Frequently Asked Questions

IGCC 2023: Frequently Asked Questions 

For those considering the International Gay Coaches Conference for the first time, we have compiled answers to some frequently asked questions from prevous attendees.

We hope questions you may have are answered below. However, if there's anything else you'd like to know, please ask here.

Do I need to be a gay man to attend?

Yes. This is part of the rarity of the event. We feel that creating this inch wide platform allows for connections a mile deep in a community historically starved of these opportunities. Also, the event is held each year at a retreat center exclusively for gay and GBTQ men. Please get in touch if you have concerns about whether or not you qualify to attend. Acceptance & inclusivity are important priorities for the conference organizers.

How will this benefit my coaching career?

How won’t it benefit your coaching career?! This is an intimate weekend of connection & learning designed to help add tools to your toolbox, while also bringing awareness to the tools you already have. Our job as coaches is to fill the cups of our clients but we can’t do that without a full cup ourselves. This weekend is a rare and beautiful opportunity for fulfillment amongst a community of fellow gay coaches. Plus, you’ll be educated on tips to manage and expand a thriving business.

Can I get ICF continuing educations credits?

Yes. We will be submitting each appropriate session to the ICF for CCEUs. For every qualifying session you attend, you will be provided with evidence of attending. We will submit the final program for credentialing to the ICF shortly after the event and issue you with a certificate based on the sessions you attended and the credits awarded for them.

Do I need to be an experienced coach to attend?

Absolutely not. We welcome coaches of all levels of experience, plus men who work in other fields of which coaching is a significant element. 

What can I expect outside of the sessions?

As will be reflected on your itinerary, the conference provides some unique opportunities to network with other like-minded, gay, & professional men. Most of these “extracurricular” activities take place in the morning or the evening (before or after the bulk of the conference) and are entirely optional.

The programming is designed around freeing one’s self up for connection with others. The activities include but are not limited to games, yoga, group massage, meditation, fun times in Easton Mountain’s expansive 'drag closet' and a program of evening activites.

You will also be able to enjoy walks in the beautiful surroundings of Easton Mountain. It's a remote location set in beautiful countryside and there are plenty of trails to explore. Other facilities at Easton Mountain include a hot tub and wood fired sauna. Massages are also available at an additional cost.

What’s new for 2023?

Our 2023 conference will be bigger and better than ever before.

The format has been updated so the full conference begins a day earlier than in previous years, running Thursday - Sunday, with arrival on Wednesday night. In previous years the Thursday has been an optional pre-conference, with the main event commencing Friday.

Our new format will provide more time for connection and a greater breadth and variety of sessions.

What are the rates for 2023?

Semi-Private Room (2 people): $1,275

Quad Room (4 people): $1,075

Garden Cabin Bunk Room: $875

Camping (bring your own tent): $775

Commuter (housing not included): $775  

What is the accommodation like & what should I pack?

Easton Mountain is an escape from everyday life. All of the rooms are shared (semi-private, quad or cabin bunk room) and have been refurbished recently to provide very comfortable and homely accommodation. It is also possible to camp in the grounds of Easton Mountain instead. More information on lodging at Easton Mountain. Here is a small packing list that will help support your time there.

  • Toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deoderant, shaving supplies - Essentially everything you’d normally bring on a night away. Outside of toilet paper & towels, you should rely on your own supply for personal maintenance. Please be aware that due to 'country plumbing' we ask all guests to be considerate about what you flush down the toilets.
  • All rooms provide shared accommodation. Ear plugs are available in each room but it doesn’t hurt to bring your own “good night’s sleep” aids if you’re a light sleeper.
  • Good socks! “The Great Room” is the main activity room and has a shoes off policy. The same also goes for "The Temple" where other sessions and activities are held.
  • Snacks, if you’d like. Easton Mountain’s meal service is an array of home-cooked deliciousness with plenty of options at mealtimes. Additionally, there is a small selection of snacking items available at all times, but if you’re looking for some extra sustenance, you’re definitely welcome to store some munchies in your room.
  • Clothing: whatever you feel comfortable wearing. The conference has a very informal atmosphere so smart clothes are not needed, unless this is how you prefer to dress.
  • A bathing suit. There is a “Outdoor Pool” available in warmer months, although due to the time of year the conference is held it can be a little chilly. An indoor hot tub is available and “The Sauna” - an octagonal, wood-burning, freestanding sauna in the woods that is lit each night It can accommodate up to 20 people. Both the hot tub and sauna are clothing optional.
  • The conference is jam-packed but there is a very small amount of downtime if you want to pack anything to fill this time with such as a book or hiking shoes. The grounds of the retreat center are gorgeous and a perfect setting for a long walk up the mountain nearby or some light reading in “The Sunroom.”
  • A way to take notes, whatever your preference is for that. Be prepared to absorb a lot of helpful & valuable information.
  • Download the conference app to your phone or laptop. This will provide all the information you need to access during the conferece, including any 'handouts' associated with workshop sessions. To minimize waste, we will not be printing copies of any documents. If you want printed copies of anything during the conference, you will need to do this yourself before you get there. 
  • No need to bring a yoga mat, there are plenty on site!

More information about Easton Mountain

Where else could I stay off-site and commute in from?

We encourage attendees to stay on-site at Easton Mountain for the conference. At the same time, we are aware that some men will prefer to base themselves off-site and commute in. In particular if they want 100% private rather than shared accommodation. Easton Mountain have provided a list of local accommodation that attendees of other events held there have used. 

GCA are unable to recommend or endorse any of the above. We recommend contacting locations and doing your own research before making a decision about where you want to stay.

How do I get there?

There are several options for getting to Easton Mountain

Easton Mountain is located in the Hudson Valley approximately 30 miles North of Albany, New York and conveniently located within a three-hour drive of Boston, New York City, and Montreal. See below for turn by turn directions.

To set up your GPS, use the following address: 391 Herrington Hill Road, Greenwich, NY 12834

You can fly into the Albany airport, take the Megabus or AMTRAK to Albany (Rensselaer Station), or take the Greyhound/Trailways to Albany.

If you need a ride from Albany, here are some options:

Uber
Lyft 
Steve's Classic Taxi - 518 677 2503

We will be working on a ride share scheme whereby delegates travelling to Easton Mountain by car may offer to pick up those arriving by train from Albany Rensselaer Station. This will attempt to connect drivers and riders and this will work on co-operation between both parties, rather than being an official part of the conference. We are unable to accept liability for this.

We encourage all attendees to choose the most sustainable and environmentally method of travelling. Trains and car sharing are the best options. Please consider offsetting your carbon footprint, especially if you plan to fly. We recommend Sustainable Travel International.

Is there wi-fi/cell service?

Easton Mountain have invested in their wi-fi in the past two years and this provides good coverage. Cell coverage is spotty. We encourage attendees to treat the conference as a retreat and 'switch off' wherever possible from the outside world.

Is catering included?

Yes! Once you are here you won't need to spend a cent on food or drink, unlike almost all other residential coaching conferences. All food is prepared on site by the catering team, who provide a delicious selection of options for breakfast lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirments will be catered for. Just let us know what you need when you book. Teas, coffees and soft drinks are available for you to help yourself to at all times. There is no bar at Easton Mountain. 

Is there a shop on site?

There is a shop on site in the reception area. In addition to some souvenir items & collectibles, you can purchase some last-minute needs if you forget anything. The selection is good, but not entirely dependable for all needs.

Who organizes the Gay Coaches Conference?

The conference is organized by Gay Coaches Alliance, a professional association of gay male coaches working together to empower our vibrant practices & inspire each other to do creative impactful work. More information about Gay Coaches Alliance.

Do I need to be a member of Gay Coaches Alliance to attend?

No - however membership is beneficial to network with other members before the conference and throughout the year.  Learn more about GCA membership options.

How do I get involved or present at the conference?

The majority of sessions for the conference have already been confirmed. However, there may be an option, subject to availability, for you to be added to the program. More information about presenting at IGCC 23. 

In addition, we look for volunteers to help us run the event smoothly. It is not a formal event with a paid staff team. Despite this, the event runs smoothly with a high degree of professionalism. All organizers offer their time on a voluntary basis and we ask for attendees to help out with things like setting up chairs and tables for sessions and other simple activities. This helps build the relaxed, informal atmosphere with shared purpose and team spirit.

How much does the conference cost & do I qualify for a scholarship?

Full information about pricing and the 2023 scholarship program is available here.

If you have any other questions, please submit them using the form here & we will get back to you shortly. Hope to see you at the conference!

What plans do you have in place in relation to COVID-19 and Monkey Pox?

We follow the COVID-19 guidelines established by our hosts at Easton Mountain.

Read the latest COVID-19 and Monkey Pox update from Easton Mountain

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

All bookings are subject to Easton Mountain's cancellation and refund policy, which is available to view here.

How do I register to attend?

Click HERE to access the registration page on Easton Mountain's website.

 

 

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