CONVENTION FAQ
Registration and Fees, Accommodations, Transportation, and Additional Information
Registration and Fees
When is the registration deadline?
We will accept registrations until May 15, 2018. If you are unable to register by May 15, please contact us. We’ll do our best to make arrangements for every member who wishes to attend the convention.
Who is eligible to attend the convention?
We encourage at least one delegate from each circle to attend and welcome anyone with a passion for leadership and commitment to O∆K!
Each attendee must register for convention individually. The process is individualized, so we are able to record food allergies, housing assignments, t-shirt sizes, etc. (Please DO NOT register with a generic name or institution name.) If your institution is planning to cover registration fees for one or more attendees, and you wish to bill your circle or institution directly, please contact us to make special arrangements.
What is the convention registration fee?
The cost for official delegates is $99. Official delegates will be provided a $100 travel grant if they attend all of the required sessions.
The registration fee for full-time individual attendee with on-campus housing is $399, and a full-time attendee with off-campus housing is $299.
Those who choose to stay off campus will be responsible for their own accommodations and travel to and from their hotel to Belmont University.
What does the registration fee include?
The convention registration fee is all-inclusive. The fee covers conference materials, social events, all meals (except Friday night), shuttle service to and from the airport, and transportation for the “Nashville Experience.” For the delegates and on-campus registrants, the fee also includes housing on campus (linens are extra). Each participant is responsible for individual spending money. We recommend bringing cash and/or a credit card to purchase O∆K gear and expenses for the evening out in Nashville.
How much should I budget for the convention?
The answer to that question depends on many factors like type of travel, extra travel days, and personal spending. To help, ODK has created a basic budget planner found here.
What is the refund policy?
All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email is acceptable). The following cancellation fees apply to all convention registrations.
100% refund – Cancellation prior to May 16, 2018
No Refund – Cancellation on or after May 16, 2018 – no refund *
* Registrations may be transferred to another individual until May 16. After May 16, registrations may not be refunded or transferred.
If a participant does not show up for the conference and does not cancel in writing, the full registration fee will be charged. To submit cancellations to O∆K headquarters via email, contact Mary Burner at mary@odk.org.
Accommodations
What type of housing is offered?
The Potter Hall and Patton-Bear House at Belmont University will be the hub for those convention participants staying on campus. These suite-style units (two rooms with two beds adjoined by shared bath area) are furnished with bed, desk/chair, dresser, and closet. Collegiate members will be assigned four to a suite (two persons in each room). Circle advisors and other guests will be assigned two to a suite (one person in each room).The buildings all have air-conditioning. Linens may be rented at a cost of $30 or you can bring your own. The beds are extra-long twin style. Toiletries, hair dryers, and irons are not provided. Delegates, collegiate members, and circle advisors are all encouraged to stay in the complex.
Are additional housing options offered?
We have secured a block of rooms with at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Nashville at Vanderbilt located at 1811 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn., 37203. The room rate is $189 (plus tax at 15%) per night. To make a reservation, call (615) 320-8899 and indicate that you are with Omicron Delta Kappa. Reservations must be made by April 27, 2018. Parking is $20 per day. Attendees choosing off-campus housing will be responsible for their own housing arrangements and transportation to and from Belmont University.
How many people stay in a residence hall suite on campus?
There will be two or four people per suite. Each person will have his or her own room with a shared living area and bathroom. These suite-style units (two rooms with two beds adjoined by shared bath area) are furnished with bed, desk/chair, dresser, and closet. Collegiate members will be assigned four to a suite (two persons in each room). Circle advisors and other guests will be assigned two to a suite (one person in each room).
What is included in the linen pack?
Linen pack includes the following: 1 pillow, 1 pillowcase, 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, 1 blanket, 2 towels, 1 washcloth
Transportation
How do I arrange transportation to and from the convention?
Nashville is centrally located with easy access by the interstate, bus, and air. For those arriving by air, we are working with Lyft and Uber to secure special rates to get you from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Belmont. We are also planning to provide limited shuttle service between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on May 31 and 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on June 3 for groups traveling by air.
What does parking cost?
Parking for standard passenger vehicles at Belmont University will be free. We will provide you with a tag to identify your vehicle. For charter buses or vehicles over 12 passengers, there may be charges to park your vehicle at an off-site location.
Will there be transportation to campus from the conference hotel?
We will provide very limited shuttle service to and from the hotel at specific times each day (yet to be determined). Those attendees staying at the convention hotel will be able to park at Belmont University for free during the day.
What does a typical day look like at the convention?
Each convention day is different. Some components include guest speakers, social events, O∆K workshops, and topic lectures. Please refer to the convention schedule to see more specific details on daily activities.
Additional Information
What is the expected attire for the convention?
Business casual is the recommended attire for the majority of the convention. Be sure to pack comfortable shoes and possibly a sweater or light jacket for the conference sessions as sometimes the rooms can be cool. O∆K will provide all attendees with a t-shirt for the service project activity. Details about the service projects will follow.
We recommend semiformal or cocktail attire for the O∆K Awards Dinner on Saturday night.
We are celebrating school spirit on Thursday night at the opening session. Please bring your favorite college or university t-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, or jersey!
What else should I bring to the convention?
First, bring other leaders from your circle! Second, here are just some items to put on your packing list:
- Business cards to give to the connections you make
- Laptop or tablet (you will have free WiFi in your room, conference area, and breakout rooms)
- Toiletries, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and conditioner
- Hair dryer
- Bath towels
- Pajamas
- Business or business casual attire
- Sneakers, shower shoes, casual shoes, and dress shoes
- Light jacket or raincoat
- Athletic attire and running shoes if you wish to exercise
When does the convention officially end?
The convention officially ends Saturday, June 2 at 11 p.m.
When are participants free to fly or drive home from the convention?
Participants should plan to depart between 7 a.m. and noon on Sunday, June 3.