What is EDLE?  

EDLE is an opportunity for designated Executive Directors from NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates across the U.S. to:   

  • Engage in peer learning and information-sharing to sharpen individual leadership skills; 
  • Participate in sessions that can help strengthen organizational capacity, programs, advocacy efforts, and operations; 
  • Network with NAMI colleagues from across the country.   
When is EDLE?

EDLE will take place from December 4th –7th, 2024.  

Where is EDLE being held?    

EDLE 2024 will be held in person at the Westin DC Downtown Hotel located in Washington, D.C.   

Hotel Address:  

999 9th Street NW 

Washington, DC 20001 

202-682-3427 

Who is eligible to attend EDLE?  

Executive Directors of NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates who are permanent or interim, paid or volunteer, are eligible to attend EDLE.  

External speakers and limited NAMI National Staff are by invitation only and registration will be handled separately by the EDLE Leadership Team. The team will work directly with department leadership on this. 

Can I attend EDLE virtually?   

EDLE will be an in-person event. The EDLE Working Committee is exploring virtual options, but they will be limited due to budgetary constraints. We suggest attending the event in person to get the full experience.   

Is EDLE free to attend?   

Yes. EDLE registration is free to Executive Directors.  

Will there be a waitlist once registration is full?   

Yes, once the 125 spots are filled, EDs who complete the waitlist form on the registration page will be added to a waitlist. We will do our very best to accommodate all those on the waitlist in the order in which they are received. You will be contacted if a spot becomes available.  

Please note: EDs must fill out the waitlist form found at the registration link to be added.     

How do I book my hotel room at the Westin Hotel?   

NAMI has reserved rooms for all Executive Directors who register for EDLE at the Westin Hotel. Please fill out the information on the Hotel booking page of your registration form to reserve a room.   

Please Note: NAMI National will cover up to 3 nights (12/4-12/7) if you are not participating in Capitol Hill Day, and up to 4 nights (12/3-12/7) if you are participating in Capitol Hill Day. If you wish to stay longer than these allotted dates, you will be responsible for paying the cost of any additional nights and will be charged by the Westin Hotel during check-out. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are planning on arriving earlier or staying later than the dates provided by NAMI National.  

Will I have to share a room at the Westin Hotel?   

No. Executive Directors who register for EDLE will have their own hotel room.   

What time should I arrive on Wednesday, December 4th, and depart on Saturday, December 7th? 

Arrival: The Westin’s check-in time is 4:00 p.m. EST. Additionally, we will kick off EDLE on Wednesday night with check-in starting at 5:00 p.m. EST and an opening reception starting at 6:00 p.m. EST. Check your flight information to ensure you have adequate time to travel from the airport to the hotel.   

If you plan to participate in Capitol Hill Day, we suggest you arrive on Tuesday, December 3 ahead of an optional Hill Day training session at 2:00 p.m. EST. Capitol Hill Day will officially kick off with breakfast and a briefing session at 7:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday, December 4.  

Departure: The Westin’s check-out time is 12:00 p.m. EST. There is no programming scheduled for Saturday, although there will be breakfast provided ending at 11:00 a.m. EST. 

What is Capitol Hill Day and how do I attend?  

With EDLE coming to Washington, we will be organizing a group of Executive Directors to go to Capitol Hill to meet with your Congressional delegation. As Executive Directors, you represent an important constituent voice to your state’s Representatives and Senators. Building relationships with their offices can help move them to act on mental health issues now and in the future. 

NAMI’s Government Relations, Policy & Advocacy team will provide a briefing ahead of the Hill Day, create materials for you to leave with offices, and schedule Hill Day meetings. As availability allows, NAMI government relations staff will be able to accompany EDs to their meetings should having a partner be helpful. 

This is entirely optional to participate. 

To attend Capitol Hill Day, you must opt in at the time of registration.  

If you have any questions about Capitol Hill Day, please contact [email protected]. 

Are travel expenses to Washington, D.C. covered?

No. Executive Directors are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of all travel to/from Washington, D.C. (airfare, train, car, etc.) and all travel incidentals, including local transportation and parking. 

When making flight arrangements, what airports should I be looking at? 

We recommend flying to either of the following airports:   

  • 15-20 min to hotel by car  
  • 30-40 min to hotel by train   
  • 40-50 min to hotel by car   
  • 60-75 min to hotel by train 
  • 45-60 min to hotel by car   
  • 90-120 min to hotel by train/public transportation   

All airports are accessible by public transportation and have taxi and rideshare services available. Check your flight information to ensure you have adequate time to travel from the airport to the hotel. For more information on public transportation and train schedules, click here. 

How do I let you know about my special dietary requirements?   

Please specify any dietary requirements or restrictions on your registration form.  

What is the agenda for EDLE? 

The EDLE Working Committee and NAMI National staff are currently developing a program that reflects the interests and needs of NAMI State Organization and NAMI Affiliate Executive Directors. The program will be informed by feedback we receive from this year’s EDLE content survey, the EDLE 2023 evaluation, and other feedback we receive from Executive Directors. This process is underway and we will share the agenda and other key event information as they become available.  

Will we have time to explore Washington, D.C.? What else is there to do in the city?   

EDLE is an intensive event and not much time will be available during the conference dates.   

If you are interested in exploring the city while you are here, please visit washington.org for more information.

If I have other EDLE-related questions not addressed in the FAQ, who should I contact?  

For additional questions related to EDLE 2023, please contact [email protected].   

If I have general NAMI-related questions, who should I contact?  

Visit NAMI.org for answers to specific questions about NAMI or email [email protected].  

I am interested in presenting at EDLE 2024. Who should I contact?   

Please email your name, affiliation, and topic(s) of interest to [email protected]. This information will be shared with the EDLE Working Committee. Someone from the EDLE Leadership Team will be in touch with you.