Convention FAQs

What are the dates of the convention?

January 3-7, 2012

Where is the convention being held?

How can I submit my paper proposal?

If you are student, your paper must be submitted by your chapter advisor.  Faculty members may submit their paper proposals directly to the national office. All proposals should be submitted via the forms on our website.

When will the program be posted online?

The program will be posted as soon as it is finalized, most likely by mid-November 2011.

How many students can each chapter send to present papers?

There is no limit to the number of students a chapter can send as long as they meet the requirements for a paper presenter.

How do I become my Chapter’s Delegate?

All chapters are allowed one delegate.  The delegate is appointed by the faculty advisor.  In order to be a delegate, the individual must be a member of Phi Alpha Theta, must have their faculty advisor submit a Delegate Credential Form, register, purchase the complete meal package, sign in at the registration table and attend the both the Thursday roll call and Thursday business meeting. Delegates who meet these requirements are eligible for a $100 partial reimbursement.

How many delegates can a chapter have?

Each chapter may have only one delegate who must be appointed by the Chapter Advisor.

Can I get reimbursed for participating?

Phi Alpha Theta only offers a partial reimbursement of $100 for chapter delegates. However, most colleges and universities will provide some level of funding. You should contact your Department Chair, the Dean or Vice-President of Academic Services and/or the Dean or Vice-President of Student Services to learn what funding may be available for students to represent their school at a national conference.

Where can I get funding to attend the convention?

Most colleges and universities will provide some level of funding for students to represent their school at a national conference. You should contact your Department Chair, the Dean or Vice-President of Academic Services and/or the Dean or Vice-President of Student Services to find out what is available.

Do I need to send an abstract of my paper?

No, we only need the information required on the Paper Proposal Form. Once the panels are determined, you will need to forward a copy of your paper to the panel chair.

Do I send a copy of my paper to the national office?

No, you will need to send your paper to the panel chair. You will receive an email from the national office notifying you of the name and contact information for your panel chair.

When will I know the date and time of my panel? Can I request a specific date and time?

We cannot accommodate individual scheduling requests.  Once the program is finalized (most likely mid-November), you will receive an email from the national office with the date and time of your panel, as well as the name and contact information for your panel chair.

Will there be any A-V equipment available?

No, due to the exorbitant cost of providing A-V equipment, it will not be offered at the convention.

How long should my paper presentation be?

Presentations should not exceed fifteen minutes (approximately 10 typed, double-spaced pages).

When is the deadline for paper proposals?

September 30, 2011

When is the deadline to buy tickets for Phi Alpha Theta-sponsored meals?

December 2, 2011

What is the pre-registration deadline?

December 2, 2011

What is the deadline for the Delegate Credentials Form?

December 2, 2011

What is the deadline to reserve my hotel room and still receive the discounted rate?

December 2, 2011 using our group code PAL

If I attend the convention, am I guaranteed a room at the hotel?

No, we have a limited number of hotel rooms booked that are available on a first come, first served basis. You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations, which should be made well in advance to assure you have a room on-site.

Is the discounted room rate only for single and double occupancy? How many people can stay in hotel room?

Yes, the $139/night (plus tax) room rate is only for single or double occupancy. You can, however, have up to four people in a room at a cost of $20 for each additional person.

What is the group code for the hotel?

PAL

If I am presenting a paper, do I need to register?

Yes, all convention participants must register.

I have a guest who would like to sit in on my panel. Does s/he need to register?

No, guests of participants do not need to pay the registration fee to watch a panel. They do, however, need to purchase a ticket if they wish to attend one of the meals.

If I have graduated, can I still present a paper?

Yes, all members are eligible to present a paper. Please just make sure to have your former Chapter Advisor submit the form.

How do I get from the airport to the hotel?

The Hilton Resort is conveniently located 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Transportation options to and from the airport include bus services (approximately $21.00 one way) or taxi (approximately $55.00 one way)

Is there a dress code for the convention?

The dress code for the convention is business casual for all meals and paper presentations.

Are any meals included in the price of the registration fee?

No, all meals must be purchased separately from the registration fee.

What is included in the price of the registration fee?

The registration fee includes a convention program and a tote bag.

Does my registering guarantee me a hotel room?

No, you must book your hotel room separately and rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.

Are there any dining options at or near the hotel?

Yes, there are numerous dining options both at and near the hotel. The hotel features seven different restaurants and is located directly across the street from Downtown Disney that boasts numerous restaurants in every price range. For Hilton’s full listing of dining options, click here.