2024 NCTE Annual Convention

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go

The 2024 NCTE Annual Convention begins soon! Below are the directions you’ll need to prepare for and maximize your experience.

Stay engaged and share your learnings and reflections on social: #NCTE24. We can’t wait to see you in the Boston Seaport!

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has implemented Evolv Express, which requires all attendees entering the building to pass through a state-of-the-art scanning system, along with other enhanced perimeter screening procedures. Evolv Express® uses a safe, ultra-low frequency, electromagnetic field, and advanced sensors to detect concealed weapons. It is a reliable and convenient option to move large groups of guests quickly and safely into an event without making them wait in line or take off their bags.

In addition, NCTE reserves the right to implement additional security and safety measures onsite, including but not limited to additional security screening to enter certain functions at the Annual Convention.

Please note: No large bags will be allowed in the session room for Thursday’s Opening General Session with Ketanji Brown Jackson at 4:00 p.m. ET. Bags allowed in the session room will be limited to 11 inches by 9 inches by 6 inches. Please plan accordingly and leave larger bags in your hotel room, at home, or in your vehicle.

Event Policies
As part of the registration process, all attendees agreed to abide by all NCTE event policies, including, but not limited to, the Mutual Respect & Anti-Harassment, Demonstrations, and Use of Multimedia policies. NCTE reserves the right to dismiss any participant from the Convention whose conduct is inconsistent with these policies.

Information related to hotels, ground transportation to/from Convention hotels, parking, special discounts, and local attractions can be found on the Hotel & Travel page.

To self-park ($25 and $50 for oversized vehicles), use the South Parking lot. Accessible parking spaces are also located in this lot, closest to the building (the same parking rates apply). For information about additional nearby parking, please click here.

Badge Pickup
When you arrive at our event registration desk, you will be asked to show the email that includes your personalized QR code (first sent to you on Wednesday, November 20) either on your smartphone or printed out.

  • Display that email at the Badge Pickup counter.
  • Scan your QR code (included in that email) at the scanner stations located on the counters.
  • Receive your name badge and Convention materials from our registration team. Please be sure to retain your badge throughout the Convention weekend!
  • Registration Desk Hours & Location
    NCTE’s registration desk will be located in the North Lobby, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), 415 Summer Street.

    You may register during the following times (all times are ET):

  • Wednesday, November 20: 4:00–7:00 p.m. ET
  • Thursday, November 21: 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
  • Friday, November 22: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
  • Saturday, November 23: 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
  • Sunday, November 24: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
  • Monday, November 25: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. ET
  • Mobile App
    To download the mobile app, search your app store for “eShow Events.” Once installed, open the app, search for NCTE, and click download on the 2024 NCTE Annual Convention. The access code was sent via email initially on November 4, and on a rolling basis after that for all new registrants. Within the mobile app, you have the option to log in to My Planner, which allows you to bookmark sessions, search for speakers, and take notes. Your login information for My Planner will be emailed to you separately (check your promotions and spam folders if you don’t see it in your inbox).

    It is best to download and install the Convention app before arriving at the Convention Center. Also, periodically, pull down on the homescreen to refresh the app.

    Please email NCTEevents@ncte.org with any questions.

    Best Practices to Maximize Your #NCTE24 Experience
    Experienced attendees of the Annual Convention make note of the following “must-bring” items:

  • Refillable water bottle
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Extra layer(s)
  • Note-taking device(s) & charger(s)
  • An extra bag/additional room in your suitcase for new items picked up in the Exhibit Hall!
  • Learn more in this archived event for First Time Attendees.

    Gamification in the Exhibit Hall
    In addition to the many exciting finds in the Exhibit Hall, you can also win amazing prizes like a JBL Clip 4 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker,, a Nextmug Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Coffee Mug (Black-14 oz.), and Raycon Everyday Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones! Participate by scanning the QR code at each booth you visit through the mobile app to accumulate points! Prepare now by logging in to “My Planner” and visiting the Exhibit Hall. The app will keep track of your points and show your place on the leaderboard. The game starts Friday, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET, and finishes on Saturday, November 23, at 4:00 p.m. ET. Prizes and winners will be announced after the game ends on Saturday via a push notification message on the app.

    Networking & Appetizers—Don’t Miss the Section Get-Togethers!
    NCTE’s Elementary, Middle Level, Secondary, and College Sections invite you to attend an evening of celebration, community, and food! Each Section hosts a Get-Together Thursday, November 21, 5:30–7:00 p.m., where you can meet and network with other Convention attendees at your education level. All attendees, including nonmembers, may access these events for no added cost.

  • Elementary Section Get-Together: BCEC, Room 210 C, Meeting Level 2
  • Middle Level Meet-Up: BCEC, Room 210 A, Meeting Level 2
  • Secondary Section Get-Together: BCEC Room 210 B, Meeting Level 2
  • College Section Get-Together: BCEC, Room 209, Meeting Level 2
  • NCTE Central
    Stop by NCTE Central in the North Lobby for the latest in NCTE publications and merchandise! Enjoy a Convention discount on books and quick-reference guides (30% off the retail price), pick up some free sample journal issues and bookmarks, and chat with NCTE staff. Browse these titles and many more!

  • Wednesday, November 20: 4:00–7:00 p.m. ET
  • Thursday, November 21: 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
  • Friday, November 22: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET
  • Saturday, November 23: 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
  • Sunday, November 24: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
  • Available Seats Remaining: Workshops & Meal Events
    Looking to enhance your #NCTE24 experience even more? Add a Thursday workshop and/or meal events to your schedule when you register onsite! These events, each of which requires its own registration, are consistently regarded as highlights of the Annual Convention

    Tickets are limited so don’t delay!

    Enjoy a well-earned break in the NCTE Green Room (Booth 550)! Stop by for or a warm cookie (Friday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.) or a coffee drink from the espresso bar (Saturday, starting at 11 a.m.); put your feet up in the lounge; and meet fellow attendees over a game of Scrabble. The NCTE Green Room will be staffed by NCTE employees eager to welcome you. See you there!

    The NCTE Central bookstore and NCTE Registration are cashless. Some areas of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, including the new Amazon Market, are cashless.

    Session Room Equipment & Wi-Fi
    AV For Session Presenters: NCTE will provide an LCD projector with accompanying screen, microphone, and sound patch. No other media equipment will be provided. The Wi-Fi bandwidth in the Convention venues will not be sufficient to present streaming video.

    For Attendees: The BCEC has free Wi-Fi available for attendee use. Go to “settings” on your mobile device, select the Wi-Fi options, then click on “BCEC Wireless Network.” Please note that due to the high use of this free Wi-Fi, we recommend that you do any downloading or uploading prior to arriving at the Convention Center.