1.       Parking is too expensive in Calgary.   Why do we have to come to Calgary for convention?

With over 3500 delegates, the Telus Convention Centre is the only venue that will accommodate our numbers.

2.       Why are some of the speakers in really small rooms?

Some speakers wish to speak to smaller groups only.  Speakers state a maximum group size when they make application to speak.

3.       Can I miss convention to attend another PD opportunity?

Approval is granted based on the guidelines set by the Alberta Teachers' Association.  Persons cannot be approved for two consecutive years.  Application to attend alternate PD can be made through our website.  Deadline to apply is January 10th.

4.       Can my partner attend sessions with me during convention? 

No, we are a closed convention for members of the Palliser District Teachers Convention Association only.  Delegates must also be members of the ATA. 

5.       Why doesn’t the exhibits hall stay open later on Thursday or Friday?

Very few people are interested in exploring the exhibits hall after 5:00 p.m. 

6.       Why does a new booklet cost me $5 if I forgot mine at home?

Everyone receives one booklet for convention.  A replacement booklet costs you $5 to cover the cost of the booklet and to deter delegates from relying on buying a booklet.  

7.       Is there a lost and found?

Yes, it is located at the convention desk in the pre-function area outside the exhibits hall.

8.       Where can I find cheap parking? 

Calgary is one of the most expensive cities in Canada for downtown parking.  Try parking at one of many LRT lots in Calgary and taking the C-Train.  Ask a colleague for locations where parking is less expensive.  As a general rule, the further away you are from the downtown core, the cheaper it gets. 

9.       How do you pick exhibitors?

Some apply through our website; others are referred to us through other conventions.  We usually look at exhibitors that have some business related to the field of education.

10.   Is coffee available free of charge of do I have to pay? 

Coffee is available for purchase at various locations throughout the Telus Convention Centre, Hyatt Hotel and local establishments.  Free coffee would break our budget.

11.   How do I book an individual pension session?

On our website, which is www.palliserconvention.org.  Bookings usually begin in December when we receive the link from a staff member at Barnett House.

12.   There is nothing for me at convention.  Why should I bother going? 

It is your legal responsibility to attend and you are being paid by your board for those two days. 

13.   Why are you checking for booklets at the door of each session?

Only delegates who are members of the Palliser District Teachers Convention Association may attend.    Because of space limitations, we cannot allow members of the general public into our convention.

14.    How much does convention cost me compared to specialist council conferences? 

The cost of convention, per full-time or part-time delegate, is $68.25.  Specialist Council

conventions cost well over $200 in registration fees.

15. Are all student teachers free to attend our convention?

      Yes.

16.  Are exchange teachers allowed to attend convention?

When you are on exchange with another teacher you have the same services as that teacher would have.  You are entitled to a booklet and to attend convention.

17. Why can’t I pre-register for all of my sessions at convention?

Pre-registering would not allow delegates any flexibility during convention.  Let’s face it, delegates change their minds frequently over the two days.  Reserving chairs for people who then do not show up is unacceptable.

18. Can we create “collaboration with colleagues” as a session during convention.  

The short answer is no.  Although collaboration with colleagues is beneficial, it is not considered Professional Development.

19. How do locals book a hospitality suite?

Locals who would like to book a hospitality suite at the Hyatt Regency, may do so by emailing Rebecca Burns, Senior Event Planner, at rebecca.burns@hyatt.com  Hospitality suites (known as conference suites) may be rented at a discounted rate of $800 per night.  There are five conference suites available for booking and these must be booked by the cutoff deadline (a month ahead of our first day of our annual convention).  Each conference suite includes the main conference suite area and one bedroom (guestroom) at the side.  Locals are encouraged to book the bedroom on the other side as well, at an additional cost (conference rate), as sometimes other hotel guests in the other side bedroom can be disrupted by noise in the conference suite.

20. Why do some sessions have pre-registration?

Pre-registration is offered for sessions that are specialized and may require specific equipment or materials.

21. Why is the Palliser District Teachers’ Convention not offered at another venue?

New venues are investigated each year.  In the Calgary area the Telus Convention Centre can provide the space required for the number of delegates coming to our convention.

22. Why do we not have internet available to all of the delegates at convention?

The cost of providing internet to all delegates is too costly at this time.