Convention Frequently Asked Questions

I just joined and would like convention registration information. Where do I get it?

If you join before the convention mailing goes out in mid November you’ll receive convention information in the mail, or you can check the WSCA web site: www.westcomm.org after mid November. If you join after that but before the convention registration deadline, we’ll send you information, or you can check the web site. If you join after the registration deadline, you’ll find all the information on the web site.

I think I joined/renewed/preregistered, but there’s no record here at the convention. What should I do?

You’ll need to complete another membership/registration form and provide a credit card number or check for the amount. Your credit card won’t be charged at the convention, or your check won’t be cashed. The Executive Director will check the membership/preregistration records when s/he gets back into the office. If s/he finds you did join/renew/preregister, she won’t charge your credit card or will return your check.

I’m on an invited panel/giving an invited paper. Do I need to register? How do I get a copy of the convention program?

Yes, you need to register. The chair of the panel you’re on, or the chair of the Interest Group sponsoring the panel, may make arrangements for complimentary registration. If s/he does not, you need to register for at least the day you attend the convention and present your paper. If the chair preregisters you, or you preregister yourself, all you need to do is pick up your convention information at the Preregistration desk. If you register in person, you’ll be given convention information at that time. In addition, convention information is available on the WSCA web site www.westcomm.org in December.

The workshop I registered for has been cancelled. What do I do to get a refund?

You’ll be sent a refund after the convention if you haven’t already been sent one.

I want to change workshops; what do I do?

If you want to change a workshop for which you’re already registered, you need to complete another registration form on which you indicate that you’re already registered, which workshop you’re dropping, and which one you’re adding. For an additional amount, provide your credit card number or a check. For a refund, note on the registration form that a refund is due, so the ED can send you one after the convention.

I’m a student who paid for the convention luncheon, but now I can’t be there. Can I get my money back?

I’m sorry; I wish we could refund your money, but we have to pay for the lunch because we ordered it based on your anticipated attendance. Why not give your ticket to another student who doesn’t have one? You’ll be doing a good thing, and the food won’t go to waste.

It’s convention preregistration time, and I’m a student. But I graduate in December so won’t be a student by the time the convention happens. Do I register as a student or as a regular member?

If you preregister before you graduate, you can go ahead and register as a student. So don’t put it off!

My family would like to come hear my presentation, but they wouldn’t be attending any of the rest of the convention. Do they have to register?

If your family only attends the panel that includes your presentation, there’s no need for them to register. Just explain to the usher who they are. However, if they would like to attend other presentations, meetings, etc., they’ll need to register for at least one day.

I need a receipt for my convention registration; how can I get one?

If you preregistered on the WSCA web site or by mail, a copy of the receipt will be in your preregistration packet. If you register at the convention, you’ll be given a receipt at the time you pay.

I missed the convention preregistration deadline because I didn’t know my paper was accepted. Can I register now for the preregistration fee?

Interest Group chairs are responsible for letting presenters know in the fall that their papers have been accepted. In addition, the convention program goes on the WSCA web site www.westcomm.org in December. So if you haven’t heard about your paper by the middle of December, you should check with the IG chair and on the web site, then preregister by printing out a form or using our secure server on the web site.

How do I find out the time and date of my program at the convention?

Go to the Conventions page, click on the appropriate convention, and then click on Convention Program. Go into your search mode (usually an edit command) and enter your name. Keep searching until you find your program. If you have any other kinds of questions about your panel, contact your Interest Group chair.

If I don’t preregister, can I still attend the convention?

Yes. The WSCA convention is a convention, not a conference. In other words, any number of people can register and attend, not a limited number as for a conference.

Do I have to preregister for a workshop; can’t I register at the convention?

You can register for workshops at the convention, but they sometimes are cancelled after the preregistration deadline due to low numbers. So if you think you want to attend a workshop, be safe and preregister.

I want to attend a workshop but not the rest of the convention. Can I do that?

If you attend a workshop but not the rest of the convention, you must pay the one-day convention registration fee for the day of the workshop as well as the workshop fee.

Can I register for only one day?

Yes, there’s a one-day registration rate.

I brought overheads to use with my presentation, but there wasn’t an overhead projector in the room. What gives?

Only if you request audio-visual equipment in advance will the equipment you need be in the room for your presentation. There will NOT be ANY a-v equipment UNLESS you requested it, as instructed, when you submitted your paper. A-v equipment is limited and available only if requested in advance.

Will I get a convention program before the convention?

No, you won’t get a hard copy of the program before the convention, but the program goes on the Western website: www.westcomm.org in December. Check it out there.