Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I send multiple members of my governing board or leadership group to the conference?

The Pagan Leadership Skills Conference is designed to give you the skills you need to lead a Pagan group, no matter the size. Each track is designed with intensive training in a specific topic. No doubt, there will be multiple topics that your group could use help with and sending multiple members allows you to get the information you need (and share notes later).

Where are the attendees from?

PLSC gets attendees from many areas. Most are from the Mid-Atlantic region, but in the past we have had participants from as far away as: New Hampshire, Michigan, Ohio and Texas. Each year, we get members of new groups that decide to participate.

Registration

How is the amount of the registration fee determined?

The registration fee for PLSC is calculated to cover the hotel's costs for meeting space and catering, some instructor expenses, and other miscellaneous costs associated with putting on a comfortable, effective weekend for Pagan leaders. We strive each year to keep the fee as reasonable as possible while still putting on an event that is worth your time and attendance.

Is anyone making money on this?

Following the model started by the original planning groups, Eldritch Ventures was formed to ensure the continuation of the conference. PLSC does make a small surplus that revolves for planning future conferences and events. The immediate goal of the NPLSC is to develop the financial structure to a point of sustainability so that we may pay the teachers for their time, and create a fund to cover ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility. This conference is not hosted in order to generate income - the goal is to provide outreach and training for the greater Pagan community. Eldritch Ventures spends considerable non-paid time and effort and assumes the responsibility and risks of event planning.

What happened to Pomona's Ball? Why are we being asked to make a donation to Pomona's Orchard?

The main purpose of Pomona's Ball was to raise funds for scholarships for conference registrants, provide a needed break for conference participants and teachers, and create an outreach tool to the local community. The new format is an experiment to reduce food and entertainment costs for those with financial constraints while maintaining a scholarship fund for future attendees.

Why does the conference start on Thursday night? It's difficult for me to get there.

Several events happen on Thursday evening (mixer, opening ritual, participant/instructor introductions, track overviews). Arriving early on Thursday night allows everyone to meet and to be fresh and ready to start learning first thing Friday morning.

Can I come for part of the weekend?

No. We recommend that you attend the entire conference, as the training topics build in complexity in each subject as the training goes on. (Also see "Why do I have to choose just one track...")

Why was Richmond, VA selected to host the conference?

Richmond, Virginia was selected because it is centrally located between in the Mid Atlantic regions. It is easily accessible by train, airline or major freeways.

How can I make the conference more affordable?

We strive to keep the cost of the conference down to give you the most value for the money you spend. Some suggestions for controlling costs for your group:

• Share a room. With the cost of $90 per room (two Queen beds) per night before tax, you could split that two ways ($45 each) or four ways ($22.50 each).
• Bring sodas with you to avoid the Coke/Pepsi machines. Each room has a refrigerator. Consider bringing snacks or microwave popcorn.
• Get fast food dinners - dinner is not included in the registration fee. Although there are some great restaurants in the area, you CAN eat cheap.
• Apply for a scholarship. PLSC has a limited number of scholarships available to assist participants who might otherwise not be able to afford to attend.
• Set aside money in your group's budget for PLSC attendance. The value your governing board will get from the training is worth the investment. Even $200 or $300 split among the members attending can make a big difference in who can participate.

Lodging and Food

Why isn't the hotel cost included in the conference fee?

A lower hotel cost (block rate) is negotiated with the hotel for conference attendees to help save you money. Because we have some attendees from the local area, we do not want to assume that everyone will be needing a hotel room.

Do I have to stay at THIS hotel or can I choose another?

We would like you to stay at the hotel with other conference attendees for several reasons - it allows interaction between attendees before, between and after classes; it allows you to go conveniently back to your room for rest or to change during breaks if needed; it makes the hospitality suite available to you without worry of driving elsewhere afterwards; and it may afford the conference a break on the meeting room costs if we have enough attendees booking hotel room nights. (Also see "How can I make the conference more affordable?") If you feel it neccessary to find less expensive lodging in the area anyway, please contact us and we'll help you find other hotels in the area.

Can I choose not to get the meals and get a lower registration rate?

The meals that are included in the registration fee (breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday) are negotiated with the hotel in advance. The conference pays for meals based on an estimated head count given to the hotel days before the event. Whether or not you eat, the meal will have to be paid for. Breakfast and lunch are a great time to catch up with other members of your leadership team taking other tracks, make new friends from other groups and network with other Pagan leaders. Eating together in the hotel puts all participants on the same schedule and reduces folks straggling into class.

Are the breakfasts "continental breakfasts" or something more substantial?

Over the last few years we've learned that donuts and coffee aren't enough for breakfast before taking classes. As of 2007, we have negotiated a breakfast coupon with the hotel that will allow all attendees to have the breakfast buffet in the dinning room of the hotel. You may select whatever appeals to you.

Tracks and Teachers

Why do I have to choose just one track, instead of taking several different classes throughout the weekend?

PLSC was created to fulfill the need for in-depth training in specific skill sets. From experience with previous Pagan leadership conferences, the planners learned that many participants are unsatisfied with an "appetizer" of information that can be had in short workshop formats.

Focusing on one topic for the entire 13 hours of classroom time gives each attendee more than topical overview. A full track allows each teacher to prepare and present a comprehensive curriculae, take more time to address individual questions and explore the unique concerns of track participants. The PLSC track format also provides each attendee the opportunity to create Action Plans - crafting the new information to work for their groups and organizations.

How do I decide which track to take when there are several that interest me?

Most of the tracks offered at any given year's PLSC are either offered yearly or are alternated with another track from year to year. Decide on your most immediate need and save your next choice for the next year. See Courses page for more information about track offerings. A listing of 2011, 2012 and 2013 is available from the home page.

Remember - bringing other members of your group leadership team allows individuals to take additional tracks - and then share notes later.

How many attendees are allowed in each track?

PLSC Tracks average 15 - 20 students per class. Class size depends on the specific topic being presented and the optimum class size for interaction between the students. See track descriptions for any class limitations.

How good are the teachers/presenters?

Excellent! The teachers for PLSC are professionals in the areas in which they are presenting. Many have extensive business experience or degrees in their fields. We are very grateful to have these wonderfully knowledgeable professionals with us!

Can I videotape/record the classes?

Permission to video tape or record the class would need to be obtained from the instructor and classmates

Miscellaneous Information

Will I have any down time - or is it all work?

We understand that when you work hard, you also need the opportunity to play hard. There are breaks built into the teaching schedule to make sure you have plenty of time to "digest" the information you are receiving. Also, social events are planned each evening - networking in the Hospitality Suite on Thursday, Bardic Circle on Friday, Pomona's Ball on Saturday. The hospitality suite is available each evening so you can sit, relax and enjoy conversation and networking with new friends.

What is the dress code for the conference?

For classes - Nice casual or business casual is standard. You might want to bring a sweater or jacket in case the rooms are cool.

For Pomona's Orchard - Ritual wear is nice (though you aren't required to wear it).

For Hospitality - come as you are!

What else should I bring with me?

You should bring anything with you that would make a hotel stay more comfortable. In addition. You might want to bring the following:

• Notebook, paper, pens or laptop to take notes in class.
• Any required reference material from your home group - see the individual track descriptions for more details on what is appropriate to bring.
• Business cards and/or brochures for your group for networking.
• A drum or percussion instrument for Pomona's Orchard on Saturday night.
• A song or story to share at Pomona's Orchard
• A swimsuit for the hotel pool

What can I do to help with next year's event?

VOLUNTEER! Sign up to help promote next year's NPLSC, to assist in on-site logistics, or lend your special talents and expertise to this endeavor. Contact us for more information.

What other ways can I support PLSC?

There are several ways in which you can support PLSC:

• Attend the conference and bring other Pagan leaders with you.
• Tell the leaders of other groups that you network with about PLSC.
• Sign up as an individual or group sponsor. See the Underwriting Page.
• Create a link on your group's webpage. See the How to Help Page.
• Donate to the scholarship fund to help others attend the conference. We are asking for a $25 donation per person for Pomona's Orchard this year, which you can pay either when you register or at the door. If you'd like to make a separate donation, you are welcome to do so; it will be applied directly to the Scholarship Fund, which is kept separate from the operating funds of the conference..