HOTEL

• What are the accommodation rates and how do I book a room? The PowerUP! Texas 2026 National Conference will be held at the Hilton Austin. We have a discounted block of rooms which will be available until January 10, 2026 or until we fill the number of rooms in the block. Please see your PowerUP! Texas registration confirmation email with the link to book your hotel room.
• What is the hotel cancellation policy? For the hotel cancellation policy, please refer to your hotel reservation confirmation or hotel website. 
• If I want to share a room, call the hotel directly once you've booked a room online to let them know your specific room request. 
• Is airport transportation to/from the Austin Hilton provided? No, but the Austin Hilton is easily accessed from Austin International airport and other locations, check out the hotel’s directions. 

REGISTRATION

• All registrations are not considered complete until paid in full.
• Who is eligible for member rates? Philanos Affiliate rates are available to anyone who is a current member of a Philanos Affiliate.  Philanos Affiliate members must be in our system and linked to your affiliate organization to receive Philanos Affiliate registration rates. Email any questions prior to registering to admin@philanos.org. 
• Can I transfer my conference registration? Yes, you may transfer your registration one time to another member of your organization without a fee up until the close of registration on January 16, 2026. Please note: Philanos Affiliate member registrations can be transferred to a member of the same Philanos Affiliate or the member of another Philanos Affiliate . Send your request to admin@philanos.org and include the email address on the original registration and the full name, affiliate organization and email address of the person to whom registration should be transferred.
• What is the conference cancellation policy? The Philanos conference registration cancellation policy allows a full refund less a $100 cancellation fee for all cancellation requests received by admin@philanos.org on or before November 15, 2025. Conference registration payments will be forfeited for any cancellation request made after November 15, 2025. All conference registration cancellation requests must be sent to admin@philanos.org.   
• Note: For the hotel cancellation policy, please refer to your hotel confirmation or hotel website. Philanos and our conference co-host affiliates are not responsible for notifying the hotel of changes or cancellation of your reservation.
• Can I register for a portion of the conference? A la carte registration will be offered later in the year, provided space is available.
• What are the registration costs/categories?  All conference and registration information can be found on our website.   
• What if my organization becomes a member of Philanos after I have registered as a non-member? If your organization is considering joining before the conference, terrific!  You may join here.  We recommend that you register after your organization joins Philanos in order to receive the affiliate conference rates. Philanos will not refund the difference between non-member rates and member rates if your organization joins Philanos after you have registered, pursuant to the cancellation policy outlined above. 
• Can I hold general registration spots at the member rate and fill in the names of attendees later? No, registration is limited to one name and email address, with no multiple registrations by an email address allowed. Registrations are not considered complete until paid in full.
• Can I request special meals? Our registration form provides an opportunity for you to specify and dietary restrictions or allergies. Please include the details of any allergies in the comments field.
• When will the program be available? What can I expect in terms of breakout sessions?  Breakout sessions and Plenary speakers will be announced prior to the opening of Early Bird Registration on Sept 1. Early Bird Registration closes on November 15. We will use an app – downloadable to your phone or tablet/iPad - for all program-related information on sessions, speakers etc.

TRAVEL

• Will I need a rental car? No. All events are at the Austin Hilton, 500 East 4th Street. For those driving to Austin, there are public parking options nearby.
• What airlines fly into Austin (AUS)? The following major airlines serve Austin Bergstrom Airport(AUS) : Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines as well as some smaller airlines.
• Will there be tours and tourist activities planned for attendees or families? No, but please come early and stay late to enjoy Austin on your own! 
• Will parking be available for those driving to the conference?
• • Self-Parking: $48.00/day 

PROGRAM

• When do events begin and end? Registration will open at 1 pm for the "Getting a Head Start in Making Connections: Affinity Group Sessions" that run from 3 pm - 4pm and 4pm - 5pm,   followed by a welcome and entertainment reception 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Sunday, February 8. The conference concludes on Tuesday, February 10 after an open networking session from 11am to noon. We encourage you to come before and stay after the conference to continue the conversations, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and visit the sights of Austin with your new Philanos colleagues!
• Will there be a photographer at the conference? Yes. We will be taking photos, and audio and video clips to document this amazing gathering and plan to get the word out about the power of collective giving in social media and other channels. By attending, you are agreeing to potentially be photographed, recorded, and filmed and to the  release, publication, exhibition, or  reproduction of any photos, recording or filming of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose by Philanos and co-Hosts, including for use on websites, social media, news and promotion. 
• Can I pay my registration fee by check? Yes, checks made payable to Philanos can be mailed to 4725 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ste A315, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Be sure to include your invoice # in the memo for accurate registration payment credit. Remember, registrations are not considered complete until paid in full, and no payments will be accepted at the door.

PACKING

• What is the dress code? Pack business casual attire. The weather in Austin in February can range from the mid 60s during the day to low 40s in the evening. 
• Is my family welcome? Yes, we welcome you to enjoy all Austin has to offer. If you are interested in extending your reservation before or after the conference dates, please contact the hotel directly at 512-682-2742 to inquire about pricing and availability for additional nights. The group rate will be honored based on availability.  
• Note: Conference events are for registrants only.  

OTHER

• I am a member of a Philanos affiliate, how can I get involved in volunteering during the conference? We welcome all conference attendees interested in volunteering on any level during the conference to email conference@philanos.org and the volunteer committee leaders will follow-up.