Frequently Asked Questions
What are 2025 Registration costs?
Registration costs for 2025 NCCCIAP are as follows:
$185 - General Registration
$125 - Student Registration
Workshop Costs vary (most materials included, except for large mold)
All registrations include camping and a seat at the closing reception dinner.
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Can I take multiple workshops?
Because of the time commitment required, conference attendees can only register for one workshop. Workshops typically run from 9:00AM-5:00PM Wednesday - Friday. Large Mold and Ceramic Shell begin on Tuesday. All molds are poured on Saturday during the production pour.
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I'm bringing a mold! What do I do?
You will be asked to include any mold information during the registration process, but we understand that you may not know or plans may change after registering. Once you know what your mold will be made out of (resin sand, shell, etc.) and how much iron you will need, please email us at nccciap@gmail.com. This helps us immensely with planning and preparing mold lines.
You must pay for the iron you take with you. Iron is $0.50/lb. and we will have a weigh out station available. Please indicate that you will be bringing a mold during registration so we can email you a mold registration form.
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How much is iron? Sand?
You will need to pay for the iron you take with you. Iron is $0.50/lb, and sand is $0.75/lb. You may cut off your gating and return it to the iron pile if you are able and have the time, but you must weigh and pay for any iron you take. Workshops have limitations on mold sizes, so please email us at nccciap@gmail.com if you have questions regarding your patterns. More information on weigh out procedures is coming soon.
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Where can I find tools and equipment? Do I need to bring my own?
Some tools and equipment will be provided by Sloss, but it is never a bad idea to have your own. If you choose to bring your own tools, please understand that it is "at your own risk". Make sure you pay attention to them and do not leave them out. Sloss will provide things like flask materials, drills, and core wash for those registered for classes. If you are not participating in a workshop, please consider bringing your own.
Conference attendees do not have the opportunity to make molds outside of workshops.
If you need to borrow anything from Sloss, please ask a member of the steering committee or Sloss staff.
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Is there a Lost and Found?
Missing something? Found items will be brought to the Visitor's Center. Please check with the front desk to claim lost items. If you stumble upon lost items, please bring them to the front desk of the Visitor's Center.
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Can I camp? Where can I camp?
Absolutely! Camping is available in the field during the conference. Please see the rules provided on the website. You must camp in the designated camping area, located in the field on the opposite side of the viaduct from the #1 Casting Shed.
Camping will open at 10:00AM on Sunday, March 30th. If you are arriving late, security may ask for your name to check that you are a registered attendee. Please have your digital confirmation (or a printed copy) ready to show just in case!
All campsites must be packed out & cleaned up by 12:00PM on Sunday, April 6th.
All conference attendees & their belongings must exit the site by 4:00PM on Sunday, April 6th.
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Will there be showers provided?
We will be providing shower trailers onsite for conference attendees. If you choose to use these, please come prepared with your own towel, shampoo/soap, etc.
Sculptors can get dirty, so please be mindful of cleaning up after yourself.
Be kind to the shower trailers and your fellow conference attendees.
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Will there be security during the conference?
There will be on-site security during the conference. There will be security guards during the
evening who will have access to the gates and monitor the property. Please be prepared to show your wristband, parking permit, or conference registration to security if asked.
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If I am camping, what should I do in case of inclement weather or emergency?
Spring is always a tumultuous time for the weather in Alabama. In case of inclement
Weather during the conference, take shelter in one of the structures or historic stock tunnel at Sloss. Do not
stay in the open. We will send a SMS Text announcement if there is inclement weather or any emergency.
Please review our Inclement Weather and Emergency Procedures page for more information.
If there is another emergency during the conference, please immediately contact a steering committee member, Sloss staff, or security personnel.
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Can I leave the campsite at night?
You will be able to leave and come back during all hours. After the museum site has closed to the public, there will be security guards at the field gate to let conference participants come and go. Please be sure to take your wrist band with you when you leave to show the security guard when you return.
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Where can I find lodgings in Birmingham?
AirBNB is always a great place to start.
The Holiday Inn Express Birmingham-Irondale is a popular hotel for the conference.
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When can I work during the conference?
The foundry will open at 8:00AM and close at 7:00PM during the conference. Please
check with a steering committee member or Sloss staff if you need space, materials,
tools, or equipment to work.
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Is there a way for me to get coke while I am in Birmingham?
We are working with ABC coke to put together guidelines for acquiring coke. If you intend to pick up coke during the conference, please email virginia@slossfurnaces.org
ABC Coke has asked that anyone wishing to pick up coke does NOT show up at ABC without prior arrangements.
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