Frequently Asked Questions
 

General

What is the exact schedule of events, including individual sessions?

The complete schedule is available here: session schedule

There will be a copy of the schedule in your conference program when you arrive

When should I choose my breakout sessions?

Read the selections online, and choose the sessions you want when you register. There will be registration the day of the conference, too, but some sessions may fill up and close.

What if I want to change my breakout session choices?

You can send an email to arts@firstfriends.org, call Jan or Lori at the church 330-966-2800 ext. 222, or wait until you arrive at the conference, but some sessions may fill up.

Can I be placed on a waiting list for a closed breakout session?

We don’t have wait lists at this time.

Why are two locations listed for the conference?

All daytime sessions will be at First Friends Church. The Friday evening keynote, Saturday buffet, and Saturday concert will be held at the Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts on the Malone College Campus.

Registration

Can I register online?

The complete registration form is available here: registration form. Just print it, fill it out, and mail it with payment to the church. Instructions and address are right on the form

Can I share a registration?

Each participant should fill out a separate form.

Can I attend the conference for just one day?

Yes. One day registration is $50. Print the registration form and mark which day you want to attend. Be sure to choose the sessions you want to attend that day

When will I get confirmation of my registration?

We’ll email or mail confirmations as soon as registrations are received. Email is quicker, so include your email address!

How do I know how close a session is to filling up?

Closed sessions will be posted at the conference website. If a session fills up while your registration’s in the mail, we’ll call you so you can make another selection

Group

Can our group qualify for a discounted rate?

Yes. Groups of 5 or more are eligible for a $10 discount per person on the Full Conference Registration fee or $5 per person on the One-Day rate. Must be arranged by June 13^th by contacting Jan at First Friends. No discounts are available for the concert.

Do I have to have the names of all group members when I register?

Yes, please. Each person should fill out a separate registration form.

Can I reserve a room for my group to meet?

Contact us at arts@firstfriends.org and we’ll see what we can do.

Cancellations/Transfer of Registration

Please explain your cancellation/transfer policy.

We can transfer your registration to another person if you give us adequate notice. Day-of-conference changes would be disconcerting. Session changes will depend on availability.

What if I’m taking someone else’s place at the conference?

Give us as much notice as possible. Sessions changes will depend on availability.

Check In

Can I check in early—the day or the night before the conference?

Registration begins at noon Friday and 9:00 AM Saturday.

When and how do I check in?

When you arrive at the church, come in the main entrance from the parking lot and follow the signs to the registration table.

Pricing

Does the price of the conference include meals or lodging?

Conference registration fees paid before July 1st cover Saturday’s lunch and breakout beverage stations. After July 1st, no lunch is available. The pre-concert buffet is separate for only $10 (less than it costs us and a lot less than restaurant meals).

Can I get a discounted hotel rate?

We’re working on event discount pricing—check here again in a few days.

Who qualifies for the Student rate?

Youth and college students with ID qualify for a significantly reduced registration fee—about half, actually.

What if the session I want to attend lists a materials fee?

Please bring cash or check and plan to pay that at the time of your session.  It’s only enough to cover actual cost of materials your presenter brings along.

Are scholarships available?

Scholarship applications are due by July 13^th.  Application is available here:  scholarship application. If you’re in a position to help someone else to come, the same form can be used to donate.

Miscellaneous

Can I bring my child or nursing infant to the conference?

Nurseries are available, but will only be attended by advance arrangement, and a donation will be appreciated. Contact the church at 330-966-2800, ext. 222 or arts@firstfriends.org no later than July 1^st so we can schedule adequately

Is reserved seating available?

All seats are general admission, but if you have special needs for accessibility, let us know on your Registration Form.

What is the dress code at the conference?

Comfortable. Some drama or movement classes may have special recommendations—see the session descriptions for specifics

Do you provide sign language or Spanish translation at the conference?

If you need an interpreter, let us know on your Registration Form and we’ll try to work something out.

What accommodation can be made for food or other allergies?

Let us know your needs and we’ll do our best

Is the art on exhibit at the conference for sale?

That varies. Check at the registration/information table or contact pdisabatino@firstfriends.org