Convention 2020 FAQ:
3/23/2020
At this time, we have not canceled the 2020 National Convention. It is still being planned and we anticipate another amazing experience. We will assess whether or not to cancel the event as federal and local information and regulations develop. Should the 2020 National Convention be canceled, 100% refunds will be issued to registered attendees.
Each student chapter is required to send their chapter president (or his designated representative) who casts votes for all members of that chapter. Alumni are encouraged to attend to participate in the future direction of the Fraternity.
Regarding travel: Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend waiting until may 15th (30-ish days) to book any airfare. If you DO book prior to that date, we recommend booking refundable travel.
CORONAVIRUS RELATED QUESTIONS:
Q: What if I register and later find out I cannot attend?
A: Convention registrations are transferable to another Brother in your chapter if notified by June 1, 2020. After June 1, 2020, please email admin@pialphaphi.com. Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Registration fees are NOT refundable for those who do not come to the event.
Q: What is Pi Alpha Phi National Convention?
A: National Convention is the annual meeting of Pi Alpha Phi official entities, including national leadership, undergraduate chapters, and alumni entities.
Q: Where and when is Convention being held this year?
A: Our hotel and convention location is The Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas-DFW Airport North, Texas, on June 18-21, 2020.
All convention attendees should plan on being at the Embassy Suites by 6pm Central on Thursday, June 18, 2020. If you are driving, please leave adequate time to account for traffic. If you are flying, please leave ample time to accommodate for flight delays and transportation to the hotel.
Q: How do I get there?
A: Registrants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the convention.
We suggest that you fly into DFW Airport and take a taxi (or Uber, Lyft) to the hotel. If there is a hotel shuttle available, we will provide that information prior to the convention.
Your convention lodging is taken care of with your registration. Upon arrival, rather than go to the hotel reception, please find the Pi Alpha Phi registration table, where you will receive your convention packet and room keys.
Q: What is the cost of attending Convention?
A: Each chapter has been assessed a $1500 fee. This fee helps cover management costs of Pi Alpha Phi throughout the year as well as costs associated with the convention.
In order to keep costs as low as possible, Pi Alpha Phi has locked in lodging for our attendees at the Embassy Suites. Chapter convention registration includes the following for up to four (4) chapter representatives:
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3 nights hotel lodging (Thursday evening through Sunday morning)
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Friday and Saturday lunch
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Tickets to Closing Banquet (Saturday Dinner)
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Convention swag
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Access to exclusive social events
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Great workshops for personal improvement and chapter success
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An amazing weekend with Brothers from across the country
Most of your expenses are covered as part of attending the convention; however, please bring funds to supplement your needs – this includes extra food/snacks you may want to purchase, etc.
As in previous years, we will offer a special registration rate for Alumni and a rate for Undergrads if your chapter is sending more than four representatives. For reference, the 2019 rate for extra Undergrads (with hotel) was $285 – this price is subject to change for the 2020 Convention.
Q: Do I have to attend the educational sessions and closing banquet?
A: Yes; these meetings make up the core of our national convention and we expect everyone to be present, punctual, and professional. The National Convention Committee has put a lot of effort into making these meetings productive and interactive. We are all adults. Please respect this request and help encourage a positive atmosphere for convention.
Our expectation is that you attend all scheduled events and be present for them mentally and physically. We will be checking attendance throughout the sessions and want to show appropriate respect to our speakers and volunteers -- many of whom are spending their personal time and money to help make convention a success.
Q: Are there vegetarian options for meals?
A: Yes. You will be able to indicate your meal preference or dietary restrictions when you register so that we can accommodate your request.
Q: Who am I rooming with?
A: Based on registrations and to facilitate Brotherhood, the convention committee may assign you with Brothers from chapters across the country, up to four (4) persons to a room.
Q: I’m picky about my roommates. Can I book my own room?
A: In order to help Brothers feel the national brotherhood and to keep convention costs as low as possible, convention attendees need to stay in the room block.
Q: I’m bringing friends with me to Texas that weekend. Can I book a room and have them stay with me?
A: As part of the Brotherhood component of the weekend, convention attendees will be required to room with other Brothers. If you do have other friends who are interested in accompanying you to Texas, please email admin@pialphaphi.com . If rooms are available, we can work with the hotel to allow them to benefit from our negotiated discounted rate.
Q: Who needs to attend convention?
A: Ideally, the chapter’s entire Fall 2020 Executive Board will attend so that they can create a solid plan to implement this Fall. Each colony and chapter of Pi Alpha Phi is required to send 33% of their chapter based on Fall 2020 membership. If there are extenuating circumstances, please contact the National Board nb@pialphaphi.com ASAP so that we can work with the chapter to address the situation.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress for Thursday and Saturday is business casual. This means collared shirts and khakis or slacks coupled with nicer dress shoes. Line jackets are acceptable in combination with this business casual attire.
Friday is our day out on the town. Please wear a nicer level of casual clothing -- polos and nice shorts or letter t-shirts that have sleeves and are in appropriate condition. Please plan to wear comfortable shoes. We'll be taking photos and want to make sure that everyone can be included in them.
Q: Who will be there?
A: National officers and volunteers, including the National President, National Vice President and National Council, Foundation Board of Trustee members, Executive Offices staff members, and undergraduates, alumni and friends from across the country.
Q: What if I register and later find out I cannot attend?
A: Convention registrations are transferable to another Brother in your chapter if notified by June 1, 2020. After June 1, 2020, please email admin@pialphaphi.com. Each situation will be handled on aEach situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Registration fees are NOT refundable for those who do not come to the event.