Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a question you have that you aren’t finding below? Submit your question by visiting the Contact Us area of the website. Complete the form and select “Events” from the dropdown to direct your question to the event planning team. Questions are typically answered within 3 business days.

 

Be sure to check back leading up to the Convention. This page will be updated ongoingly as new information and event details are made available by the planning team!

COMMON QUESTIONS

Is the 2021 National Convention being held in person?

Right now, the answer is yes! The Fraternity is hopeful that by December, we will have made significant advances in the fight against COVID-19 that will make it safe for us reunite with all of our brothers in person at the beautiful and spacious JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.

Visit the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa’s website for in-depth information on what the hotel is doing to keep guests safe while on the property and enjoying the amenities. The Fraternity is committed to following all local and national health guidelines and procedures for safety during the pandemic. Specific details regarding onsite procedures for the National Convention will be communicated closer to the event based on the climate at that time.

The Board of Directors is closely monitoring information about and recommendations for the pandemic and will keep the membership up to date on any changes made to the National Convention as a result.

What if attendance needs to be reduced due to capacity limits?

If the Fraternity needs to impose a capacity limit, attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your spot, registration needs to be paid in full. If it is decided that attendance will be limited, the Fraternity will provide detailed communications to all people registered at that point.

What is the closest airport to the Convention hotel?

The closet major airport is the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), approximately 20 miles from the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.

How can I get from the airport to the hotel?

You can use local taxi services, Uber, Lyft or other rideshare services to get to the resort. The estimated one-way fare from PHX airport is $30. The Fraternity is currently negotiating discounts for ground transportation, and we will provide updates as we have them.

What restaurants are located near the hotel?

Located less than a mile from the hotel, Desert Ridge Marketplace features more than 20 restaurants including Einstein Bros Bagels, In-N-Out Burger, Panda Express, MidiCi Pizza, Smashburger and so much more! The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the marketplace. In addition, the resort itself hosts several onsite restaurants, including a Starbucks.

What does the resort rate of $120 include?

The resort reservation rate of $120 is per room per night. The rate includes the resort fee and access to all resort amenities including five swimming pools, a lazy river, unlimited fitness on-demand classes, use of tennis and pickleball facilities, complimentary bike rental and access to the Wildfire Golf Driving Range. The $120 rate does not include local taxes and fees.

How can I make a hotel reservation?

Hotel reservations can be made online at https://book.passkey.com/go/2ef1e227 or by phone at 1-800-835-6206. Make sure to mention Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Convention to receive our exclusive discounted room rate! Reservations are not included in APO’s online event registration and are the responsibility of each attendee to arrange. Be sure to make your reservation before December 7, 2021 to receive the discounted group rate.

 

What time should I plan to arrive and depart?

You won’t want to miss a minute of the Convention fun, so arrive early on December 27 to make it in time to check in with the hotel and the Fraternity before the big kickoff celebration! Take in all of the bonding, workshops, entertainment and events – all culminating in the Toast Song (with more than 1500 members) following the Celebration Banquet on the evening of December 30th. Then, you can depart on December 31.

When will registration open?

Registration will open very soon – coming spring 2021!

What registration options will be available?

Registration package costs will vary based on attendee type. Visit the National Convention page for pricing details.  A discounted rate is available to voting delegates to thank them for their service to the Fraternity.

 

Additionally, the Fraternity is offering five-month payment plans to help spread out the cost of registration for our members. Learn more about these packages by clicking “DOES THE FULL PAYMENT HAVE TO BE MADE WHEN REGISTRATION IS SUBMITTED?” in the section below.

Does the full payment have to be made when registration is submitted?

To assist with the financial impacts of the past year, this year’s online registration will include the option to pay via a five-month payment plan. This plan will consist of five (5) payments (first payment due at the time of registration) that will be automatically debited from the card used during registration. Registration will not be considered complete until all payments have been received and a $0 balance invoice remains. Note: A one-time administrative fee of $5 will be added to all registrations that select the payment plan option to cover the processing and administration fees.

 

Additionally, chapters that are on record with the National Office as using school checking can select school checking as a payment option at check out for registration.

What should my chapter be doing to prepare for the 2021 Convention?

It is never too early to begin having conversations about Convention! Your chapter should be discussing who will represent them as a voting delegate.

Your chapter should also figure out how much money they have available to contribute to brothers’ travel expenses. Creating a financial plan is a great way to start planning for Convention. Check out the resources below to get started!

When is the best time to purchase a flight to Phoenix?

Studies show that the best time to purchase airfare is three to six months prior to your departure date. As your planned departure date approaches, the cost of airfare will go up and the flight options will become more limited. There are many great online resources available to assist with tracking flight prices. Hopper, Google Flights, SkyScanner and Kayak are all free online resources.

Set a reminder for June, July or August so you don’t forget to book your flight at a lower price!

When will more details be announced?

More details on the schedule and content of the Convention will be announced throughout the year as they become finalized. Check the website, national social media pages and your email for important announcements coming soon!

Still have questions? Don’t forget to submit your question directly to staff through the Contact Us form here. Select “Events” as the topic for your submission to ensure that the correct staff member is notified of your question.

JW MARRIOTT PHOENIX DESERT RIDGE RESORT & SPA

Enjoy the resort life at the 2021 National Convention! This beautiful property will host the largest celebration of Leadership, Friendship and Service!

Photo of JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Hotel and Spa. Hotel is surrounded by trees and bushes, and golf course is in the foreground.
path through phoenix resort with palm trees
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