Know Before You Go!
Below you’ll find important information regarding this year’s 4WARD conference. We’ll continue to update this as we move closer to the event, so be sure to check back occasionally so you don’t miss a beat! As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to the event team at 4WARD@shift4.com.
GENERAL
What is the attire?
The general dress code for the conference is “Shift4 casual,” meaning jeans are totally acceptable. Just make sure you are presentable in whatever you wear; and maybe rock some Shift4 swag while you’re at it! It is also recommended that you pack a sweater or light jacket, as there may be fluctuating temperatures in the hotel meeting rooms.
For the evening events, rock some boots and a cowboy hat and get in the Nashville spirit! If that’s not your style, dressy casual is also recommended.
Note: The Welcome reception at Nashville Live! will have both inside and outside areas. The event at Ole Red is completely indoors.
What will the weather be like?
In the beginning of November, Nashville averages a high temperature between 65-66° F and a low temperature between 56-57° F.
This year’s conference overlaps with the Presidential election. How can we make sure we are able to vote?
Yes, yes, we are aware that the government scheduled this year’s election over our conference. HOW RUDE! We tried our best to have them move it, but they wouldn’t budge.
Nevertheless, you can still vote! We encourage you to vote early or complete an absentee ballot to ensure your vote still counts. You can visit your state government’s website for more information on how to do so.
REGISTRATION & GUEST POLICY
Who can register for 4WARD?
4WARD is an invite-only event. If you receive an email invitation, you’re invited to register and attend!
For SkyTab Partners, the invitation is only valid for one person per office.
What is the deadline to register to attend?
For SkyTab Partners, the deadline to register is Monday, September 30.
For employees, the deadline to register is Wednesday, July 31.
What is the guest policy?
SkyTab Partners: One person from each invited office is allowed to attend 4WARD. If you would like to bring a second attendee (another SkyTab Partner from your office or a social guest), a $1,000 guest fee will apply. No more than one (1) additional attendee will be allowed per office code.
Employees: Although this is a business event, we understand that some attendees may want to bring a significant other to attend some of the evening events with us. In this case, you can add a “social guest” to your registration for a cost of $1,000. In addition to this fee (which will be debited from your paycheck in equal installments), you will also be responsible for the cost of flights and all other travel expenses for your guest. This guest will be added to your room reservation.
What is considered a social guest?
A social guest is someone that will accompany you to 4WARD but only attend the evening events. Typically, this is a spouse or partner.
How do I register my additional guest?
SkyTab Partners: Additional guests (whether they be another SkyTab Partner or a social guest) can be added during the registration process. Click Add a Guest, then indicate their guest type and add their information.
Employees: Click Add a Guest during the registration process and add your guest’s information.
Note: If you wish to add a guest after you have already registered, you can modify your registration here or through the link in your confirmation email.
TRAVEL & HOTEL
What days should I arrive and depart?
Arrival: Please plan to arrive on Monday, November 4. We recommend ensuring you arrive at the hotel by 4:00 pm so you have time to check-in during conference registration.
Departure: Most attendees will depart the morning of Thursday, November 7. If you wish to leave Wednesday after the conclusion of the conference, you are able to do so as there is no evening event planned for that night.
How do I book my flights?
SkyTab Partners are responsible for booking their own travel arrangements.
Employees should book their flights through Concur.
I am an employee and not set up with Concur. What should I do?
If you are not set up with Concur, please email accounting@shift4.com and they will be able to set up your account.
How do I book my hotel room?
SkyTab Partners: Please book your room directly through the Renaissance here. You will be responsible for the cost of your room. Rooms in our room block are only available Monday, November 4 – Thursday, November 7.
Employees: The event team will coordinate all hotel room reservations, with check-in being Monday, November 4 and check-out being Thursday, November 7. If you need those dates adjusted, please email 4WARD@shift4.com.
Note for Employees: You will still need to put a credit card on file when checking in to the hotel, as you are responsible for incidentals.
I am a SkyTab Partner. What is the deadline for booking my hotel room?
For SkyTab Partners, the deadline to book your room is Monday, September 30. We recommend reserving your room as soon as possible as we have a limited number available in our room block.
Where can I find my reservation confirmation number?
SkyTab Partners: You will receive a confirmation email once you book your room through the link provided, which will contain your confirmation number.
Employees: Confirmation numbers will be emailed out once reservations have been confirmed with the Renaissance. If you do not receive your confirmation number, please reach out to 4WARD@shift4.com.
How can I update my hotel reservation?
SkyTab Partners: Follow the link in your confirmation email to update your reservation. If you run into any issues, you can contact our group housing coordinator, Amy Akers, at amy.akers@renaissancehotels.com for assistance. Alternatively, you can email the event team and we will be more than happy to help.
Employees: Confirmation numbers will be emailed out once reservations have been confirmed with the Renaissance. If you do not receive your confirmation number, please reach out to 4WARD@shift4.com.
I live near Nashville and will drive myself to the conference and evening events. Where should I park?
The Renaissance offers valet parking for $62/day. There are also other easy and convenient places to park downtown. For a full list, interactive map, and more information, visit Nashville Downtown Partnership.
ONSITE REGISTRATION
Once I arrive, where do I check in for the conference?
Onsite registration will be held on Monday, November 4 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. At that time, you can make your way to the Registration Desk in the conference center to check-in and pick up your lanyard and wristband.
What is my wristband for?
The wristband you receive at registration check-in will allow you to get into the evening events. You MUST wear your wristband or you will be denied entry. If you lose your wristband, you will not be able to get another.
AGENDA
Where can I acess the agenda?
The agenda can be accessed via the conference website here or via the event app.
Will we be assigned to the breakout sessions?
Yes! All Direct Sales and SkyTab Partner attendees will be assigned a track for the beakout sessions Tuesday afternoon, and you will be able to view and follow your track’s schedule via the event app.
Please be sure to follow the schedule for your specific track.
How do I know which breakout schedule to follow?
All SkyForce attendees were pre-assigned a breakout track, and that is the track wyou will follow during the breakout sessions on Tuesday afternoon.
In the app, you should only see the breakout schedule for your track, making it easy for you to know where you need to be when.
For reference, here are how the tracks are broken down:
Track A: Direct Sales Last Names A – L
Track B: Direct Sales Last Name M – Z
Track C: SkyTab Partner Office Codes EU + SP001 – SP079
Track D: SkyTab Partner Office Codes SP080 – SP307
If you are part of SkyForce, but do not see your track assignment in the app, please reach out to the event team ASAP.
I am not part of SkyForce. Can I still attend the breakout sessions?
Yes! Feel free to follow one of the tracks and sit in on the breakout sessions.
EVENING EVENTS
Will dinner be provided?
Yes, dinner will be provided at all evening events.
Do I need to wear my wristband?
Yes. You MUST wear your wristband or you will be denied entry into the evening events. If you lose your wristband, you will not be able to get another.
Will transportation be provided to and from the evening events?
One of the best parts of downtown Nashville is that almost everything is walkable! Nashville Live! and Ole Red are both a short walking distance from the Renaissance, so transportation will not be provided. If you prefer, you can always use rideshare or taxi services to take you to and from each event.
Is there elevator access or stairs within each venue?
Both venues offer elevators and stairs that allow you to easily navigate between floors.
Is there a bag policy for any of the events?
No.
CONFERENCE MOBILE APP
How do I download the conference app?
Download Whova from the app store. Search for 4WARD 2024 and sign up with the same email you used to register for the conference.
Do I need to enable notifications for the app?
We strongly recommend enabling notifications, as the event team will be pushing out important information and reminders throughout the week. You don’t want to miss out!
EXPENSE POLICY (SHIFT4 EMPLOYEES ONLY)
Please remember that you are a representative of Shift4 and are considered ‘on-the-clock’ the entire time you are in Nashville, so your actions must adhere to our Employee Code of Conduct throughout the event. In addition to ensuring your professional conduct during this time, it is also required that you adhere to our expense policy as outlined below:
Meals:
Meals are provided during the 4WARD event, and therefore no reimbursement will be given during this timeframe.
Monday, November 4: Dinner provided at Welcome Reception
Tuesday, November 5: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
Wednesday, November 6: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
During travel days, Shift4 is not providing meals, so you can expense up to the following amounts:
Breakfast: $20
Lunch: $25
Additionally, alcoholic beverages should not be expensed except by pre-approved members of senior leadership.
Travel:
All official activities are within walking distance of the hotel, so Uber, Lyft, and taxis will not be reimbursed for the duration of the conference with the exception of travel to and from the airport.