Who comes to the conference?
Yogis of every experience level from brand new beginners to those who have been teaching for years. The conference is a great convergence of yogis from the Midwest, the U.S. and abroad!

I like yoga, but I'm not an advanced student or yoga teacher. Is the conference for me?
Yes! You do not need to be an advanced practitioner to enjoy a conference. If you are unfamiliar with many of the styles of yoga represented at the conference, this is your chance dive in and explore. An open mind is a great asset for your conference experience as you will find many new ideas presented. The conference is a unique opportunity to study with teachers who you have read about or perhaps even seen on their DVDs. It is an opportunity to experience world-class yoga instruction, discover how your favorite styles of yoga are evolving, and sample many styles of yoga in one place.

I've been taking yoga for 2 years but not regularly, should I take the classes in the Beginners Track?
The Beginners Track is designed to give new yoga students the foundations to start their yoga practice. If you have studied some yoga, you may find the beginner classes too basic, but you may also find that these classes address the fundamentals that can deepen your practice. Every yoga student is different so it is difficult to recommend which classes will be a fit for you. We encourage you to explore the course descriptions and faculty biographies and see which classes peak your interest. The conference is a chance for you to explore various kinds of yoga all in one place.

I'm not a yoga teacher but am thinking about becoming one. Are the Continue Your Education classes for me?
The Continue Your Education classes are geared towards yoga teachers and teachers-in-training. However, advanced students thinking about becoming yoga teachers may appreciate the in-depth discussions and explorations that these classes provide.

Are there Continuing Education Credits available?
Yoga Journal is recognized by the American Council on Exercise (ACE ) as a continuing education specialist and provider of CECs for athletic and fitness professionals. A list of approved Main Conference courses is available here.

All classes at the conference are eligible for Continuing Education Credits with Yoga Alliance. To receive Yoga Alliance credits, simply save a copy of your class record (either your badge or confirmation email.) Yoga Alliance will contact you when they need you to submit your continuing education information. Separate certificates are not needed for Yoga Alliance.

What is included in my tuition fees?
In addition to your classes you have access to daily special events including morning meditations, keynote address, panel discussions, lunchtime workshops, kirtans, and most evening events. (All special events are free unless otherwise noted.) Transportation, meals, and lodging are not included in tuition fees.

Are meals included in the price of the conference?
Meals at the conference are not included. There are three restaurants on the premises that will be open for dinner, and one for breakfast and lunch. There will also be healthy food options available for sale during the conference. All attendees will receive a 15% discount on food and beverage in any of the Grand Geneva restaurant outlets during the duration of the conference.

Where is the Conference located?
The conference will be held at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, approximately 120 miles from downtown Chicago and 55 miles from downtown Milwaukee. The resort is the largest in the state of Wisconsin, covering more than 1,300 acres of beautiful countryside, and includes two championship golf courses, a full-service spa and sport center, water park, and three restaurants. Activities at Grand Geneva include swimming, tennis, Moose Mountain Falls Water Park, horseback riding, biking, and hiking.

What are the closest airports? How will I get to the conference from the airport?
Grand Geneva Resort is easily accessible from anywhere in the country, a less than 90-minute drive from Chicago's O'Hare Airport and an hour's drive from Milwaukee's General Mitchell Airport. Shuttle services are available to Grand Geneva from both airports by GO Airport Connection. For information visit goairportconnection.com.  Book using group ID YOGA11 for a rebate on shared rides.  If, on the day of travel, you ride with other conference attendees (who also used group ID YOGA11 when booking) you will receive a rebate of $35 (Milwaukee - MKE) or $60 (Chicago - ORD). You can log onto the website to view current YOGA11 reservations and plan your own transfer accordingly. (Already have a reservation without the group ID? Just email your confirmation number to chazz@mkelimo.com and ask to have the YOGA11 group discount code attached to it before you arrive.)

What are the accommodations?
Yoga Journal has a block of discounted rooms reserved for our group at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. We encourage you to make your reservations early and mention the Yoga Journal Conference to receive the special group rate of $179 (plus tax and $10 resort fee) per night for single or double occupancy. Space is limited. All lodging at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa must be booked by calling 800-558-3417 and mentioning the Yoga Journal Conference. A deposit must be made with your credit card when you secure your reservation.

Attendees staying at the Grand Geneva will receive a discounted waterpark pass rate of $15 per day. Guests in Timber Ridge One Bedroom Suites ($179/night) will receive (4) complimentary waterpark passes for the duration of their stay, and the Two Bedroom Suites ($279/night) will receive (6) complimentary waterpark passes.

Do I need to stay at the hotel?
No. However, staying on site at the hotel will enhance your experience as you will not have to worry about commuting to the conference, storing your belongings during breaks, etc.

What is the Well Spa?

The Well Spa at Grand Geneva is a relaxing sanctuary and an escape from the everyday world, offering facial care, massage, holistic treatments, therapeutic baths, body treatments, hand and foot care, and a full-service salon. Conference attendees may receive 30% off spa treatments  from July 5th-13th. To book, please contact Christine Hill at christinehill@grandgeneva.com or call 262-248-8811, ext. 3774.

Where is the parking and is it free?
The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa has complementary parking located around the venue.

What should I bring?
We suggest that you bring your yoga mat and any props that you regularly use in your practice. A blanket or meditation cushion is helpful if you plan to participate in meditation classes. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen, a refillable water bottle, slip-on shoes (or flip flops) and of course, comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely. Please read course descriptions carefully for other required items. These items may also be for sale on site during limited hours in the Yoga Marketplace. Check out our Conference Tips for more: http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/269.

Is there someplace to store my mat and props during lunch and other long breaks?
No, there is no place to store your belongings during the breaks. You may be able to place your mat and props into your next classroom during the breaks. However, we strongly discourage bringing any valuables to the conference. Unfortunately, losses have occurred at past conferences. Yoga Journal and the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa are not responsible for any items lost or stolen throughout the conference.

Will there be water easily available to refill my water bottle?
Yes. There will be water stations throughout the hotel. We encourage you bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Is there a message board?
Message board: http://www.yjconferenceconnection.com/mb/mw11/mw.html The access code is 262. You can use the message board to contact other participants about questions or issues you may have, such as sharing a room or a ride to the conference.

Can I register for just one class during the Main Weekend Conference?
Advanced registrations are only accepted for day passes or full weekend pass. Single class passes will be available for sale (on a space-available basis) on-site at the Yoga Journal Registration Desk.

What if I want to change a class?
If you would like to request to change any classes, there is a charge of $10.00 each time you make changes, but not for each class change (therefore, try to make changes all at once). Contact the Registration Coordinator at 720-406-7407 or 800-561-9398 to request changes, or via email to yoga@horizonconferences.com.

How do I add something to my existing registration?
Contact the Registration Coordinator at 720-406-7407 or 800-561-9398 or via email to yoga@horizonconferences.com. There is no additional fee to add to your registration.

Is there a check-in procedure at the conference?
Yes. You must check in at the conference Registration Desk. You must have a photo ID or a copy of your registration records to sign in. Conference badges will be presented to you upon conference check-in and will be your only admission to events. Badges MUST be presented at the door to be admitted. If you loose your badge, there will be a $20 badge replacement fee. You will also be given an Event Guide, filled with event times and a map to find your classes.

What happens if I lose my badge?
Be sure to check in with the Registration Desk as soon as you realize you've lost your badge. Most badges are found by other attendees and turned in to the Registration Desk. If your badge is not found, a replacement badge will be reissued for a $20 fee.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?
All refund requests must be made in writing via email yoga@horizonconferences.com or to Horizon Conferences, 1107 Pearl St., Boulder, CO 80302. A refund, minus a $100 processing fee, will be made for cancellation requests postmarked on or before June 15, 2011. All requests must acknowledge an understanding of the $100 processing fee. Refund requests postmarked after June 15, 2011will be under consideration for a voucher toward a future Yoga Journal conference valid for one year, minus a $100 processing fee. No refund or voucher will be given for no shows.

Who do I contact if I can't make it to the conference?
Last-minute cancellations must be received via email before your first scheduled class in order to be considered for a voucher. All voucher consideration will be completed after the conference, and all supporting documentation for voucher requests must be received by July 18, 2011. No refund or voucher will be given for no-shows. View the full refund and cancellation policy here.

Are you looking for people to volunteer at the event?
Yes, we have a work exchange volunteer program. Work exchange volunteers do not register for classes but can participate in classes on a space-available basis when not fulfilling their assigned duties. Work exchange volunteers pay a nominal fee to participate. Positions are limited; apply early. For more information, contact Horizon Conferences via email at yoga@horizonconferences.com.

Can I pass out Yoga Journal Conference flyers and brochures before the event?
Yes, we would love your help in spreading the word about our conference! If you are interested in becoming an outreach volunteer or studio partner, please click here to learn more about the program.