Justification for Attendance – NYS TESOL Conference 2026
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Please see below for a justification letter from our Vice President of Conference, Mary Sandoval.
Some extra help from Katie Leven, the VP of Communications:
- The PDF version of that letter is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VxnYnGF0qG4e1xgERJeVpiZGeEf4v3aL/view?usp=sharing
- All conference information is found: https://sites.google.com/nystesol.org/manyhandsonepurpose/registration?authuser=0
- You can register for the conference using the Whova registration page, found here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/pmb2QKIowJZBr2KaQJRx/ .
- Registration has TWO STEPS:
- All registrants should register through Whova, or districts may submit registrations on behalf of their educators.
- An invoice will be sent within 2–3 days. NOTE: Payment can be made by credit card or purchase order.
- The early bird registration deadline is September 25, 2026. (payments are due by midnight that night)
- Hotel information is also available here: https://sites.google.com/nystesol.org/manyhandsonepurpose/accommodations?authuser=0 , and more details will be shared as they become available.
Travel Tips for Our 2026 Annual Conference
We can’t wait to welcome you to Long Island! Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or car, there are several convenient ways to reach the Hyatt Regency Long Island, 1717 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11788.
Traveling by Air
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) — Easiest Option
If flights from your area are available, Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Islip is generally the most convenient airport for reaching the conference hotel. It allows you to arrive directly on Long Island and avoid traveling through New York City.
From MacArthur Airport, attendees can continue to the Hyatt by taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other car service.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK offers many more domestic and international flight options and has a convenient connection to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
A helpful public-transit route is:
JFK Airport → AirTrain → Jamaica Station → LIRR → Ronkonkoma
From Ronkonkoma Station, attendees can take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other car service to the Hyatt.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia is another option, although reaching Hauppauge by public transportation involves an additional connection.
Travelers can use the LaGuardia Link Q70 bus to connect with the LIRR at Woodside and then continue east on Long Island. Depending on the train schedule, a transfer may be necessary.
For those traveling with luggage, taking a taxi or rideshare directly from LaGuardia to Hauppauge may be more convenient, although travel time can vary significantly with New York City and Long Island traffic.
Traveling by Train
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
For many attendees, the LIRR is an easy way to avoid Long Island traffic.
The Ronkonkoma Branch provides service from New York City toward central Long Island. Travelers can begin at Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall or Grand Central Madison, with some trips requiring a transfer at Jamaica.
Recommended destination: Ronkonkoma Station
From Ronkonkoma, attendees can use Uber, Lyft, a taxi, or another car service for the final trip to the Hyatt.
We strongly recommend checking the MTA TrainTime app before traveling for the most current schedules, fares, track information, and service changes.
Traveling by Amtrak
For attendees coming from Boston, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or other cities along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak can be a comfortable alternative to flying or driving.
Take Amtrak to New York Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall. From there, transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and travel east toward Ronkonkoma.
Traveling by Car
The Hyatt Regency Long Island is located at:
1717 Motor Parkway Hauppauge, NY 11788
Parking is available at the hotel.
Please keep in mind that traffic around New York City and on Long Island can vary considerably, particularly during weekday morning and evening rush hours. We recommend allowing extra travel time.
The Final Leg to the Hotel
The Hyatt Regency Long Island does not currently offer an airport shuttle. Attendees arriving at an airport or LIRR station should plan to use a taxi, Uber, Lyft, rental car, or another car service for the final portion of their trip.
A Little Long Island Travel Tip
If you have a choice of airports, MacArthur/Islip (ISP) will generally provide the simplest arrival experience. If ISP is not practical, JFK + AirTrain + LIRR can be an excellent way to avoid sitting in New York traffic.
Whichever way you choose to travel, please check airline, Amtrak, MTA/LIRR, and local transportation schedules shortly before your trip, as schedules and service can change.
Safe travels — we look forward to welcoming you to Long Island and seeing you in Hauppauge!