Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the NERFA 2022 Frequently Asked Questions page! Here you’ll find helpful information regarding lodging, programming, performances, and more! Information will be updated as conference programming is finalized.
Food & Lodging
How can I book my hotel and get the reduced group rate at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel?
While the hotel does still have reservations available, the special rate for the conference has expired.
If the normal rate is beyond your budget, but you’d still like to attend in-person, the Empress Hotel is nearby (1/2 mile or 10 min walk) with lower rates. Click here to reserve a room.
What are my dining options while at the conference?
To ensure that all conference attendees are able to enjoy meals that fit their individual needs, NERFA 2022 has moved to a dining structure that allows for flexibility and personal choice. Patrons will have the opportunity to choose from a number of dining options both in and surrounding the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel.
On-site dining establishments are the Gastropub and Pizzaria. A list of establishments surrounding the hotel can be found here. The list will be updated with new restaurants and potential discounts as the conference date approaches.
There is also a Super Supermarket one mile away from the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel. Visit their website here for more information and address/phone listings.
Where can I park my vehicle during the conference?
City parking in close proximity to the hotel is available for conference attendees for the duration of the conference. Parking rates are as follows:
Weekday Rate: $0.50/hr until 5pm Friday
Weekend Rate (Friday 5 pm – Monday 2 am): $2/hr
You do not have to pay for parking between the hours of 2am-7am, giving you 5 hours of free parking every night. The city of Asbury Park has a parking app that allows for virtual parking payment, eliminating the need to physically renew the parking reservation when time expires. The parking app can be found here. For more information regarding parking and rates, please visit the City of Asbury Park website.
The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel offers valet service and limited on-site parking. The hotel rate for on-site parking can be found on the hotel website.
NERFA holds no responsibility for any property lost, damaged, or stolen related to on-site or off-site parking.
Registered Service Animals
Transportation
Transportation Options
Cancellation + COVID Policy
General Cancellation Policy
Updated Oct 19, 2022: All NERFA 2022 registration cancellations will go towards a NERFA 2023 registration credit. Registration cancellations post November 1 will not be processed until December 2022.
2022 NERFA COVID POLICY
UPDATED: 10/18/22
Current Risk Level in Monmouth County, NJ, according to the CDC.
To minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, NERFA is requesting that masks be worn during all conference activities and dedicated conference spaces, except when performing, speaking at a workshop or panel, or actively eating. NERFA also strongly recommends attendees test one day prior to departing for Asbury Park or test the day of arrival.
This policy is our version of a ‘happy medium,’ We took into account those who have expressed their opposition to this request, while also considering the concerns of those who are (or live with someone who is) immune-compromised or otherwise at higher risk of severe illness. Masking and testing requests are necessary in order to keep our community safe. NERFA staff and volunteers will not be put in the position of policing. We simply ask you to be considerate of others.
Different colored stickers will be provided to place on your name badge in order to visually indicate your comfort level around others. It’s always a good idea to ask.
RED: I’m keeping my distance (please keep at least three feet from me);
YELLOW: Ask me before handshakes/hugs
GREEN: I’m ok with handshakes, hugs, and high-fives!
While we will no longer require proof of vaccination, we encourage all those who are able to take advantage of available vaccines to do so. We hope you will stay away if you are feeling any symptoms.
CDC: Monmouth County, NJ
CDC COVID Data Tracker
COVID Exceptions
The NERFA Administration team will be actively reviewing current public policy associated with the COVID-19 spread and outbreaks. We are consulting with the Philadelphia Contagious Diseases Team, and Mass General Hospital team, and will be regularly reviewing the CDC Guidelines. If *at any time* the guidelines indicate that an in-person event couldn’t be run in a safe manner, we may have to cancel or postpone the conference which would lead to refunds and/or a credit for attendees. Either opportunity would be open to attendees.