School for Ministry 2008
 March 25, 26 & 27
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
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Frequently Asked Questions

 How do I register?

Download the registration form from this site, complete and mail along with payment, as directed  (back)

I did not receive a brochure in the mail. Why?

The costs of conduction the School for Ministry have risen dramatically over the past few years. In an effort to control overhead we have chosen to discontinue distributing brochures via U.S. Mail. We hope you do not find this inconvenient.

Why the Marriott Downtown?

In the central Iowa area there are only a few venues that can accommodate our School. In previous years the School was held on a college campus, but that is not longer possible. We have sought a venue that can provide house, meeting space, serving of meals and refreshments, among other services. A full-service facility like the Marriott can accommodate us at a lower rate than if we used some other venue that did not have food service, etc. (back)

It is cheaper to stay in other motels. Why should I consider the Marriott?

Aside from the convenience of being in the venue where all the activities take place, there is a hidden cost factor to consider. The Marriott furnishes us with meeting space at no additional cost, provided our participants rent a minimum number of rooms. If we do not meet the minimum we must then pay additional charges for the meeting rooms. Those additional costs would necessarily have to be passed on to all registrants. So, paying a little more for your room means that we all pay a lower registration fee. (back)

I do not intend to room at the Marriott. Will I have to pay for parking?

Everyone who rooms at the hotel will receive parking vouchers for the hotel lot. Those who do not stay at the Marriott will have to pay, either at the Marriott lot or the city lot across the street. (back)

I have special diet needs. Will special meals be available?

The Marriott will offer special diet plates at the meals included in the full registration packet, but you will need to indicate your requirements at the time of your registration. (back)

May I bring my spouse/family with me?

Yes. However, any member of your family who wishes to attend sessions at the school, eat full package meals or partake in refreshments during breaks must also register for the school, at the special package rate. (back)

My spouse/family is rooming at the hotel with me, but not registering for the School. Can they eat with us at the group meals?

We make reservations for these meals one week in advance of the School. If a member of your family who is not registered for the School wishes to eat with the group it will be necessary for you to check at the School registration desk to see if that is possible. We cannot guarantee that it will be so at this time. (back)

Will the Commission help me find potential roommates?

Since room reservations are made directly with the hotel the School registrar has no way of coordinating roommates. We suggest that if you are not aware of who might be attending the School that you might coordinate with your District Office. They may be able to distribute an email stating that you are seeking roommates. (back)

Will there be child care available?

The Commission regrets that providing child service is not possible. The problems of liability, state regulations and lack of available services are insurmountable. In recent years some participants have worked together to share child care. If you are seeking others who might be interested in sharing, please contact the School Registrar. He will attempt to put you in contact with others of similar interest. (back)

I forgot to register. Can I register upon arrival?

Yes, you may register upon arrival. HOWEVER, be aware that the Marriott offers the special room rate only to those who have made reservations prior to March 11. (See the Marriott page.) You should also be sensitive to the complications that can result from late registration. Meeting room size, seating, refreshments and such are all determined by the registration numbers. A significant number of last minute registrations may mean that all participants are accommodated at less than the optimum. We encourage you to register ahead of time if at all possible. (back)

I registered for the School but now I will not be able to attend. Can I get my money back?

Persons who cancel their registrations at least one week prior to the School will receive a 100% refund. After that the Registrar will withhold $75, due to commitments the Commission must make in the days immediately preceding the School. Contact the Registrar at the earliest possible time if you must cancel. (back)

The School used to be a lot cheaper. Why has the price gone up so much?

It is certainly the case that when we met on the college campus some costs were considerably lower than they are now at a commercial site. However, in recent years other costs not related to location have also increased, so even if we had continued to meet on campus the cost of registration would have gone up. Speaker honoraria, transportation, publication costs and equipment rentals have increased significantly. The members of the Commission work diligently to control costs. Our mission is to provide a quality continuing education experience in a comfortable, hospitable venue, at the lowest cost possible. We think when you compare the cost of the School to other continuing education events that the cost of the School reflects a real bargain. (back)

What happened to the work shops?

The emphasis of recent School events has led us to an all-plenary format. While we have received mostly positive responses to this format, there have been participants expressing a desire that we return to offering work shops. This may very well happen in the future. We encourage everyone to express their desires and suggestions to the Commission using the evaluations forms available at the Registrar's desk. (back)

The schedule is really tight. How about some break time?

In putting together a schedule our philosophy is to offer a complete experience in the short time during which the school takes place. In fact, we reduced the total hours of the School a few years ago in an effort to reduce costs. In providing this admittedly very full schedule we remind all participants that it is up to the individual just how many sessions he or she will attend. Pace yourself. Although two Continuing Education Unit credits are awarded only if you attend all functions, you still have the opportunity to receive partial credit if you attend fewer sessions. (back)

Where else may I eat other than the hotel?

An number of eating establishments are located within walking distance of the hotel. We suggest you inquire at the hotel desk for directions to places that meet with your preferences. (back)