Information – 2020 MA PTA Convention

Join us for a day where we “Look Within” PTA

PTA has a long and proud history. For over 120 years, volunteers have spoken up for children and public education. Join us on March 28, 2020 to learn more about this history and to discuss today’s issues and learn how you can continue this legacy of advocating for every child!

Register here!

Host Facility

The Wylie Inn and Conference Center at Endicott College – Beverly, MA is the official facility for the 2020 MA PTA Convention – Look Within!

Wylie Inn and Conference Center

295 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915

Phone 866.333.0859

For room reservations: Please call  978-867-1800 to book and mention Massachusetts PTA to receive the PTA rate. Each room has 1 queen size bed. No double beds or king size rooms available. email: convention@masspta.org with any additional questions.

Transportation

Driving Directions 

From Route 128 North (EXIT 45 ON I-95):	On Rt. 128 North, take Exit 17 (Grapevine Road, Beverly Farms). Turn right off the exit ramp and right again after 1.5 miles onto Haskell Street (by the cemetery). Proceed to the end; at stop sign, turn right onto Hale Street, Route 127 to Endicott College. Proceed past the Endicott College main entrance on the right and watch for the “Wylie Conference Center” sign on the left and the address is 295 Hale Street. Turn into the driveway, ample parking is on the right.
From Route 128 South:	Take Exit 17 (Grapevine Road, Beverly Farms). Turn left off the exit ramp and follow directions above.
From Boston:	Follow Route I-93 North to Route I-95 North to Exit 45, and take Route 128 North, toward Gloucester. Follow directions above, “From Route 128 North”.
From 1-84, Hartford, New York City, or I-90, Albany:	Take the Mass Pike to Exit 14, Weston. Follow I-95 North to Exit 45, and take Route 128 North toward Gloucester. Follow directions above, “From Route 128 North”.
From Maine:	Follow Route 95 South to Route 1 South to Route 62 East. Follow the directions above, “From Route 128 North”.
From Vermont, New Hampshire:	Follow Route 89, take Route 93 South to Route 95 North to Exit 45, toward Gloucester. Follow directions above, “From Route 128 North”.
Directions from Boston’s Logan Airport:	From Boston Logan International Airport get on MA-1A S from Airport Rd – Arrival Level. Keep right, follow signs for I-32 N and merge onto I-93 N.  Next take exit 37A to merge onto I-95 N toward Peabody. From there keep left at the fork to continue on MA-128 N. The follow the below directions “FROM ROUTE 128 NORTH”.

Airport

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
1 Harborside Drive
Boston, MA 02128

Special Requests

If you have a condition which requires accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and you require accommodations at the event, please contact the Massachusetts PTA at info@masspta.org to describe the condition and the specific nature of the requested accommodations. Massachusetts PTA will provide accommodations in accordance with law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

Who: Registration is open to PTA members, non PTA members, health and education stakeholders of all levels.

What: Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association Annual Meeting and Convention

When: Saturday, March 28, 2020

Where: Wylie Inn and Conference Center – Beverly

295 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915, USA

Why: We encourage PTA members, nonmembers, education professionals, community leaders, and others interested in the education and well-being of children to register.

What can I expect if I attend convention?
At the 2020 MA PTA Convention, you will:

• Get engaging ideas to use at school and at home.
• Be inspired by speakers with innovating strategies for success.
• Learn engaging solutions to challenge PTAs face every day.
• Enjoy a captivating speaker at our awards ceremony.
• Network with the best in the industry through meetups and other sessions.

Are there any special activities or events that I will be able to participate in while at the convention?
There are several events and special activities that you may choose to participate in during convention. Your registration fee entitles you entrance into:

• General Meeting
• Workshop Session
• Expo Hall
• MA PTA Awards Celebration Dinner

I am a first-time convention attendee, what can I expect?

Whether you are looking for ways to diversify your PTA’s leadership, increase interest in local PTA events, find no-hassle fundraising ideas or increase and diversify your membership and volunteer leaders, the 2020 MA PTA Convention has opportunities for you to discover it all.

Will there be daycare offered at convention?

PTA does not provide daycare services at convention. Please contact the hotel to inquire about babysitting and children’s program services.

Who are the Keynote Speakers at this year’s convention?
View Convention Speakers section for the list of speakers for convention.

What happens at the General Session?

General Session is where members help MA PTA conduct the business of the association. All MA PTA members attend the General Session to vote on resolutions, bylaws and the election of the association’s officers.

What is the schedule for the Convention?

Please note: The Massachusetts PTA Convention schedule is tentative and subject to change. View the agenda for up-to-date changes.

What dates should I book my travel to ensure that I won’t miss any of the Summit?

Plan to arrive Friday night and you can experience it all! Convention activities start on Saturday, March 28, 2019 at 1:15 p.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m.

What is the dress code?

Attire is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, blouses, and, most importantly, comfortable shoes. We do recommend you dress in layers as temperatures in meeting rooms can vary.

What are some recommendations from previous program attendees?

1. Register early
2. Share hotel rooms
3. Wear comfortable shoes
4. Don’t be shy… talk to members from other areas to get new ideas and best practices

Registration Questions

How can I register for this year’s summit?

There are three ways to register:

1. Online in Advance (by credit card). Go to Register. It is quick, easy, and secure. Online registration will open in January 2020.
2. Mail in Advance (by check, or money order). Complete the registration form (last page of brochure) and mail it, postmarked by March 1, 2020 along with payment to the address listed on the registration form.
3. On-site. Unfortunately because of counts that need to be submitted to the catering staff we are unable to accept on-site registration. You may pay on-site if you have pre-registered. The Registration Table will open at 12:00 pm.

Can Convention costs be covered by my PTA budget?

Convention registration fees and travel costs are legitimate expenses that can be included in your PTA budget. Many PTAs budget to attend training programs every year. While other organizations charge hundreds of dollars for a summit like ours – we keep registration fees low to allow as many PTA leaders, families and professionals as possible to attend. This is just one way Massachusetts PTA invests in its members and volunteer leaders. By seeking sponsors and outside funding to defray the costs of the convention, we can keep registration fees as low as possible.

What are this year’s registration rates?

	Regular Rate
Member Full Conference  Full conference 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Includes all Sessions, Buffet Luncheon and Awards Dinner.	$75.00 each
Member Full Conference – Group (2 Members) Full conference 11:30 am – 10:00 pm. Includes all Sessions, Buffet Luncheon and Awards Dinner.	$70.00 each
Member Full Conference – Group (3 Members) Full conference 11:30 am – 10:00 pm. Includes all Sessions, Buffet Luncheon and Awards Dinner.	$65.00 each
Non-Member Full Conference Full conference 11:30 am – 10:00 pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon and Awards dinner.	$85.00 each
Dinner only- from 6-9pm	$35.00 each

How do I register multiple attendees at one time?

Go to register your group now!

Group Rate Discounts

Save on registration rates when registering as a group. 2 or more MEMBERS must register at the same time to be considered a group.

I am NOT A MEMBER. Can I still attend the convention? If so, how much will it cost to attend as a nonmember?

Massachusetts PTA welcomes participation in the conference by non-PTA members. If you are not a PTA member, you are entitled only to the Non-Member rates above.

Registration Confirmation Questions

I have registered for this year’s Convention. When and how will I receive my confirmation?

A registration confirmation email will be sent to you at the address provided immediately upon completion of your registration. Your confirmation email will include your registration receipt.

Cancellation Policy Questions

What is Massachusetts PTA’s cancellation policy for Convention registrations?

Cancellation Policy

If you register in advance and find you cannot attend the convention, you must cancel your registration and request a refund. Requests for refunds must be submitted by the cancellation deadline of March 14, 2020. Refunds will not be processed after March 14th. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the refund to be issued. Please send your cancellation notice via email to info@masspta.org

I can no longer attend this year’s Convention – Can I transfer my registration to another person?

Massachusetts PTA will allow transfer of a registration to another person with appropriate notification prior to the start of the convention.

Special Needs Questions

If I have special needs, who can I contact?

If you have a condition which requires accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and you require accommodations at the event, please contact Massachusetts PTA at info@masspta.org to describe the condition and the specific nature of the requested accommodations. Massachusetts PTA will provide accommodations in accordance with law.

Exhibitor Questions

What can I expect when attending the Exhibitors at this year’s Convention?

You’ll be able to explore exhibits from companies and nonprofit organizations providing products and services for PTAs and schools. Find the latest information and ideas on child and school safety, health and fitness, education, and much more!

How can I find out if a specific company will be exhibiting at the Convention?

Stay tuned for a list complete list of 2020 convention exhibitors.