FAQ's
General Information
What are the official dates of the 2009 PCMA Annual Meeting?
Sunday, January 11, 2009 through Wednesday, January 14, 2009.
Some events do begin before the official start of the conference including the CMP® CRAM Course, CMP® Examination, Hospitality Helping Hands, and Executive Edge. Please check the schedule-at-a-glance for up-to-date information.
Who should attend the PCMA Annual Meeting?
Any meetings and convention industry professional, including students and faculty, or supplier to the meetings and convention industry. This is the premier education and networking event of the year: network with industry leaders, discover innovative solutions to save you time and money, enhance your performance, and explore how world issues impact the meetings and convention industry.
Based on evaluations, 90% of 2008 PCMA Annual Meeting attendees plan on attending the 2009 meeting.
Become a member and save on registration.
Where is the Annual Meeting located?
The New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA
This is my first PCMA Annual Meeting, what should I expect?
Welcome! We are glad you have chosen to attend the 53rd PCMA Annual Meeting. Please click here for information we put together to help you ensure you get the most out of your Annual Meeting experience.
What is the first event; When does the meeting open?
PCMA Orientation is on Sunday, January 11 at 1:30 p.m. followed by the Opening Welcome Reception at 6:30 p.m. However, Hospitality Helping Hands and pre-conference workshops begin on Saturday, January 10, with the CMP® CRAM Course on Friday.
What is the last event; When does the meeting end?
The PCMA Annual Meeting concludes on Wednesday with “can’t miss” events including a closing luncheon and general session at 12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. If you decide to extend your visit to New Orleans, visit www.neworleanscvb.com to learn more of the many things to do in New Orleans!
I didn’t receive my program in the mail. Where is it?
In our continued greening efforts, we have eliminated the printed preliminary program. The Web site should have all answers to your questions. To access the specific day’s schedule see below:
Friday – The only event scheduled is the CMP® CRAM Course from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
The final program will be available on-site in New Orleans.
What is the Dress Code?
Attire at the PCMA Annual Meeting is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, blouses, and most importantly, comfortable shoes! Suits, ties, nine-to-five dresses and high heels are not required.
What night is the open evening for supplier partner entertaining?
Monday night January 12. Please remember to bring your guests back to Party With a Purpose for more networking and fun!
Will child care be provided?
PCMA does not provide child care services during the Annual Meeting. Attendees requiring assistance with child care should contact their hotel concierge.
Is there accessibility for persons with disabilities?
The New Orleans Morial Convention Center (NOMCC) goal is to meet every client's need. For people with disabilities, that means providing a fully accessible environment. The NOMCC complies with the regulations set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For Mobility Scooter rental, visit http://rhinobiz.com/scooterattendeeform.html. Please make arrangements ahead of time. Wheelchairs are also available upon request by calling 504-582-3011.
I have a question about New Orleans.
New Orleans has created a website specifically for your PCMA New Orleans experience. Please visit www.pcmaneworleans.com for information specific to your visit. Contact the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.672.6124 or via email at internet@neworleanscvb.com with any questions.
I have a question about obtaining function space around the city and the contracted hotels.
If you are interested in function space at the contracted hotels please complete the Meeting Space Request Form. Please click here to download a .pdf of the form. For function space locations around the city, please contact the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.672.6124 or via email at internet@neworleanscvb.com.
I have a question about becoming a member/my membership.
Please contact PCMA Member Relations at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or membership@pcma.org.
I have a question about Hospitality Helping Hands.
Please click here to review the event information or contact Liz Giannini at 312-423-7231 or lgiannini@pcma.org.
I have a question about Party With a Purpose.
Please click here to review the event information or contact the PCMA Education Foundation at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or foundation@pcma.org.
I have a question about PCMA Connect.
Please click here to review the instructions or contact PCMA Member Relations at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or membership@pcma.org.
I have a question about partnerships or sponsorships.
Please click here or contact the PCMA Sales and Strategic Partnership Department at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or msimon@pcma.org.
I have a question about PCMA Education Foundation activities during the meeting.
Please contact the PCMA Education Foundation at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or foundation@pcma.org.
I have a question about chapter activities during the Annual Meeting.
Please click here or contact PCMA Member Relations at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or membership@pcma.org.
I have a question about Student activities during the Annual Meeting.
Please click here to contact Erin at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or membership@pcma.org.
Where is the next PCMA Annual Meeting?
2010 Dallas, Texas
2011 Las Vegas, Nevada
2012 San Diego, California
Registration
How can I register for the Annual Meeting?
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Select only one of the following methods to register for the PCMA 53rd Annual Meeting. |
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Online: Click here Internet booking is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week Credit card only Receive immediate Registration Confirmation |
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Fax: Click here to download the registration form as a pdf. 800.521.6017 - Toll-free U.S. & Canada 847.996.5401 - International Credit card only Allow seven business days for processing and receipt of Registration Confirmation. |
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Mail: Click here to download the registration form as a pdf. Experient / PCMA 53rd Annual Meeting Credit card or check (drawn on U.S. bank in U.S. funds). No wire transfers or purchase orders will be accepted. Allow seven business days for processing and receipt of registration confirmation |
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On-site:
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What is the registration fee?
Registration fees are based on the PCMA membership categories. Your membership must be current and/or processed before you may receive the member registration rate. All registration fees are listed in U.S. Currency.
Registration Fees |
RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 12/11/08 |
RECEIVED AFTER 12/11/08 OR ON-SITE |
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Professional member |
$665 |
$765 |
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Associate Professional member* |
$665 |
$765 |
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Supplier Partner member |
$765 |
$865 |
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Associate Supplier Partner member* |
$765 |
$865 |
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Faculty member |
$440 |
$490 |
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Student member |
$230 |
$280 |
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Non-member planner |
$1100 |
$1100 |
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Non-member supplier |
$1400 |
$1400 |
| Non-member faculty |
$670 |
$670 |
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Non-member student |
$400 |
$400 |
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Guest** |
$190 |
$290 |
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One Day Professional member |
$385 |
$485 |
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One Day Supplier Partner member |
$485 |
$585 |
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One Day Non-member planner |
$660 |
$760 |
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One Day Non-member supplier |
$760 |
$86 |
*Associate members who have already attended one PCMA Annual Meeting at the member rate must upgrade their membership in order to register for the meeting at the member rate (please allow up to 3 business days for processing membership changes). Your registration will not be processed without completing an upgrade. Please note that your upgrade request must be received by December 8, 2008 5:00 p.m. EST to ensure that you are eligible for the early registration fee. Upgrades requests received after that date and time will prevent you from receiving the lower fee and you will be charged the higher registration fee.
**Guest refers to a spouse, significant other or personal friend, NOT a business associate, staff colleague or fellow student. Guest registration will NOT allow access to any sessions or activities except evening receptions on Sunday and Tuesday evenings.
How do I know if I'm registered?
All attendees will receive an email confirmation, or mail confirmation if no email address is provided. This confirmation/receipt verifies your address information, the event(s) for which you have signed up, and how much you have paid. Attendees who register online are urged to print the receipt copy of their registration to keep for their records. If you have not received your confirmation within three weeks of registering, please contact the PCMA Registration and Housing Bureau at 800.220.3839 from the U.S. and Canada, from all other locations, 847.996.5886 and via email at pcma@experient-inc.com.
Where can I get a registration form?
Click here to download the registration form via Adobe Acrobat. You can register online, via fax, or by mail. Phone registrations/hotel reservations are NOT accepted.
What are the deadlines for registration?
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Regular registration deadline Via Mail: Received on or before Thursday, December 11, 2008. Via Fax/Web: Date/time stamped by 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, December 11, 2008 |
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Late registration There is no deadline for late registration. Deadline for Regular Registration is Thursday, December 11, 2008. Higher registration fees will apply after Thursday, December 11, 2008 and on-site |
What is included in my registration fee?
All educational sessions (with the exception of optional and/or additional fee sessions as indicated on the registration form); the Welcome Reception on Sunday; the Evening Reception on Tuesday; continental breakfasts and luncheons on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and all refreshment breaks. Guest registration includes ONLY the evening events on Sunday and Tuesday.
I registered in Seattle during the 2008 PCMA Annual Meeting, how can I complete my registration?
Contact the Meetings & Events department at 877.827.7262 (Toll Free), 312.423.7262 or send an email to annualmeeting@pcma.org to request special instructions to complete your registration.
Where/when can I register on-site?
The PCMA Registration Area will be located on level 1 of the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.
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Saturday, January 10th |
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
(11:00 - 19:00) |
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Sunday, January 11th |
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. |
(07:00 - 19:00) |
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Monday, January 12th |
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
(07:00 - 17:00) |
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Tuesday, January 13th |
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
(07:00 - 17:00) |
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Wednesday, January 14th |
7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
(07:00 - 15:00) |
Do I have to register for individual sessions? Are sessions ticketed?
You must register for sessions only if they require an additional fee or are indicated for selection on the registration form. However, we encourage you to use the Personal Planner to schedule your Annual Meeting events, as well as to assist PCMA with planning for session attendance.
What if I sign up for a ticketed event/session that is already full?
Attendees who register for a ticketed event/session that has reached maximum capacity will be put on a wait list. We will notify attendees (in the order the names were received) if space becomes available up to two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.
How will I receive my badge?
Attendees registering in advance may pick up badge and registration materials at the Advance Registration desk at the NOMCC during hours indicated above for On-Site Registration. Please note that photo ID will be required to pick up badges/materials. Students must show valid student identification in order to pick up badges/materials if registered at the student rate. Attendees will not be allowed to pick up other attendee badges/materials.
I have a question or problem regarding my registration.
Contact the 2009 PCMA Annual Meeting Registration/Housing Bureau via email at pcma@experient-inc.com or by phone at 800.220.3839 (Toll-free U.S. & Canada) or 847.996.5886 (International). Assistance is available from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
Please note Registration/Housing Bureau Holiday Hours:
Thursday, November 27, 2008 and Friday, November 28, 2008 – CLOSED
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 – CLOSED
Thursday, December 25, 2008 – CLOSED
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 – CLOSED at 4:00 p.m. EST
Thursday, January 1, 2009 – CLOSED
What if I need to cancel my registration?
Written requests for registration refunds must be postmarked on or before Thursday, December 18, 2008. Telephone calls are not acceptable.
Annual Meeting refunds will be less a $125 USD processing fee, there are no exceptions.
Additional pre-meeting workshops and optional ticketed sessions will be less a $25 USD (each) processing fee in addition to any annual meeting registration cancellation processing fee.
Guest cancellations are subject to a $50 USD cancellation processing fee in addition to any annual meeting registration cancellation processing fee.
There are no refunds for charitable events – Hospitality Helping Hands or Party With a Purpose.
No refunds will be made after Thursday, December 18, 2008.
No refunds will be given for no-shows.
What if I need to send someone else in my place?
Attendee replacements by another business colleague or co-worker will be accepted; a $50 USD processing fee will apply to all requests until Thursday, December 11, 2008 by 5:00 p.m. EST. A $75 USD processing fee will apply to all requests after this date and on-site.
Housing and Travel
Which hotels in New Orleans are official PCMA Annual Meeting hotels?
The official hotels are the Hilton New Orleans Riverside (Co-headquarters), Marriott New Orleans (Co-headquarters), Sheraton New Orleans, and Westin New Orleans. To learn more about these hotels and view rates, please click here.
Where can I get a housing form? How do I make a reservation?
Click here to download the registration form via Adobe Acrobat. You can make your reservation online, via fax or mail. Please note: you must register for the Annual Meeting to reserve your hotel room. Please submit all necessary forms at the same time. Phone reservations are not accepted.
Do I need to give a room deposit to hold my reservation?
No, you will no longer be required to provide a deposit for your hotel reservation within the PCMA room block. In 2009, your reservation will only require a credit card number guarantee.
How far are the hotels from the convention center? Will there be shuttle service between the hotels and convention center?
The distance varies for each hotel. There will be shuttle buses to take attendees to and from the NOMCC from the hotels (Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton and Westin). Please help us in our greening efforts by choosing to walk to and from the NOMCC. New Orleans is a very walk able city and there is no better way to take in the city than on foot. Note: The shuttle will not take attendees between hotel properties unless there is an official PCMA scheduled event at the property.
What if I need to cancel my hotel reservation?
Changes and/or cancellations made on or before Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. (EST) should be made online by accessing your registration/housing record or in writing via e-mail pcma@experient-inc.com. Changes and/or cancellations must be made directly with the individual hotel after Friday, December 26, 2008.
Cancellations for all PCMA participating hotels must be received a minimum of 72 hours prior to arrival. A $50 USD non refundable processing fee may be automatically charged to the credit card on file by the hotel for cancellations within 72 hours of arrival and no shows.
I would like to change my room reservation to another hotel in the PCMA room block – what do I do?
Until Thursday, December 18, 2008 hotel reservation changes to another hotel within the PCMA room block will be accepted through the PCMA Housing Bureau by accessing your registration/housing record on the website or by writing the PCMA Housing Bureau via e-mail at pcma@experient-inc.com. A room change will be assessed a $25 USD processing fee and is based on availability. Beginning Friday, December 26th room changes may only be made through the hotel at which you have a reservation and a new reservation must be made with the hotel of your choice based on availability.
I have a question regarding housing.
Contact the 2009 PCMA Annual Meeting Registration/Housing Bureau via email at pcma@experient-inc.com or by phone at 800.220.3839 (Toll-free U.S. & Canada) or 847.996.5886 (International). Assistance is available from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
Please note Registration/Housing Bureau Holiday Hours:
Thursday, November 27, 2008 and Friday, November 28, 2008 – CLOSED
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 – CLOSED
Thursday, December 25, 2008 – CLOSED
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 – CLOSED at 4:00 p.m. EST
Thursday, January 1, 2009 – CLOSED
I have a question about Student housing.
Please click here to read the Student housing information PDF or contact the 2009 PCMA Annual Meeting Registration/Housing Bureau via email at pcma@experient-inc.com or by phone at 800.220.3839 (Toll-free U.S. & Canada) or 847.996.5886 (International). Assistance is available from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
Can I get a discount on my airfare to the Annual Meeting?
PCMA has partnered with the following airlines to provide transportation to the 2009 Annual Meeting. Plan to book early for the best airfare. All fares are based on availability; the lowest fare will always be quoted. Be sure to inform the airline agent of the 2009 PCMA Annual Meeting code to obtain discounts. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located approximately 30 minutes from PCMA's participating hotels.
American Airlines
Meeting Promotional Code: A3819AI
Travel Dates: January 7 - 17, 2009
Origin: Any American Airlines city
Destination: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Fares Offered: 5% discount
Visit www.aa.com or contact the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 800.433.1790 for assistance with reservations and ticket purchase.
United Airlines
Meeting Promotional Code: 564MP
Travel Dates: January 4-21, 2009
Origin: This special offer applies to flights to or from the US only
Destination: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Fares Offered: 5% discount of applicable fares
Visit www.united.com, enter your origin and destination, travel dates and your promotion code number, 564MP; note the CODE 564MP is case sensitive and the characters need to be capitalized. Flights that qualify for the discount will be clearly identified with a green star symbol, which means that the itinerary is "electronic certificate eligible". When you select an electronic certificate eligible flight, it will automatically calculate and present your discounted fare. There are no fees for booking online. Or please contact the Special Meeting Desk at 800.521.4041 and refer to the Meeting Code 564 MP to receive a discount on applicable fares.
What is the closest airport to the 2008 PCMA Annual Meeting?
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport; it is located approximately 16 miles from PCMA hotels – about a 30 minute taxi ride.
Education
How many CEUs will I earn for attending the Annual Meeting?
Calculations of CEUs:
60 minutes = .1 CEU
75 minutes = .1 CEU
90 minutes = .2 CEUs
120 minutes = .2 CEUs
You can receive up to 1.7 CEUs for attending the general sessions, plenary session, and other daily education sessions. Additional credit may be available for auxiliary programs.
I have a question about the Executive Edge program.
Due to space limitations and the university-level curriculum, Executive Edge is an invitation-only event. If you would like to attend but did not receive an invitation, please click here to complete a short qualifying questionnaire. Invitations to this selected program will be sent in September.
To read more about the 2009 Annual Meeting Executive Edge program, click here.
Please contact the PCMA Meetings & Events Department at events@pcma.org or 877.827.7262 (Toll Free) or 312.423.7262 if you have questions.
I didn’t receive my program in the mail. Where is it?
In our continuing greening efforts, we have eliminated the printed preliminary program. The Web site should have all answers to your questions. To access the specific day’s schedule see below:
Friday – The only event scheduled is the CMP® CRAM Course from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
The Personal Planner is available now to help you schedule a personalized Annual Meeting Experience.
The final program will be available on-site in New Orleans.
Host City
Strategic Partners
Quick Contact
What is your greatest professional challenge? Email responses to communications@pcma.org
Poll
What do you foresee as your biggest challenge for 2009?
Dates & Deadlines