Forum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Membership & Registration
International Attendee
Hotel & Booking
Payment and Cancellation Policies
Day Rates & Guest Packages

Membership & Registration

How do I become a member of PDI-POA?

Interested individuals can become a member by completing the membership application form. After a brief review of the application and ensuring that membership fees have been paid in full, the individual will receive a welcome letter. Membership in PDI-POA has great member benefits including a $770 or more savings for Forum registration. Learn more about joining here.

When do I need to join PDI-POA to get the member pricing for the Forum?

To access the early registration pricing, new members must complete their application and pay their membership fees in full on or before 15 April 2026. This must be completed PRIOR to registering for the Forum.

To access the regular member registration rate, new members must complete their application and pay their membership fees in full on or before 14 May 2026. This must be completed PRIOR to registering for the Forum.

What is included in my registration?

Forum registration includes the opening reception, closing reception, all plenary and breakout sessions, and all networking lunches and breaks.

Is the closing reception included in the cost of registration?

Yes! The closing reception will include closing remarks from the PDI-POA president, Forum chairs, and continued networking with local protocol professionals and attendees. Different than previous years, this is included in the cost of your registration. Guest tickets can be purchased for an additional fee. 

Does it cost to have a guest attend the closing reception?

Yes, you can register your guest for the closing reception in your registration form. All guests will be an additional cost. 

What is not included in my registration?

The following is not included in Forum registration: breakfasts, dinners, hotel reservations, and activities on your own.

International Attendee

I am an international attendee. Can PDI-POA help with my visa application?

Prospective attendees occasionally need a letter of invitation to include with their request to their government or organization. These requests can be submitted to [email protected]. Requests must be received by 15 May. Please allow 5 days for response to your request. Requests should include the name(s) of attendee(s), their role, organization, location.

Visa application processes and timelines are at the discretion of the respective United States of America consulates and embassies. We encourage international attendees to begin the visa application process as early as possible.

Providing a visa invitation letter does not obligate PDI-POA financially. All expenses related to attending the International Protocol Education Forum are the responsibility of the individual attendee.

Please note that your request for an invitation letter does not guarantee issuance of a visa. PDI-POA is not authorized to assist with the visa process beyond providing a letter of invitation.

If a visa is denied, PDI-POA will refund the paid registration according to our Forum Cancellation Policy.

Hotel & Booking

Individual Reservations can be made by:

Forum attendees have the special room rate of $189 plus tax per night now through June 26, 2026 or until the room block is full.

  • Calling the Toll-Free Reservations number at 1-800-CONRADS

 

Program Cutoff Date:

Attendees are asked to make hotel reservations no later than the Cutoff Date of June 26, 2026 to take advantage of the PDI-POA group rate. Any reservations received after this date will be confirmed based on room availability at the prevailing room rates.

Check-In | Check-Out

Check in is 3:00 pm, early arrivals are subject to availability and not guaranteed.  To guarantee the room early, please book the room the night before. Check out is at noon, late check outs are subject to availability and not guaranteed. 

The Conrad Experience

The official Forum hotel, The Conrad Hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Featuring the renowned Collection Suites and a gallery of works by Warhol, Dalí, and Picasso, the hotel offers an inspiring blend of art and elegance. Enjoy downtown’s full-service hotel spa, exceptional dining, and close proximity to Monument Circle, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

 

Payment and Cancellation Policies

What forms of payment does PDI-POA accept?

PDI-POA accepts most major credit cards, check, and wire transfers. If you are in need of issuing a wire transfer, please contact [email protected]. Those paying by check or wire transfer must submit payment in time to be received and deposited by PDI-POA on or before 3 June in order for their registration to be confirmed.

 

When is payment due for my registration?

Early registration payment must be received on or before 30 April 2026. Regular registration payments must be received on or before 3 June 2026. Those paying by check or wire transfer must submit payment in time to be received and deposited by PDI-POA on or before the respective deadline in order for their registration to be confirmed. Beginning 1 June, the registration form will only accept credit card payments.

Registrations with outstanding balances as of 4 June will be canceled.

Is there opportunity for a payment plan?

Yes - please reach out to [email protected] to arrange for a payment plan no later than 15 May 2026. All payment plans must be paid in full by 3 June 2026. 

I'm no longer able to attend the Forum. What is the cancellation policy?

The PDI-POA Forum cancellation policy and refund schedule can be found here.

Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Yes - Registration fees may be transferred to another individual to attend the 2026 Forum; the invoice for the new registration will be revised to reflect the new registrant's membership status. Please contact [email protected] if you need to transfer your registration.

I need to cancel due to medical reasons. What is the refund policy?

The PDI-POA Forum cancellation policy and refund schedule can be found here.

Day Rates & Guest Packages

More information to come!