2022 Ascend Convention

August 15 to 17, Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, California

Registration is now closed. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL POLICIES & IMPORTANT UPDATES

NEW! Why do I need my badge for all convention events?

Due to enhanced security procedures, all attendees must present a badge to enter the convention area.  Please bring your badge with you at all times as we are unable to reprint badges upon request. Badge reprints require several approval steps that will take at least 30 minutes and will involve a badge reprint fee.

I am signed up for an invite-only session but I am not registered for the full convention.  How do I access the venue for the invite-only session since I will not have a convention badge?

Confirmed attendees for invite-only sessions will be included in respective RSVP lists and can access those specific sessions only. 

What is Ascend's COVID-19 guidance for the convention?

Safety of our attendees is paramount to Ascend. At this time, we strongly encourage that convention attendees be fully vaccinated and wear a mask on convention premises. We ask that attendees not attend the convention if, within 10 days preceding the convention they have experienced symptoms or tested positive.  Attendees that have been exposed to a person with a confirmed case of COVID should wear a mask for 10 days following the exposure.  We also request that attendees take a COVID test before they attend the convention and that they not attend the convention should they test positive.    If you experience COVID symptoms or test positive, during the convention, please do not attend the convention and report it to Ascend. We will continue to monitor the evolving nature of COVID and adjust the guidance accordingly.  Contact email: health@ascendleadership.org

Will the convention have enhanced security?

Ascend will implement the needed measures to ensure that convention attendees are safe and protected. Convention badge must be worn at all times and will be required to enter convention premises.  Please bring your badge with you for all convention sessions; you will be unable to enter the convention area without your convention badge.

Where do I pick up my convention badge?

For registered convention attendees, you can redeem your badge during registration hours at the Center Lounge of Disneyland Hotel's Convention Center.  Registration Hours:

  • 8/14 Sunday 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM

  • 8/15-8/17 Monday-Wednesday  8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

 

REGISTRATION

Where and when are various events taking place?

Mentoring sessions for the professional and student registrants will take place virtually in the month of July.
Student Symposium will take place virtually on August 1st.
Career Fair will be held virtually on August 2nd.
The Convention for the professional and executive registrants will be hosted August 15-17 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, CA. View the agenda.

How do I register for the convention?

Please complete your registration by August 5. Onsite registration will not be available at the venue due to being sold out

What is included in my convention registration?

Professional registrations (for both Ascend members or non-members) include:

  • All educational and social sessions (excludes private and invite-only sessions)
  • Ability to earn CPE certificates*
  • Access to the Career Fair on 8/2

Student Registrations (for both Ascend members or non-members) include:

  • All educational and social sessions available to students (excludes private and invite-only sessions) during the Student Symposium on 8/1
  • Access to the Career Fair on 8/2
  • Access to various mentoring sessions leading up (via Ascend Cafe) to and during the event

Something in my registration is wrong. How can I change it?

Your registration login information is the email address you provided during registration. If you would like to change your registration details or need assistance, please email NCregistration@ascendleadership.org.

I am an Ascend Lifetime Member, am I eligible for a discounted convention ticket?

You can avail of the in-person convention registration at the member rate, or the virtual only member pass.  The virtual only member pass allows you to view the opening plenary on 8/15 and the closing plenary on 8/17.

I am attending as part of a sponsor delegation. Can I redeem the sponsor code for the in-person convention ticket or a virtual convention ticket?

Sponsor registration codes can be applied to member or non-member in-person convention ticket, or a virtual only convention ticket.

How to I get access to the invite-only sessions?

These sessions are developed with a very specific audience/membership in mind and designed as small group sessions.

 

GETTING THERE

Where can I find information on travel and lodging?

Travel and lodging information can be found on our travel page.

Where can I find parking information if traveling by car?

Parking information can be found on the Disney website parking page.

 

SESSION SURVEYS

How can I give feedback on the convention sessions?

Session surveys are available in Ascend’s Aventri app (freely available on both Apple App and Google Play stores) for each session, and can be completed at any time. It is worth mentioning that these surveys on Aventri are different from CPE surveys. CPE surveys will be sent out after the convention and only to those who are eligible.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
CREDIT CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Are there CPE-eligible sessions offered at the convention?

Yes, we offer CPE-eligible sessions at the convention. CPE eligible sessions are labeled as such in the program agenda on the website and on the mobile app. Click here to learn more.

GOOD TO KNOW

What is the cancellation policy?

Consistent with Ascend's policy, there will be no refunds offered for cancellations.

What is the dress code for the convention?

Dress code for the convention is smart/business casual attire. Appropriate business casual dress typically includes slacks or khakis, dress shirt or blouse, open-collar or polo shirt, optional tie or seasonal sport coat, a dress or skirt at knee-length or below, a tailored blazer, knit shirt or sweater, and loafers or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot.

For the Gratitude Dinner on 8/17, we encourage Asian-inspired festive attire

How can I purchase specially priced theme park tickets (OPTIONAL)?

As part of the benefit of attending the in-person Ascend Convention at The Disneyland Hotel, attendees may opt to purchase discounted theme park tickets.  These special ticket prices are not available once you arrive at the Resort and are intended only for guests who are participating in this event. Only the registered attendee is allowed to purchase tickets from this discounted ticket store link and they can purchase up to 6 tickets maximum. Disney reserves the right to contact the ticket purchaser to request event registration confirmation. If it is discovered that the purchaser of the ticket is not participating or attending this event it will be considered a misuse of this offer and ticket, and the ticket(s) will be blocked and will not be eligible for a refund. In addition these tickets cannot be purchased for the purpose of being resold. Don't delay! Prices are subject to change without notice.

https://www.mydisneygroup.com/gd2h22a

What if my question isn't answered here?

If you are unable to find your answer here please reach out to us at ncPlanner@ascendleadership.org and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Where can I learn more about the virtual Career Fair?

Please visit the FAQ section for the Career Fair on 8/2 if you have questions about that event or platform.