This year’s theme is Call to Action. Come ready to plan for broader action, with us, to reduce unsheltered homelessness in your community and nationally.
Sessions will help you:
- Turn real-time data and housing inventory into more housing placements
- Apply field-tested storytelling and communications tactics to build public and policymaker support
- Weigh AI’s promise and its risks as an informed consumer
What is different this year?
Broader teams: We are challenging each Built for Zero community to create a team of 3-8 multi-sectoral stakeholders to include representatives from local government, housing, business, health care, and community partner organizations.
Bigger policy moment: Be part of building future-forward local, state, and federal policy visions, coalitions, and action agendas.
What’s tried and true?
- Provocative plenaries — provocative and big picture insights
- Peer-led breakouts and lots of networking
- Opportunities to hear from leaders in our host community on bright spots and obstacles overcome
- Spotlight on the work of our local Seattle partners, the voices and expertise of persons who have experienced homelessness, and the impact of community social enterprises in all facets of the Learning Session
- Celebration, fun, and food
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the address of the conference hotel?
All activities will be at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101. Book through our room block to get the best rate when you register!
Why should I stay at the conference hotel instead of somewhere else nearby?
We recommend staying at the conference hotel to ensure your team has an exceptional Learning Session experience!
Your team will have the best possible experience if you reserve a room on-site at the official conference hotel, the Sheraton Grand Seattle. Staying on-site will give your team more time to network, easily join sessions, and soak up knowledge from peers across the Built for Zero Network.
We have reserved a hotel block that locks in the lowest possible price at this hotel. The rooms in the hotel block are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Last year, they sold out very quickly, and Built for Zero is not able to support securing hotel accommodations once this block is full. Reserve your rooms in our exclusive room block now to secure a competitive rate and enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and convenience!
When should I plan on arriving and departing from Seattle?
Programming will begin with Pre-conference sessions from 1:00-4:00pm PST on Monday, October 19. All sessions will be at the hotel or a readily accessible distance. These are being finalized based on interest and will likely include Mobile Workshops and Affinity Groups. We recommend teams arrive on Monday to ensure they can fully participate in programming on Tuesday. Learning Session programming will conclude after lunch on Thursday, October 21, and we encourage teams to book travel out of Seattle in the early afternoon.
How do I get to the Learning Session venue hotel from the local airports?
If you are flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you have three transit options to get to the hotel.
- Take Line 1 on the Link Light Rail from the airport station to the Westlake Station (38 mins), and the hotel is approximately a 5-minute walk from the station.
- Take a shared airport shuttle directly from the airport to the hotel (between 25-45 minutes).
- Take a taxi or a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft ( generally 20-30 minutes depending on traffic).
What if I need to cancel my registration or swap registration with another teammate?
If you would like to cancel or modify the registrants for your community, please email bfzlearningsession@community.solutions.
How do I register for the Learning Session?
Registration for the Learning Session opens August 4th. Use this link to register.
Is the Learning Session a HUD-approved conference?
Yes! This is a HUD-approved learning session. Grantees can use their CoC, ESG, or YHDP project administrative dollars to attend.
Is there a maximum number of people from my community who can attend?
Yes, each community can register up to eight people to attend. This year, we’re challenging every community to think bigger about who’s in the room. Bring your core team, and bring the partners who can move the work forward beyond it: local government, housing providers, business leaders, healthcare, and other community partners who have a stake in getting this right.
How do I decide who should attend from my community?
We recommend prioritizing your Team Lead and Data Lead. For the additional slots, we recommend including other members from your core improvement team.
Keep the event objectives listed above in mind as you prioritize who will attend this Learning Session, and consider inviting those who would be most able to provide feedback from across your system during these conversations, particularly people with lived experience of homelessness.
Will travel stipends be offered?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer communities travel stipends this year. As always, the conference is completely free, and all meals listed on the conference agenda will be provided to participants.
I have more questions.
Email bfzlearningsession@community.solutions with any additional questions.
