FAQ

This page contains some Frequently Asked Questions, with the answers you need to get to the summit! For event details, visit the homepage.

Check back often. We’ll add questions to the page, as they come in.
Updated March 2024

Q. Will we see the Northern Lights at the Aurora Summit?

A. We sure hope so! Of course, there is no way to predict what will happen this far in advance, but if there are clear skies and the Aurora make an appearance, we’ll be in one of the best locations in the contiguous U.S. for viewing.

Q. When can I register?

A. Registration launches by the end of the June every year! It is not always the case, but in the past, we have offered an Early Bird Discount in June with a 20% OFF discount for a limited time. To register, visit the homepage: TheAuroraSummit.com

Q. Will the Aurora Summit be offered online or in a hybrid format?

A. No. Unfortunately, we do not have the staff or resources to make hybrid or online options available at this time.

Q. Will vaccinations be required to attend the conference?

A. No. Now that vaccinations are widely available and the restrictions during the global pandemic have eased, it is up to each individual to ensure they take precautions to protect against the spread of COVID-19 or other dangerous viruses.

Q. What are the dates for the Aurora Summit?

A. Aurora Summit 24 will take place October 18-20, 2024, with an optional add-on for a pre-conference day. Early arrivals will have the option to participate in a day of workshops, clinics, demos and tutorials beginning in the morning on Friday, October 18. Those attending the special pre-conference bootcamp may want to arrive at the host hotel on Thursday night, October 17. The conference will begin with registration from 2-5pm on Friday, October 18, and run until 12:30pm on Sunday, October 20, with raffle prizes awarded during the Grand Finale.

We hold the conference late in the fall, because it works well for scheduling, falls during peak Aurora season, and lets us practice night sky photography in the colder conditions often found on an Aurora Chase. This often means cold temperatures and wintry conditions, however, especially at night.

Q. Will the sessions be filmed so guests can watch all presentations on video?

A. As much as we’d like to share every presentation, we’re not set up to film the sessions. No video will be provided. However, slides, summaries and/or fact sheets from the Saturday sessions will be posted on the Aurora Summit website, when they become available. The files will be posted for about one year, and guests can find these on the website under Resources.

Q. Should I bring my camera, lenses or a tripod?

A. Yes! Photographers are welcome to bring camera equipment at their own risk, and they are responsible for their own gear. The summit offers many opportunities for night photography and hands-on learning with D-SLR cameras. Bringing a tripod will help photographers to get clear photographs of the night sky and the Northern Lights if they appear. We’ll also invite guests to upload photos to social media during the conference, if you would like to bring a laptop or mobile device.

Q. Do you offer hands-on activities that will take place outdoors?

A. Yes, we are adding more outdoor workshops all the time! The venue sits on the beautiful shore of Lake Superior, with a beach located on the hotel property. Opportunities after hours include Night Photography, Aurora Chasing and Light Painting on the lakeshore.

Q. What opportunities will we have for sight-seeing and photography?

A. On top of dark skies, the location offers many state parks, beaches and lighthouses within easy driving distance. Wisconsin State Parks require an annual permit or $11 day pass for admission for out-of-state visitors. For more information, visit Wisconsin State Parks.

Q. Can I buy a sweatshirt for the Aurora Summit?

A. Yes. Currently, we sell apparel online through a print-on-demand website. To receive a sweatshirt or other gear in time for the conference, please place an order in advance. Allow time for shipping, so you’ll have it in time to pack! To learn more, visit Gear.

Q. Do I need to dress up for the banquet?

A. Come as you are! While the banquet is held in a great setting, we do not consider it a formal occasion. Between the north’s chilly fall temperatures and our passion for the outdoors, many people will come dressed in layers and prepared for the cold. You are much more likely to see others in sporting gear and insulated jackets than you are to see formal attire.

Q. Who can attend the Aurora Summit?

A. The Aurora Summit is open to the public, including international guests! All guests must register. The retreat is designed for adults, and we request that all attendees register individually.

Q. What is the process for becoming a presenter, panelist, vendor or sponsor?

A.  Anyone can enter their ideas anytime to be considered as a presenter for future conferences! We’ve posted an open invitation for those who would like to present, speak on the panel, or play another role at the conference. To be considered, please fill out an entry form on the website: Get Involved!

Q. When can I sign up to attend and register for the conference?

A. We plan to launch registration in June. Sign up early for the best results! Registration will be available when we have determined the conference program and the meals that will be included, so we can set the price. When the Eventzilla registration website is available, it will be posted on the Home page.

Q. Do I have to register?

A. Yes. All guests must register, and we request that each person register individually. Registration is required to attend the Aurora Summit’s activities and meals. Those in violation of our registration policy will be asked to leave.

Q. Does the registration package include the hotel?

A. No, however, we will reserve a block of rooms at the host hotel for a discount, when you mention the Aurora Summit. You’ll need to book your lodging separately. Please make sure you have a place to stay before you register.

Q. Is this event affiliated with a group?

A. No. The Aurora Summit is open to members of any Aurora group, but it is not affiliated with any group, club or organization.

Q. Can I bring my dog?

A. Yes! Our host hotel for 2024 is pet-friendly with limited rooms available, and there are many nearby lodging options available for your furry companions. Please contact the hotel for pet policies.

Q. Do I have to sign a photography release or waiver?

A. Yes. As part of registration, guests will be asked to sign a waiver and photography release. We invite guests to upload their photos to our social media channels during the conference, and we tend to share the photos broadly. We also produce a photography slideshow with submitted photos, and publish the resulting video file online.

While you should not expect any surprises regarding the use of photos, we do ask that you sign a waiver so that we may share your photos broadly on social media or other outlets.

Q. Is the discount code on the registration website available to anyone?

A. No, the discount code is reserved for conference presenters. If we offer the Early Bird Rate, it will be published as a ticket type, and no code is needed to receive this discount.

Q. What is the Early Bird discount?

A. As our budget allows, we have offered an Early Bird discount in the past. For a limited time, this discount offers the chance to save 20% on admission to the Aurora Summit, when you register with the Early Bird discount. Only available to those who register right after launch.

Q. How much does the conference cost?

A. The event costs will be determined when we launch registration in June. All meals are included in registration.

For reference, the costs for Aurora Summit 23 were set at $299 for full registration, plus fees, which included all conference activities and all meals. Guests who do not plan to participate in the sessions, but would like to attend evening activities could purchase a ticket to the Saturday Banquet Only for $109, or a ticket to both the Friday Dinner with Panel Discussion and Saturday Banquet for $149. The pre-conference Photography Bootcamp was offered for $79 for the full day, with lunch included, but it is only available to those already attending the full event.

Q. When will the cost of the conference be determined?

A. We usually announce the cost of admission in June. The price is determined by several factors, including provided meals, speaker fees and miscellaneous items, such as conference supplies and promotion. It’s our goal to launch registration in June each year, which is when we announce the cost.

Determining the Conference Cost

The cost is decided by many factors, and it is likely to change each year. The cost helps to bring in quality presenters, afford printing costs, and cover rental expenses for the venue.

For reference, the cost of full admission was $299 for Aurora Summit 23, $289 for Aurora Summit 22, and $209 for Aurora Summit 21. Aurora Summit 20 was postponed due to the global pandemic. The cost was $175 for Aurora Summit 19, $179 for Aurora Summit 18, and $139 for Aurora Summit 17. We usually provide a dinner only option, which includes a catered dinner, the keynote speaker, and the Aurora Slideshow, as well as Saturday evening activities.

For those who register for the full conference package, the price covers all conference activities, including educational sessions, the panel discussion, the keynote speech, and prizes and swag. It also covers all meals.

Q. Did you hold Aurora Summit 20 as scheduled, during the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus?

A. No. Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19 and financial hardship resulting from economic change, the 4th Annual Aurora Summit or Aurora Summit 20 was postponed indefinitely. This was a tough decision to make, but we, the organizers, believe this was the right thing to do.