Frequently Asked Questions

Alpha Chi Omega’s 55th Convention
                                               
The 2008 National Convention is coming! It is our goal to make this the best experience for everyone. The most frequently asked questions we receive about convention will be addressed below. If you have questions that are not answered, please contact us directly.

General Questions:
Diane Paschal, Marketing and Events Coordinator
dpaschal@alphachiomega.org or 317-579-5050 Ext. 227

Registration Questions:
Mendy Tarwater, Member Services Director, Registration Co-Chair
mtarwater@alphachiomega.org or 317-579-5050 Ext. 239

Courtenay Bogers, Regional Manager, Registration Co-Chair
cbogers@alphachiomega.org or 317-579-5050 Ext. 237

What should I bring?
Delegates should remember to bring your delegates packet that you will receive in the mail. The packet contains information on items you will be asked to vote on during National Chapter Meetings.

Will there be entertainment?
There will be special entertainment at the opening reception and final night banquet.

Will there be a professional photographer?
We have a professional photographer that will be on site during the entire convention.  You will have the option to purchase photos online after convention. 

What’s the best way to get from the airport to the hotel?
Visit the Alpha Chi Omega Convention web site for transportation at:
www.destphoenix.com/alphachiomega
Or you can call SUPERSHUTTLE direct at 1-800-BLUE VAN and use the discount code FQ98N.
Cabs are located on the airport premise.

How long does it take to get from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to the hotel?
Approximately 30-35 minutes

What is the hotel information?
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
1-480-585-4848 phone
1-480-585-0091 fax

Why do we wear all white on Saturday morning Chapter Meeting?
The tradition of wearing white at the opening chapter meeting began in 1985.  Because white is worn during the initiation ceremony, it represents the beginning of a lifelong journey to find the harmony of spirit that carries to the outer world the radiance of the light within.

By wearing white we honor our beginning as a member and demonstrate publicly the tie that binds us to each other and to Alpha Chi Omega

Do I have to wear white all day?
Wearing white all day is optional. Some members change before lunch or at a break and others will leave their white on all day. It is your personal choice.

What should I wear?
Go to the General Information tab on the web site for all attire information for the Convention.

Can I get a refund if I miss a meal?
No refunds can be given for meals. We will have to confirm numbers with the hotel in advance so that they can be prepared. If you skip your meal, the food has already been order and prepared, therefore the expense has been incurred. 

Why do I have to make my hotel reservations through Alpha Chi Omega?
Rooms are reserved through the Alpha Chi Omega room block which allows us to do our best in assigning roommates.  Reserving your room through us also ensures that we meet our room block requirements in order to not incur additional fees for meeting space.

What about breakfast?
Full time registrants receive a light meal on Friday night along with lunch on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and dinner on Saturday and Monday.

All breakfasts and Sunday dinner on your own. The hotel has a variety of on site restaurants and a café. There are many local restaurants just a cab ride away.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
When you register you are given the option to select the vegetarian menu. Because there is such a wide variety of allergies and special needs our attendees may have, it is impossible for us to accommodate everyone’s preferences. You are responsible for monitoring items you are allergic to.

Is it going to be hot?
The answer is YES! Dress accordingly but be prepared to bring a sweater or wrap as meeting spaces can be chilly with the air conditioning.

If I don’t have a specific role, is there something for me to do?
There is something for everyone! Our educational tracks and speaker tracks will offer topics designed for a specific role but also to our general registrant.

Do I have to attend all of the breakout sessions?
Yes, if you are a collegiate or alumna member who is required to attend convention by virtue of your position. For other attendees, breakouts are optional but we are confident you will not want to miss our speakers and facilitators.

Will we have free time?
We have set aside Sunday evening after 6pm for your chance to visit local restaurants and sites or just spend time at the hotel with your sisters.

When is Convention over?
The final night banquet is Monday evening and usually runs until 9pm. It is best to make your departure flights for Tuesday, July 15th.

What are check in and check out times for the hotel?
Check-in time is 4pm.
Check-out time is noon.

If I am a voting delegate for Convention when do I need to arrive?
Voting delegates must arrive in time for a delegates meeting and National Chapter meeting rehearsal on Friday, July 11 at 3pm. This is a mandatory meeting if you are a voting delegate for your chapter.

Do I get to see Arizona?
We encourage ALL attendees to take advantage of the area by arriving early or staying after convention ends. Local Arizona alumnae volunteers will be at the registration desk with information on what Arizona has to offer. The hotel concierge desk can also arrange for day trips to the Grand Canyon or Sedona to name a couple of sites.

Is there parking at the hotel?
Yes, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has complimentary parking as well as complimentary valet parking. Tips would be at your discretion for valet parking.

Where is Convention 2010?
Now wouldn’t you like to know? Be ready for the unveiling of our 2010 Convention site during our visit to Arizona!