Welcome to the 2016 IRE Conference

Welcome to the 2016 IRE Conference. Below are a few bits of information to help you prepare for this great conference!

For the most up-to-date information about panels, speakers and special events at the conference, please visit our conference website at: https://www.ire.org/conferences/ire-2016/

Hotel information

The conference is taking place at the New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130.

Registration

Conference registration opens Wednesday at 2 p.m. and will re-open Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Registration remains open Friday and Saturday.

Weather

New Orleans weather will be in the high 80's to low 90's this week with rain chances each day. See the New Orleans full weather report - thanks to weatherchannel.com.

Complimentary wireless internet during the conference

Complimentary wireless internet will be offered in the meeting space for attendees during the IRE conference. Signs will be posted near the registration desk with the wireless access code. In addition, attendees staying at the New Orleans Marriott in the IRE block will receive complimentary internet in their guest rooms.

Have a question or need help in a session

Room monitors will be stationed in the hallways during sessions and will be happy to answer your questions. Additionally, if you need something, email IREhelp@ire.org and IRE staff will respond as quickly as possible.

Recent updates and events you don't want to miss:

IRE Board Meeting

2 p.m., Thursday, June 16 in Riverview 1, located on the 41st floor of the New Orleans Marriott

This meeting is open to all IRE members.

Traditional New Orleans Second Line parade and welcome reception

6:45 p.m., Thursday, June 16

Don't miss the traditional New Orleans Second Line parade that will depart the New Orleans Marriott on Thursday at 6:45pm to head to the welcome reception at the Aquarium. Join in the excitement with the band and grab your beads to take part in this New Orleans tradition. Each attendee at the welcome reception will receive one drink ticket and light appetizers will be served.

Media lawyers brown bag

12:45 p.m., Friday, June 17 in Galerie 6

Does your investigation contain complex legal questions? Unsure of how to proceed? During the media lawyers brown bag, between 12:45 and 2:15 p.m. on Friday, June 17, bring your lunch and your questions for a personal discussion with some prominent media law experts. We'll provide drinks and dessert.

Closing Reception

6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 18 in Acadia

Enjoy one last evening of catching up with friends, speakers, and colleagues. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available.

IRE Conference App

Don't forget to download the conference app before you leave for the conference. Have the latest schedule at your fingertips throughout the conference, check speaker bios, plan your own schedule, and keep up-to-date with any panel changes that happen. You also have the option to network with other attendees and complete session/panel evaluations directly from the app (you will also receive a daily email with the evaluation if you prefer to complete it that way). Please be sure to complete evaluations as these help us plan next year's conference.

Internet is not required for the app to work once it's downloaded; however, it is necessary to receive any updates that are sent out. Complimentary internet will be available in the meeting space throughout the conference. The app is available for iOS, Android, Blackberry and web-enabled devices. Download the app!

Conference addendums

Be sure to check the conference app (daily updates icon) or your email each day. This is where you will receive the conference addendum with any last minute changes. A few paper copies will also be available at the registration desk each morning.

Broadcast Show & Tell and one-on-one mentoring

Show & Tell sessions allow you to share your investigations with colleagues from around the country. Veteran broadcasters will moderate each session. Each slot runs for 10 minutes. Details on signing up can be found here.

One-on-one mentoring sessions will be available during the conference with Al Tompkins and Barry Nash and Company. Click here for additional details and to sign up for Al Tompkins. Click here for additional details and to sign up for Barry Nash and Company.

Twitter/Student blog

Use #IRE16 during the conference and stop by the registration desk to see live tweets on the announcement monitor. We've got a full team of bloggers and you can see their work online and in the conference app.

Special training

Be sure to check out the list of special sessions, social events, and other activities that are taking place this week. See the full list here.

Contact IRE

We want everyone to have a great conference. If you have any concerns, run into any problems or need to contact a member of the IRE staff for any reason, we've set up several ways to reach us. Please remember that whether you're in a session, walking the hallway or hanging out at the bar, it's important to respect all of your fellow attendees. IRE and NICAR have long been known for our sense of community, and we should all be sure that everyone feels welcome.

Reach out by phone: 573-880-5473

Send a text: 573-880-5473

Send an email: IREhelp@ire.org

Complete the form

We thank you for your continued support and are looking forward to seeing you in New Orleans!