Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I have never attended and/or met with legislator(s) before, can I still attend?
A: Yes, NCISS provides virtual training to registered attendees as well as an additional pre-event briefing in Washington, D.C.
Q: How are appointments with legislators set up?
Members can choose to reach out to their own U.S. representatives and U.S. Senators to set up their own meetings or can request the assistance of NCISS/LobbyIt to set up appointments. To ensure the best availability, it is strongly encouraged that attendees set up meetings as soon as possible.
Q: How do Hit the Hill meetings/appointments work?
A: You will usually be given 15-30 minutes to meet with your legislative representative or one of their staff members. You will introduce yourself, NCISS, and the mission of NCISS, as well as discuss various legislative and regulatory issues that affect our profession. You may ask the representative or staff member what experience they have in these issue areas or what legislation they anticipate may be of relevance. You should emphasize the impact that the investigative and security professions have on the public, on society, and on the justice system. Attendees will also receive a complete packet/folder of information to give to legislators and/or staffers at the meeting. You then thank them for their time and offer to stay in touch and be a resource for any questions related to the investigative and security profession.
Q: What if I’m still undecided about attending?
A: We encourage you to speak with one of our seasoned members who has attended Hit the Hill in the past for more information. They will have great tips to provide and possibly even attend meetings with you (if available).
Q: What day are the appointments scheduled for Hit the Hill?
A: All appointments will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. When scheduling multiple appointments, be sure to allow enough time to travel between offices, as different congressional representatives may be in different buildings around the U.S. Capitol campus. Also note the time of the group lunch if you wish to attend.
Q: Where will meetings with legislators take place?
A: Each Senator and Representative has their own office in Washington, D.C. There many office buildings as part of the U.S. Capitol campus, so please identify your legislator for your District and locate their address to assist in planning the time needed between appointments. Being prompt and on-time is vital as a respect of their time and schedule.
Q: Are there other activities outside of meeting with legislators?
A: Yes, all Hit the Hill registrants are welcome to attend the following additional activities: (1) NCISS Mid-Term Board Meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025; (2) Welcome Reception on the evening of Monday, March 24; (3) Hit the Hill Debriefing and Reception on Tuesday, March 25. Receptions will include appetizers and beverages. More details on these activities can be found on the event schedule.
Q: Do I have to stay at the hotel to attend Hit the Hill?
A: You are not required to stay at the hotel; however, you must still register to attend Hit the Hill and be aware and plan ahead for commute time if you are not staying at the event hotel.
Q: What is included in the registration fee?
A: The registration fee includes:
- Monday, March 24 (Board Meeting Day): Lunch, snacks, and beverages during NCISS Board Meeting, and evening welcome reception including appetizers and drinks.
- Tuesday, March 25 (Hit the Hill Day): Capitol Tour (optional, separate sign-up required), evening debriefing and reception including appetizers and drinks. Lunch will be on-your-own on this day to allow flexibility for legislative appointment scheduling.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: For Hit the Hill meetings with legislators on March 25, business attire is required. All other events are business casual attire.
Q: How much is the registration fee?
A: The registration fees are as follows:
Before February 20, 2025: Members $149 / Non-Members $189 / Guests $129
After February 20, 2025: Members $209 / Non-Members $249 / Guests $189
Q: When is the registration deadline?
A: The registration deadline is March 15, 2025. After this time, please contact us to check on availability and registration fees.
Q: What is the Cancellation Policy?
A: We understand some unforeseeable events happen; however, due to required advance financial commitments, all registration cancellations after February 20, 2025 will be subject to a 50% fee, and cancellations after March 1, 2025 will be non-refundable. Please contact info@nciss.org if you wish to request a cancellation. Separately, hotel cancellations and refunds are subject to the hotel's own cancellation policy.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions or preferences?
A: Please indicate during registration if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. If you do not see a workable option for your dietary needs, please reach out to us to see if other accommodations can be made.
Q: How do I book accommodations at the NCISS selected hotel venue?
A: Hotel reservations can be booked using this link. Note: When booking, availability will only be displayed when the Hit the Hill dates of March 23-26, 2025 are selected. If you would like to book outside of those dates, or add on extra days before/after the event to extend your stay, please reserve what is available and contact booking representative Dae Lyons at 301-281-9127 to extend your dates.
Q: Who is responsible for the hotel room, tax, and incidental charges?
A: Each individual who books a room will be required to provide their individual credit card for their room, tax, and any incidental charges.
Q: How can I sponsor Hit the Hill?
A: There many opportunities to support the event, and no sponsorship contribution is to big or small. All sponsors of Hit the Hill include attendee registration and recognition on NCISS social media channels, website, event materials, and verbal acknowledgment during the event program. Below are some sponsorship opportunities that are available:
- Legislative Supporter Sponsor: $250
- Legislative Warrior Sponsor: $500
- Legislative Champion Sponsor: $1,000
Q: Can I request assistance with scheduling a Hit the Hill appointment with a congressional representative?
A: Yes, if you need assistance with making an appointment, please indicate so on the registration form or contact us as soon as possible so we can begin the scheduling process. Appointment with Congressional staff may fill up quickly.
Q: If I need help with scheduling a legislative appointment, what information do I need to provide?
A: Please provide the following: (1) your name, (2) company name, (3) home and/or business street address (no P.O. Boxes). This information is used to determine the appropriate legislator(s) with whom you should meet based on your jurisdiction.