West Coast Leadership Conference
Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I arrive?

You should arrive on Friday afternoon, November 9, for check-in between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The student reception starts at 6:15 pm.

2. What time does the conference end?

The conference ends at 5:30 pm on Saturday, November 10. You will check out of your room on Saturday morning, and there will be a luggage storage room near the general session.

3. What does the conference fee include?

The conference fee includes Friday night at the Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, conference tuition, conference materials, dinner Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and a student reception on Friday night.

4. What are the activities during the conference?

The event opens with a reception on Friday night, followed by a dinner banquet.   Saturday’s sessions are one hour per speaker, including a question & answer period.   The Saturday luncheon is held on the outdoor patio.

5. Will I have free time during the conference?

No, because the event is only two days long. If you wish to tour Santa Barbara, please make your own plans to arrive on Thursday night or stay through Saturday night and Sunday.   Young America’s Foundation only covers your hotel room on Friday night.

6. What are the hotel arrangements on Friday night?

You will be rooming with up to three other people.   Please request your roommates on your application but realize that we cannot guarantee your requested roommates.   We will do our best to accommodate your preferences.   If you want to make your own arrangements for your own room, please notify Young America’s Foundation or you will be liable for any costs associated with the room you do not use.  If you live in Santa Barbara County, you will not be given a hotel room on Friday night.

7. How many students are expected at this conference?

More than 400 students are expected to attend the conference from around the country.   Hundreds of Young America’s Foundation supporters will also participate in the sessions along with students.

8. Are scholarships available?

Yes, a limited number of merit-based and need-based travel scholarships are available through an application process.  Please call Roger Custer at 800-USA-1776 or email him to learn more and apply. 

9. Do I visit the Reagan Ranch during this conference?

No.  Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate such a large group at the Ranch.  Only Club 100 Experience students visit the ranch.   

10. Are high school students allowed to attend?

Yes, a limited number of outstanding high school students will be admitted to attend the conference, but you must have your parents’ consent.   They must also sign a waiver form.   Please note that there will be a college-like atmosphere at the event.

11. What is the atmosphere like at the conference?

The atmosphere of this conference is similar to a normal college or university.   As such, there may be drinking or smoking by those obeying all applicable local and hotel regulations.   Anyone not obeying the law will be prosecuted by local police and subject to removal from the conference at his own expense.

12. Which airport do I fly to?

You should fly to Santa Barbara - SBA if possible, or you can arrive at Los Angeles International Airport – LAX and take a bus to Santa Barbara through the Santa Barbara Airbus.

13. How will I get to and from the airport and the conference?

There is a van operated by the DoubleTree Hotel to and from SBA airport or taxis are available.

14. Can I take the bus?

Yes, Greyhound has buses to downtown Santa Barbara, but they are not within walking distance of the conference. You could take a taxi to the DoubleTree Hotel from the bus stop.

15. Can I take the train?

Yes, Amtrak runs trains through Santa Barbara on it’s Pacific Surfliner route, which spans from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The train station is located about one mile from the DoubleTree.

16. What is the dress for this conference?

You need to wear business dress to the dinner banquet on Friday night and business casual clothing during the Saturday sessions.

17. What are the terms and conditions of this conference to which I agreed in my application?

a) I understand that I must attend all sessions of the West Coast Leadership Conference. I also understand that if I sign-up for the optional Club 100 Reagan Ranch Experience, I must attend these sessions. If I do not attend all functions for which I applied, I will be charged the full cost of the conference and/or event(s), including the hotel, food, and conference costs, which total $250.00 per attendee.   I must notify Young America’s Foundation by Friday, October 26, 2007 at 5:00 pm ET of my inability to attend or I will be charged.

b) I understand that the conference fee is non-refundable, unless I cancel before October 26, 2007.   I understand by clicking “Finish My Registration” below that my credit card will be charged. 

c) I understand I will be assigned roommates for the conference. I may request preferred roommates of the same sex, but there is a chance I may not be able to room with them.  If I want to guarantee a room to myself or ensure specific roommates, I will be completely responsible for my own hotel accommodations and must notify Young America's Foundation of my plan before October 26, 2007 to avoid the $250 charge.

d) By clicking the checkbox below, I agree to all rules listed here and promise to abide by all rules and instructions of Young America’s Foundation during the conference. If I am signing others up on their behalf, I understand I am responsible for making sure they understand and abide by these rules, including any costs associated with failure to attend, as listed in item a. 

e) Young America's Foundation uses real photos of and quotes from our students for promotional purposes.  By attending this program, I consent to the use of my photo and written evaluation statements in any Young America's Foundation materials.

f) I understand that I will receive a full refund if I am not accepted to attend the program.

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