Conference Attendee FAQs

All adult visitors (16+) must present a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport, or military ID) to the security personnel at the main gate. Non-U.S. citizens may be subject to additional screening and must provide passport details in advance as requested during registration.

Yes. For most conferences, you must register by the specified deadline to allow time for your name to be added to the visitor access list. Spontaneous entry without prior registration is generally not permitted for hosted events.

Yes, personal laptops, tablets, and phones are permitted. However, please be prepared to declare them at the security checkpoint. Professional photography or video recording may require prior approval from the conference organizers.

Parking is available on-site at no cost to attendees. Please follow the signs for "Visitor Parking" once you pass through the security gate. Carpooling is encouraged as parking spaces near the conference facilities can fill up quickly. 

Note: If your specific conference is held at a location other than the Gaithersburg, Maryland campus, please verify the site-specific requirements as protocols may vary slightly from site to site, such as the Boulder, Colorado facility or the Herbert C. Hoover building.

 Upon clearing the main gate, you will receive a map or directions to the specific building and conference room. Signs are posted throughout the campus; however, if you are lost, any NIST employee can assist you in locating the appropriate building.
 

NIST provides a "NIST-Guest" wireless network. Instructions on how to connect to the network will be provided at the Registration or Information desk.

While the cafeteria on the NIST campus is currently closed for renovations, the Not Your Standard (NYST ) Cafe is open from 7:30am - 4:00pm and provides coffee, bagels, pastries and limited grab-n-go options, such as fruit cups, soup, sandwiches and more. The NYST Cafe is located inside Building 101 on the way to the library and the NIST Hall of Standards.

There are also a number of local restaurants near the campus. Please check your specific conference agenda to see if lunch is provided or if you are expected to utilize on-site facilities.

Yes. All public-facing conference buildings are ADA-compliant. If you require specific accommodations (e.g., accessible parking, dietary restrictions, or assistance for visual/hearing impairments), please reach out to the conference coordinator at least two weeks prior to the event.
 

NIST is a federal facility. Prohibited items include:

• Weapons of any kind (including knives, firearms, or pepper spray).
• Illegal substances.
• Explosive or incendiary devices.
• Any item restricted by federal law.

No. Attendees are restricted to the areas designated for the conference. Please remain within the event building or the direct path between the building and the parking area.