FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Where is the convention being held?
    • The 2019 AAPA Convention is being held at the Hilton Norfolk The Main hotel in downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
 

 

  • What airport should I fly into?
    • Norfolk International Airport (ORF), located in Norfolk, VA.
 
  • How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
    • Norfolk International Airport is located 9 miles from the hotel. Estimated drive time is 20 minutes.  You can take a taxi (estimated $25-$30) or ride-sharing service (estimated $20-$25) to the hotel.  Rental cars are an option at the airport but not recommended since the convention receptions and several local sightseeing activities are within walking distance of the hotel. Parking at the hotel is $20/night for self parking and $26/night for valet parking. 
 
  • What is the dress code for the convention?
    • Business Meeting at the Hilton Norfolk the Main:  Business Attire – e.g. collared shirt, sweater, slacks, jackets, etc.
    • Port Harbor Tour:  Business casual
    • Companion Program:  Smart Casual attire – e.g. jeans, shorts, capris, sundresses, etc. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
 
  • What is the dress code for the receptions?
    • Evening Receptions:  Business casual. Please note for Wednesday night’s reception on the Battleship Wisconsin that proper footwear is strongly suggested due to the flooring on the Battleship Wisconsin. We strongly recommend against wearing high heel shoes.
 
  • What is the weather like in Norfolk, Virginia in October?
    • The expected weather is a high of 70 degrees and a low of 55 degrees during the week of the convention.
 
  • What is included in my registration fee?
    • For AAPA member and non-members, your registration includes access to everything – the convention, the Port tour, receptions on all nights, and breakfast and lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Registration for exhibitors and sponsors includes customized access to certain portions of the convention.  See your registration invitation for more details!
       
  • How much is registration for AAPA members or non-members?
    • Registration for members/sponsors is $1,500/person and for non-members is $1,800/person.
       
  • How will my registration charge show up on my credit card statement?
    • Registration charges will post to your credit card from National Conferencing, Inc. (d/b/a Federal Conference) and will not post as AAPA. 
    • Please note that check payments are not accepted and registration must be paid by credit card only. 
 
  • How do I register if I am a member of the media?
  • Who do I contact for more information on being an exhibitor or sponsor?
  • What is the Cancellation Policy?

    • Cancellation requests for member and non-member registration and optional event tickets must be received by Friday, September 27, 2019. Absolutely no refund requests will be accepted after this date.

      All registration cancellations prior to September 27, 2019 are subject to a $100.00 USD service fee. For cancellations or questions regarding the cancellation policy, please email support@federalconference.com . Phone cancellations will not be accepted.

      Should circumstances arise that result in the cancellation or postponement of the convention, The Port of Virginia will issue a full refund for registration fees but is not responsible for any travel and/or other related costs incurred by any AAPA 2019 Convention attendees.
       

  • Can I bring a companion/spouse?
    • Yes, for a fee of $350.  This includes access to the receptions on all nights, breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as special companion outings on Tuesday and Wednesday that you can select during your registration process (plus a box lunch during those trips!).  Companions may not attend the Port tour on Monday.
 
  • What are the companion/spouse outings as mentioned in the question above?

    • Jamestown – Even after 400 years, a visit to Jamestown is still an adventure, but fortunately we have the luxury of modern conveniences as we explore the first permanent English colony in America. This day trip will offer an intimate look into history and promises to be unlike anywhere else you have visited. Boxed lunch will be provided.

    • Botanical Gardens & Naval Base Cruise – Enjoy a leisure visit to the Norfolk Botanical Garden which includes 175-acres, with more than 60 themed gardens that can be viewed by tram, boat or by foot. Spend your afternoon learning more about our host city during a two-hour narrated tour on the Elizabeth River. Guests will enjoy comfortable seating, air conditioned enclosed deck, open air shaded upper deck and learning more about one of the world’s busiest sea ports which is also home to the world’s largest naval base and home of the Atlantic Fleet. Boxed lunch will be provided.

    • VA Aquarium & Cavalier Distillery -- Explore over 800,000 gallons of one of the best aquariums and animal habitats in the country at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in nearby Virginia Beach, VA. Follow this by a visit to the historic Cavalier Hotel to enjoy a tour and tasting at the Tarnished Truth Distillery housed within the hotel. Boxed lunch will be provided.

    • Virginia Zoo & Naval Base Cruise – Take a walk on the wild side at The Virginia Zoological Park, which exhibits more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres in Norfolk, Virginia. After this learn more about our host city during a two-hour narrated tour on the Elizabeth River. Guests will enjoy comfortable seating, air conditioned enclosed deck, open air shaded upper deck and learning more about one of the world’s busiest sea ports which is also home to the world’s largest naval base and home of the Atlantic Fleet. Boxed lunch will be provided.

    • Glass Blowing & Hunter House Museum – Take part in a unique opportunity to participate in a private demonstration and experience the excitement of glassmaking for yourself at The Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum of Art followed by a visit to the Hunter House Victorian Museum. The Hunter House was built in 1894 in the Freemason historic district of Norfolk and has been designated as one of Norfolk’s top 3 best-rated historic landmarks. The 4,000 square-foot Victorian townhouse was built by the Hunter family and remained a single-family residence until it became a museum in the 1960’s. Tea and other refreshments will be served in the parlor or gardens. Boxed lunch will be provided.

 
  • Who should I contact if I have a general question about the event?
    • You can email general questions to support@federalconference.com or call 1-866-311-8809 and your question will be routed to the appropriate person for an answer!