FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions in black test on light colored background with conference watermark

Frequently Asked Questions

Conference

  • What dates are the conference?
    • Sunday April 12, 2026 (Pre-Conference with separate registration)
    • Monday, April 13, 2026
    • Tuesday, April 14, 2026
  • What are the times for the conference?
    • Pre-Conference: 9:00-12:00; 1:30-4:30
    • Conference Day 1: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
    • Conference Day 2: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 
  • Where will the conference be held?
    • Anaheim Marriott, 700 Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
  • What is the theme of the conference?
    • Legacies in Action: Courage and Resilience
  • What meals are included with the registration cost?
    • Continental breakfasts and buffet lunches will be included in both days of the conference. 
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional general questions about the conference?
    • <conference@apahenational.org>

Accommodations

  • What is the discounted conference rate for the Anaheim Marriott?
    • $259.00/night (not including fees and taxes)
  • Is there a discount on parking at the Anaheim Marriott?
    •  Yes! Conference registrants will receive 10% off self parking rates.
  • What is the range of dates that I can book the hotel at the conference rate?
    • Upon availability, attendees can book rooms at the Anaheim Marriott three days prior to the conference and three days post conference.
    • NOTE: We have been informed that the hotel will likely be sold out after our event due to a large conference so if you want to stay on property outside of our conference, it might be best to head to Anaheim prior to our event.
  • How do I book my room at the Anaheim Marriott?
    • Once you register for the conference, you will receive the link to the Anaheim Marriott to book your room. Rooms cannot be booked until you register for the conference.
  • How do I request an ADA accommodation?
    • We are happy to accommodate any reasonable requests to ensure accessibility for all attendees. Please contact us with any reasonable requests as soon as possible at <accomodations@apahenational.org> 
  • How do I express a dietary need/restriction?
    • Dietary needs/restrictions should be noted in your conference registration. 
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about accommodations?
    • <accomodations@apahenational.org>

Exhibitors

  • Who can be an exhibitor at the conference?
    • Exhibitors can fall into these three categories: corporate/business exhibitors, non-profit exhibitors and higher education institutions exhibits.
      • Corporate or Business Exhibitors – You’re at this conference to connect with higher education buyers who need your solutions. Design your exhibit to clearly show how you solve real problems that colleges and universities face. Demonstrate the value you bring, the money you save them, and what makes you stand out from other vendors. Whether you offer campus software, professional services, or educational technology, share success stories and results from schools similar to your audience.
      • Non-profit Exhibitors – As a mission-driven organization, you’re not here to make sales but to build meaningful partnerships and raise awareness. Your exhibit should highlight collaboration opportunities, the resources you offer, and how institutions can work with you. Showcase your scholarship programs, research initiatives, advocacy work, or membership benefits. 
      • Higher Education Institutions Exhibitors – As a college or university exhibiting at this conference, you’re promoting your institution’s programs and opportunities to other educators and administrators. Your booth might feature graduate programs that would interest AAPI professionals, continuing education opportunities for faculty, research partnerships, or student exchange programs. Highlight your diversity initiatives, Asian studies programs, or leadership development opportunities that align with the conference theme.
  • What are the rates to be a conference exhibitor?
    • Rates
      • Non-profits and higher education: $250.00
      • Corporate/Business: $500.00
  • How do I become a conference exhibitor?
    • In order to be a conference exhibitor, you are either a sponsor or you can pay to participate. 
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about being a conference exhibitor?
    • <exhibits@apahenational.org>

Pre-Conference Sessions

  • What is a pre-conference session?
    • Pre-conference Sessions are 3 hours = 180 minutes in duration. This extended-format session offers a focused exploration of a single topic through a dynamic mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities. Participants will engage with content through expert-led segments, collaborative group work, and practical exercises. Throughout, there will be ample opportunities to connect with presenters and peers, ask questions, and walk away with clear, actionable insights
  • What is the difference between a pre-conference session and a conference session?
    • Pre-conference Sessions are longer in duration and depth. Breakout Sessions (Workshops, Panels, etc.) are 75 minutes in duration and explore a specialized topic from multiple perspectives or examine a broader subject in depth. They may be delivered by an individual, a group, or a panel. Roundtable Sessions are also 75 minutes in duration and are hosted at a round table. This setting creates a more intimate and personalized setting for deep discussion, reflection, and examination of a topic or subject.
  • When are the pre-conference sessions being held?
    • Sunday, April 12, 2026
  • What time are the pre-conference sessions?
    • Session I: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
    • Session II: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
  • How much does it cost to attend a pre-conference session?
    • $100.00 per session
  • How do I submit a proposal to present a pre-conference session?
  • Can I attend one preconference session in the morning and another in the afternoon?
    • Yes
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about pre-conference sessions?
    • <precon@apahenational.org>

Proposals/Programs

  • What are the different types of conference presentations?
    • Pre-Conference Sessions: Please see above section about Pre-Conference sessions
    • Poster Presentations: Poster presentations allow participants to share their research through visually engaging materials and in-depth discussion with conference attendees.
    • Round Table Sessions: Hosted at a round table, this setting creates a more intimate and personalized setting for deep discussion, reflection, and examination of a topic or subject.
    • Breakout Sessions: General presentations can explore a specialized topic from multiple perspectives or examine a broader subject in depth. They may be delivered by an individual, a group, or a panel.
  • How do I submit a proposal for a conference workshop?
  • Do I need a Whova account to submit a proposal?
    • Yes. You will be prompted to either sign into an existing Whova account or create a new Whova account.
  • When is the deadline to submit a proposal? 
    • Friday, October 31, 2025, 11:59 PM Samoa Standard Time (SST).  Please refer to the chart below to identify relevant time zones (HST/PT/CT/ET).  (Note – Yes, this does mean that Hawaiʻi, West Coast, Central, and East Coast due dates are November 1, 2025)
  • What is the process for proposal review?
    • There is a committee made of volunteers who will use rubrics to score the submissions.
  • When will I be notified if my proposal was accepted?
    •  Yes! The person who submitted will receive a notification via Whova.
    • Preconference Session Notification slated for November 07, 2025.
    • Programs Notification will be announced by December 15, 2025
  • When will I be notified if my proposal was rejected?
    • Yes. The person who submitted will receive a notification via Whova.
    • Programs Notification will be announced by December 15, 2025
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about conference proposals and workshops?
    • <proposals@apahenational.org>

Registration—Online Payments

  • What is the conference registration rate?
    • Professional: Early = $625, Regular = $675, Late = $725, One-day = $475
    • Student/Graduate: Early = $525, Regular = $550, Late = $575, One-day = $375
    • Pre-Conference = $100
  • How do I determine my rate?
    • Student / Graduate = currently enrolled as an undergraduate first degree student, a master’s,  or doctoral program
    • Professional = currently employed in a professional position and not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
  • How do I register for the conference?
    • APAHE Website through WHOVA
  • What is the early bird deadline to register for the conference?
    • The Early Bird deadline is December 31, 2025.
  • Do I have to pay when I register?
    • Payment by credit card at time of registration is preferred.  
    • The invoice option will require payment prior to the conference. 
  • How do I cancel my registration?
    • The deadline to cancel your registration is February 1, 2026, for a partial refund.  There will be a $100 cancellation fee, even for invoice options.  
    • Late registrations beginning March 1 will not be eligible to cancel or receive a refund. 
  • What is the deadline to receive a refund if I cancel my registration?
    • February 1, 2026, is the last day to cancel registration minus a $100 cancellation fee. 
  • Is there an early-bird discount for 1-day conference attendance?
    • No, there is no early bird rate for 1-day conference.  
  • I want to register for a group but I do not have the confirmed names of attendees, can I register with a default (i.e., Student 1, Student 2, etc.)?
    • No. You will need to register with a confirmed name. If you use a default or duplicated name, we will void each registration. We cannot hold registration spaces for anyone. 
  • If I register for the conference, but cannot attend, can I transfer my registration to another individual?
    • No, conference registration is not transferable for any reason.  If one cannot attend, they must cancel prior to the cancellation deadline. 
  • Will there be Onsite registration?
    • No.  Registration is required to attend. 

Registration—Offline Payments

  • What is the deadline to receive check payments?
    • April 30, 2026
  • How do I determine my rate?
    • Student = currently enrolled as an undergraduate first degree student or a masters or doctoral program
    • Professional = currently employed in a professional position and not enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
  • I registered and have requested an invoice. What is the process?
    • You will receive an invoice on behalf of registrations@apahenational.org within a week. To pay for your invoice, you must send and make check payable to: LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) 327 E 2nd Street, Suite 226, Los Angeles, CA 90012
  • I received an invoice but I need to pay by credit card. What should I do?
    • Invoices can ONLY be paid by check.
  • How do I process a group invoice registration from my institution?
    • No group invoices will be issued. Instead everyone will receive an individual invoice. Your institution can send one check to pay for as many registrations as needed. You will need to include all invoice numbers and names of registrants. 
  • I initially requested an invoice, but now my institution ONLY wants to pay by credit card. What should I do?
    • You will have to go back and cancel your registration(s), create a new registration, and reenter all information. 
  • I have received my invoice, but I canceled my registration. Who do I contact to void my invoice?
    • Reach out to registration@apahenational.org and provide the following:
      • Email Subject: APAHE Registration Invoice ####, CANCEL
      • Invoice Number
      • Name as shown on registration
    • Remember that the deadline to cancel is February 1, 2026.
  • My institution will be paying for my registration. What will happen if payment is not received before the start of the conference?
    • If you arrive at the conference and your registration has not yet been paid, you will be given a promissory note and we will have to collect credit card information, the contact information of the fiscal officer of your institution, and the contact information of your supervisor. 
    • If by April 30, 2026, we have not received a check in the mail, we will be charging the card on file. 
  • My institution requires a vendor form to be completed. Who should I send it to?
    • Send to registration@apahenational.org and LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) will submit. 
  • I want to register for a group but I do not have the confirmed names of attendees, can I register with a default (i.e., Student 1, Student 2, etc.)?
    • No. You will need to register with a confirmed name. If you use a default or duplicated name, we will void each registration. We cannot hold registration spaces for anyone. 

Silent Auction

  • When will the Silent Auction be held at the conference?
    • Begins at Pre-Conference Sunday, April 12, and ends by lunch on Tuesday, April 14
  • Who can participate in the Silent Auction?
    • All attendees, presenters and sponsors are highly encouraged to participate.
  • How do I donate items to the Silent Auction?
    • Campus Drop-Offs
    • In-Person Pickup (local volunteers) for donation drive days – selected dates
    • Gift Certificates & Vouchers (mail or email digital certificates)
    • Pre-event donation check-in table at the Anaheim Marriott 
  • Where will the proceeds from the Silent Auction be invested?
    • Proceeds will go to support the 2026 Conference and for scholarships for the 2027 Conference.
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about the Silent Auction?
    • <silentauction@apahenational.org>

Sponsors

  • What are the levels of conference sponsorship?
    • Bronze Sponsorship – $2500
    • Silver Sponsorship – $5000
    • Gold Sponsorship – $7500
    • Platinum Sponsorship – $10,000
    • Titanium Sponsorship – $15,000
    • Diamond Sponsorship – $25,000
  • How do I become a conference sponsor?
    • You can be a sponsor by signing up through Whova.
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about conference sponsorship?
  • Payment Options

Volunteers

  • Why should I volunteer at the conference?
    • Volunteering at the APAHE 2026 Conference is more than just helping out — it is about becoming part of a movement that celebrates and advances Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leadership in higher education. This year’s theme, “Legacy in Action: Resilience and Courage,” honors the enduring strength and bold spirit of our communities. As a volunteer, you will help bring this legacy to life.
    • Here is why you should consider volunteering:
      • Empower the Mission: Support a conference that uplifts voices, stories, and strategies that drive equity and inclusion across campuses nationwide.
      • Build Community: Connect with passionate educators, leaders, and changemakers who share your commitment to advocacy and representation.
      • Grow Professionally: Gain hands-on experience in event coordination, networking, and leadership — all while contributing to a nationally recognized gathering.
      • Honor the Legacy: Be part of a living tribute to those who paved the way, and help inspire the next generation to lead with courage.
      • Whether you are a student or seasoned professional, your time and energy will help shape an unforgettable experience, leave a lasting impact, and be the legacy in action!
  • What would I be doing as a conference volunteer?
    • Volunteer activities range as listed below
      • Lead a group of volunteers (in roles listed below)
      • Registration: welcoming and getting participants signed in
      • Registration: assisting participants with their badges
      • Wayfinders
      • Logistics support at the plenary and breakout sessions
      • Logistics support at the conference engagement activities,  social events (e.g., mixers), silent auction, etc.
      • Logistics support at preconference sessions
  • How do I sign up to be a conference volunteer?
    • A formal Call for Volunteers will be sent out via the WHOVA portal to those who register. However, you may also email <volunteers@apahenational.org> to let us know that you are interested in volunteering
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about being a conference volunteer?
    • <volunteers@apahenational.org>

Whova

  • What is WHOVA?
    • Whova is an all-in-one conference app platform where you can view the conference program, schedule, list of speakers, attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and network with everyone. 
  • How do I download WHOVA?
  • Can I navigate the conference without WHOVA?
    • Yes, you can access the (limited) web version of Whova to view the conference program and agenda.
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about WHOVA?
    • <conference@apahenational.org>

Wifi

  • Will the sleeping rooms at the Anaheim Marriott have WIFI?
    • WIFI in sleeping rooms will not part of the conference WIFI service.
    • In room WIFI can be purchased with a room reservation and is free for Marriott Bonvoy Members
  • Will the conference have WIFI in general/common spaces?
    • Yes.  The hotel lobby and meeting room are considered separate spaces with separate WIFI services.  Both will be available to APAHE participants.
  • Will the conference have WIFI accessible in the breakout rooms for presenters?
    • Yes, there will be a dedicated APAHE Conference WIFI for all participants and presenters that can be used for breakout sessions.
  • How do I contact someone if I have additional questions about conference WIFI?
    • <conference@apahenational.org>