Association for Behavior Analysis International

51st Annual Convention

United States Travel and Event Safety Information

ABAI wants to ensure everyone traveling to the United States (U.S.) to be a part of our event has the most current and comprehensive travel information possible. We remain dedicated to ensuring everyone at our event feels safe and welcome, and ABAI’s commitment to DEI has not wavered.

With new policies and actions from the U.S. government, those traveling from outside of the U.S. are advised to be aware of these changes. ABAI remains proud of our international community and grateful to our members from all countries for their support of the science of behavior analysis. To our international members planning to travel to Washington, DC for our upcoming annual convention, please familiarize yourself with any new measures or advisories issued by your home country.

The safety of our attendees is our top priority. Please take a moment to read the information below. Please feel free to contact us at convention@abainternational.org with any questions.

Event Safety

To increase the safety of all our event attendees, ABAI has contracted security at the venue and has been in communication with Washington, DC security and police. All attendees at the annual convention will be required to wear the ABAI convention badge at all times. Each of the three main entrances to the venue will have a staffed security checkpoint and controlled gate entries with local police officers.

In the event of a security, medical, or other safety issue during the event, please call these phone numbers:

Emergency Services: 911
Walter E. Washington Convention Center: (202) 249-3000
Marriott Marquis Washington, DC: (202) 824-9200
Marriott Marquis Command Center, 24/7 Operation: (202) 824-9667

ABAI staff will be in communication with the venue staff, security, and local police. Staff members will be stationed throughout the convention area, including at the registration desk and in the bookstore. Communication procedures are in place in the event of an emergency. Additionally, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are sent by U.S. national, state, or local governments regarding public safety emergencies, including imminent threats, AMBER alerts regarding missing children, and public safety messages. Check with your wireless provider to see if your phone can receive WEA messages.

More information about safety and emergency procedures during ABAI’s annual convention can be found here. Incidents involving discrimination, harassment, or threats to safety during the convention should be reported to ABAI here.

A safe space will be available onsite: it is room 144C at the Walter E Washington Convention Center. If assistance is needed, please call the appropriate emergency contact number and support will meet you there.

Traveling to Washington, DC

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are visiting the U.S. for ABAI’s convention, please review the following information to prepare for your visit.

The United States generally requires a visitor visa for business (B-1 visa) or tourism (B-2 visa) trips. To obtain the visa, please complete the DS-160 application form, and bring the completed application and a photo meeting the requirements to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country, typically via appointment. Visitors under 14 and over 80 years of age generally do not need a visitor visa.

A valid passport is required to obtain a visitor visa. Please ensure your passport is not expired. It may also be necessary to provide information regarding the purpose of the trip, your intention to depart the U.S. at the end of the trip, and information related to the costs of the trip.

If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), travel to the U.S. without a visa may be possible. It may still be necessary to apply for travel authorization online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). More information is available here.

If you are a Canadian citizen, you must provide proof of your Canadian citizenship upon entry to the U.S. More information is available here.

If you are a U.S. citizen, please note that your ID must be a Real ID in order to fly domestically to Washington, DC after May 7, 2025. More information about Real ID can be found here.

Travel Checklist

• Passport and travel documents
• Medications
• Currency: credit cards, personal checks, or cash
• Adapters and converters
• Travel insurance

If applicable, notify your bank that you will be traveling to prevent credit cards from being flagged for fraud. Additionally, check whether your mobile phone plan includes international service.

Some other helpful resources are the United States Department of State Traveler’s Checklist and the Checklist for Older Travelers.

Information about Washington, DC, including things to do, places to eat, and other local information can be found here.

Airlines to Washington, DC

There are two major airports in Washington, DC: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). To access a list of airlines that serve DCA and their information, please click here. For a list of airlines that serve IAD and their information, please click here.

For an international flight, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your scheduled departure time to allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and customs procedures. Check your airline's specific recommendations, the airport you are departing from, and any potential peak travel times.

Local Embassy and Consulates Information

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please locate your country’s embassy or consulate in the United States for assistance with emergencies or lost documents. ABAI cannot contact or mediate with embassies or consulates on behalf of attendees. Some scenarios in which an embassy or consulate can provide support are:

• Lost or Stolen Passports: Assistance with issuing emergency passports or replacing lost/stolen ones.
• Legal Issues: Help if detained, arrested, or needing legal representation abroad. Consulates can notify families, ensure access to legal counsel, and provide welfare checks.
• Medical Emergencies: Guidance on accessing local medical care or navigating foreign healthcare systems.
• Victim Assistance: Support for those who have been robbed, assaulted, or otherwise victimized, including connecting with local resources like lawyers and police.
• Emergency Evacuations: Coordination during crises such as natural disasters, civil unrest, or political emergencies.
• Document Services: Notarizing documents, issuing birth or death certificates for citizens abroad, and assisting with citizenship matters.

Please select your home country to find the Washington, DC embassy’s address and contact information.

More embassy information can be found on the Embassy Worldwide Directory.

Safety Tips

ABAI encourages all attendees to review our event-related emergency protocol and safety information here. Additionally, the following steps are recommended:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Check the local news to stay informed.
• Secure your belongings. Keep your passport and valuables secure; avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas like public transportation or tourist spots.
• Use well-lit and secure accommodation and transportation options.

Medical Care

For medical treatment in Washington, DC, please visit one of the nearby healthcare facilities, including:

MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010
(202) 877-7000

AllCare Primary & Immediate Care
1710 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 787-1979

Farragut Medical and Travel Care
815 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 775-8500

CVS Pharmacy
675 K ST NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 682-0170

Walgreens Pharmacy
1155 F ST NW Ste. 975
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 969-8814

Urgent care centers are typically ideal for non-life-threatening situations, as they tend to cost less than hospitals. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), hospitals in the U.S. are legally required to provide care in emergency situations, regardless of the patient’s citizenship or insurance status. Please be aware that the hospital will charge for such services.

Travel Insurance

Consider a travel insurance policy to cover emergency medical expenses, lost luggage, or other expenses. Please note that most travel insurance policies must be purchased prior to departing on the trip. More information about travel insurance is available here. For information specifically pertaining to travel medical insurance, see here.

Transportation

Washington, DC Metro

The Washington, DC Metrorail system is a popular and cost-effective public transit system that serves the city and its surrounding areas. The Metro has tracks both under and above ground, and there are many convenient access points throughout the city. For information regarding routes, status updates, and pricing, click here.

The Metro runs during the following hours (all times are EDT):
Monday–Thursday: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Friday: 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Other transportation options include taxis, and ride shares such as Uber or Lyft. There are several taxi companies operating in Washington, DC, available here.

Currency

The official currency of the United States is the U.S. dollar. The exchange rates fluctuate and can be checked here.

If you would like to have U.S. dollars in hand before departing from your country, you can order them through your bank (most likely for a fee). One of the best ways to get local currency is to use a debit card at an ATM. It is wise to notify your bank and credit card issuer that you will be traveling and determine any transaction fees for purchases or ATM withdrawals. Remember to include any connecting airports.

It is advisable to keep receipts of the currency exchanged in case it is necessary to convert U.S. dollars back into local currency before leaving the country.

Credit cards are widely accepted in the U.S. Many establishments do not accept personal checks. Acceptance of cash may vary.

Electric and Plug Outlet Requirements

The U.S. uses Type A and Type B electric plugs and sockets. More information, including resources for purchasing adapters, is available here.

Weather

A weather forecast for Washington, DC can be found here. Washington, DC is typically warm with noticeable humidity in May, with highs of 24°C (76°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). Rain is common–there are usually around 11 days of rain in May.

Time Zone

The time zone for Washington, DC is Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Time differences between Washington, DC and your home country can be found here.

Phone Information

Most phones will work in the U.S., but please check with your carrier and plan. Roaming charges may apply, depending on your home country and mobile provider. If necessary, research mobile network options ahead of time.