Frequently Asked Questions
Read through the most frequently asked questions we get about the 2019 Portrait Masters Conference. If you still have questions, contact support at [email protected]
Tickets and Meals
No! We will not be live-streaming the conference this year.
General Admission and VIP conference tickets include entry to all conference sessions, the tradeshow, after-hours parties, all events, and meals. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
All tickets purchased for The Portrait Masters Conference 2019 are non-refundable. Exceptions will only be made for those who experience catastrophic weather, a death in the family, or because of military orders. Supporting documentation is required. Refund requests should be submitted via email to [email protected]. Tickets cannot be transferred.
No, you will receive a receipt after purchase and you’re name will be on the list at registration when you arrive! If you haven’t received a receipt confirming your purchase, please e-mail [email protected]
This year, your guests can buy dinner with cash or credit card at the event for all dinners.
Catering will be able to provide options for vegans, vegetarians, and those requiring a gluten-free diet. At checkout you will be asked if you require any of these options.
Unfortunately, these are the only dietary restrictions we can cater to.
However, all rooms at the hotel have a small refrigerator if you would like to bring some snacks/food with you. Additionally, there are several restaurants at the resort you can choose to dine with. Please note that any meals not served in our eating area are not covered by the cost of your conference ticket.
Hotel and Conference Center
The only special rate we have is at The Arizona Grand Spa and Resort where the conference is being held for $169 a/night + tax and $20 nightly resort fee.
The resort fee includes:
- Standard high-speed wireless Internet access
- Oasis Water Park (4) Wristbands
- Athletic Club admittance (must be at least 16 years old to utilize facility)
- Valet and overnight parking
- In-suite coffee provided daily
- USA Today newspaper upon request
- Shuttle service to Arizona Mills Mall
- Unlimited credit card, toll-free, local and collect phone calls
- Complimentary practice balls at Golf’s Warm-up Area
- One free appetizer from our Favorites selection in the Lobby Bar with a purchase of two drinks of equal value
Even though the Resort closes down the Oasis Water Park every year after Labor Day (during the week), it will be open an additional day on Tuesday, September 3rd from 11 am to 4 pm! In addition to the Oasis Water Park, there are several other pools throughout the Arizona Grand Resort property.
The conference venue does not have storage. In a pinch, you can leave things with the front desk for a short period of time. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Only those staying at the hotel will have access to the Pool, Gym, Spa, and the Oasis Water Park.
Yes, we do have a map of the hotel grounds. You can download a detailed .pdf here:
Transportation and Parking
The hotel does not provide a shuttle to and from the airport. We recommend taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to the property. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the airport.
There is no fee to park for attendees not staying at the hotel. For attendees staying at the hotel, your overnight parking fee is included in your resort fee.
Schedule and Events
Guests 21 years and older are welcome to join you at all of the after-hours parties! All other conference events and meals require a conference ticket.
Shooting Bays are stations equipped with a backdrop and model that you can practice your shooting techniques with your peers, mentors, and instructors. The shooting bays are placed throughout the Shoot and Shop Room so no standing in the heat!
Make sure to bring your own camera as we won’t have any at the event.
Pro tip — The bays are extremely busy at the beginning and slow down significantly at the end of the day.
There will be 35 shooting bays (or sets) for you to have opportunities to shoot. These bays will be open during registration on Tuesday and anytime the Shoot and Shop room is open Wednesday through Friday. View the full schedule here.
A silent disco is an event where the DJ plays music directly into headphones you’ll be wearing (and we’ll be providing). This year’s theme is HOLLYWOOD! Feel free to dress as your favorite movie star, character or simply glamorous! This is a silent disco dance party, where most people dress up.
While the HOLLYWOOD dress theme isn’t mandatory, but you may just be in the minority, if you don’t dress up 🙂
Also, we think it will be fun to dance the night away in our Hollywood best! Overall, it’s more important you come, mingle, and spend time with friends and peers!
This event will be indoors.
General
There is no mandatory clothing or dress code for any of the conference, events or meals (including dinner). It is worth noting that it will be very, very warm (average September high is 100F/38C) in Phoenix, so be sure and wear comfortable, lightweight attire and stay hydrated.
Here is our suggested attire for the parties:
Canon Party – This is a cocktail party. Feel free to dress up or down as you feel comfortable. This event is indoors.
ShootQ Party – This year’s theme is HOLLYWOOD. Feel free to dress as your favorite movie star, character or simply glamorous!
This is a silent disco dance party, where most people dress up. While the HOLLYWOOD dress theme isn’t mandatory, but you may just be in the minority, if you don’t dress up! We think it will be fun to dance the night away in our Hollywood best. This event is indoors.
Pool Party – This is a poolside party where you are welcome to wear your swimwear and use the pool if you’d like. Or feel free to lounge poolside in whatever you are comfortable in!
You’ll likely want to head back to your room (or bring a change of clothes) to change for the Closing Night Party at George’s Bar!
George’s Bar – This is the TPM afterparty spot! Come as you are!
Registration will be on Tuesday, September 3rd from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. View the full schedule here.
It’s okay if you arrive late on Tuesday—feel free to meet us at George’s Bar.
On Wednesday, registration will be at the Info Booth in the lobby of the Arizona Grand Ballroom from 7:30a-9a and then move to the front entrance of the General Session / Sonoran Sky building from 9a-12:30pm.
In early September, the temperature will likely be in the high 90s and the low 100s during the day so we recommend bringing light and comfortable clothes. All of the speaking events, Shoot and Shop Room (expo floor), shooting bays, and most after-hour events will be indoors but you may find yourself outdoors to socialize or to head to another event located within the Resort.
Yes! Your ticket includes one conference t-shirt which will be available to pick up at registration. You will be asked your t-shirt size at checkout.
Attendees traveling from the UK or other European countries- make sure you have your ETSA form approved before going to the airport. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/