• Full refund (excluding fees): cancel by Tuesday, May 5, 2026
• 50% refund (excluding fees): cancel between May 6 and June 1, 2026
• No refunds after June 2, 2026

If you're unable to attend, you may substitute another approved delegate in your place through the National Office. Registration is otherwise non-transferable.

All Philoptochos business meetings and convention programs will take place at Hotel Cleveland. Several events throughout the week take place off-site, with bus transportation provided from the hotel for each one.

Yes! Whether you're staying at the hotel, commuting locally, or coming from nearby, you have full access to all convention programming. Parking is available at Hotel Cleveland for those driving in.

Yes — buses will be provided from Hotel Cleveland for all off-site events. Departure times are firm, so please plan to be in the lobby a few minutes early. If you miss the bus, you are welcome to arrange your own transportation to the venue.

Most lunches and dinners throughout the week are included in your registration. A few exceptions do apply, mostly pertaining to breakfast.

All registered Philoptochos Convention attendees have access to convention events. Guest tickets may be limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Here's where to get them:

• Goodtime III Dinner Cruise: Purchase here
• AGAPE Breakfast: Purchase here
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Grand Banquet: Purchase here

The Goodtime III is a Lake Erie cruise featuring dining, dancing, and entertainment — and one of the most memorable nights of the convention. It takes place Wednesday evening, June 30, from 6:30–9:00 PM. The boat has both indoor and outdoor areas, so come ready to enjoy the evening. Please note: absolutely no heels of any kind are permitted on the boat. This is a strict vessel policy with no exceptions — plan your outfit accordingly. Stylish flats, sandals, or dressy sneakers are all great options.

The AGAPE Breakfast is a celebratory morning event honoring chapters and the meaningful work they do. It takes place Thursday morning, July 2, from 9:00–11:00 AM. Many attendees choose to dress up a little more for this one — it's a special occasion worth marking.

The Grand Banquet is the closing dinner of the convention, bringing the full convention, including the Clergy-Laity delegates together for one final celebration on Thursday evening, July 2 at 7:00 PM. Cocktail attire is appropriate.

it varies by event. Here's a simple breakdown:

A general note: comfortable shoes are your best friend this week. You'll be moving between sessions, boarding buses, and walking on the boat — function over fashion goes a long way.

Welcome! Here's what we'd recommend before you arrive:

• Review all materials sent to you ahead of the convention
• Attend the Delegate orientation session — it's designed exactly for you
• Connect with your Metropolis representative, who can answer chapter-specific questions and help you feel at home

You don't need to have everything figured out before you get here. Show up, introduce yourself, and let the week unfold.

Yes! There is a formal orientation session for first-time attendees. Details will be shared closer to the convention date — keep an eye on your inbox.

You don't need to be an expert. National Philoptochos staff and Board Members will guide the process during all business sessions, so you can follow along, participate, and ask questions without worry.

Both delegates and observers have access to convention programming and information. The key difference: only delegates are eligible to vote during business sessions.

As a delegate, you are expected to:

• Attend all business meetings and Philoptochos programs
• Exercise your voting rights
• Prepare a full report for your chapter or Metropolis upon returning home

Head to the registration desk when you arrive to pick up your badge, convention materials, and your delegate bag. More details on location and hours will be shared closer to the event.

We'll let it be a little bit of a surprise — but you can expect printed program materials, practical tools to help you throughout the week, and some fun mementos to take home.

A few things worth packing:

• Laptop or tablet for note-taking (or a good old notebook and pen)
• Refillable water bottle
• A light sweater or shawl — meeting rooms can run cool
• Portable charger
• Comfortable shoes for daytime
• Flat shoes for Wednesday night's cruise
• A light layer for the outdoor portions of the boat

Please note: National Philoptochos is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Dietary restrictions should have been noted on your registration form. If you're unsure whether yours was captured, reach out to us at contact@philoptochos.org before the convention.

All buses provided for off-site events will be handicap accessible. If you have specific needs or questions, please contact us at contact@philoptochos.org and we'll do our best to assist.

National Philoptochos staff will be available on-site throughout the week to assist you. You can also reach us at any time at contact@philoptochos.org.

• Review all materials provided to you
• Familiarize yourself with the Philoptochos Bylaws
• Review basic parliamentary procedures
• Connect with your Metropolis representative

• Arrive early for meetings — punctuality matters
• Keep your delegate badge secure; avoid wearing it outside the hotel unless you're on a convention excursion
• Keep your convention materials together and bring them to each session
• Take notes, prepare questions, and engage with what you hear
• Make a new friend

Write your chapter report as soon as possible — your recollections will be freshest right after the week ends. Consider covering:

• The convention theme and its significance
• Key speeches, discussions, and outcomes
• Any items that affect your chapter's plans or goals
• Your own participation and takeaways
• Social highlights from the week