EdLoC will be providing on-site Rapid Antigen testing for everyone attending the event. You must pass this test prior to checking into the convening. In addition to completing a Rapid Antigen test upon arrival, each attendee will be given (2) Rapid Antigen tests to complete each following day of the Convening. These additional tests will be self-administered in your hotel room and a result will need to be shown upon entrance to programming.

f you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will need to present a negative PCR test upon convening check-in. This PCR test must be performed within 48 hours of arrival to the convening.

The convening app, Attendify, will host all the information you need throughout the convening and will help you connect with other members and speakers. Please check the email that you provided at registration for instructions on downloading and accessing the app prior to arrival.

Complimentary Professional Headshots

Exclusively for EdLoC members only, provided by Allyson Huntsman Photography.

Kindred Stories Pop-Up Bookstore

Browse and shop our on-site bookstore featuring values-aligned titles by authors of color.

Boulder Fund Spotlight

Celebrate five years of EdLoC’s venture fund investing in leaders of color who are advancing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the field.

JW Marriot Houston at the Galleria & The Westin Oaks at the Galleria

EdLoC is covering your accommodations for the Convening on April 6 and 7 unless you specified otherwise with Canvas Meetings. Please note, if you have opted to extend your reservation or will arrive earlier, you are responsible for covering the cost of lodging.

We have two hotel blocks for this year’s convening. Please double-check your hotel confirmation email before your arrival. Please plan to provide a credit card upon check-in for incidentals only. You will be financially responsible for any reservation extensions or incidentals.

If you have requested accommodations, you should have received a confirmation email from either the JW Marriott or Westin Oaks. If you have not received this confirmation and it isn’t in your spam folder, please contact Joslyn McGriff at joslyn@canvasmeetings.com.

All convening sessions and events will be held at the JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria, 5150 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056.

If you are staying at The Westin Oaks at the Galleria, complimentary shuttle service will be available throughout the convening. Please check the app for shuttle service times or request a ride at the JW Marriott bell stand.

If you are traveling from William P. Hobby airport (HOU), your ride should cost approximately $26-$36. Please allow at least 30 minutes of travel time to and from the hotel to the airport.

If you are traveling from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), your ride should cost approximately $37 - $50. Please allow at least 40 minutes of travel time to and from the hotel to the airport.

Note: You will be responsible for ground transportation, extended accommodations, and other incidentals incurred while traveling.

The dress code is “relaxed business” or “business casual”. Please dress in layers as the weather can vary.

We look forward to seeing you at the Convening and are making plans accordingly. The refund window for cancellations has passed. If you can no longer attend the convening, kindly let us know by emailing Shawn at nationalconvening@edloc.org.

Should you have any questions, please contact Shawn Branch at nationalconvening@edloc.org.