Biennial Convention Frequently Asked Questions
More information about the 2025 Biennial Convention will be coming soon!
Hotel and Travel Information
Where will the 2025 Biennial be? The 2025 Biennial Convention will be held at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington, VA, which is just outside of the Washington D.C. area.
Is there a group rate? Yes! We are pleased to have a room rate of $123/night (+tax). Please wait to book your room at this rate until we can provide the proper link and group code.
What time are check-in and check-out at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel? Check-in is at 4:00 pm. Check-out is at 12:00 pm.
How much is parking at the hotel? Hourly parking is $23/hour. Daily parking is $44. If you’re flying to the Convention, we would recommend not renting a car, and using the hotel’s free shuttle service instead.
What will the weather be like? While we can’t know for certain, the weather in Arlington, VA in early January usually has highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s. We don’t expect snow, but come prepared with warm clothing!
Where should I fly into? Reagan-National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. The hotel has a FREE SHUTTLE that can pick you up at the airport and bring you right to the hotel!
How can I get to the museums, sites, and attractions in Washington, D.C.? The hotel has a free shuttle that can take you to the closest Metro station, the Crystal City station, and you can then take the Metro, with a $5-6 Metro fare, into Washington, D.C.
How do I find other students to split the cost of a room with at the conference? The best option would be to contact your faculty advisor to determine if other students attending the conference would be willing to split the cost of a room. You can also join our Facebook Group and see if there are any students from other chapters looking to share.
Registration
Registration is not open yet. Registration details will be provided soon!
Does registering for the conference guarantee me a hotel room? No. Registration for the conference is separate from the hotel reservation. Please see the hotel details above.
My spouse is joining me at the convention. Must he/she pay for the registration fee? A member’s spouse does not need to register for the conference.
Meals
Meals are not for sale yet. More details about meals will be coming soon!
Are meals included in the registration price? No. Meals are paid separately from the registration fee. The “convention meal package” provides meals throughout the convention, or you can pick and choose the individual meal events that you wish to attend.
I have food allergies or food restrictions, what should I do? Please email info@PhiAlphaTheta.org and use the subject line “PAT 2025 Biennial Convention – Food Request.”
My spouse is joining me at the convention. Must he/she purchase meals? A member’s spouse does not need to register for the conference. However, if he/she wishes to attend any meal events, they must pay for their meals.
Dress Code
Is there a dress code? Business casual is suitable for all events.
Special Accommodations
How do I inform Phi Alpha Theta National Headquarters that I need special assistance at the conference? Please email info@PhiAlphaTheta.org and use the subject line “PAT 2025 Biennial Convention – Special Assistance.”
Papers and Panel Sessions
What happens in a Panel Session? Each paper presenter is allotted 15 minutes and most panels will consist of three presenters. A question and answer period will follow after the papers have been presented.
Can I present the same paper I presented at a PAT Regional Conference? Yes! If you presented your paper at a PAT Regional, you are more than welcome to present it again at the Biennial!
What are the student requirements to present a paper at the Biennial Convention? Students must be a member of Phi Alpha Theta. The student must have the faculty advisor at his/her school approve and submit the paper.
Can a member who has graduated present a paper? Yes! As long as the person requesting to present a paper is a Phi Alpha Theta member, he/she can present a paper.
How much time will I have to present? Each student will have 15 minutes for his/her presentation, which is approximately a 12-page paper, double-spaced.
Can a student join Phi Alpha Theta sooner than the usual induction ceremony date in order to present a paper at the convention? Yes, if the student meets our membership requirements, then the student may join in order to present a paper. The faculty advisor MUST submit the student’s membership information and dues prior to the conference to be in the convention program.
On what days will panel sessions be held? Panels will be held on January 2, 3, and 4. January 5 will be used as an overflow if we need more time for more panels. We will assign you a day and time!
Will any AV equipment be provided? No. We cannot offer the use of Audio-Visual equipment (projectors, computers, etc.) for your use at the hotel. Be prepared to bring your own paper, plus handouts or visuals as you wish.
I’m a faculty member and want to be a panel chair, what are my responsibilities? Confirm your panel time(s) and location(s) upon arrival. If any student has failed to provide a copy of his/her paper, do not feel obliged to discuss it during your session. Please begin the panel by introducing yourself, each of the speakers as well as the titles of their papers. Panel sessions are 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please keep in mind each presenter has 15 minutes to speak. When the last speaker is finished, you may comment on the papers or have an open discussion.
Delegates
What is a delegate? A delegate is a PAT member chosen by their faculty advisor to represent their chapter and school at the Biennial Convention.
How do I become a delegate for my chapter? Each chapter is allowed one delegate. Delegates are appointed by the faculty advisor. Delegates must complete the following:
1. Submit a delegate credentials form
2. Purchase the complete convention package (registration and complete meal package)
3. Sign in upon arrival
4. Attend the Roll Call and Business Meeting
What are the benefits of serving as a delegate for my chapter? Delegates are eligible for $100 reimbursement following the convention. Delegates must attend the Business Meeting, and complete the sign-in sheet to validate their attendance. Following the convention, the PAT National Office requests a copy of your receipt for your airfare or, if you drove, for your mileage.