Frequently Asked Questions

Will meals be provided?  

• Breakfast will be provided Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the conference. Other meals or snacks will be the responsibility of the attendee. We are taking care to ensure that there are a variety of options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options. If you have any dietary restrictions, please reach out to us at conference@collegiaterecovery.org

Where can I get lunch nearby?

• The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is conveniently located near a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or specific dietary accommodations, here are some nearby recommendations:
  • Fast Food & Quick Bites
    • River Blends Café: Located within the hotel, this café offers quick-service options for breakfast and lunch. 
    • The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk: Adjacent to the hotel, this shopping center features a food court with various fast-food options, including Subway and Raising Cane’s.
  • Sit-Down & Local Fare
    • Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: Famous for its charbroiled oysters, Drago’s is located within the hotel and offers a full seafood menu. 
    • Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern: A short walk away, this restaurant serves American fare with a Southern twist in a casual setting. 
    • Cochon: Located in the Warehouse District, Cochon offers Cajun Southern cooking with locally sourced pork, fresh produce, and seafood. 
  • Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options
    • Sweet Soul Food: A vegan restaurant offering a rotating menu of soul food classics like mac & cheese, jambalaya, and cornbread. Many dishes are gluten-free. 
    • I-tal Garden: Specializes in vegan and gluten-free dishes, including fried oyster mushrooms and raw tacos. Note: Open Friday through Sunday. 
    • Bearcat Café: Offers a balanced menu with both vegan and non-vegan options, including gluten-free dishes. Known for its ranchero bowl and breakfast potatoes. 
  • Breads on Oak: A 100% vegan bakery and café serving organic breads, pastries, and lunch items like sandwiches and salads. They also offer gluten-free options. 
  • True Food Kitchen: Focuses on health-driven, seasonal food with a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• These options are all within walking distance or a short ride from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, ensuring you have convenient access to a variety of lunch choices during the conference.

Where do I park? 

• Parking is available onsite at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, where the conference is being held. Here are the details:
  • Self-Parking:
    • Located in the hotel’s connected parking garage (Poydras Garage) for $44/day (subject to change). Enter via Convention Center Blvd or Poydras Street.
  • Valet Parking:
    • Available at the hotel’s main entrance for approximately $49/day and includes in/out privileges.
  • Note: Parking rates are set by the hotel and are subject to change. Attendees staying at the Hilton are encouraged to check with the front desk for the most up-to-date pricing and in/out policies.
• Nearby Alternative Parking Options:
  • Harrah’s Casino Parking Garage (500 Poydras St)
    • Located a few blocks away and often offers lower daily rates (check restrictions).
  • Premium Parking – P296 or P194
    • Several lots nearby with mobile pay and daily max rates around $20–30. The Outlet Mall lot is one option and is adjacent to the host hotel. 
• Getting Around Without a Car
  • New Orleans is a very walkable city, and the Hilton is centrally located near streetcars, the French Quarter, and many restaurants. If you’re flying in or staying nearby, you may not need a car during the conference. 
  • Rideshare Services:
    • Uber and Lyft both operate extensively throughout New Orleans. Pick-up and drop-off zones are available directly outside the hotel. Ideal for quick trips to the French Quarter, Garden District, or anywhere beyond walking distance.
  • Streetcar Lines
    • New Orleans’ historic streetcars are a scenic and budget-friendly way to explore the city.
    • Nearest Line: The Riverfront Streetcar stops right outside the hotel. Fares: $1.25 per ride or $3 for a Jazzy Pass (unlimited rides for 24 hours).
    • Where to Buy: On board with exact change, or via the Le Pass app.
    • Popular Routes Nearby:
      • Riverfront Line – Along the Mississippi, great for reaching the French Market and Aquarium.
      • St. Charles Line – Classic green streetcars head uptown past mansions and oak-lined streets.
      • Canal Street Line – Runs toward Mid-City and City Park.
  • Public Bus System (RTA)
    • Extensive bus network throughout the city
    • Same fare as the streetcar system: $1.25 per ride
    • Download the Le Pass app for schedules, routes, and mobile payments
  • Walking
    • The Hilton is centrally located:
      • ~5 min to the French Quarter
      • ~10 min to Canal Street
      • ~15 min to the Warehouse Arts District
  • Bikes and Scooters
    • Blue Bikes: NOLA offers short-term rentals through an app
    • Electric scooters are not currently available due to city regulations

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?

• The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is approximately 13 miles from the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. While the hotel does not offer a complimentary airport shuttle, there are several reliable transportation options:
  • Airport Shuttle
    • Airport Shuttle New Orleans is the official shuttle service from MSY.
    • Cost: ~$28 one-way /~$50 round-trip (subject to change)
    • Travel Time: 30–45 minutes depending on traffic
    • A reservation is highly recommended. Visit airportshuttleneworleans.com or book at the airport kiosk.
  • Taxi Service
    • Flat rate to/from downtown (including Hilton): $36 for up to 2 passengers and $15 per additional person (subject to change). 
    • Available 24/7 outside airport baggage claim
  • Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
    • Pick-up area: Level 3 of the MSY Parking Garage
    • Cost: ~$35–$45 depending on demand
    • Tip: Check both apps for pricing and availability at time of arrival
  • Car Rentals
    • Available at the MSY Consolidated Rental Car Facility
    • Note: Parking at the Hilton is limited and relatively expensive (see “Where do I park?” FAQ)
  • Public Transit**
    • JeT Bus E-2 from the airport to downtown New Orleans via RTA:
    • Budget-friendly (~$1.25), but may take 60–90 minutes and involves transfers
    • Note: Best for those familiar with the city or traveling light
• Most attendees find rideshare or the Airport Shuttle to be the most convenient options. If you have additional mobility needs or are arriving in a group, reach out to the Hilton concierge in advance for support.

How do I connect to the internet? 

• Hotel guests may enjoy free internet access in the common areas of the conference. For those staying at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, your room comes with internet access for up to 5 devices; please follow the instructions you receive at check-in for the hotel. Please note: there is no wifi access in the conference meeting rooms.

What is the conference dress code? 

• Dress for the conference is casual to business casual—comfort is key!
• New Orleans in late June is hot and humid, with average daytime temperatures in the mid- to upper-80s°F and high humidity. Evenings typically remain warm, with lows in the mid-70s°F.
• Most conference activities will take place indoors at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, where air conditioning can be quite cool, so we recommend bringing a light jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt for your comfort.
• Breathable fabrics, comfortable shoes, and layers will help you stay comfortable both inside and while enjoying the city.

Will there be recovery meetings on-site? 

• The Conference Planning Committee has planned a variety of recovery meetings each day of the conference which may be found in the schedule. They occur Thursday to Saturday of the conference at 7:00am, 11:30am, and 7:30 pm in the Bridge room. You can also find links to lists of local recovery meetings in the conference app. 

When is the registration deadline and how much does it cost?

• Late registration may be purchased up to the last day of the conference for $775/person for non-members, $625 for members of ARHE, ARS, or AAPG, $325 for students, or $300 for a one-day pass. Early Bird pricing at discounted rates generally opens around 9 months prior to the conference. See the Registration Desk for details or questions. 

Why is registration required?

• Event registration is vital for successful event planning. Events of this size require a lot of time, effort, and planning that incur a variety of costs. Your registration fee helps to ensure these costs are covered and that the conference can continue to occur year after year. 

When does the registration desk open? 

• Registration will open on Wednesday, June 25th at 10:00 AM and will follow the schedule below. Please refer to the schedule in the conference app for the most up-to-date information
  • Wednesday, June 25th (The District)
    10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, June 26th (The District)
    7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday, June 27th (The District)
    7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 28th (The District)
    7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 29th (The District)
    7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

How do you handle accommodation requests? 

• People with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) who require conference access and/or reasonable accommodation and access  to learning materials that are prepared specifically for the conference should notify ARHE of this need during their registration process so that accommodations may be met. If accommodations were not listed during registration, please make us aware as soon as possible so that appropriate plans can be made. All service animals are welcome at the conference but must have visible indication/work vest and documentation available.

What is the refund/cancellation policy? 

• Please note that we will fully refund your ticket upon request until Friday, April 11, 2025, less a $50 administrative fee. Refund requests received between April 11, 2025 – May 16, 2025 will be refunded at 50%, less a $50 administrative fee. Refunds may not be granted after May 16, 2025. Cancellation requests or refund requests must be submitted in writing to Louise Irizarry at recovery@collegiaterecovery.org  
• Tickets may be transferred to another individual. All transfer requests should be sent to Louise Irizarry at recovery@collegiaterecovery.org  
• If choosing the option to “Pay Later” by Check or Purchase Order, you are agreeing that this registration is binding and held to the same refund/cancellation policy as a registration paid in full by credit card. Full payment must be received by Friday, May 16, 2025. If full payment is not received by this date, your registration may be cancelled and a new registration with full payment at the late registration conference rate will be required, unless otherwise notified in writing by Louise Irizarry.

What happens to photos and videos taken at the conference? 

• We will be taking photos and encouraging social media engagement using the hashtags #ARHE2025 and #ARS2025 and #AAPG2025. We will be taking photos and encouraging social media engagement using the hashtags #ARHE2025 and #ARS2025 and #AAPG2025. Many sessions will also be recorded with the presenter’s permission, though the recordings will be done in-house and will take additional time before they can be made available. Photos may be utilized in future promotional materials. Unless specific requests are made in writing, all conference participants agree to the use of their likeness. Requests should be made in writing to conference@collegiaterecovery.org. All session videos will be made available post-conference for registrants to access and instructions for accessing this video library will be emailed to all conference registrants in July. 

How do I make a grievance, complaint or report a concern? 

• Every effort has been made to make your conference experience a great one! If you have a concern please bring it to the registration desk. Every effort will be made to resolve your concern. 
• To report an immediate issue or concern, simply fill out the issues reporting form: https://questionpro.com/t/AVEy4Z6Mv4 This form can be completed anonymously, though if contact details are provided, you may request that conference staff contact you directly to provide a response and/or resolution to the issue. This form will be monitored by full-time ARHE Staff throughout the conference. 
• General feedback (including positive feedback!) can be submitted post-conference via the conference evaluation form which will be sent by email to all registered attendees. While this feedback form should not be utilized to file a formal or specific complaint that requires immediate attention, general feedback can be provided here to improve the experience for next year!
• Formal grievances must be made via email to conference@collegiaterecovery.org within 7 days of the event of concern.

ARHE Annual Members Meeting

• Who can attend the ARHE Annual Members Meeting?
  • The ARHE Annual Members Meeting is open only to current members of ARHE. Though it coincides with conference week, conference registration does not grant access to the ARHE Annual Meeting. If you have questions about your membership status, please see Mack Park at the Registration Desk. 
• When and where is the ARHE Annual Meeting?
  • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM in Regency DEFG, followed by Regional Meet-ups in assigned rooms from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Please check the conference schedule or app for the most up-to-date information. 

Awards Recognition Event

• When and where are the 2025 ARHE/ARS/AAPG Annual Awards?
  • The Awards Recognition Event will be hosted on Wednesday, June 25th from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM in St. James room on the second floor of the main building. 
  • How do I attend the 2025 ARHE/ARS/AAPG Annual Awards?
  • This event is open to all conference registrants. Dress is suggested as business casual, but come as fancy or as dressed down as you’d like. Light refreshments will be served. 

Is continuing education offered?

• Yes. Full continuing education information can be found in our Continuing Education document on our conference webpage, in the mobile app, and in the onsite program. 

Is there a mobile app for this year’s conference?

• Yes; Install the free ‘eventScribe’ app, available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Open it and search for ‘ARHE/ARS/AAPG Annual Conference 2025’. Log in using your email address and password (Registration ID) provided to you by email when you registered. Please contact conference@collegiaterecovery.org before the conference, or stop by the registration desk during the conference if you need help!

Where can I access the schedule for this year’s conference?

• The most up-to-date information will be in the conference app. You may also find the schedule in the printed onsite program.

Do you accept workshop proposals?

• Yes, but they are closed at this time. Proposal submissions typically open between mid-November and late-January prior to the conference. Be sure to check our website leading up to the 2026 conference and join our newsletter list.

When is next year’s conference? 

• June 26- 30, 2026 in Denver, CO at the Denver Marriott Tech Center
• Accommodations are $219.00/night + taxes

Don’t see your question answered? Email us at conference@collegiaterecovery.org before the conference or visit the Registration Desk any time during the conference.