Why is registration so expensive?
The US$375 “Early Bird” registration fee is the lowest it has been in years. In comparison to other recent WOCO tours, Las Vegas 2008 is much cheaper – registration for Cyprus 2007 was US$678, Costs Rica 2005 was US$475. RTI's World Convention in Thailand for 2008 Early Registration fee is $618.00 USD and is now $689.00. Additionally, both Active 20-30 International and Active 20-30 United States & Canada will host two or three conventions for the price of one because our National and International Conventions are running simultaneously.
Can we stay at other hotels?
No. In order to keep convention costs at a historic low and inclusiveness to a maximum, we have housed all attendees in one hotel. An "all-at-one" hotel registration also serves the purpose of lowering costs, because extensive transportation is unnecessary. Finally, to host the convention in one of the most exciting cities on earth at a reasonable cost, we are required to meet room, food and beverage minimums. In order to do so, we must have everyone centralized.
So in short: You are required to stay at the Flamingo Hotel in order to attend the convention. If you register for convention, and stay elsewhere, your registration can be forfeited. We recognize that the hotel selection in Las Vegas is second to none and everyone has their favorites, comps, promotional pricing, but we can't hold a convention with you!!
Is alcohol all-inclusive?
No. If anyone can figure out how to have 3 dinners, two lunches and a bunch of receptions in one of the most exciting cities in the world with alcohol included for the same or similar price, please let me know! Especially considering the significant reduction on registration costs over previous years. Unfortunately, the Union mantra in Las Vegas deafens the desires of unlimited alcohol. While our sponsorship team is looking to make a number of the alcohol events sponsored, we expect nominal costs for alcohol. And, by the by, have you guys seen how much you can drink? Lastly, Vegas is one of the few places on earth that plies you with alcohol, so long as you’re gambling. Gamble AND drink, to your heart’s content.
How does the room pricing work?
In the United States, generally speaking, most hotels are booked per night, not per person. In the same way, the Flamingo Room rates are priced per night, not per person. A King Room or a room with two Queen beds costs US$129 per night, plus tax - this equates to a per person per night charge of US$64.50, €40, UK£32 or 2130 Dominican Pesos (based on 5/21/08 exchange rates). These prices are based on a maximum of 2 guests - the hotel will allow ONE extra adult in each room at an additional cost of US$30 per night. The$30.00 per night charge does not matter which level of room you get.
We already said which tours we are interested in, why do we have to come back and include more information and credit cards?
Tours will be registered on a first paid, first confirmed basis. We have limited capacity based on the instructions of the tour operators and our ability to provide rooms and entertainment. Some tours may be extremely limited, others will have virtually unlimited capabilities.
Is Round Table International holding its International Meeting in Las Vegas?
No. For the first time in as long as anyone can remember since the institution of WOCO, the 2008 Round Table International Meeting will be held separately from the WOCO convention. Sri Lanka will host the Round Table International Meeting at the end of August 2008. We are excited to say that WOCO will return to be hosted in the Netherlands in Alkmaar for 2009!
Can I pay a reduced amount if I only want to go for a few days?
No. The convention begins on Monday, but the events that you are paying for will not officially start until Wednesday. Therefore, you are losing nothing by arriving on Wednesday. If you show up to a movie half way through, you don’t get to pay half to get in. If you fall asleep half way through a lap dance, you don’t get half your money back. See our point? We have kept the cost to a minimum allowing all people to attend and choose the lifestyle in Las Vegas that works for them and their budget. There is no way to trim costs any further.
Why the À La Carte approach?
Las Vegas is one of richest, most diverse cities in the world. You can dine on $0.99 shrimp cocktail and $1.99 buffets everyday, or you can go to "Alex’s" at the Wynn Hotel for one of the best meals available anywhere for $325 a plate. There is everything in between. What I want out of Las Vegas, may not be what you or anyone else may want. By providing lots of free time and à la carte choices, you choose what’s important. You decide when and where to eat. You decide how much or how little to spend. WOCO 2008 is what YOU make of it.
I am flying in, how do I get to the hotel?
Las Vegas has one of the most extensive transportation networks of any city in America. The Flamingo Hotel is minutes away from McCarran airport. Guests may use trams, buses, taxis or shuttles to get to the Flamingo where our hosts will be waiting to assist you with room and convention check-in. A taxi is the quickest, safest and most economical way to get there. Three (3) people can travel in one regular cab comfortably to the hotel for about $4 per person, including tip. For those travelling in larger groups, 6-8 person cabs are also available, as are stretch limousines. Rest assured there will be plenty of transportation options available when you’re ready to leave the airport.
Why am I having trouble paying for my registration online?
The online payment processing for WOCO 2008 is handled by PayPal®. In some cases, PayPal® is unable to process payments from certain US and international credit cards, for reasons we can neither identify or explain. Once you click on the PayPal® button to make a payment, you are transferred to the PayPal® website and we have no control over what happens from there. One known restriction is that you cannot use an American Express Corporate Card to pay for items on PayPal®, a restriction imposed by American Express themselves. If you are unable to complete the registration process with a particular card, please try another. If you are unable to pay with any of your credit cards, please contact us via the CONTACT US page on the website and we will arrange to process your payment "offline". We apologize for any inconvenience.
Why didn’t I receive my registration confirmation email?
If you don’t see the email in your inbox within 24 hours, it’s probably because it was flagged as spam or junk and delivered to your bulk mail folder (the name of this folder varies depending on the email software you use). The best way to ensure you receive WOCO 2008 emails is to add the email address REGISTRATION@WOCO2008.ORG to your "safe list" or your address book.
How do we book our Hotel?
Go to www.woco2008.org. Go to the Registration page to complete the following information:
-Register for the Convention
-Book Hotel Rooms
How de we change our booking?
Registrants are now able to update existing reservation details and redeem coupon codes for new/existing registrations. However, registrants cannot change the name of the registrant and they cannot remove anything that is already paid for.
Go to www.woco2008.org. Go to the Registration page to My Reservation Details to view your registration details, pay for outstanding registration fees/tour costs, and add your credit card details to your registration profile.
Can we pay for the hotel when we get there?
Pre-payment for the first night stay is required and serves as the deposit. All registrants will be charged ONLY for the first night’s stay, which must be paid by June 30, 2008. The Flamingo Hotel, will handle the remaining balance due just like any other hotel stay during check-in.
Why put a deposit on the room?
The deposit guarantees your hotel reservation for your entire stay at The Flamingo Hotel. In July 2008 all registrants will be charged for ONLY the first night. This is the deposit. Upon check-out from The Flamingo Hotel, the remainder of stay will be charged to the registrant.
Why the Flamingo Hotel?
The Flamingo Hotel is the most historic hotel in Las Vegas and was the first building block of the Las Vegas Strip. Opened by notorious gangster Bugsy Segal, the Flamingo rests on the most prime real estate in Las Vegas. A central location, a reasonable price for accommodations and its newly remodeled make-over, put the Flamingo at the top of our list. We were lucky we were at the top of theirs.
Why do we have to book through the WOCO website when the rooms on The Flamingo’s website are so much cheaper?
First, the hotel has different levels of rooms. We are assured that our convention attendees the newest and best rooms. These rooms are called “Go” Rooms and they are cheaper through the WOCO 2008 convention than through the hotel’s website. The less expensive rooms on the hotel’s website are Deluxe rooms which have not been renovated in fifteen years and have none of the amenities and services provided to the new “Go” Rooms. Second, the Deluxe Rooms are in a segregated wing of the hotel and not with the convention attendees. Third, the “Go” Rooms have a view of the Strip.
We have worked diligently to provide the best rooms at the fairest prices and are not making money on the rooms. All WOCO 2008 attendees must register through us for the rooms or their registrations will be canceled and resold. We will have very strict attendance policies at the events and nobody will be permitted to attend without the Bar Coded Registration Band and the matching Name Badge. This is true of nearly every convention and the cost of the convention has been based on these rooms being booked. Unfortunately, there are NO Exceptions.
What if we can’t come and need a refund?
Go to www.woco2008.org. Go to Registration page. The following cancellation/refund information is as follows:
-Until May 4, 2008: Full refunds are available, less a cancellation fee of $50 per registration
-May 5, 2008 through June 4, 2008: 50% refund
-June 5, 2008 through July 3, 2008: 25% refund
-July 4, 2008 and forward: No refunds available
NOTE: This information applies to registration only. For refunds for tours you must contact the tour provider or sell your spot to another attendee. Please see FAQ information pertaining to Tours below.
Who should I contact in case of emergency?
In case of emergency in the hotel or outside the hotel, dial 911. That will connect you to immediate police, fire and ambulance response. In the United States, that number will also allow the authorities to gain immediate access to caller information and location. If there are problems during your stay with the hotel, please contact the hotel staff directly. If there are questions or concerns about the convention, our staff will be at the registration desk daily.
Will people be available to bail me out?
Absolutely! Your friends, family members, and fellow attendees can't wait to ensure your drunken escapades that landed you in a drunk tank become their problems. If you plan on going to jail, plan on carrying a credit card for bail. Las Vegas will put up with a lot, but threats of pulling a Danny Ocean on the Bellagio are taken quite seriously. In other words, don't call me.
I have a time-share/free hotel stay/long lost aunt and uncle who have a condo in town, why do I have to stay with all of you at the Flamingo Hotel?
First, a convention in Las Vegas requires room guarantees that cannot be adjusted. We need to ensure we fill our block. Second, there will be little or no transportation available through the convention. Third, camaraderie requires comrades...if you are at Aunt Minnies and Uncle Sals, we will miss you.
I am deathly afraid of flamingos and won't stay within 10 miles of those pink bastards, now can I stay at the Belagio?
No.
Will kids programs be available?
Children will be allowed to attend almost any event the parents attend. Babysitters and tours are constantly available for children in Las Vegas. Some of the events may be less than appropriate for children in Las Vegas. Las Vegas gave up its attempt to become a family destination 10 years ago. While some hotels still attempt to cater to families, Vegas is the adult entertainment capital of the world and children are not permitted in a large number of events and establishments in Vegas such as Casinos, bars, adult designated areas (pools, hotels, etc). There is not a separate program provided for children. The team has included large numbers of events that would be child friendly (e.g., tours, meetings, Gala Dinner, etc.) However, afternoon pool parties in the adult only pool and events held in nightclubs, would not permit attendance of anyone under the age of 21.
Should I rent a car?
No. Driving on the right side of the road is too difficult for some of you. Besides, the transportation in Las Vegas is second to none. You will have NO PROBLEM getting around. Rental cars run between $50-$1000.00 per day. The $1000.00 is for a Lamborghini. You will also have to pay for parking at each stop. It is much more economical to take a cab. However, we have partnered with AVIS Rentals for an extremely deep discount. Check out their website link on our site and use our codes to get the best rates available.
How do we book pre-tours?
Go to www.woco2008.org and click on Tours to view the following Pre-Tour options. Select the Pre-Tour of your choice including:
- 3-in-1 Animal Parks – San Diego, California
- 3-in-1 Theme Parks – Southern California
- Lake Mead Houseboat Tour – Lake Mead, Nevada
- Wine Country Tour – Northern California
- Pacific NW Bigfoot Tour – Oregon
- White Water Rafting – Colorado River
Book all Tours on the Registration page by clicking onto My Registration Details.
Tours will be registered on a first paid, first confirmed basis. We will have limited capacity based on the instructions of the tour operators and our ability to provide rooms and entertainment. Some tours may be extremely limited, others will have virtually unlimited capabilities.
If you opt for one of our pre-tours, flights between the pre-tour location and Las Vegas are NOT included, and you will be responsible for making flight arrangements (1) to the pre-tour location, (2) from the pre-tour location to Las Vegas, and (3) home from Las Vegas.
NOTE: these optional tours are NOT included in the WOCO 2008 registration fees.
What are the “strict” attendance policies that will be enforced at all events?
Each participant will be given a bar coded name badge and arm band which will be matched together upon arrival when registering for the convention. Each event will require each participant to be wearing both the bar coded name badge and the arm band. This will ensure that only convention attendees will be participating in the scheduled events. Hotel security will be removing every person not displaying both at all times – no exceptions.
What is the weather like and what clothes should I bring for the tours?
Hot, so dress accordingly. Water tours, bring swim suits for swimming and or being pushed into the water. Hiking tours, shoes are recommended as the ground gets hot in August. Animal park tours or tours where you will run into animals, shorts and comfortable shoes. Assault rifle range, jeans and comfortable shoes. See also the website www.woco2008.org for additional information.
Who is leading each of the tours and what are the costs for each tour?
Most tours are being run by a tour company since they include transportation. The tours that have been priced are listed on the website. Pricing for remaining tours are currently being negotiated. Additional information will be added shortly. Go to www.woco2008.com and click on Tours.
What happens if we just want to gamble? Can we pay less if don’t want to go on any tours?
No.
How do we change our day tour or pre-tour booking?
Go to www.woco2008.org. Go to the Registration page to My Reservation Details to view your registration details, pay for outstanding registration fees/tour costs, and add your credit card details to your registration profile.
What if we can’t come on the day tour or pre-tour and need a refund?
Go to www.woco2008.org and click on Tours. Go to the tour in question to view the verbiage as it applies the refund policy. All refund policies are dictated individually by each tour company with the exception of the Big Foot Tour and Wine Tour as these tours are being run by individual clubs. Option: If you find that you cannot attend, you can sell your spot for the day tour or see the above instructions for the tour company’s refund policy.
How do we book for day tours?
Go to www.woco2008.org and click on Tours to view the following Day Tour options. Select the Day Tour of your choice including:
- Grand Canyon Helicopter
- Extreme Sky Diving
- Grand Canyon Bus Trip (Day & Overnight)
- Lake Mead Dinner Cruise
- Hoover Dam
- Colorado River Float
- Valley of Fire Jeep Trip
- Red Rock Day Hike
- ½ Day Hot Springs Hike
- Waterski Lake Mead
- Assault Weapon Range
- Day Shopping
- Harley Davidson Store
- Old Las Vegas
- Star Trek: The Experience
Book all Tours on the Registration page by clicking onto My Registration Details.
Tours will be registered on a first paid, first confirmed basis. We will have limited capacity based on the instructions of the tour operators and our ability to provide rooms and entertainment. Some tours may be extremely limited, others will have virtually unlimited capabilities.
NOTE: these optional tours are NOT included in the WOCO 2008 registration fees.
Are T-SHIRTS included in the regstration fees?
NO. T-Shirt sizes were gathered during the registration process in order to determine the approximate number of each size t-shirt that would be needed at WOCO2008, but the t-shirts are NOT included in the registration fees. However, convention t-shirts will be available for purchase at EXTREMELY affordable prices, so please set aside some funds if you'd like to have a souvenir t-shirt from WOCO2008.