Conference FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What does "EMACS" stand for?

  EMACS is an acronym for “Energy Marketing and Customer Service.” Now in its 27th year, the conference has expanded to encompass a lot more. New areas of focus include billing and payment and digital experience, while evergreen topics such as communications, customer service, and program marketing remain as pertinent as ever.

• What are the details for the hotel?

  Our host for Chartwell’s EMACS Conference is the Grand Hyatt San Antonio.

  600 E. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

   

  We are pleased to offer a discounted room rate of $269 per night plus applicable fees and taxes in effect at the time of check in.

   

  **The cutoff date to book a room at our host hotel is Friday, September 13th, 2024.**

   

  The link to reserve your room is located in your conference registration confirmation email.

   

  If you need to cancel or alter your reservation for any reason after booking, please be sure to do so no later than 7 days prior to your arrival to avoid cancellation or no-show penalties.

• Is there parking at the conference hotel?

  Yes. The hotel offers both valet and self-parking in its underground garage:

  Self Parking: $45 + Tax /Overnight

  Valet Parking: $57 + Tax /Overnight

• What is the attire for the conference?

  Business casual. Temperatures in conference halls may fluctuate widely. If you are prone to feeling cold you may want to bring along a sweater or jacket.

• I'm confirmed to attend one of the following in-person Leadership Council meetings in San Antonio: Customer Experience, Billing & Payment, or Vulnerable Customer. When are the meetings in conjunction with the EMACS conference?

  The Customer Experience, Billing & Payment, and Vulnerable Customer Leadership Council meetings are prior to the EMACS Conference and will take place on Tuesday, October 8th, from 8:30am to 4:30pm CST. All attendees should plan to arrive in San Antonio on Monday, October 7th. The EMACS Conference officially begins Tuesday evening at 6 pm with a Welcome Reception.

  *Please note: These are closed meetings and only those confirmed with Chartwell should plan to attend.

• My utility is a member of the Customer Experience, Billing & Payment, and/or Vulnerable Customer Leadership Council(s). Can I attend a meeting?

  Member utilities are allowed two complimentary seats at each Leadership Council meeting. Additional seats can be purchased for $299 each. (Please note that additional seats do not include admittance to the EMACS conference) If you are interested in attending one of the meetings, please reach out to Katherine Lerner at klerner@chartwellinc.com. 

• What networking opportunities are there during the conference?

  In addition to our networking receptions and meals, we’ve scheduled 30-minute breaks each morning and afternoon to give you ample time to interact with fellow utility professionals, conference sponsors and exhibitors.

• Will there be Wi-Fi?

  Yes, there will be free Wi-Fi available in all meeting spaces. Sign-in info will be provided on conference communications or ask a Chartwell employee for assistance!

• What if I have a special need, such as a dietary restriction?

  Food will be served at each nightly reception. Please let us know as far in advance as possible about any special needs or requests by contacting conferences@chartwellinc.com.

• Will slides be available after the conference?

  Yes, we will email all presentations to attendees within the following week.