Frequently Asked Questions
Conference Logistics
When and where will RECS 2024 be held?
The Research and Evaluation Conference on Self-Sufficiency (RECS) will be held Wednesday, May 29 through Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Capital Hilton located at 1001 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.
How do I make a hotel reservation?
For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate for RECS attendees at the Capital Hilton. More information on how to make a hotel reservation is available on the Hotel & Travel page.
Can I attend RECS 2024 virtually?
RECS 2024 is being planned primarily as an in-person event. However, select sessions will be presented virtually. Additional details about in-person and virtual content will be shared in 2024.
Who organizes RECS?
RECS is convened by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) in the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The American Institutes for Research (AIR) provides coordination support to RECS 2024.
Registration
Is there a registration fee for the conference?
Registration for this event is free and open to the public.
When will registration open?
Registration for RECS will open in Spring 2024. Sign up for RECS emails to receive the registration announcement and other important conference updates.
Call for Proposals
When will the Call for Proposals open for RECS 2024?
The RECS 2024 Call for Proposals is now closed. Submitters will be notified of acceptance decisions by the end of March 2024.
Conference Content
What topics are discussed at the conference?
The conference focuses on cutting-edge research on family self-sufficiency and social welfare programs and policies. RECS 2024 will feature presentations and discussions on topics including: TANF programs, policies, and populations; employment and mobility in the labor market; youth well-being and the transition to adulthood; strengthening families, fatherhood, marriages, and relationships; evaluating social programs, building evidence, and using data; and approaches to alleviate poverty and expand opportunity.
How can I view content from previous conferences?
Agendas and videos of selected sessions from previous conferences are available on the RECS website. Electronic copies of the PowerPoint presentations from RECS 2022 can be requested via email.
Will any of the RECS 2024 presentations be made available after the conference?
Presentations for RECS 2024 will be accessible through the conference mobile app and may be requested via email when the mobile app closes.
Who is the conference intended for?
The conference is intended for a broad audience, including state and local government administrators, federal officials and policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. While conference sessions are focused on research and evaluation, they have policy and practice applications. A number of sessions are designed to support policymakers and practitioners in understanding, developing, and applying research, and several sessions will speak to the direct needs of practitioners. Organizations represented at RECS 2022 included the federal government, nonprofits, universities, research firms, state and local governments, and philanthropies.
Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attending the conference?
CEUs are not offered at RECS.
Social Media
What opportunities are there to connect with RECS via social media?
Information about RECS is shared on OPRE's social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
General Questions
How can I stay updated on RECS 2024?
You can sign up for the conference email list to receive updates. You can also follow OPRE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Whom do I contact with additional questions?
Please email RECS@air.org with any questions about the conference.
