Registration FAQ

1. I just found out I can't attend for a really good reason. Can I get a refund?
Registrations are nonrefundable, but they can be transferred to a third party for a nonrefundable fee of $25 if you cannot attend this year. To transfer a registration, please fill out The Texas Tribune Festival 2012 Transfer Form and email it to TribuneFestReg@sxsw.com or fax to 512.452.4775. There is no deadline for a registration transfer.

2. What are The Texas Tribune's (and its registration processor SXSW, Inc.) refund policies?
PLEASE READ!
The Texas Tribune and its registration processor, SXSW, Inc., at their sole discretion may cancel or refuse registrations/applications/purchases from any individual or company at any time. By clicking on the Finish Transaction button or authorizing payment for Texas Tribune Festival 2012 in any form, the payor agrees to the following policies:
a) Payments are not refundable for any reason, including, but not limited to, failure to use Texas Tribune Festival credentials due to illness, acts of God, travel-related problems and loss of employment.
b) Unused registrations have no monetary value and cannot be credited to future years or events.
c) Badges are issued to individuals and can be picked up and used only by the individual named.
d) If you have been granted a registration coupon and fail to redeem it during the registration process, you will not be refunded or credited the difference.
e) Please read our Terms of Use.

3. What's the easiest way to register for The Texas Tribune Festival?
The quickest and easiest way is to register online and pay by credit card. You will also be able to book hotel accommodations through the housing department after registering. If you must pay by check, the form is available here. To pay by wire transfer, you must be a publicly held international corporation, government or state agency, or educational institution. Please fill out a registration form and return it to the SXSW offices by mail or email. Due to long transaction times, SXSW will not accept wire transfers after Sept. 9. You can obtain transfer details by emailing TribuneFestReg@sxsw.com. You may also register onsite at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center.

4. How will I know that my registration form and payment were received?
After you register online, you can expect a confirmation email within 24 hours. The confirmation is sent by email to the address provided on the registration form and will show that we have received your payment and will include a receipt.

5. To whom do I make my check payable?
Checks should be made out to "SXSW, Inc." with the invoice number(s) noted on the memo line. They should be mailed to:
SXSW Inc
P.O. Box 685289
Austin, TX 78768

6. When should I arrive in Austin?
Check The Texas Tribune Festival’s website for scheduling updates and to sign up for regular email alerts with programming information. We will be releasing the full festival schedule a little closer to the date of the event. The Registration Desk will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, and the opening event will begin on Friday at 6 p.m. See FAQ No. 9 for a full list of registration hours.

7. What are the exclusive breakfast events?
When you register, you will have the chance to purchase a ticket to the small breakfast events taking place at AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012. To attend one of these events, you must purchase a ticket in addition to your festival registration. There will be one breakfast for each track of programming: Energy & Environment, Race & Immigration, Public & Higher Education, Health & Human Services, Trade & Transportation and Law & Order. A speaker from each of these tracks will host an intimate discussion with the group. A buffet breakfast will be provided. Only 20 tickets will be sold to each breakfast for $50 each.

8. Where do I pick up my badge?
You can pick up your badge at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center (1900 University Ave. on the University of Texas campus at MLK Blvd. and Lavaca Street) when the registration desk is open.

9. When is the festival registration desk open?
Friday, Sept. 21, 1 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 22, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 23, 7 a.m. - noon

10. What documents will I need to pick up my badge?
To receive your 2012 Texas Tribune Festival badge, you will be asked to present a government-issued ID. While in line, keep an eye out for directional signs to guide you on your way to the registration area.

11. Now I’m registered, how can I find out who is presenting?
We will make the schedule available closer to the date of the festival. Keep checking the official Texas Tribune Festival website for the latest information. 

12. I just found out that I can only stay for part of The Texas Tribune Festival. Can I transfer my issued badge?
No. Once a badge has been issued to you, we cannot reissue the badge to a different person.

13. I am a student. How can I obtain the student discount for The Texas Tribune Festival?
You can obtain the $50 student discount by emailing proof of enrollment (a letter from your admissions office or registrar confirming enrollment) to TribuneFestReg@sxsw.com or by faxing proof of enrollment to 512-452-4775. Please provide your name, the name of your educational institution and your email address. After receiving proof of enrollment, the registration coordinators will email you a coupon code to redeem online. Any questions can be directed to tribunefestreg@sxsw.com

14. Why can I not access the shopping cart with my Texas Tribune login information?
The Texas Tribune website and the Texas Tribune Festival have different logins. You cannot use your Texas Tribune member login info to access your Texas Tribune Festival shopping cart. To create a shopping cart account, click on Create Account in the upper right hand corner of the shopping cart page.

For all other inquiries, please reach us directly at the following addresses:
- For registration questions, please contact TribuneFestReg@sxsw.com
- For hotel reservation questions, contact TribuneFestHousing@sxsw.com
- For volunteering questions, contact TribuneFestVol@sxsw.com
- For membership questions, contact Natalie Choate at membership@texastribune.org
- For other questions, contact festival@texastribune.org