Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, please e-mail the event organizing team at: info@eternalwtc.org

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON THIS PAGE LAST UPDATED:
Friday November 28 / 16:26 ET

1 - Should I bring drawings of my WTC memorial proposal to the event?
We encourage you to bring your drawings, sketchbooks and final competition submission to Competitor Forum, although you are not obligated to bring such materials. You may wish to prepare photocopies of your text and drawings to pass around in group discussions; we encourage collaboration and sharing. Be sure all your hand-out materials carry your name and contact information. If you bring a copy of your full-size competition submission, for convenience we suggest that it be folded on paper, not posted on rigid board. However you are welcome to bring the full-size submission mounted on foamcore, and we will try to find a way to display it. Sorry, NYU and Kimmel Center have no means to accept courier packages of your materials shipped in advance.

2 - Is registration for this event mandatory? May I show up at the door on December 6th without having registered in advance?
Advance registration is required -- we need to plan for the day and a count of participants is needed in advance. We are preparing name tags and welcome kits and need your name for printing in advance. Most notably, however, New York University will not admit anyone to the building at Kimmel Center without advance registration matched against photo identification -- standard NYU security regulations which are in practice for this event. Please go to the registration page to sign up for this event.

3 - Why is the event fee called a donation?
This event is not designed as a profit center for the organizers, so by calling it a donation we hope to get across the idea that this is a philanthropically motivated effort. The suggested $40 donation (payable in cash at the door) covers projected on-site expenses, food and refreshments at Kimmel Center, plus administrative overhead for staging the event. We are holding all costs tight so that no participant who wishes to attend is turned away based on the price of admission. If we had gone 'all out' at a midtown hotel, the price would have been at least double.

4 - Is the admission donation tax deductible?
You may claim the donation as a business expense if you choose, or submit the payment receipt to your employer for reimbursement. These two options are appropriate for self-employed individuals or design professionals; consult your tax advisor if in doubt. However, this is not classified as a charitable donation since there is no registered charity or 501-C3 entity sponsoring the event.

5 - What do I get for my $40 donation?
You get access to the rented conference rooms we have arranged at the magnificent new Kimmel Center on the NYU campus. You get sandwiches and snacks at noontime (if you have special dietary needs, let us know). You get non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day. You get an attractive name badge and a participant certificate as keepsake. You get to meet a bunch of like-minded, enthusiastic and visionary people like yourself, and become immersed once again in your great passion for this historic project. And we may have some additional surprises coming...

6 - Will news media be covering this event?
Competitor Forum is NOT an open-door media event. However, we do recognize that there is a valid observer role for selected news media representatives who may wish to document this event for the historical record and for the benefit of their audiences. Event organizers will admit, on an invitation-only basis, confirmed in advance, news media representatives who match these requirements. To submit a media invitation request please e-mail William Stratas at: media@eternalwtc.org and include your name, news affiliation, and role (writer, video reporter, etc.)

7 - As a student, may I get a discount on the donation?
The suggested donation has been set affordably for all participants, and therefore applies equally for all who attend, including students.

8 - Are spouses, design team partners and other guests welcome to attend with me? May I get a discount for guests who accompany me?
Yes, spouses and other guests are welcome to attend Competitor Forum. The suggested donation has been set affordably for all participants, and therefore applies equally for all who attend with you.

9 - What is the suggested dress code for this event?
Competitor Forum is a relaxed weekend business event in a modern, attractive building. We recommend a business-casual look suitable for meeting colleagues and other professionals. No scruffy jeans or t-shirts, please.

10 - Is Lower Manhattan Development Corporation sponsoring this event or involved in any way?
Competitor Forum is independently produced by Planetcast Presentations, Inc. and coordinated by William Stratas, a memorial competition participant and founder of one of the world's premier WTC memorial news commentary web sites and a leading web portal on the memorial competition. William has self-initiated this event by reason of his passion for the memorial project and his depth of knowledge on this topic. A handful of volunteers from across USA and Canada are assisting in support.

11 - Is there going to be another Competitor Forum event in the future?
Our desire is to organize a follow-up event, perhaps in January or February, if enthusiasm and interest warrant. A second event early in the new year would also allow participants out of country or in other parts of the USA more time to plan ahead to attend. We may consider a two-day event with academic-focused sessions on day one and peer-to-peer discussions (similar to the upcoming December 6th event) on the second day. Announcements regarding Competitor Forum II will be made in early January after feedback is collected following the first event.

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COMPETITOR FORUM I is independently produced by Planetcast Presentations, Inc.
This special event is not officially affiliated with any other agency or organization.
Web site contents Copyright © 2003 Planetcast Presentations, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For all inquiries please contact: info@eternalwtc.org