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 later this spring.

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.

Will coffee, snacks, or meals be provided during the conference?

Due to federal meeting regulations, RECS will not host food or beverages for attendees. The RECS planning team will provide a local area guide to all attendees listing food and beverage options in and near the hotel. Water stations will be available throughout the conference space.

 

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 is now open for RECS 2024. All in-person and virtual attendees must register to attend the conference.

 

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 slides be made available after the conference?

Slides from RECS 2024 sessions 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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

 

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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Whom do I contact with additional questions?

Please email RECS@air.org with any questions about the conference.