FAQ
2010 Pollie Awards & Conference FAQ
Pollie Conference and lodging FAQ
What is the date and time of the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference?
The 19th Annual Pollie Awards & Conference is from Thursday March 25th through Saturday March 27th and will be held in Phoenix, Arizona at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort. Visit the hotel website here
Reserve your room here.
What is the Hotel's Address?
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort
5594 West Wild Horse Pass Boulevard
Chandler, AZ 85226
When does the first event start? When does the conference officially start?
The first event is the AAPC Foundation Golf Classic and it starts at 12:30p.m. on Thursday, March 25th. If you are not interested in attending the Golf Classic there will be other options such as the Aji Spa and horseback riding. The next event after the Golf Classic is the Welcome Reception at 6:30p.m. on Thursday night.
When is the last event? When does the conference officially end?
The last event for the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference is the Pollie Award Dinner on Saturday, March 27, 2010. The Ceremony starts with a Cocktail Reception around 6:00p.m., after the reception is the dinner which ends around 9:00p.m. The Pollie Awards Dinner is $225 for AAPC Members and $275 for Non-members additional.
What activities are available besides the conference?
- Gambling - Indulge in 100,000 square foot Vegas style casino entertainment without the hustle and the bustle of Vegas crowds. Wild Horse Pass has exciting casino action to suit everyone. With slots, table games, and poker, you're sure to find your favorite game and make it your lucky day. Learn more about the Gila River Wild Horse Pass Casino here.
- Horseback Riding - Koli Equestrian Center, located in the heart of the Gila River Indian Reservation, offers miles of breathtaking scenery and horseback riding trails. Click here for more information about the Koli Equestrian Horseback Riding.
- Spa treatments - The Aji Spa is the world leader in authentic Native American Healing offerings. Embark on an experience - unlike any other - that is closely overseen by Tribal Elders and is conceptualized and implemented by Pima and Maricopa Tribal members with generations of past spirits guiding their actions. To view the spa brochure or make an appointment click here.
- Spring training - As the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference is going on so is the 2010 MLB Spring Training, watch the Cactus League play on-site. During the whole Pollie week over 20 Spring Training games are being played around the Phoenix area. View the schedule and buy your tickets now by clicking here.
- All conference sessions and panels on Friday and Saturday
- Thursday night Opening Welcome Reception
- Friday General Session Continental Breakfast
- Friday Hall of Fame Luncheon
- Saturday General Session Brunch
- Refreshment breaks for both conference days
- Taxi, approximately $35 from Sky Harbor International and to the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort. Taxi terminal access is as follows: Terminal 2: North curbside, Terminal 3: North curbside and Terminal 4: Level 1, north curbside. For more information about Taxi's click here.
- Shuttle Vans, operates 24 hours. Shuttle Van terminal access is as follows: Terminal 2: North curbside, Terminal 3: North and south curbside and Terminal 4: Level 1, north and south curbside. To make Shuttle Vans reservations and for more information click here.
- Limousines, from $35 to $85. For more information click here.
- Transtyle Luxury Sedans, $55, for more information click here.
- Rental Cars - the rental car desk is open from 8:30am -5:00pm (MST), Monday - Friday (except holidays), for more information call (602) 683-3741 or visit their site.
- For parking of your rental car at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort please contact the hotel at (602) 225-0100.
- Candidate -Work created for a Candidate Campaign.
- Ballot/Initiative -Work created for a Ballot/Initiative Campaign
- Public Affairs -Work Created for a Public Affairs Campaign
- Overall -Work created for a Candidate, Ballot/Initiative or a Public Affairs Campaign.
- Enhancing your company's visibility and image
- Differentiating your company from competitors
- Helping to develop closer and better relationships with customers, both existing and potential ones Showcasing services and products.
- A strategic and well-conceived AAPC sponsorship can boost both your prestige and credibility to this targeted market.
For additional Recreation and Entertainment opportunities in the Phoenix area click here.
Is there a deadline to registering for the conference?
The deadline to register for the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference is Monday, March 22, 2010. On-site registration will be available. For questions about registration call the AAPC office at (202) 544-9815.
Do I need to be an AAPC member to attend the conference?
No, you do not have to be an AAPC member to attend the conference. However, being an AAPC member entitles you discounts to our events.
Do AAPC Members get a Conference registration discount?
Yes, all AAPC members get discount to the Pollie Conference, Pollie Contest and the Pollie Awards Dinner according to their membership level. The AAPC Foundation Golf Classic is priced the same for AAPC Members and Non-members.
How do I become an AAPC Member to receive the discounts to the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference?
Become a member of the AAPC by clicking here .If I'm joining as a member right now, will I automatically get my discount right away?
Yes, you will. Since our registration system is linked to our membership registration your discounts and benefits will automatically apply.
How do I register for the conference?
You register for the conference by visiting our registration site here. If you experience problems registering call the AAPC Office at (202) 544-9815.
What are the Pollie Conference registration fees?
Platinum Members - $495
Gold Members - $550
Individual/Academic/Introductory Members - $595
Student Members - $150
Non-members - $675
Student Non-members - $250
What does the Pollie Conference registration fee include?
The registration includes:
Do I have to register separately for the Pollie Awards Dinner and what does it include?
Yes, you have to register separately for the Pollie Awards Dinner. At the 19th Annual Pollie Awards Dinner the 2010 Pollie Awards Contest Winners will be announced. The ceremony includes a cocktail reception and three (3) course dinner with wine.
What is the registration fee for the Pollie Awards Dinner?
AAPC Member - $225
Non-member - $275
Table (10 tickets) - $2,000
What does the conference schedule look like?
This year we will have two general sessions and three tracks including 21 panels. To view the complete conference schedule click here.
What are the other events and highlights during the Conference?
Thursday - AAPC Foundation Golf Classic
Friday - Dinner on your own
Saturday - Pollie Awards Dinner
How do I register for the AAPC Foundation Golf Classic and what is included in the registration?
The Golf Classic registration fee is $200 and includes a boxed lunch. The Golf Tournament will be held at the Whirlwind Golf Club at the Wild Horse Pass and is on the hotel property so transportation is not necessary. If you don't feel like bringing your golf clubs with you, don't worry, golf clubs are available for rent. The Shotgun start is at 12:30p.m.
What are the hotel accommodations?
The special AAPC Group Rate is $249 a night; you can book your room by clicking here or calling the hotel at (602) 225-0100 or the direct line for reservations (888) 218-8989. Remember to mention that you're a part of the AAPC Pollie Awards & Conference to receive the special Group Rate.
Do I have to make my own hotel reservation?
Yes, you do. If you experience problems making your hotel reservation, please call the AAPC Office at (202) 544-9815.
What types of transportation is available to and from the airport?
For additional Conference information and FAQ's visit the Conference page here or contact the AAPC at (202) 544-9815.
When does the 2009 Pollie Awards Contest open and close?
The Contest opens on Tuesday December 1st, 2009 and closes on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010, unless otherwise is stated on the AAPC website and mailings.
How do I enter the contest?
You enter the 2010 Pollie Contest by visiting the Contest site here. The entry process is completely done online and it's an easy step-by-step procedure.
Why Should I enter?
Winning a Pollie Award is a recognition of your excellent work within the Political and Public Affairs industry. The AAPC only awards the "best of the best" in the business. Entering the Pollies is an opportunity be recognized by your peers as one of the best in the industry.
Who can enter?
To be eligible for the 2010 competition, entries must have been first produced, aired or screened between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Entrants must be directly responsible for the design, creation or production of their submissions. With the exception of Student Awards, all submissions must be created by professionals on behalf of their clients. Non-professional submissions will not be accepted.
Do AAPC Members get a Contest entry discount?
Yes, all AAPC members get one FREE Pollie entry and discounts on each of the other Pollie entries submitted. As a member you also have a discount to the Conference registration and the Pollie Awards Dinner according to your membership level. However, the Golf Classic is priced the same for AAPC Members and Non-members.
How do I become an AAPC Member to receive the discounts to the 2010 Pollie Awards Contest?
Become a member of the AAPC by clicking here and receive one FREE entry and discounts to each of your other entries according to your membership level.
If I'm joining as a member right now, will I automatically get my discount right away?
Yes, you will. Since our contest entry system is linked to our membership registration your discounts and benefits will apply right away.
What are the entry fees for the contest?
Platinum Members - one free entry, then $125 per entry.
Gold Members - one free entry, then $140 per entry.
Individual - one free entry, then $150 per entry.
Academic/Introductory Members - $150 per entry.
Student Members - $25 per entry.
Non-members - $185 per entry.
What are the main Pollie Contest Divisions?
The 2010 Pollie Awards Contest is divided in to four divisions:
Are there any specific rules that have to be followed when I enter the 2010 Pollie Awards Contest?
Yes, you can find the 2010 Pollie Awards Contest rules here.
What is the deadline for entries?
The final deadline is Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 5pm EST.
Where can I get more information about the 2010 Pollie Awards Contest?
Visit the Pollie Contest site here for more information or contact Melissa Cressey, Pollie Conference Coordinator, at mcressey@theaapc.org or call (202) 294-1630.
How are the 2010 Pollie Awards Contest Judged?
The Pollie Awards are judged online by selected judge applicants. Panels of six to eight judges are comprised of political consultants, public affairs practitioners, academics, political analysts, advertising experts, and media personalities to review their assigned categories. All Pollie entries and judges are anonymous, and judges may not evaluate any categories to which they (or their organization) have submitted work. For more judge information visit the Pollie Judge page here.
View the Judging Handbook that contains all the rules and regulation about Pollie Awards Judging by clicking here.
How are the Pollie Awards Contest Winners determined?
The winners are determined by the selected 2010 Pollie Judges. At the conclusion of the judging period each judge's score will be averaged with the ones from all the other judges evaluating the same Pollie entry. The winners will then be determined based on a objective standard scoring system. To learn more about the judging process view the Judging Handbook.
When is the 2010 Pollie Award Winners Announced?
The Winners are announced at the 2010 Pollie Award Dinner on Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ.
How do I know if I'm nominated for the 2010 Pollie Awards?
The AAPC will contact you if you're nominated for a 2010 Pollie Award.
How do I become a 2010 Pollie Awards Contest Judge?
You become a Judge by submitting a Judge Application to the AAPC headquarters, available December 10th. Melissa Cressey at the AAPC Office will later on inform you if you've been selected to judge the 2010 Pollie Awards. For more information about judging click here.
Who can be a Judge of the 2010 Pollie Awards?
Anyone with experience in the Political Consulting or Public Affairs business that has completed a Judge Application and accomplished the AAPC judge requirements may be selected by the AAPC staff to judge the 2010 Pollie Awards. For more judge information visit the Pollie Judge page here.
What are the benefits of judging?
To show our appreciation for taking your time to be a part of the 19th Annual Pollie Awards & Conference, your name and company will be featured in the 2010 Winners book. As a Judge, you also receive a 35% discount on your Pollie Conference Registration upon completing your judging. You will also have the unique ability to view firsthand work from the political and public affairs industry and help determine whose work product is the best. For more judge information visit the Pollie Judge page here.
For additional Contest information and FAQ's visit the Contest page here or contact Melissa Cressey, at mcressey@theaapc.org or by calling the AAPC Office at (202) 544-9815.
Pollie Sponsorship FAQ
Why should I become a sponsor and what are the benefits of sponsoring the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference?
Sponsorship with AAPC provides a great means of broadening your competitive edge in the $8 billion political campaign industry. Benefits that can be gained by sponsorship with AAPC include:
How do I become a sponsor or an exhibitor at the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference?
Please contact Angela Mcmillen for more details at amcmillen@theaapc.org or call the AAPC Headquarters at (202) 544-9815 for Sponsorship assistance.
If I'm already a sponsor and my sponsorship includes conference and dinner tickets, can I bring more people?
Yes, you can bring as many people as you would like to. Any additional people you bring that exceed the number of tickets included in your sponsorship must be additionally purchased.
Contact Angela McMillen, Executive Director, amcmillen@theaapc.org or Melissa Cressey, Development Director, mcressey@theaapc.org or by calling the AAPC Office at (202) 544-9815.
View Sponsorship Page and Packet
Additional FAQ
Is there a registration and cancellation policy?
Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis for all of the 2009 Pollie Awards & Conference events. Refunds will not be given after Friday, March 19, 2010.
When does the Conference Registration Desk open and what are the operating hours?
The registration desk opens at 8:30a.m. Thursday March 25, 2010 and will be open all days during conference hours.
Approximately how many people will attend this year's conference?
We expect over 350 political professionals to attend the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference.
Are there any age limits?
No, there's no age limit to attend the 2010 Pollie Awards & Conference. You must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages.
What is the dress-code?
For the Conference:
Business Casual Attire - Sports coats are optional for gentlemen
For the Pollie Awards Dinner:
For gentlemen: Business attire
For ladies: Evening attire - please note that our dinner will be on the lawn
Do you have any travel and lodging recommendations?
If you are planning to attend the AAPC Foundation Golf Classic, the AAPC recommends that you arrive to Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. If you are not planning on attending the Golf Classic, the AAPC recommends that you arrive on Thursday before the Welcome Reception starts. Sunday, March 28, 2010 is considering the travel and check-out date.
For more specific information about the 2009 Pollie Contest click here For more specific information about the 2009 Pollie Conference click hereQuestions? Contact
Melissa Cressey
Pollie Conference Coordinator and Development Director
American Association of Political Consultants
mcressey@theaapc.org