.
Phone: (737) 717-4100.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Austin Emergency Center (11-minute drive from the hotel)
Address: 4015 South Lamar Blvd.
Phone: (512) 774-5780.
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Hospital and Emergency Room
Seton Medical Center Austin (8-12 minute drive from the hotel)
Address: 1201 W 38th St, Austin, TX 78705
Main Phone: 512-324-7000.
Emergency Department: 512 324-7010
For mini-emergencies, you can schedule an appointment.
Recharge
Your mind and body
“Have a recharge strategy” is Irving Washington’s most important advice to introverts for navigating the conference, and it definitely applies to the rest of us, too. While our schedule is packed with learning and networking opportunities, we encourage you to take breaks, whether to rest, reflect on conversations from the sessions or experience something new.
- Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! (Need we say more?) ONA’s Meghan Murphy always has her collapsible water bottle on her conference packing list — it rolls up for easy stowage.
- Go outside with this guide to Austin’s great outdoors from Austin American-Statesman fitness reporter Pam Leblanc.
- See some live music at one of the venues recommended by Austin American-Statesman music critic Deborah Sengupta Stith.
- Grab a bite to eat at one of these incredible downtown Austin eateries serving everything from breakfast tacos to kolaches.
- Wander through the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, which is offering ONA18 badge holders $3 off admission from Sept. 12-16.
Your devices
Here are a few places you can count on if you need to power up your devices powered to stay connected:
- Midway (Lone Star D): Head to the charging lounge sponsored by the Associated Press. There are also powerstrips in the back of the room and space to have impromptu meetings.
- Exhibit Hall (Level 2): Plug in at the charging station sponsored by Bing; sit down at the back of the room where there are powerstrips and space to have a meeting.
- Hotel Lobby: The JW Marriott’s lobby has comfortable seating, outlets and WiFi for work breaks.
