2018 Avaya ENGAGE FAQ




What is Avaya ENGAGE®?

Avaya ENGAGE®, hosted by Avaya and the International Avaya User Group (IAUG), is the premier event for the future of communications experience and its impact on digital transformation. Avaya ENGAGE® 2018 brings you four days of workshops, inspirational speakers, and content experts to drive your digital transformation journey.



When and where is Avaya ENGAGE®?

Avaya ENGAGE® will be held from January 28-31, 2018 in New Orleans, LA. The conference will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The conference hotels are the New Orleans Marriott, Sheraton New Orleans, and JW Marriott New Orleans hotels located on Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter.



Who attends Avaya ENGAGE®?

Avaya ENGAGE® is designed with business communications professionals in mind and is attended by:

  • Business leaders & decision makers
  • Customer Care, Contact Center Staff, and Leaders
  • CxOs
  • Developers/Architects
  • IT Managers
There’s an opportunity to learn and grow for business communications professionals of every level and industry.



Why should I attend?

At Avaya ENGAGE®, you’ll get inspired by stories and case studies from visionary keynotes. Acquire knowledge from industry experts and thought leaders that will help you achieve maximum value from your Avaya solutions. Address today’s critical business challenges through roundtable discussions, hands-on workshops, and one-on-one Avaya support. Enrich your career by deciding how technology transforms your organization. You will have access to the entire Avaya ecosystem: executives, solutions experts, partners, IAUG members, and Avaya customers.

And of course, have some fun! Network and enjoy dinner and drinks at our welcome appreciation party, visit the solution expo hall for fun activities, and experience excellent entertainment at our closing party.



How can I convince my boss to let me attend?

This event is one of the best investments your company will make all year as employees fuel the agility of your business, increase cost efficiency, and solve your most difficult dilemmas. The business impact of Avaya ENGAGE® attendance and participation helps streamline all business processes and is a benefit to participants at any stage in their career.



What kind of tracks and sessions can I expect?

Avaya ENGAGE® will offer over 150 sessions with a variety of types and lengths to best cater to different learning styles. Join our subject matter experts as they dive into relevant hot topic tracks, including: Analytics Engagement, Business Strategies, Customer Engagement, Developer Engagement, Digital Transformation & Innovation, Mid-market/IP Office, Networking, Services Solutions & Management Tools, and Team Engagement.



When will the final conference agenda and session information be revealed?

The complete conference agenda with session information will be released in the coming weeks.



Where do I get the most up-to-date information regarding Avaya ENGAGE® 2018?

Keep an eye on your inbox, IAUG and Avaya social media channels, and the Avaya ENGAGE® website for any breaking news or updates.



What is the dress code for the conference? What about social events?

The dress code for the conference proceedings, solutions expo, and social events is business casual.



Will there be an Avaya ENGAGE® mobile app?

Yes! The app will be released approximately a month before the conference is scheduled to start. All registered attendees will receive download instructions via email once the app is released.

How do I register?

Click here to start your registration.



Can I bring a guest?

Yes! Guests are welcome at all Avaya ENGAGE® social events, such as the opening and closing parties, for an additional fee. You can add guests to your registration during your initial setup or afterwards by viewing your registration details.



What is included in my conference registration?

Your registration fee gives you access to all of the main stage keynotes, breakout sessions, solutions expo, social functions, and transportation to and from the conference hotels. We also offer registration + hotel bundles that include the option for 4 or 5 nights’ hotel stay.



Who do I contact with any registration questions?

Please email registration@iaug.org or call Amanda at 847-213-5555.

What are the conference hotels?

We have partnered with the Sheraton New Orleans, the Marriott New Orleans, and the JW Marriott for this year’s conference. More information on these hotels can be found here.


Special pricing for Avaya ENGAGE room blocks have expired. Please contact the conference hotel directly for information on availability and pricing.



How will I get to/from the Convention Center and the conference hotels?

Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the official hotels on Canal Street: New Orleans Marriott, JW Marriott and the Sheraton. The boarding and drop off location at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center are outside Hall E doors.


Shuttles run continuously during the days and hours below.


Sunday, January 28th
6:45 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.


Monday, January 29th
7:15 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.


Tuesday, January 30th
7:15 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.


Wednesday, January 31st
7:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.


Complimentary shuttles will also be provided for the Avaya Appreciation Welcome Party. Shuttles to Mardi Gras World will depart from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the official hotels on Canal Street on a continuous schedule during the hours below.


Sunday, January 28th : 5:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.



Will there be a shuttle to and from the airport?

Yes. Please visit this link for more information: Avaya ENGAGE 2018 Official Airport Shuttle.



If I’ve booked a registration + hotel bundle, when will I receive information about my hotel reservation?

You will receive a confirmation of your hotel stay no later than 30 days prior to arrival. If you have any special requests or questions, please email registration@iaug.org or call Amanda at 847-213-5555.



What is included in the 4 and 5-night hotel bundles?

The registration and hotel bundles include a full conference pass along with a 4 or 5 night hotel stay. The dates for each package are as follows:

For registration after 12/5/17, the 4 night bundle assumes an arrival date of Sunday, January 28th and a departure date of Thursday, February 1st.
The 5 night bundle has an arrival date of Saturday, January 27th and a departure date of Thursday, February 1st



What if I’m traveling internationally?

For entry into the United States, your passport must be good for at least 6 months after your departure date.

Residents of Canada and most European countries do not need a visa to visit the United States if they are staying for less than 90 days. However, residents of these countries do require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). For more information please visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. For further information on whether or not you require a visa to enter the United States, please visit www.travel.state.gov.

You will have to pass through United States Customs if arriving by air. At United States airports, you must present a completed customs declaration form (which may or may not be provide in-flight).



What food is available at the hotels or through the conference?

Conference hotels do not include complimentary breakfast but is offered at the convention center. Registration includes breakfast and lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, morning and afternoon breaks at the convention center. Food will also be served at the opening event at Mardi Gras World and closing event at House of Blues.

How do I become an IAUG member?

To join IAUG, go to http://iaug.org and select “Join IAUG”. If you are a returning member, please email info@iaug.org for a renewal invoice.



Why won’t my IAUG username and password work when I try to register as a member?

Your IAUG membership might have expired. Please renew your membership at http://iaug.org. Under the “Join IAUG” menu, please select “Renew my Membership”.

Please contact info@iaug.org if you need a renewal invoice or to reset your password.

Where can I find info on New Orleans?

Check out http://www.neworleansonline.com for more information on things to do, restaurants, and other great opportunities to make the most of your visit.



What is the weather like in New Orleans in January?

January is the coldest month of the year in New Orleans, but the days are still quite warm and the evenings rather mild. The average temperature reaches 63° F (17° C) during the days and dips to a low of around 46° F (8° C). You can expect rain on an average of 10 days of the month.



Which airports are closest to New Orleans?

Flights to and from New Orleans go through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and is located 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. It may take between 20-30 minutes to get between the airport and one of the conference hotels, depending on traffic.


For any other questions, please email info@iaug.org.