Section 81.9 - Location of proceedings(a) An ALJ may hold conferences of the parties in person or by conference telephone call.(b) Any conference, hearing, argument, or other proceeding at which the parties are required to appear in person is held in the Washington, DC metropolitan area unless the ALJ determines that the convenience and necessity of the parties or their representatives requires that it be held elsewhere. Authority: 5 U.S.C. 554(b) ; 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 , 1234(f)(1) , and 3474(a)