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Convention FAQ
This FAQ provides answers to the most common questions asked about the Annual Arizona Homeschool Convention and Curriculum Fair.
This FAQ page has been updated with 2008 information (3/17/2008)
Please click on a topic to see the questions and answers for that subject.
- CHILDREN & TEENS
- CONVENTION REGISTRATION
- CONVENTION SURVEYS
- EXHIBIT HALL
- FOOD/LUNCH
- MISCELLANEOUS
- NAME BADGES
- WORKSHOP CDs
- VOLUNTEERS
- REFUNDS
- SUPPORT GROUP DISPLAYS
Q: Can I bring my children to the convention?
A: Children may be brought to the convention, but there is a $10 admission fee for each child. We do not have any special program for children at our convention. They must remain with their parents at all times. Children are welcome in any of the adult sessions provided they are not disruptive. A nursing mother’s room is provided and there is no charge for infants.
Q: Why is there a charge for children and teens to attend?
A: We have arranged a special program for teens. The teen charge helps offset the expense of bringing in their speaker and the related facilities charges. We charge for younger children because we are not equipped to handle a very large number of children at the Convention Center. The seminar is geared toward adults. We understand, however, that some cannot arrange child care and we want to give them the option to register their children. Arizona is part of a shrinking minority around the country in extending this option. Please be respectful of the Convention Center property and staff since they have been so gracious in allowing us to continue this practice.
Q: What is there for teens to do at the convention?
A: We have a Teen Track usually on Friday. This is a special program arranged just for homeschooled students ages 12 and older. You can find details on the current year's convention page. Teens are also invited to attend and enjoy any of the other sessions and the exhibit hall as well. We ask that they conduct themselves as well-mannered young men and women at all times.
Q: Why is the Teen Track only offered on Friday?
A: It is not our goal to “occupy” the teens for the entire weekend. We do, however, want to offer them something special. We encourage teens to participate in any of the other sessions on Saturday in which they have interest.
NOTE: The 2008 Teen Track will run both Friday and Saturday.
Q: What age is the Teen Track geared for?
A: The Teen Track is geared for students ages 12 and older. Children under age 12 may attend, but must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.
Q: How do I register to attend the convention?
A: Early registration runs through June 18, 2008.
All early discount convention registration forms must be postmarked no later than June 18, 2008.
AFHE members should fill out the registration form in the convention brochure that is mailed out in April.
If you are not a current AFHE member or did not receive the convention brochure by mail, you may download the registration form and mail your completed registration form with payment to AFHE, postdated no later than June 18, 2008.
After the June 18th deadline, the pre-registration period is closed and the registration form will be removed from the web site.
All registrations must be made at the door after June 18th for the full price of $60 regardless of membership status. AFHE membership is an additional $20, but is optional at the door.
Registration at the door - Go to the registration area in the lower level of the Phoenix Convention Center, West Building. Fill out a registration card located at the tables in front of the registration booth. Take your completed registration card and your payment to the "On-Site Registration" line and we will take care of you.
Q: How do I participate in the the early registration discount?
A: Mail your registration and payment so that is postmarked no later than June 18, 2008.
Q: How much is registration if I register by the early registration deadline?
A: The early registration convention admission fee is just $30 per individual or married couple.
The early registration discount is only available to current AFHE members. If you are not a current member, you may join for $20. There is a place on the registration form for new and renewing members to pay for their AFHE membership in addition to the convention registration fee.
Q: Can I register on-line?
A: We do not have on-line registration available at this time.
Q: Can I register at the door?
A: Yes! The cost is $60. You can also join AFHE or renew your AFHE membership at that time for an additional fee of $20.
NOTE: Only cash or checks will be accepted for payment at the door. We do not accept credit or debit cards for payment.
Q: What time does on-site registration begin?
A: 8:00 AM both days
Q: What is the admission price at the door?
A: $60 (spouse attends free), $10 per child or teen
Infants are free. Grandparents are free (see below).
Q: If my husband/wife cannot attend with me, can I bring a friend?
A: You may bring a friend, however, they will have to pay the full convention fee.
We give free spouse admission to encourage couples to attend together. This is because we see the importance of couples to be “of one mind” in their education decisions. We do not have any other group discounts.
Q: Is there a discount if my spouse cannot attend with me?
A: No. We give free spouse admission to encourage couples to attend together (as described in the previous question). We do not offer a discount if the spouse is unable to attend.
Q: Is there a discount if I can only attend one day?
A: No. We have one price which includes either day, or both. Our fee is quite reasonable even if you are only able to attend one day. For two days, it is a real bargain!
Q: Is there a discount for admission to the exhibit hall only?
A: No. We sell admission as a package deal. One price gives you access to all.
Q: What is the admission price for grandparents?
A: We understand the importance of grandparents in the homeschool process. Grandparents are always free if they come with their adult children who pay regular admission.
Q: If I pre-register, when will I receive my name tags?
A: Convention attendees who do the early registration will receive their name tags and convention information in the mail approximately 3 weeks after we receive your early registration form and payment. Please be patient. It is a busy time of year and we are processing many registrations and AFHE membership applications and renewals as well.
If you mailed your registration more than 4 weeks ago and you have not received your name tags in the mail yet, please send us an e-mail with your name, phone number, and e-mail address to convention@afhe.org so we can check on the status of your registration.
Q: What do you do with the information from the completed surveys?
A: We use this information to help us make future conventions an even better experience for those in attendance. We also compile statistical information from certain questions.
Q: Why don't you have a basket in the General Speaker Session rooms for the completed convention surveys to be placed?
A: We value your feedback and want surveys to be turned in at a supervised location so they are not lost or misplaced.
Q: Is it true I can enter a drawing if I turn in my completed survey?
A: Yes! Complete your survey, turn it in at the registration booth, fill out a prize drawing slip with your name, address and phone number and you may win a prize!
4 names will be drawn for a Free One-Year AFHE Membership and 10 names will be drawn for a Free Workshop CD from the convention.
Q: How will I find out if I won?
A: We will mail you a certificate to notify you that you have won.
Q: What if I have already paid for my AFHE membership and I win a free membership in the drawing?
A: You may use your certificate to renew your membership when your current membership expires. No cash refunds will be issued for winners who have already paid their AFHE membership fee.
Q: How would I redeem my certificate for a free workshop tape or CD if I win?
A: Workshop CD's can be ordered from Resounding Voice following the convention on their web site. Instructions will be provided with the certificate we mail to the winners.
Q: What types of vendors are permitted to have booths in the Exhibit Hall?
A: We focus on exhibitors who assist and encourage parents in their efforts to teach their own children at home. A few groups who enrich the homeschool experience are included as space allows. You will not find schools or teaching services in our hall who specialize in “out-of-home” education. Some information on privately funded teaching services may be found in our goody bag.
Q: What hours will the exhibit hall be open this year?
A: The exhibit hall will open at 10:00 AM to allow the vendors to stay open later. This will allow for more shopping time for convention attendees after the workshops have ended. The exhibit hall will be closing at 7:00 PM both days.
Q: Can I bring my own food/lunch to the convention?
A: The Phoenix Convention Center has a contract with on-site food vendors that prohibits any outside food from being brought in. However, you may bring your own lunch if you do not eat on the Convention Center grounds.
Q: Where can I purchase lunch?
A: There are on-site food vendors as well as many restaurants nearby the Phoenix Convention Center.
Visit www.coppersquare.com for an interactive map with restaurants in the area.
Q: Why is the Arizona Home Education Convention & Curriculum Fair held in July? Why can't it be earlier in the year?
A: Booking priority at the Convention Center is based on the amount of downtown hotel space you fill. Since our event is primarily local, we are not in the highest priority for booking. This means we must make do with the least popular month for conventions in Phoenix, July. By coordinating our convention dates with other states, we make the best of this situation. Exhibitors can generally come to our event just after they attend the convention in the Los Angeles area.
Q: How can we get more information from counties outside of Maricopa County to be presented at the convention?
A: Support groups from all counties are welcome to request a spot for a display in the Support Groups display area. We invite information to be shared by groups from across the state provided they have submitted an application and have been approved to be listed on the AFHE web site. (See information below about the support group display area).
Q: Is there a place I can store my purchases during the day?
A: In recent years, we have provided a book check booth. We have, however, discontinued this option for 2008. You may bring a wheeled cart or small suitcase on wheels if you like for carrying your purchases with you more easily.
Q: What is the purpose of the name badges?
A: Your name badge is your admission for both days to all areas of the convention including speaker sessions, workshops, and the exhibit hall. Name badges must be worn at all times.
Q: What do I do if I forget or lose my name badge?
A: A replacement name badge may be purchased at the Registration Booth in the lobby for $1.00.
Q: How do I purchase recordings of specific workshops?
A: Workshop recordings will be sold at a booth in the exhibit hall for the 2008 convention. Most sessions are available for sale, but you should check the tape order form before deciding which sessions to attend since some sessions may not be available. After the convention, you may purchase CD's and MP3 recordings from the taping company, Resounding Voice, via their website.
Q: Why are certain speakers' recordings only available for purchase at the convention and not afterward?
A: Some speakers request that their tapes only be sold at the convention. This prevents web sales from our conference from competing with their own sales. We respect our speakers’ right to apply this restriction if they wish. You may generally buy recordings of similar sessions directly from the speakers in this case.
Q: Why are volunteers important at the convention?
A: Our convention is run entirely by volunteers, from the directors to the registration staff. Our volunteer workers help keep costs to a minimum while continuing to provide an excellent conference. Thanks to everyone who works so hard to make this event a success!
Q: What do volunteers do at the convention?
A: Volunteers staff registration counters, count the number of attendees in rooms, monitor rooms, and assist speakers with various needs (including sometimes staffing their booths).
Q: How long would my shift as a volunteer last?
A: Volunteers must serve a minimum of 1 hour. Generally people work between 1 and 4 hours.
Q: How do I sign up to serve as a volunteer?
A: Send an e-mail to our volunteer coordinator at volunteers@afhe.org. You will be contacted in May with more information.
Q: Where do I check in when it's my turn to volunteer and how early do I need to check in?
A: There is a Volunteer Check-In counter at the registration booth in the lower level. Look for the sign. Our volunteer coordinators will review the specifics about your tasks when you sign in. You should check in when you arrive at the Phoenix Convention Center to get your name tag and instructions.
Q: I have pre-registered for the convention, but I am unable to attend. Can I get a refund?
A: Our policy, as published in the convention brochure, is that all convention fees are non-refundable.
Q: Can I give my name tag to a friend to use if I cannot attend?
A: Unfortunately, no. Registration is non-transferable.
Q: What is the purpose of the Support Group display?
A: The purpose of the display is to showcase local support groups from around the state who encourage and equip homeschooling parents and to give homeschoolers a chance to make contact with support groups in their area. We are careful to only include parent-led, independent support groups here. This exposure also gives them a chance to advertise to the homeschool community.
Q: Where is the Support Group display area located?
A: Historically, we have hosted a Support Group display booth in the exhibit hall. In 2008, the displays will be located on the 3rd floor outside the ballrooms. We encourage attendees to take time to browse the displays and learn more about homeschool groups from around the state.
Q: How do I get permission to put up a display for my support group in the Support Group display at the convention?
A: Homeschool Support Groups that have completed a Homeschool Group Listing Application and have been approved for listing on the AFHE web site are invited to set up a display on the Support Group table. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact the AFHE Support Group Liaison at groups@afhe.org.
NOTE: Groups that do not reserve a space in advance with the AFHE Support Group Liaison will not be allowed to display their support group information at the convention.
Groups that are approved for a space at the convention Support Group Display should review and follow the INSTRUCTIONS for creating a display. Please contact AFHE with any questions groups@afhe.org
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