Frequently Asked Questions
1. I don't have any money. Can I get a free registration?
While we certainly don't want anyone to miss the conference because of money, we simply can't fund conference expenses for participants. Most of our churches have benevolence funds for needs like this. It might be a good idea to check with your church's Administrator and ask if your local church can help.
2. Do I need a PayPal account before I register?
Nope. All you need is a major credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) & Paypal will process the transaction and create an account for you.
3. Will any childcare be provided?
Yes, there will be a Children's Ministry program during the Sunday morning worship service for children
8 months - 2nd grade. For Saturday, we've rearranged the schedule to allow parents to be able to take turns with childcare while still attending all of their classes.
Men have classes in the morning while sisters watch children, sisters have classes in the afternoon while men watch children.
Check out the family-friendly schedule here!
4. What about Pre-Teens? Will there be any kind of activity for them?
YES! The Pre-Teens (5th & 6th grade) will have a combined (boys & girls) class/activity on Saturday from 10am-12pm.
5. For registration purposes, what's the definition of a "Teen"?
Anyone in 7th-12th grade.
6. What about transportation to and from the hotels and the Convention Center? Will there be any shuttles?
Due to the huge shuttle transportation expense, we won't be providing that this year. We encourage everyone to carpool back and forth to the hotels from the Convention Center. Also, the weather is still nice in Virginia Beach even in November and walking shouldn't be a problem for the younger generation. All hotels are only 4-12 blocks away from the Convention Center.
7. Which hotel is closest to the Convention Center?
Yet another good question! Click on this link and check out the map to see which hotels are closest/farthest from the Convention Center.
8. What’s the ‘ACR’?
ACR stands for the American Commonwealth Region. It’s the name we’ve chosen for our family of churches that have chosen to cooperate and share resources to evangelize the U.S. and ultimately, the world.
The ACR includes churches in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Ft. Wayne-IN, Worcester-MA, Metro Atlanta-GA, Palm Beach County-FL, Montreal-CA, Quebec City-CA, and the Dominican Republic.
We willingly come together every other year at a Conference to be inspired, renew relationships, and enjoy the fellowship. Be sure to welcome and build friendships with our brothers and sisters from all of these churches when you see them at the Conference!
9. What is the weather typically like in Virginia Beach in November?
It really doesn't start getting cold here until January or February. November averages the least amount of rain with an average temperatures of 44 deg (low) - 62 deg (high). Sounds like a great time to have a conference!
10. Do I have to stay in one of the Conference hotels? Can I stay with a friend in the Hampton Roads Church?
Your registration fees are surprisingly low because the church is reimbursed by the city for each booked hotel room to help reduce the cost of renting the Convention Center.
While not mandatory, we encourage everyone to book their hotel stay at one of the arranged hotels found on the conference website.
Not only does this add to your conference experience by sweetening your fellowship, but it helps keep the registration fees low for everyone.
11. We're flying in for the Conference. Which airport should we fly into?
The closest airport is Norfolk International (ORF) (~25 min away from the Convention Center). You might also want to try Newport News Airport (PHF) (~40 min away from the Convention Center). Norfolk International will probably be the cheapest, but you never know... If you're willing to drive the extra distance, you might be able to get a cheaper ticket through Newport News.
12. What's the dress code for the Conference?
Good Question. You don't have to wear a suit & tie (or a formal dress), but at the same time you probably don't want to show up in shorts and a T-Shirt either. I'd say whatever you would typically wear to your midweek service is probably pretty good. So maybe that's "smart/business casual". But don't worry, we'll love you regardless of what you wear! :')