Registration FAQ
Q1: Do I need to register as an individual if my church is registered as a Sponsor? What is the next step, after registering our church as a Sponsor?
Answer:
YES! Once your church is registered as a Sponsor, any members of your church that plan to attend the Biennial Mission Summit, may register at a discounted individual registration rate. Each attendee must register! Please have all members register individually under the “Biennial Mission Summit Individual Registration”. They may register online, or download and print the paper registration and either mail or fax their individual registration. To see if your church has registered, click here to view the List of Churches Sponsors.
Q2: What is the cut-off date for my church to register as a Sponsor?
Answer:
Registration for Church Sponsorship closed on April 30, 2017. If your church did not register as a Sponsor, you will need to pay the full registration fee for the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit.
Q3. What is the cut-off date for individual registration?
Answer:
Online registration is available, and will close on June 15, 2017 at 12:00PM EDT. Following this time, on-site registration for individuals will be available at the Oregon Convention Center.
Q4. How do I make a room reservation?
Answer:
You may reserve your room with the Biennial Mission Summit Individual Registration. Please visit the website at www.americanbaptists2017.com and click on “Register,” "Individual Registration."
Q5. Who pays for the hotel?
Answer:
Payment of room(s) will be made by you directly with the hotel, upon your departure from the hotel. Rates listed on this website do not include tax.
Q6: When do I pay for my hotel?
Answer:
Payment for hotel reservations is due upon check-out of hotel. A credit card is required to guarantee the room only.
Q7: How do I block a group of rooms?
Answer:
Email MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org and request more information on group blocks.
Q8: Why am I being charged a $6 booking fee?
Answer:
We have upgraded our software and hope that you have a better reservation experience.
Q9: I registered through the ABCUSA registration website, but have no confirmation number. Will I be sent documentation showing that I have guaranteed a room so that I can use that documentation with the hotel staff when I arrive?
Answer:
Your reservation through the ABCUSA registration website adds you to our room block - therefore, the hotel will not provide confirmation numbers. Staff from ABCUSA Travel and Conference Planning will be on site, should there be a problem.
Q10. Who do I contact to change or cancel my hotel reservation?
Answer:
Please contact MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org by June 15, 2017. Beginning June 15, 2017 all changes are to be made directly with the hotel. (click here for hotel information).
Q11. By what date do I need to notify the Office of Travel and Conference Planning that I wish to cancel my Biennial Mission Summit registration and thereby receive a refund?
Answer :
Notification must be received by May 22, 2017 to receive a refund; note that a $25 fee will be charged for cancellations.
Q12. What meals can I attend?
Answer:
All meals are ticketed events. Only a few meals are by invitation only, and these are identified in Biennial Mission Summit publications. Meal tickets will be available for purchase with registration. A few additional tickets might be available during the Biennial Mission Summit event at the Meal Event Ticket Counter. Attendees will also be able to purchase light meals on site.
Q13: Can I order a special meal if I have dietary restrictions?
Special Meal Requests were due on May 31. We are no longer able to accommodate special meal choices.
Q14: I have signed up for an exhibit booth. Can I sign up for meal events?
Answer:
Included in the purchase of each exhibit booth, the main contact for each booth will receive 1 exhibitor badge. When registering, main contact will use the Registration Code of Exhibitor. The main contact will be permitted to then sign up and pay for any meal events they wish to attend. Additional members staffing a booth will need to check if their Church is registered as a Church Sponsor for the Biennial Mission Summit in order to fully participate in the Mission Summit. If their Church is registered as a Sponsor, each additional person(s) staffing booth would pay the corresponding individual registration fee. If their Church is not registered as a Sponsor, additional person(s) staffing booth would pay the corresponding individual registration fee.
Q15. How does Church Sponsorship affect voting?
Answer:
You will still register as Delegate or Participant – Church Sponsorship does not affect voting, and each church will be allowed the same amount of delegates as stated through the bylaws.
Q16. What is the delegate fee?
Answer:
Before the early registration deadline (March 15, 2017) it is $65 for delegates from registered churches, $165 for delegates from non-registered churches. After the March 15, 2017 early registration deadline it is $75 for delegates from registered churches, $175 for delegates from non-registered churches.
Q17: My region has designated me as a Regional Delegate. How do I register and select this option?
Answer:
Each region has 6 delegates which are assigned by the Regional Executive. When registering, select "Delegate." On the third screen, you will be able to select the option, "Regional Delegate."
Q18. Why are you using the Church Sponsorship structure?
Answer:
It is our hope that this will encourage more people to register and make it possible for them to attend the Biennial Mission Summit.
Q19. If our church is not able to pay the Church Sponsorship fee, is there any way the individual registration fee can be reduced?
Answer:
The registration fee formula for 2017 has been set to cover the expenses of the three-day event, while keeping costs to individuals as low as possible. The cost to cover expenses in 2017 is $175 per participant. We are asking churches to help us offset and reduce that cost by registering the church. We realize that not every church will be able to do so, or will choose to do so. This will leave some individuals paying the more typical registration fee ($175).
If you are the only person attending the Biennial Mission Summit from your Church, then registering the church may not make financial sense. However, if more than one person from your church is attending the Biennial Mission Summit you can get together and calculate the most affordable way to register. By registering the church as a Sponsor, you can save money. The more people who attend, the less expensive for everyone.
Q20. How do I book my flight reservations?
Answer:
You may call the ABCUSA travel agent, Travel Leaders at 1.800.798.4081, to check rates and book your flights.
ABCUSA has partnered with United Airlines to offer Biennial Mission Summit attendees special discounted airfares.
Reservations can be made by calling Travel Leaders at 800-798-4081 (a $30 per person booking fee will apply), on United.com (When booking on United.com enter promotions code: ZXXJ530593), or by calling the United Meetings Reservation Desk at 800-426-1122. (There is no charge for booking with the Meetings Desk. Please provide the Z code ZXXJ and Agreement Code 530593.)
Q21. Who should I contact for more information?
Answer:
Please email MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org for more information.
Q22: Can I stop my registration before completing it and come back to it at a later date?
Answer:
With the new registration software you may not stop mid-registration. We recommend that you complete your registration, and then re-enter the registration at a later date to add additional information (hotel, meals, etc.)
Q23: If I register at the registration fee of $165.00/$175.00, because my church hasn’t registered as a Sponsor yet, will I get a refund once my church registers?
Answer:
No, if you register at the full registration fee of $165.00/$175.00, you will not receive a refund if your church registers as a Sponsor at a later date. Please talk with your pastor/church leadership before registering if you think your church might register as a Sponsor.
Q24: Who should I contact if I would like to know how many delegates from my church are allowed to attend the Biennial Mission Summit?
Answer:
Please contact Geri Blier with American Baptist Churches Information Systems at Geri.Blier@abc-usa.org.
Q25: Will there be shuttles to hotels and the Oregon Convention Center?
Answer:
No, we will be using the MAX light rail system in Portland. Most contracted Biennial Mission Summit hotels are on the MAX light rail train line, which will be the main source of transportation for attendees. The MAX light rail line can be used both between the airport and contracted conference hotels, and also between hotels and the Oregon Convention Center. To arrange individual shuttle transportation, see the Transportation Information page and scroll down to view "Transportation from Airport" options.
Previously, we expected to have Max passes available at hotel check-in. MAX passes will now be distributed at Registration.
ABCUSA is working in partnership with the Oregon Convention Center and Travel Portland, and attendees staying at contracted conference hotels will receive a maximum of two complimentary TriMet Transit Passes per room at Registration, which will give the attendee free access to trains, buses and street cars in the city of Portland, including MAX light rail trains that stop at the Oregon Convention Center. TriMet passes provided by Travel Portland are valid only for the dates of the conference, June 30-July 2, 2017.
There will be limited shuttle service available for the Crowne Plaza, which is not on the MAX light rail line.
Q26: I am interested in renting a wheelchair or motorized scooter to use at the Biennial Mission Summit. Where can I do this?
Answer:
For use in the Oregon Convention Center, wheelchairs are $15/day and electric scooters are $35/day. Learn more here: https://www.oregoncc.org/accessibility.
For those that may need 24/7 usage, please contact one of the following companies for assistance:
Care Medical (1877 NE 7th Avenue, Portland, Oregon)
Telephone: 503-288-8174
Hours: Monday-Friday – 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday – 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Rate: Minimum Rate: $27.50 + $20.00 Delivery Fee
Personal Mobility Center - Do NOT Deliver - (5132 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, Oregon_
Telephone: 503-287-6647
Hours: Monday-Friday – 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday – 10 am – 2 pm
Rate: $20.00 Minimum for 2-3 days for a regular folding wheelchair
Personal Mobility chairs are $85 Minimum for up to 7 days
Q27: As the church contact, how will the registrar for the Biennial Mission Summit know that the individuals that registered as delegates under a particular church have been officially designated as a delegate by that church?
Answer:
If a church would like a list of their delegates that have registered for the Biennial Mission Summit, they may forward this request to MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org.
Q28: Is there parking at the Oregon Convention Center? How much does it cost?
Answer:
The building’s underground garage provides onsite parking. Combined, the two levels offer 800 spaces. Enter the garage through either the Northeast First Avenue (P2) or Lloyd Boulevard (P1) entrance. Clearance on the P1 level is 7 feet; clearance on the P2 level is 9 feet.
The maximum daily rate to park is $10. Overnight parking is prohibited.
Hourly rates available Monday through Sunday:
Time is determined from the minute you enter the garage to the time you exit.
The parking garage generally opens daily at 6 a.m. Arrangements may be made for the garage to open earlier if needed.
Note: Some privately owned lots around the OCC promote "convention center parking" but these are not operated by the OCC
Answer:
YES! Once your church is registered as a Sponsor, any members of your church that plan to attend the Biennial Mission Summit, may register at a discounted individual registration rate. Each attendee must register! Please have all members register individually under the “Biennial Mission Summit Individual Registration”. They may register online, or download and print the paper registration and either mail or fax their individual registration. To see if your church has registered, click here to view the List of Churches Sponsors.
Q2: What is the cut-off date for my church to register as a Sponsor?
Answer:
Registration for Church Sponsorship closed on April 30, 2017. If your church did not register as a Sponsor, you will need to pay the full registration fee for the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit.
Q3. What is the cut-off date for individual registration?
Answer:
Online registration is available, and will close on June 15, 2017 at 12:00PM EDT. Following this time, on-site registration for individuals will be available at the Oregon Convention Center.
Q4. How do I make a room reservation?
Answer:
You may reserve your room with the Biennial Mission Summit Individual Registration. Please visit the website at www.americanbaptists2017.com and click on “Register,” "Individual Registration."
Q5. Who pays for the hotel?
Answer:
Payment of room(s) will be made by you directly with the hotel, upon your departure from the hotel. Rates listed on this website do not include tax.
Q6: When do I pay for my hotel?
Answer:
Payment for hotel reservations is due upon check-out of hotel. A credit card is required to guarantee the room only.
Q7: How do I block a group of rooms?
Answer:
Email MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org and request more information on group blocks.
Q8: Why am I being charged a $6 booking fee?
Answer:
We have upgraded our software and hope that you have a better reservation experience.
Q9: I registered through the ABCUSA registration website, but have no confirmation number. Will I be sent documentation showing that I have guaranteed a room so that I can use that documentation with the hotel staff when I arrive?
Answer:
Your reservation through the ABCUSA registration website adds you to our room block - therefore, the hotel will not provide confirmation numbers. Staff from ABCUSA Travel and Conference Planning will be on site, should there be a problem.
Q10. Who do I contact to change or cancel my hotel reservation?
Answer:
Please contact MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org by June 15, 2017. Beginning June 15, 2017 all changes are to be made directly with the hotel. (click here for hotel information).
Q11. By what date do I need to notify the Office of Travel and Conference Planning that I wish to cancel my Biennial Mission Summit registration and thereby receive a refund?
Answer :
Notification must be received by May 22, 2017 to receive a refund; note that a $25 fee will be charged for cancellations.
Q12. What meals can I attend?
Answer:
All meals are ticketed events. Only a few meals are by invitation only, and these are identified in Biennial Mission Summit publications. Meal tickets will be available for purchase with registration. A few additional tickets might be available during the Biennial Mission Summit event at the Meal Event Ticket Counter. Attendees will also be able to purchase light meals on site.
Q13: Can I order a special meal if I have dietary restrictions?
Special Meal Requests were due on May 31. We are no longer able to accommodate special meal choices.
Q14: I have signed up for an exhibit booth. Can I sign up for meal events?
Answer:
Included in the purchase of each exhibit booth, the main contact for each booth will receive 1 exhibitor badge. When registering, main contact will use the Registration Code of Exhibitor. The main contact will be permitted to then sign up and pay for any meal events they wish to attend. Additional members staffing a booth will need to check if their Church is registered as a Church Sponsor for the Biennial Mission Summit in order to fully participate in the Mission Summit. If their Church is registered as a Sponsor, each additional person(s) staffing booth would pay the corresponding individual registration fee. If their Church is not registered as a Sponsor, additional person(s) staffing booth would pay the corresponding individual registration fee.
Q15. How does Church Sponsorship affect voting?
Answer:
You will still register as Delegate or Participant – Church Sponsorship does not affect voting, and each church will be allowed the same amount of delegates as stated through the bylaws.
Q16. What is the delegate fee?
Answer:
Before the early registration deadline (March 15, 2017) it is $65 for delegates from registered churches, $165 for delegates from non-registered churches. After the March 15, 2017 early registration deadline it is $75 for delegates from registered churches, $175 for delegates from non-registered churches.
Q17: My region has designated me as a Regional Delegate. How do I register and select this option?
Answer:
Each region has 6 delegates which are assigned by the Regional Executive. When registering, select "Delegate." On the third screen, you will be able to select the option, "Regional Delegate."
Q18. Why are you using the Church Sponsorship structure?
Answer:
It is our hope that this will encourage more people to register and make it possible for them to attend the Biennial Mission Summit.
Q19. If our church is not able to pay the Church Sponsorship fee, is there any way the individual registration fee can be reduced?
Answer:
The registration fee formula for 2017 has been set to cover the expenses of the three-day event, while keeping costs to individuals as low as possible. The cost to cover expenses in 2017 is $175 per participant. We are asking churches to help us offset and reduce that cost by registering the church. We realize that not every church will be able to do so, or will choose to do so. This will leave some individuals paying the more typical registration fee ($175).
If you are the only person attending the Biennial Mission Summit from your Church, then registering the church may not make financial sense. However, if more than one person from your church is attending the Biennial Mission Summit you can get together and calculate the most affordable way to register. By registering the church as a Sponsor, you can save money. The more people who attend, the less expensive for everyone.
Q20. How do I book my flight reservations?
Answer:
You may call the ABCUSA travel agent, Travel Leaders at 1.800.798.4081, to check rates and book your flights.
ABCUSA has partnered with United Airlines to offer Biennial Mission Summit attendees special discounted airfares.
Reservations can be made by calling Travel Leaders at 800-798-4081 (a $30 per person booking fee will apply), on United.com (When booking on United.com enter promotions code: ZXXJ530593), or by calling the United Meetings Reservation Desk at 800-426-1122. (There is no charge for booking with the Meetings Desk. Please provide the Z code ZXXJ and Agreement Code 530593.)
Q21. Who should I contact for more information?
Answer:
Please email MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org for more information.
Q22: Can I stop my registration before completing it and come back to it at a later date?
Answer:
With the new registration software you may not stop mid-registration. We recommend that you complete your registration, and then re-enter the registration at a later date to add additional information (hotel, meals, etc.)
Q23: If I register at the registration fee of $165.00/$175.00, because my church hasn’t registered as a Sponsor yet, will I get a refund once my church registers?
Answer:
No, if you register at the full registration fee of $165.00/$175.00, you will not receive a refund if your church registers as a Sponsor at a later date. Please talk with your pastor/church leadership before registering if you think your church might register as a Sponsor.
Q24: Who should I contact if I would like to know how many delegates from my church are allowed to attend the Biennial Mission Summit?
Answer:
Please contact Geri Blier with American Baptist Churches Information Systems at Geri.Blier@abc-usa.org.
Q25: Will there be shuttles to hotels and the Oregon Convention Center?
Answer:
No, we will be using the MAX light rail system in Portland. Most contracted Biennial Mission Summit hotels are on the MAX light rail train line, which will be the main source of transportation for attendees. The MAX light rail line can be used both between the airport and contracted conference hotels, and also between hotels and the Oregon Convention Center. To arrange individual shuttle transportation, see the Transportation Information page and scroll down to view "Transportation from Airport" options.
Previously, we expected to have Max passes available at hotel check-in. MAX passes will now be distributed at Registration.
ABCUSA is working in partnership with the Oregon Convention Center and Travel Portland, and attendees staying at contracted conference hotels will receive a maximum of two complimentary TriMet Transit Passes per room at Registration, which will give the attendee free access to trains, buses and street cars in the city of Portland, including MAX light rail trains that stop at the Oregon Convention Center. TriMet passes provided by Travel Portland are valid only for the dates of the conference, June 30-July 2, 2017.
There will be limited shuttle service available for the Crowne Plaza, which is not on the MAX light rail line.
Q26: I am interested in renting a wheelchair or motorized scooter to use at the Biennial Mission Summit. Where can I do this?
Answer:
For use in the Oregon Convention Center, wheelchairs are $15/day and electric scooters are $35/day. Learn more here: https://www.oregoncc.org/accessibility.
For those that may need 24/7 usage, please contact one of the following companies for assistance:
Care Medical (1877 NE 7th Avenue, Portland, Oregon)
Telephone: 503-288-8174
Hours: Monday-Friday – 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday – 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Rate: Minimum Rate: $27.50 + $20.00 Delivery Fee
Personal Mobility Center - Do NOT Deliver - (5132 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, Oregon_
Telephone: 503-287-6647
Hours: Monday-Friday – 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday – 10 am – 2 pm
Rate: $20.00 Minimum for 2-3 days for a regular folding wheelchair
Personal Mobility chairs are $85 Minimum for up to 7 days
Q27: As the church contact, how will the registrar for the Biennial Mission Summit know that the individuals that registered as delegates under a particular church have been officially designated as a delegate by that church?
Answer:
If a church would like a list of their delegates that have registered for the Biennial Mission Summit, they may forward this request to MissionSummitRegistration@abc-usa.org.
Q28: Is there parking at the Oregon Convention Center? How much does it cost?
Answer:
The building’s underground garage provides onsite parking. Combined, the two levels offer 800 spaces. Enter the garage through either the Northeast First Avenue (P2) or Lloyd Boulevard (P1) entrance. Clearance on the P1 level is 7 feet; clearance on the P2 level is 9 feet.
The maximum daily rate to park is $10. Overnight parking is prohibited.
Hourly rates available Monday through Sunday:
- $5 for 15 minutes to 1 hour
- $7 for 1 to 2 hours
- $8 for 2 to 3 hours
- $9 for 3 to 4 hours
- $10 for 4 to 18 hours (over 18 hours incurs an additional $2 per hour charge)
Time is determined from the minute you enter the garage to the time you exit.
The parking garage generally opens daily at 6 a.m. Arrangements may be made for the garage to open earlier if needed.
Note: Some privately owned lots around the OCC promote "convention center parking" but these are not operated by the OCC