Frequently Asked Questions

Each year FNINR receives a number of questions about the annual NightinGala so this page has been created to assist with addressing some of those items. If your question is not addressed below, please feel free to reach out to us at: [email protected].

General Event Questions

Does FNINR do anything other than plan and host the NightinGala?

Yes! While the NightinGala is FNINR's most visible event and greatest fundraiser each year, the majority of FNINR's time is dedicated to fulfilling our mission and great effort is spent actively advocating for support of NINR and collaborating with other organizations and coalitions that share our vision. Learn more about FNINR's mission and vision.

What does my registration/sponsorship income support?

All revenue from the NightinGala goes to support FNINR. The majority of all income received directly goes to support the hosting of the event, including food, drinks, audio-visual and venue rental expenses. The rest of the revenue received from the NightinGala goes directly to supporting FNINR's mission, in particular this support helps fund ambassador hill visits, training and education. Learn how your attendance supports FNINR's mission.

If FNINR is spending this revenue on advocacy, what is FNINR advocating for?

As FNINR's mission states, we are solely focused on advocating for the support of NINR. This is primarily accomplished through our Ambassador program. Learn more about FNINR's Advocacy efforts.

How else can I help support FNINR's mission?

You may join the Friend of the Friends program. All donations are tax deductible and for all donors who have donated $100 or more in lifetime giving, they are recognized by a pin. Learn more about the Friend of the Friends program.

Are minors allowed to attend?

Yes, minors are allowed to attend, however alcohol is served and few to no individuals under the age of 21 attend the event on a regular basis. In the past, award recipients have often brought their children and are welcome to do so, but all attendees must have a ticket to attend the dinner. If you are an award recipient and have further questions, please contact our office directly at [email protected].

Location & Dates

How are the location and date of the NightinGala determined?

FNINR understands that your time and resources are valuable so the FNINR Board of Directors looks into dates and locations at which the nursing community is already gathering so attending the NightinGala doesn't require an additional trip for our attendees.

There is also a strong preference for this event to be held in Washington DC, given the fact that NINR is based in nearby Bethesda, Maryland and it provides the opportunity for federal employees to attend.

Can we avoid conflicts with holidays and other nursing events?

We do our best to avoid Halloween, as well as other holidays and events. Our dates are determined after FNINR has found a time and date that the nursing research community is already gathering so our date options are limited.

Venue & Housing

How is the venue determined?

The venue is selected through a multi-step process of collecting various proposals, prior to the FNINR Board of Directors making a final decision. In the past, FNINR has looked into over 20 venues in the greater Washington DC area. While there are multiple factors taken into consideration to finalize the venue, the driving factors tend to be: a convenient location, expense of the venue, and availability. Many of the venues in Washington DC require rental of kitchen equipment, tables, chairs, etc. which make them financially unfeasible. The past couple of years, availability of the venue, has generally been the key factor in making a decision.

Can the event be held at the Marriott Marquis in Washington DC?

This option has been explored in the past, however the venue has never had availability during our preferred NightinGala date. It's important to note that even if an event is not occurring in a particular venue, like the Marriott Marquis, the venue may still be unavailable as it prepares for upcoming events.

Does FNINR have a hotel room block?

Each year FNINR secures a small hotel room block, if possible. Since few of our attendees have stayed on our hotel room block in the past, this room block is quite small and is generally filled by FNINR board members and Ambassadors. If additional rooms are available after these groups have had the opportunity to book, we open this to the public.

Entertainment: MC, Band, etc.

Can FNINR hire an MC to host the NightinGala?

This option has been explored and may be explored again in the future. The conclusion of past conversations regarding this item was that the cost-benefit for hiring a professional MC is not worth proceeding. It was emphasized that FNINR's income is better spent on advocacy and fulfilling the organization's mission than on an MC.

Can FNINR hire a band for the NightinGala?

FNINR hired a band for the 2024 NightinGala, which helped transition the event and provided great entertainment to our attendees. The majority of respondents appreciated this and encouraged FNINR to work with a band in future years, however others felt the band took away from time to network and talk at their tables. Given this feedback, and the cost to hire a band, this option remains a possibility in future years.

Food & Drinks

Why can't each attendee select their own meal?

This proposal was addressed in the past and two key factors are taken into consideration when the FNINR Gala Committee makes this decision. The first is the feasibility of the venue to provide this option: some venues are able to take multiple entree orders, while others are not. The second factor is based on feedback received from past table hosts, who noted that collecting this information from their attendees can be challenging and offering a single meal option would assist in their logistics.

Who receives a dietary card for the NightinGala dinner?

Dietary cards are provided to attendees whose submitted dietary allergies or restrictions require a modified or special meal. When attendee information is submitted (either by the attendee or the table host) all dietary allergies and restrictions are forwarded to the venue and chef in advance. If a specific accommodation is needed, the attendee will receive a dietary card to present to their server during the meal service. Not all dietary notes require a modified meal, and therefore may not result in a dietary card.

Registration & Badges

How does attendee registration work?

Attendees may register by either purchasing an individual ticket, which also serves as their registration form, or by being part of a table. If you are an attendee at a table purchased by an organization, the table host receives a link to submit attendee information for each seat or may share the link with attendees so that they can register themselves. All required information on the registration must be submitted in order for an attendee to be considered registered.

What information is required for registration?

Each attendee must provide: full name, organization name as it should appear on the badge, email address, and any dietary restrictions or allergies. Registration forms cannot be submitted without all required fields completed.

Can an attendee be changed after registration is submitted?

Yes. Changes must follow the official substitution process. The table host completes a substitution form with all required information for the new attendee. On-site substitutions are also available through the substitution line, following the same process.

How are name badges handled?

All name badges are printed in advance and include the attendee’s name, organization, and table number. Replacement badges or reprints are available at check-in for on-site substitutions, missing badges, or corrections. Attendees with known badge reprints are encouraged to pick up badges at pre-registration to reduce wait times.

How does check-in and badge pickup work on-site?

Attendees may pick up badges either at pre-registration early that afternoon or at the main registration at the event. Main registration opens at the start of the President's Reception. Check-in lines are organized alphabetically, with a separate line for substitutions or badge issues. Attendees are encouraged to pick up badges at pre-registration to reduce wait times.

Can I transfer my registration or attend without registering?

All attendees must be registered in advance. Transfers or substitutions can be completed on-site through the substitution line, but we recommend completing these at pre-registration to minimize time in line. Unregistered guests or walk-ins cannot be accommodated unless a registered attendee’s seat is officially reassigned through the substitution process.

Can I bring a guest or change my table assignment?

Guests must be registered in advance in order to attend. Individual tickets may be purchased to accommodate a guest, and those who purchase individual tickets are typically seated together. For attendees seated at a table hosted by a specific organization, attendees must check with their table host to see if they can bring a guest, and if so, the host must ensure that the guest is registered in order to attend. Tables are assigned in advance, and this event is typically sold out, so table changes are not guaranteed.

What should I do if my name is misspelled or other information is incorrect?

Attendees should review confirmation emails and registration forms for accuracy. Corrections can be requested prior to the event by emailing [email protected]. On-site corrections can also be made, but may result in longer wait times. Any changes made to dietary needs on-site cannot be guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate requests.

Dress & Personal Items

What is the dress code?

The FNINR NightinGala is a formal event and cocktail attire is recommended. We encourage you to View Photos from Past Events to get a better idea of the dress.

Is there a coat check? Can I bring my luggage to the event and leave it with them?

Yes, we do offer a coat check for our attendees, which is provided on a complimentary basis. However, we do not have a location to securely hold luggage. Depending on the location, the coat check may be able to accommodate luggage, however they cannot guarantee the security of the luggage. It's highly recommended that you leave all luggage at your hotel prior to the event.