Frequently Asked Questions
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are you requiring that we wear our nametags this year?
Why do you charge convention fees? What does this money
pay for?
Is there a cheaper venue we could use instead of hotels?
Why do I have to sign a behavior statement?
How does parental consent work?
Why are you requiring that we wear our nametags this year?
As the size of our convention continues to grow and security becomes more of an issue, it is increasingly important for us to know who is attending. Sadly, many convention attendees sit in on the meetings and services without ever having registered and without paying the fee. To keep everyone safe, make it fair, and keep the costs as low as possible (everyone pays their fair share, except in hardship cases), our ushers will be instructed to turn away those people who are not wearing nametags. If you plan to bring guests, we will have nametags available for them.
Why do you charge convention fees? What does this money pay for?
Convention expenses are numerous. The money is spent on audio-visual equipment, course materials, van rentals for transportation to evening services, printed materials, nametag costs, shipping costs, rooming costs, postage, etc.
Is there a cheaper venue we could use instead of hotels?
We continue to look at many venues that will meet our needs at a reasonable cost to the General Conference and its members. As we grow, it is getting more difficult to keep costs down.
* Retreat
sites. Typically not large enough for attendees, nor do they have enough
meeting space. Also, they offer no other meal options, so 1500 people
would be in line at most every meal.
* College campuses. Usually difficult for families, especially with children,
because dorms are made with single beds, two or three to a room. Campuses
usually require a lot of walking because meeting rooms are spread out.
* Hotels. Good news: Our conventions are getting larger; more people than
ever are attending. Bad news: Many hotels can no longer accommodate our
meeting space needs
* Convention centers. Moving to a convention center often increases the
costs significantly (sleeping rooms billed at a higher rate, downtown
parking costs are higher, etc.) and means meeting in a downtown location,
where costs and requirements cause even more expense. Some downtown locations
also pose security issues.
The current strategy is to utilize hotel properties for sleeping rooms, seminar meeting rooms, children's activities, youth/young adult meetings, bookstore/women's bazaar, etc. and move the evening worship services to an accommodating facility close by. In Tulsa, we used the Performing Arts Center. In Colorado Springs, we stayed on property and, because of crowding, wished something else would have been available for the evening meetings. In San Antonio, we used the Municipal Auditorium. And in Denver, we held our evening worship services at Denver First Church of the Nazarene.
As we grow, it becomes more difficult to host everything in one hotel. Many hotels that fall in our price range have only 300-400 rooms and inadequate meeting space. We need 500-600 rooms. These larger hotels often charge more per room. Because of the meeting space issues, splitting the room requirements between two smaller hotels is not possible either. Any suggestions?
Why do I have to sign a behavior statement?
It is a safeguard for the hotel. In years past, hotels have suffered some damage due to attendees' unbecoming behavior. The behavior statement insures that the hotel will not have to incur the cost of repair should attendees cause damage.
How does parental consent work?
By signing the parental consent, you indicate to convention personnel that you know that your child is participating in the events planned for children/youth at the convention and that you grant permission for his/her participation. The consent also is a safeguard. If your child requires urgent medical attention and we can't locate you, we are authorized to obtain medical care in a timely manner.
Please keep in mind that your child will not be allowed to participate in the events planned for him/her without your signature on this form. If you are sending your minor child to convention without accompanying him/her personally, two things apply:
1. The child MUST be accompanied by a paying adult (over 18 years old) who will sign the behavior statement accepting full responsibility for your child and his/her actions; and
2. YOU (as parent/legal guardian) MUST sign the parental consent form and either mail or fax it to the Conference offices.
All requirements must be fulfilled for your child to attend the convention.
Sheraton
Overland Park Hotel at Convention Center
6100 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211
Direct reservation line: 913-491-0123 (ask for Heather Gambrell or Krista Porter)
Toll-free reservation line (US and Canada): 800-262-7275 (ask for Heather Gambrell or Krista Porter)
Online
Reservations
Overland Park Convention Center Web Site
360 View of the hotel, convention center,
and local attractions
Map
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National Locator Map (Estimated Driving
Distance)
