Israel Summit FAQs

• The conference is business casual. Jeans and a blazer are fine. You can leave your suits and ties at home. 
• You will likely meet some national board members, key donors, and partners during the summit, so consider how you want to present yourself in those spaces.
• We will be inside the hotel and the Atlanta Aquarium and the temperature can fluctuate from really cold in some rooms to very warm in others – layers are the name of the game.
• You’ll be walking around the hotel a lot – comfortable shoes are recommended.

• Given the large nature of the hotel and summit, you may be walking around quite a bit (hint – bring comfortable shoes)! 
• If you like to work out, bring that type of gear. It’s always a good idea to bring a jacket since the weather in Atlanta can get chilly in February. 
• A refillable water bottle is great to help reduce your carbon footprint and keep you hydrated in sessions.

Given the brief nature and packed schedule of the summit, we do expect you to attend the entire summit.  If there’s a specific need you have, please reach out to [email protected].

For security reasons, we need all participants to register. We ask that you do not invite anyone to join you while you participate in the Israel Summit.

Though we won’t be out of the hotel often and the local area is relatively safe, we recommend people stick together or take a partner if leaving the hotel.

• Any conference participants who feel ill during Israel Summit should contact a staff member who can provide guidance and/or a COVID test. 
• We recommend masking if taking mass transit to the conference to prevent exposure during travel.
• Masks at the conference are optional, though we encourage those who feel more comfortable wearing them to do so.

We recognize the essential need for physical and emotional safety in our Hillel community during these tumultuous times. That is why we are enhancing and increasing our Israel Summit safety and security protocols for this year’s gathering to ensure that every participant at Israel Summit feels safe and welcome at all times. 

We ask that you take a moment to review our security protocols and recommendations. We understand that the presence of security officers makes some feel more safe, while doing the opposite for others. After having consulted with our security team, we have made careful and thoughtful decisions about our security plan. On Monday morning, we will be checking all participants into their 9:00 AM sessions. If for some reason you are unable to attend your session, please email [email protected].

• Everyone experiences conferences differently. The days are long and can be tiring, so please pace yourself.
• It may take a few minutes to find your next session, so factor in a little walking time. Invite another participant to stroll with you if you connect with them during a session.
• Enjoy yourself! Use these moments to learn, ask questions, explore something important to you, and have fun!

• Please visit the dedicated lounge space for some restorative relaxation.
• Take a few minutes to breathe or walk outside.
• Others also feel the way you do. You may find a kindred spirit sitting in quiet reflection in the halls or the lounges.

• All sessions and initiatives are geared towards no one knowing each other. You’re not alone – a majority of participants have never attended an in person Israel Summit before and most haven’t met in person either. 
• People will be introducing themselves to you all day long, so be prepared for lots of small talk. Think about some big questions to ask folks who you don’t know ( what’s on their mind, interesting happenings on campus, or favorite TV shows they’re binge watching)
• There are SO many new people at Israel Summit! Use those name tags – that’s why they’re there. It’s OK if you forget where people are from or what they do. We’re all processing a lot of new information.
• Greeting 101:
  • Elbow bumps and high fives are always a good idea if a hug or a handshake isn’t where you’re comfortable.
  • Going in for a hug? Ask first – not everyone loves close contact.

• There will be dedicated time for other participants in similar leadership roles or those with similar interests. You will find a list of masterclasses and plenary sessions in the Israel Summit app. 
• During the evening activity on Sunday night, you can connect with colleagues, relax, or take positive social action on certain issues together.

• Anyone you’d like! We will have a few tables where you can sit and mingle with a scholar in residence as well as tables where people can sit just to meet new people. You will find your seating assigned for the main evening plenary only.
• Need something to eat in between meals? Stop by the snack stations and invite someone to come with you for a walk and a coffee or tea!