POLICY SEMINAR 2025
TRIO has never faced a larger challenge. We need to defend our programs.
The incoming administration has openly targeted education generally and TRIO, in particular, through past budget proposals, which would have eliminated entire programs and shifted TRIO to block grant funding to the states. During the 2025 Policy Seminar, you’ll have the chance to join forces with TRIO alumni, professionals, and advocates nationwide. This event includes our Leadership Summit, Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, and Legislative Conference—a powerful lineup designed to prepare you to advocate fiercely for TRIO. Download the paper registration form here.
Accommodations
To make your experience even more seamless, we’ve partnered with the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill for convenient accommodations close to Capitol Hill.
The Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, located at 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20001, is the host hotel for Policy Seminar 2025 and offers the perfect blend of comfort and proximity to our nation’s capital, putting you at the heart of the action during this impactful event.
Reservation Options:
- Book directly online at hyatt.com with group code G-COE5.
- Or, call the hotel at (202) 737-1234 and provide the group code G-COE5.
Room Rates:
- Single/Double: $369 + taxes and fees, per night.
Reservation Deadline:
To secure this rate, book by Thursday, February 20, 2025. Availability is limited, so reserve as soon as possible—rooms may fill before this date!
This event includes our Leadership Summit, Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, and Legislative Conference—a powerful lineup designed to prepare you to advocate fiercely for TRIO.
AGENDA
- 10:00–11:30 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Plenary: Challenge Accepted
- 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Break-out Sessions
- 12:30–1:45 p.m.: Brunch Buffet and Networking
- 2:00–3:00 p.m.: Part I: Solutions for Today’s TRIO Challenges
- 3:00–3:15 p.m.: Break
- 3:15–4:00 p.m.: Part II: Solutions for Today’s TRIO Challenges
- 4:15–5:00 p.m.: Closing Plenary: The Time for Action is Now
- 9:00–10:00 a.m.: Opening Plenary
- 10:15–11:30 a.m.: Break-out Sessions with U.S. Department of Education Program Officers
- 11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Luncheon Featuring Remarks from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Student Service Senior Director Gaby Watts (Invited)
- 2:15–3:30 p.m.: Break-out Sessions with U.S. Department of Education Program Officers (continued)
- 3:45–5:00 p.m.: Professional Development Sessions to Assist Your Programs
- 2:00–8:00 p.m.: Legislative Conference Registration
- 6:30–7:30 p.m.: Opening Session
- 7:45–8:30 p.m.: Orientation for Hill Team Leaders
- 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.: Registration
- 9:00–10:00 a.m.: Congressional Staff Panel
- 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Advocacy Skills Development (Interactive)
- 12:00–2:00 p.m.: Lunch on Your Own
- 2:00–3:00 p.m.: Member of Congress Address
- 3:00–4:00 p.m.: Capitol Hill Talking Points Overview
- 4:00–4:15 p.m.: Break
- 4:15–5:30 p.m.: State Team Meetings
- 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.: Congressional Visits
- 6:30–7:15 p.m.: Closing Plenary
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Make hotel reservations via hyatt.com or by calling (202) 737-1234 and using the group code G-COE5.
- Single/Double: $369 + taxes and fees, per night.
The cut-off date is Thursday, February 20, 2025, or when the room block is full— whichever comes first.
Pricing
Policy Seminar (Leadership Summit, ED Seminar, and Leg. Conf.) | Policy Seminar (ED Seminar and Leg. Conf.) | Leadership Summit and ED Seminar | ED Seminar ONLY | Leadership Summit and Leg. Conf. | Leg. Conf. ONLY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
For Members | $875 | $655 | $730 | $510 | $665 | $445 |
For Non-Members | $1,025 | $805 | $950 | $730 | $665 | $445 |
Additional Registrations
Legislative Conference ONLY | |
|---|---|
TRIO Alumni* | $200 |
Retiree | $200 |
How to Cover the Cost of Policy Seminar
January 4, 2023
Registration Instructions and Deadlines
For individuals participating in Policy Seminar, COE strongly encourages online registration at coenet.org. Online registrants will receive an immediate receipt.
All registrations not completed online must include a credit card payment, check, or purchase order to be accepted.
The registration fees include all conference sessions and materials. The cost for the Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education provides coffee and rolls in the morning, plus a luncheon. The price for the Leadership Summit includes brunch.
Special Discounts
Newcomer Discount: If you attended last year’s Legislative Conference and plan to bring a newcomer this year, the newcomer can register for half their regular registration rate (member or non-member). These registration forms must be submitted by email at the same time. There is no online registration option for this special offer.
Government Relations/Institutional Representative: If you bring a member of your institution’s Government Relations staff or campus institutional leadership, their registration for the Legislative Conference is also half of their regular registration price. This does not include the Seminar with the Department of Education. Registration for this special discount must be submitted by email—there is no online registration for this special offer.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These half-price discounts apply to the Legislative Conference. For instance, if you register for both the Legislative Conference and the Seminar on Relations with the U.S. Department of Education, the half-price discount will apply only to the Legislative Conference portion.
Important Dates
- Deadline for Early Registration | Monday, February 3, 2025
- Deadline for Hotel Room Block | Thursday, February 20, 2025 (or at capacity)
- Leadership Summit | Sunday, March 16, 2025
- Seminar on Relations with the Education Department | Monday, March 17, 2025
- Legislative Conference | Monday through Wednesday, March 17-19, 2025
Refund Policy
Registration fees paid in advance are refundable (less a $250 processing fee). To request a refund, you must email notice of your registration cancellation to [email protected] on or before Friday, February 28, 2025. COE will process refunds after the seminar ends.
Get in Touch
Questions? Contact Vice President for Public Policy Diane Shust at [email protected].
Diane Shust
Vice President, Public Policy [email protected]
Owen Toomey
Director, Congressional Affairs [email protected]
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