FAQ
A) SCOPE AND NATURE
Threads is the first of its kind community driven conference with one goal: to tell the story of the Hindu-American. The theme for Threads is to share, appreciate and engage with the larger American community to shape a collective future It is about sharing the comprehensive, multi-dimensional contributions Hindu-Americans (not just Indian Americans) have made over the past six decades to make America better; it is about appreciating the opportunities America gave to blossom and flourish; but more importantly, about reaching out and engaging with the American community to shape a collective future.
Threads aims to bring together inspiring thought leaders and key members of a community – the Hindu-American community. Participants - thinkers, artists, educators, writers, public policy makers, scientists, medical professionals, technologists, entrepreneurs, business leaders – will join for a singular purpose: to share their stories and journeys, to celebrate their accomplishments and engage with each other, to explore and share ideas for brighter, better America of tomorrow.
It is expected to be a recurring event – planned every 2 years
No, it is not.
Threads is a conference which focuses on inclusion and collaboration and showcases the strength of unity in diversity. Threads is not a religious conference and the term Hindu refers only to a people and a civilization. The conference is educational in character. It is about reaching out and engaging with the American community to shape a collective future. Thus, Threads invites delegates and guests from various communities to educate them about the multi-dimensional contributions of Hindu-Americans as well as learn from them.
For the past many decades, Hindu Americans have immigrated from all corners of the world and today are deeply interwoven in the fabric of America. To inspire the community to continue its valuable contributions, this conference aims to celebrate Hindu Americans’ stories and journeys, to recognize their accomplishments and engage to continue to shape a bright future collectively
As the next generation of the Hindu Americans comes of age, the Threads conference will also inspire them with a positive narrative of their parents’ ancestral achievements
Finally, there has been no significant effort so far to chronicle the stories of Hindu American’s assimilation and contributions. This conference is intended to be the first step to start collating the inspiring stories of how Hindu Americans defined their dreams in this wonderful land of opportunity, their challenges and tribulations, and their success in becoming a valuable part of the American society
Hindus’ pluralism, tolerance, mutual respect and harmony
No, we welcome anyone, of any faith, who has an interest in Hindu culture, values and way of living. We have reached out, amongst others, to organizations of Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths. We are inclusive – and we welcome people of all religions, beliefs, values, and traditions
That said, the focus of this conference is to celebrate the contributions of Hindu Americans, explore the Hindu way of living and discuss how they increase their relevance and contributions to American society. It stands to reason that speakers are mostly Hindu Americans who have traversed their own journey over last many decades
The word Hindu refers to a people and a civilization. Hindus have immigrated to the Americas from around the world, not just from India. There are Hindus right here in Americas who are non-Indians but follow the Hindu way of life. That is why Threads is the story of all Hindu-Americans.
To provide an opportunity for participants to have a truly immersive and diverse experience. Have enough time to develop networks and contacts and deliberate topics of importance for the community
- Friday, Nov 1st, 6PM onwards: Evening Dinner and Networking, Inauguration, Cultural event
- Saturday, Nov 2nd, 7 AM onwards: Breakfast, Panel Discussions, Dinner and Networking, Special session on the Science of Consciousness followed by Thread (Lightening) Talks.
- Sunday, Nov 3rd, 7 AM onwards: Breakfast, Panel discussions, Closing and Lunch
There are eight panel sessions in total: Arts & Literature, Industry & Commerce, Public Service & Advocacy, Holistic Living, Technology & Entrepreneurship, Medicine, Biotech & Pharmacy, Education and Service & Philanthropy. In addition to panel discussions, there will be special session on the Science of Consciousness on Saturday after dinner followed by Thread (Lightening) TalksEach session will be 75 minutes and will feature inspiring, charismatic personalities from an array of fields as keynote speakers and panelists and will cover a broad range of topics
In each session, the panel will consist of about 4-5 speakers led by a moderator. The panelists will bring their rich accomplishments, diverse experiences and personal stories - as educators, thought leaders, researchers and administrators representing physical and social sciences, medicine, digital literacy, etc. Each session will have a Q&A session – allowing the participants time and opportunity to engage with the panelists
B) REGISTRATION
- Threads is an invitation only conference, with limited number of participants. This is by design - to improve the participants’ quality of experience, allow meaningful networking and thoughtful exchange of ideas. As such, a very nominal payment of $ 200 / person covers the cost of organizing the conference, meals for Friday evening, full day Saturday and Sunday morning and logistics of Speakers. This is a great value for an enriching event as thisIn exceptional circumstances (e.g. for Students, Government Policy Makers, Teachers, Speakers, Senior Citizens) we will provide a discounted rate on case by case basis. Please contact the organizers at info@threads2019.org
Yes. Meals are included. The food will be of the highest quality, healthy and vegetarian. Menus will represent the culinary diversity of India.
Since this is a national conference, we expect attendees from all parts of the country. And, we encourage everyone – regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, race etc. - to join, if they have an interest in knowing more about Hindu Americans’ journey in Americas.
For the younger generation specifically, we are engaging with various leading youth organizations at different educational institutions. Special discounted rates are offered. If interested in attending, please contact us at info@threads2019.org
Similarly, for senior citizens, we have an outreach plan in progress. Special discounted rates are offered. If interested in attending, please contact us atinfo@threads2019.org
Keeping in mind the nature of insightful and intellectually stimulating discussions, attendance is limited to 10 years and older.
No, all attendees must be registered in advance. This is for security, safety as well as capacity management.
The registration desk will open on Friday, Nov 1st from 2 pm onwards and will operate through the Sunday, Nov 3nd noon time.If staying at the HILTON, you can check-in with the hotel anytime from Friday, 3 pm onwards. Early check-in can be requested.
C) EXPECTATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS
Please join us with enthusiasm, anticipation and an open mind. You are welcome to share your thoughts and questions during the discussion section of the Panel Discussions as well as during Network sessions
a. You are welcome to take pictures and videos and post on social media.
However, we ask that you respect the privacy of other participants and speakers and follow the standard professional norms. That includes keeping the purpose and goals of the conference in mind while posting content, being inclusive, not posting anything that hurts sentiments and asking individuals for prior permission, in case of long-form video
The whole conference will be videotaped and we will also have professional photographers covering the event
All audio-visual contents and presented materials will be owned by Threads
D) ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY AT THREADS CONFERENCE
No. We expect the conference delegates to focus on discussions, learning and networking. There will be no active advertising at the location
However, you can put an advertisement in our souvenir, which will be distributed to all delegates and send to many institutions. Opportunities are limited and on first-come, first reserved basis. For details, please see instructions on our home page under the button “Call to Advertisers”
We have allocated very limited space for this purpose. If interested please contact the organizing team at info@threads2019.org
E) CONFERENCE LOGISTICS
The Hotel rooms are blocked at special rates in the HILTON BOSTON/WOBURN, 2 FORBES ROAD, WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS, 01801, USA TEL: +1-781-932-0999 FAX: +1-781-932-0903. The hotel room rate is $135/room/night+Tax
Please call the hotel directly and let them know that you are an attendee to the conference
Access to the conference venue will be strictly limited to pre-registered delegates only. Modern digital technology will be employed to control access to the venue.
For the hotel premises, standard security will be provided by Woburn Police and Hilton hotel, as per norms for a conference of this size and nature
First aid support will be available through our volunteers. The nearest hospital and emergency is Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, 41 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805 (781) 744-5100
Yes, the conference is in Hilton Hotel, Woburn. The entire conference will be in one area – in one large conference room. Meals will be in a separate area in the Hotel. Posters would be in an open lobby next to the conference room.
Hilton Woburn LOCATED AT: 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA 01801 is at a distance of about 14 miles from Boston LOGAN (BOS) airport. Uber costs upto $30. The other way is to take Logan Shuttle to Anderson. Hotel shuttle will pick you up from Anderson.
By Car:
Traveling 93 North (From Boston/Logan Airport): Take Exit 36 (Montvale Ave.) Turn left off the exit. At second set of lights, turn right onto Washington St. Drive 1 mile on Washington St to the second set of lights. Turn right onto Cedar St. Take immediate right onto Forbes Rd. Hotel is on left.
Traveling 93 South - From I-495 or Andover Area: Take Exit 37B for I-95 South. Stay in far right lane and take exit 36-Washington St/Woburn. Bear right off exit. At first light, turn right onto Washington St. At third set of lights, turn left on Cedar St. Take immediate right onto Forbes Road and Hilton is on the left.
Traveling 128/I-95 North (From Waltham Area/Mass Pike I-90) Take Exit 36 (Washington St.) Bear right off exit. At first light, turn right onto Washington St. At third set of lights, turn left on Cedar St. Take immediate right onto Forbes Road and Hilton is on the left.
Traveling 128/I-95 South (Peabody/Gloucester Area): Take Exit 36 (Washington St.) Bear right off the exit. At first light, turn right onto Washington St. At third set of lights, turn left on Cedar St. Take immediate right onto Forbes Road and Hilton is on the left.
Boston Logan International Airport
DIRECTIONS
Exit airport to Sumner Tunnel/Boston I-93. Proceed thru the tunnel to 93 North. Take Exit 36 (Montavale Ave) Left off exit. At 2nd light, right-Washington St. 2nd light, right-Cedar St., immediate right- Forbes Rd. Hotel is on left.
Distance from Hotel12 mi.
Drive Time:12 min.
| Type | Typical Minimum Charge |
| Bus Service | 11.00 USD |
| Super Shuttle | 20.00 USD |
| Rental Car | Charges vary. |
| Subway/Rail | 10.00 USD |
| Taxi | 55.00 USD |
Manchester Airport
DIRECTIONS
Follow signs to 93 South. Take 93 South to 95 South. Bear right off exit. Right at light onto Washington St. 3rd light, turn left-Cedar St. then immediate right -Forbes Rd. Hotel on left.
Distance from Hotel40 mi.
Drive Time:45 min.
| Type | Typical Minimum Charge |
| Super Shuttle | 30.00 USD |
| Rental Car | Charges vary. |
Please contact the organizers at info@threads2019.org