Frequently Asked Questions

What to Know Before Applying

Registration Rates

Registration is now at capacity.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION?

• Access to the Exhibition Hall
• Access to 50+ sessions focused on foreign direct investment (FDI)
• Access to workshops and networking receptions
• Access to Plenary Sessions
• Access to the SelectUSA ShoApp
• Ability to contact attendees within the SelectUSA ShoApp

Application Process

STEP 1: PREPARE

Before beginning the application process, prepare yourself by reviewing the information on this page and connecting with the U.S. Commercial Service team in your local market if needed.

STEP 2: APPLY

Thank you for your interest in attending the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Registration is now at capacity.

If you have questions, please contact support@selectusa-summit.com.

STEP 3: STAY INFORMED

• You will receive a confirmation email upon submission of your application. The email will provide instructions to access the application system and check on acceptance status.
• Status notifications will be sent on a rolling basis beginning in November 2024.
• Notifications of approval or denial will occur within 20 business days of applying, after initial notifications are sent.

STEP 4: PAYMENT

Registration is considered final once payment is received.

Credit Card

A credit card number may be provided during the application process. If you choose to pay by credit card, payment will be held and only processed once your application is approved and accepted.

Check, ACH or Wire Transfer

If you are unable to provide a valid credit card during the application process, please contact us at support@selectusa-summit.com for alternate payment options. You have 5 business days from the approval date for payment to be sent and received. All checks, ACH and wire payments MUST be received by Friday, April 11, 2025.

In the case payment is not received within the stated time, you risk losing your approval status.

If you have any issues with the processing of your payment, please contact us at support@selectusa-summit.com.

STEP 5: BOOK A HOTEL ROOM

• SelectUSA has confirmed a block of rooms at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center for approved applicants. Most room blocks are currently USD $276 per day (prevailing Federal Government Per Diem), plus 18% tax per night (state tax, occupancy tax, and local tax). The Resort Fee is waived for all standard rooms under the group reservations. A resort fee will apply for attendees who book outside of the room block. The hotel rates are valid until the room blocks are sold out or until 11:59 p.m. EDT, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
• You will receive information on how to book a hotel room under the SelectUSA room block upon completion of your application. Only approved applicants will be eligible for a hotel room within the SelectUSA Investment Summit room block. The Investment Summit planning team has the right to cancel reservations for declined applicants.
• Once your hotel room has been booked, you will receive an email confirmation to the email address you provided during the hotel booking process from the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. If there are any special requests or changes that need to be noted, please reach out directly to the Gaylord.
• Please check your spam folder in case a registration confirmation was not received. You can access your confirmation number inside your SelectUSA Investment Summit Portal (as long as you made the reservation through the portal).
• Note: If you need to make any changes to a confirmed hotel room, use the "Manage Hotel Reservation" link inside your registration portal.

STEP 6: NETWORKING

Approved attendees will receive instructions for the networking platform during the Investment Summit. Networking will begin in Spring 2025.

Appeals Process

As of May 6, application appeals will no longer be accepted or reviewed.

If you have been denied acceptance due to a perceived mistake, or other criteria, you may appeal the decision by following the process below.

Send Appeal to: SUSASummitVetting@trade.gov
Appeal Subject Line: “APPEAL” must be the first word in the subject line.

Appeals must include the following information, based on application type. All applicants should include detailed documentation to support the appeal.

• International Firms – Detailed plans for investment in the United States or plans to explore investment opportunities.
• Service Providers – Anticipated role as a service provider, including the specific services that would be provided to assist EDOs or international companies to facilitate foreign direct investment in the United States.
• Media – Detailed information on the scope, reach, and readership/viewership of your media outlet and reference to prior reporting on investment or related topics.
• Sponsors – Detailed background of the organization, including company executives, and clear explanation of motivations for sponsoring the SelectUSA Investment Summit.
• International Trade Associations – Detailed information on how the association helps organizations that are seeking to invest in the United States.

Who is the Investment Summit for?

Representatives from the following types of organizations will greatly benefit from attending the SelectUSA Investment Summit:

• Investors, including representatives of international businesses of all sizes, that are seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States
• Representatives of U.S. economic development organizations
• Representatives from U.S. state and local governments
• Advisors, service providers, companies, chambers of commerce, and associations facilitating FDI into the United States

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE INVESTMENT SUMMIT?

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is a time-saving mechanism for investors who are interested in establishing or expanding operations in the United States. Take advantage of these opportunities:

• Connections – Connect with fellow investors, service providers, and government officials who may share tools, tricks of the trade, and lessons learned about investing in the United States.
• Networking – Set up meetings with economic development professionals, service providers, and government leaders through our robust online networking program.
• Education – Learn more about how, where, and why to invest in the United States. Hear about innovative resources and incentives directly from federal, state, and local officials.

Badges

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO CHECK IN AND GET MY BADGE?

You must bring a physical government-issued photo identification. To speed up badge pickup, you are encouraged to show a copy of your "Know Before You Go" email with your unique QR code at the registration and information desk.

HOW CAN I ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION ON MY BADGE IS CORRECT BEFORE THE INVESTMENT SUMMIT?

Information will be pulled directly from the online registration form. If a name was entered in capital letters, it will appear in capital letters on the badge.

Please check your confirmation email for the personal identification information that will be printed on the badge.

To make changes to your badge information, please notify Customer Service support@selectusa-summit.com.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY BADGE?

If you lose your badge, you will need to go to the main Investment Summit registration and information desk. The registration desk staff will check to see if any badges have been turned in. If not, you can leave their contact information in the event the badge is returned. Unfortunately, due to security restrictions, new badges will not be issued if yours is lost. You should take extra care to safeguard your badge to ensure access to all events at the Investment Summit.

Registration Cancellations

• All cancellation requests must be received in writing and sent to support@selectusa-summit.com.
• Cancellation requests received by Friday, February 28, 2025 will be refunded, minus a USD $125 administrative fee. Credit card refunds will be processed within two weeks of receipt. Check refunds will be processed four weeks after the conference ends.
• Cancellation requests received after February 28, 2025 will not receive a refund.
• Applications submitted or approved and paid on/after March 1, 2025 will not receive a refund if subsequently cancelled.

Exceptions

• Except for emergency situations, refund requests must be received within 60 days of when the payment is made.
• If your application for a U.S. Visa is denied, your application fee will be refunded minus the US$125 administrative fee and must be submitted by the applicant.
• Requests for a refund due to a Visa denial must be submitted, with documentation of the denial, by May 11, 2025.
• Visa cancellations requests received after May 11, 2025 will not receive a refund.
• Visa cancellations received without proper documentation of denial will not receive a refund. Proper documentation, such as a copy of the denial addressed to the applicant is required to receive a refund.
• Within (3) days of the start of the Investment Summit (May 11, 2025), if a registrant needs to cancel because of a COVID-19 infection or due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, please email proof of a positive COVID test done by a professional health care provider or official documentation detailing the travel restrictions, to support@selectusa-summit.com. At home pictures of COVID test results will not be accepted. Once documentation is verified and approved, Show Management will refund the application fee minus the US$125 admin fee.
• COVID cancellation requests received without proper documentation of travel restriction will not receive a refund.
• COVID cancellation requests must be submitted before the Investment Summit concludes.

Transferring Payments

• Name substitutions and payment transfers are allowed until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 28, 2025. The substitute is considered a new applicant and must apply to attend the Investment Summit and be approved by SelectUSA before the funds can be transferred from the already approved registrant. Once the funds are transferred to the new approved applicant, the original registration will be canceled. New applicants must be vetted by SelectUSA before a final registration is confirmed.
• Questions regarding the transfer of payment to another individual can be sent to support@selectusa-summit.com.

Hotel Cancellations

• Hotel cancellation notices received 3 working days prior to arrival will receive a refund equal to the deposit paid. You must cancel directly with the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center by calling 1-301-965-4000.
• Hotel cancellation notices received within 3 working days of arrival will be charged by the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center an amount equal to one night’s room plus tax.

Exhibitor Booth and Sponsorship Cancellations

• Cancellations before Tuesday, November 12, 2024 are 50% liable.
• Cancellations after Wednesday, February 12, 2025 are 100% liable.

Media Cancellations

• Vetted registrants in the media category are exempt from cancellation fees.

Resources

• U.S. Department of State's Consular Affairs
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Other Information

• If you are using the Visa Waiver Program you must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel.
• We strongly advise that you educate yourself about visa requirements and apply for a visa or ESTA as soon as possible.

Visa Invitations

• Information for visa requests will be provided during the registration process.
• Once your application is approved, a visa letter will be generated and sent to the email address you provided during the registration process.

Will there be language interpretation at the Investment Summit?

Yes. All sessions in the Potomac Ballroom will be simultaneously interpreted in the following languages: Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided for any of the breakout or Investment Academy sessions.

May I request the assistance of an interpreter if I have sudden meetings?

SelectUSA does not provide interpreters outside the plenary sessions. However, there will be several volunteers and event staff (with red lanyards) available for assistance. If you need assistance in the networking area, you can reach out to the networking staff at the information desk or the volunteers onsite. Additionally, you may reach out to your delegation leads for possible assistance.

Can I bring my own interpreter?

Yes. You can bring your own interpreter, but you will have to pay for their registration fee, as well as any travel costs, etc. All interpreters must go through the vetting process.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation is available during the Plenary Sessions in the following languages: Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Bring your own headphones and mobile device to utilize this service. A limited amount of headsets are available. ASL and captioning are also provided.

For more information, please visit the Interpretation Services table in the foyer in front of Potomac Ballroom C.

Are meals included with my registration?

Yes, continental breakfast, lunch, and beverage breaks are included with registration for participants with a full Investment Summit pass. Breakfast and lunch will be provided Monday and Tuesday. Breakfast will be provided on Wednesday.

Note: There are many different food options onsite at the Gaylord National and in the surrounding area beyond what is provided at the Investment Summit. However, these food options are not included in registration.

Can non-Investment Summit participants join me for on-site meals?

No. Non-Investment Summit participants are not able to access Investment Summit spaces as they do not have a badge. If you are interested in dining with non-Investment Summit participants, there are other dining options available both on and offsite. However, we do encourage you to join meals to network with other attendees.

If I have dietary/religious preferences, can I make special meal requests?

If you listed a dietary restriction or requested a special meal during the online registration process, please identify yourself to a banquet server during breakfast and lunch. Please show your meal ticket to the server so the appropriate meal can be delivered to you. We are not able to accommodate onsite meal requests.

What is networking?

See the Networking page for information.

Will there be space for one-on-one meetings that are arranged?

Yes, there is a meeting area in the Exhibition Hall that can be booked in advance via the SelectUSA ShoApp. In addition, there are many places, including the hotel lobby and Exhibition Hall, where participants can meet.

How do I best utilize the SelectUSA ShoApp?

Watch the video tutorials in the SelectUSA ShoApp or access the 2025 Networking User Guide. See the Networking page for information.

Where do I go to Access the SelectUSA ShoApp?

More instructions on how to utilize the SelectUSA ShoApp will be distributed when it launches in Spring 2025.

HOW TO REGISTER AND LOG-IN TO THE SelectUSA ShoApp

You must be registered and approved to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit to be able to access the SelectUSA ShoApp.

Where is the lost and found?

Lost items can be returned to the Investment Summit Registration and Information desk. Once the Investment Summit ends, unclaimed items will be turned over to the Gaylord National Security Department.

What is the expected dress code for the Investment Summit?

You are expected to wear business attire and/or the equivalent of business attire from your market.

Where is smoking permitted?

The Gaylord National is a smoke-free property. The designated smoking areas are located outside the Atrium entrances and the circle in the hotel front drive.

Will there be Internet access?

Yes, complimentary wireless access is provided in all meeting spaces. We kindly request that you refrain from using this network for streaming video or other high-data activities.

Where is the business center located?

There is a FedEx business center located on the second floor, between the convention center and the hotel elevators.

What are the business center hours of operation?

• 24-hour self-service internet access
• 24-hour self-service copying, printing, and faxing with hotel room key

Hotel Floor Plan

Ballroom Level/Convention Center

• Plenary Sessions
• Press
• Registration

National Harbor Level

• Investment Academy Sessions and Pitching Sessions

Atrium Level

• Exhibit Booths
• Information Desk
• SelectUSA Tech dedicated space
• U.S. Government Pavilion
• Networking

Where should I meet a bus for an offsite event?

The Maryland Bus Loop is the bus pick-up and drop-off location.

Airport Shuttle

Shuttle Service Code - Available 5 days prior and 5 days post event.

A 5% discount for shared shuttle service has been made available for Investment Summit participants with SuperShuttle. This shuttle service is available from all area airports. Use the "Reserve Now" Link below to make your shuttle reservation in advance or call SuperShuttle at +1 (800) 258-3826 and mention SelectUSA Investment Summit as the Group and KHC6Y as the booking code.

Reserve Now

Please note that this discount does not apply to pre-existing reservations and cannot be applied retroactively.

Additional Information:

• Quote: How much does it cost? Follow the link provided above, enter your airport and destination information, and click continue to see transportation options and relative pricing.
• Reservations by phone: For special reservation questions call 1-800 BLUE VAN (800-258-3826) available 24/7. Please note, phone reservations may incur a $3 booking fee.
• Locations: For a complete list of airports served, visit www.supershuttle.com/locations

Amtrak

Amtrak offers convenient train travel to Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, VA. The historic Union Station in downtown Washington is 10.7 miles (17.2 km) to the Gaylord National. The Amtrak station in Alexandria, VA is a 6-mile (9.7 km) drive to the hotel.

Nearest Metro Station?

The Eisenhower Ave Metro station on the Yellow Line is the closest Metro station to the hotel. Exit the station and walk northwest toward Eisenhower Ave. Turn right onto Eisenhower Ave, and then turn left onto Mill Rd until you see the Mill Rd & Eisenhower Ave bus stop. Take the NH2 from here to the St George Blvd & Waterfront St stop and walk the remaining way to the Gaylord National, located at 201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745.

Car Rental

Car rentals are available at each airport and at Union Station. Visit the airport and station websites for more information. Hertz Car Rental has a location at the Gaylord National.

Is parking available at the Gaylord National?

On-site parking fee (as of October 2024 – subject to change):

Self-parking: USD $43 (per day + tax)
If you are staying at the hotel, you will receive a $10 per-day discount off of parking. If you are not staying at the hotel will be able to pick up a $10 off discount voucher at the Investment Summit Registration desk each day.
Valet parking: USD $67 (per day + tax)

Where should I be dropped off by a taxi or rideshare service?

Please instruct your taxi or rideshare service to drop you off at the main entrance of the Gaylord National: 201 Waterfront Street National Harbor, MD 20745.

Will taxis or ridesharing services be available at the Gaylord National?

Yes, taxis and rideshare services are available. However, there may be waiting periods during peak hours, so please plan accordingly. The taxi line will be located at the lobby-level entrance.

More Travel Information

For more information, please visit the Gaylord National’s website.

Will there be press on-site?

Yes, we actively recruit press to cover the Investment Summit.

How can I get press coverage for my company/organization?

During the application process, you can indicate whether you are open to press opportunities. If you opt-in at registration, we will share your contact information with all registered media contacts in advance of the Investment Summit. There is also a press room on-site if you want to drop off press releases or other materials.

What if I do not want to talk to press?

You are under no obligation to speak with reporters during the Investment Summit.

Where can I do an interview on-site?

We will have a designated area for interviews, but you are welcome to conduct interviews anywhere that does not interfere with Investment Summit programming.

What other publicity opportunities are available?

We love hearing about your Investment Summit experience on social media! Please get involved in the conversation using #SelectUSASummit.

How can I submit a proposal for the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit?

The 2025 Call for Proposals closed on September 27, 2024.

I would like to host a meeting or event during the Investment Summit. Can you help me find a location?

Yes. If you need event space, you may request rooms onsite or at neighboring venues for various events, including:

• Breakfasts
• Dinners
• Luncheons
• Receptions
• Roundtables
• Meet and Greets

For more information, click here.

What is a Spinoff Event?

SelectUSA Spinoffs are events that take place before or after the SelectUSA Investment Summit in different locations across the U.S. The events are organized by EDOs and feature an array of industry sectors and offer real time investment opportunities for international companies.

For more information, click here.