FAQ

Got a question? Let us help you find the answers you're looking for.

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION?
Your fee gets you the entire convention. Every session, every demo. We are not requiring you to pay separately for workshops during the convention. One price gives you everything during the convention. Additionally, we'll provide you with an opening cocktail party, continental breakfast each morning and one lunch at Asilomar resort on before painting. 

REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE HOTEL AND ALL MEALS.
Please note that the hotel has several dining options, in addition to more choices nearby ranging from inexpensive restaurants to high end dining. TIME is limited on our lunch breaks so get out and get back fast!

IS THERE A SINGLE-DAY RATE TO ATTEND?
Because we only have 750 seats this event is "one price includes all", there is no single day rate. Unfortunately we cannot tie up seats that otherwise would be sold.


WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
We will refund 50% of the registration fee for cancellation on or after February 15, 2014.   
No refunds on or after March 15, 2014.

• Cancellation today- 2/14/14 = 100% Refund
• Cancellation  2/15/14-3/14/14  = 50% Refund
• Cancellation on or after 3/15/14 = 0% Refund
   

I’M A COLLECTOR. MAY I ATTEND?
Of course. Although most of our sessions are geared toward artists, collectors are welcome to attend. There will be some discussions about art history and collecting. Best of all you can interact with the artists, watch them paint on paint-day and you might even talk some of them into selling you thier demo.
 

HOW DO WE TRAVEL WITH EASELS AND PAINT?
You’ll need a case that won’t break when you check it (or ship it) on the airplane. Oil paints are approved by TSA and Homeland Security BUT you should label the outside of the box that it contains Vegetable Oil-based paint (linseed) and that it has an approved flash point. Do NOT ship turps or solvents on the plane. We've created a label that you can download and use during your travel right here. Please note that GAMBLIN is providing GAMSOL mineral spirits to use when we paint on site, however you will need a canister.

WILL THERE BE SPECIAL HOTEL RATES?
Yes. We have a special room rate of $169 at the Portola Hotel & Spa.  The Portola is conveniently connected to the Conference Center.
REGISTER AT THE PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA HERE.

Or you can call 888-222-5851 and mention the Plein Air Convention to get our special $169 rate.
 

WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
The hotel has a couple of restaurants and there are lots of dining options within walking distance.

HOW CAN I POSSIBLY SEE DEMOS IF THERE ARE 750 PEOPLE?
Good question. Three of the four days are held in the ballroom with GIANT VIDEO SCREENS showing what the video camera picks up (a close up of the painting surface).  You'll be able to see just fine. When we go into the field there are dozens of painters to view and you can go from one to the other if the crowd is too large. The National Parks service wants us to spread our people out so that should not be an issue.
 

WHAT PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS WILL BE THERE?
Keep an eye on the agenda and the speakers page. This is changing rapidy as we add new people frequently. We will have on-stage demos and panels, plus many brilliant painters in the field doing on-location demos, including some of the top painters in the world.


WILL THERE BE CRITIQUES?
We are asking some of the faculty to make themselves available to critique. Also many will do so when out in the field when you're painting.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR EACH WORKSHOP?
No. One price covers all educational events during the convention .

HOTEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE REGISTRATION PRICE.
 

HOW CAN I COVER MY EXPENSES?
First check with your accountant but you should be able to write of the expense of attending a convention for professional improvement. Also we have arranged for some payment plans, which expire the closer we get to the convention.

IS ANYONE COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE USA?

Yes! We have heard from painters in far away places like New Zealand, Australia, Europe, China and Saudi Arabia who plan to attend, and make this a truly international affair!

WILL THERE BE COLLECTORS OR GALLERIES PRESENT?
You can bet on it. Though this is an event for painters, this kind of event is bound to attract some curious collectors and gallery professionals.

WILL THERE BE AN EXHIBIT HALL?
Absolutely. We are inviting suppliers, vendors, workshop promoters, framers and others to show their wares. Several companies have signed up and will be showing their products.
 

I'VE NEVER BEEN TO A CONVENTION. WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Think of this as the ultimate gathering of plein air painters (and many others). Its a place to meet other painters, see the various products, and to learn and expand your ability as an artist. You will arrive, pick up your badge at our registration table and then have free time, depending on when you arrive. You can attend our opening cocktail reception and spend a couple hours meeting other friends and painters.

Once our sessions begin you'll go to the ball room where you can pick a seat and watch what happens on stage. There will be big screen video so you can see well no matter where you sit. Demos, panels, speakers will be on stage and you'll get loads of opportunities to see the best painters in the world paint.
 

WHAT IS THE ATTIRE?
Very casual. We want you to be comfortable. The building will have AC on so it may get cool in the main ballroom.  Yon might want a sweater. Outdoors .... check weather. May be cool or hot. Bring a hat! Bring a jacket.

IS THERE CONVENTION MERCHANDISE FOR SALE?

We will have new items in our plein air store. Hats, shirt, water bottles, patches and we will have some special discounts on DVDs.

 
WHAT ABOUT PAINT IN AND AROUND THE HOTEL?
As always you'll find people wanting to paint others while inside. First, know that if there is any damage or spillage you will be personally responsible to the hotel. You will want a drop cloth. Also we don't recommend painting in your room, but if you do the hotel will hold you responsible for any damage. 
 

CAN I SHOW MY PAINTINGS?
Sure. Bring em along and show them to whomever you wish. Some may bring them into the hotel after paint days.
 

WHAT WILL I NEED IN THE MEETINGS (demonstrations and lectures)? 
The hotel will provide some small note pads, however you may wish to bring something more substantial. 
 

WHAT ABOUT VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING?

Most of the speakers and artists frown on it.
 

WHAT'S THE BEST AIRPORT TO FLY IN TO?

Monterey Regional Airport is the closest, and a $15 cab ride to the Conference Center.

Monterey also offers a shuttle service from both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose International Airport (SJC) called the Monterey/Salinas Airbus. The cost is $35 one way. You may call this number to make a reservation: 831-883-2871
 

PARKING

The Marriott hotel has valet parking for $20 a day

Other options for parking ($7 a day) can be found on this link.  The map for DOWNTOWN AREA GARAGES AND LOTS includes the area near the Convention Center.