May 24-27, 2012
PORTRAIT SOCIETY
of AMERICA
The Art of the Portrait
Conference 2012
Philadelphia, PA
Watch the 2011
Conference Intro
Video
Pre-Register Now for
2012 Annual Conference
The fourteenth annual The Art of the Portrait conference is returning to our nation's first capitol Memorial Day weekend in 2012. We're taking advantage of what this historic city has to offer, adding several new programs and providing attendees with ample opportunities to participate in classes and workshops, enjoy technical discussions and lectures, shop direct from top of the line art materials manufacturers, take home instructional books and DVDs, receive one-on-one critiques from faculty, network with artists and agents, travel to area museums and visit with friends, new and old.
Register Today!
Pre-Register Online
Pay with most major credit cards or PayPal.
You will receive a digital receipt once your registration is processed.
Register over the Phone
Pay with Visa or MasterCard. If you provide an email address, you will receive a digital receipt. once your card has been processed.
Toll-Free: 1.877.772.4321 Main Line: 1.850.878.9996
Download Form to Fax or Mail
Pay with check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.
Fax or mail this form to the Portrait Society office.
Fax: 1.850.222.7890
Mail: Portrait Society of America
P.O. Box 11272
Tallahassee, FL 32302
2012 AoTP Registration Form.pdf
Member Rate - $395.00 Non-Member Rate - $455.00
Plan Your Trip
Make reservations in Our Room Block at
the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel.
Hotel
Conference Site
& Discounted Room Block
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
201 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA
Tel: +1 215.448.2000
+1 866.716.8115
Fax: +1 215.448.2864
Reservations: 1.800.325.3535
All sessions will take palce in the Sheration Philadelphia Downtown Hotel. Discounted conference rates of 139 SGL, 159 DBL are only availble by pre-reservation. Book early, our room block is limited and rooms are offered on a first come- first served basis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click a topic below to
jump to the subject.
Can I buy art materials/ books/ DVDs at the conference?
Yes! The Portrait Society has a book table, where you can purchase books, DVDs and other instructional materials. A portion of the proceeds are used to continue hosting Portrait Society educational events, including The Art of the Portrait Conference and Portrait Academies. Additionally, top manufacturers and vendors from around the country offer products at discounted rates throughout the weekend. Our 2011 vendors included:
Will the vendors and manufacturers be offering discounts?
Yes. Each vendor determines their product pricing at the conference, and many offer discounted prices from their standard retail rates.
Do you sell DVDs of the demos and classes?
The selected demonstration DVDs from the 2010 and 2011 conferences, will be offered at the book table with DVDs and books by many of our faculty. The Portrait Society will soon offer another select group of demonstrations on DVD following the 2012 conference.
Can I buy books by the artists doing book signings at the conference?
Yes. All artists participating in the book signings have books available for sale at the Book Table, and a portion of the proceeds go toward Portrait Society educational events, like The Art of the Portrait Conference and Portrait Academies.
What should I wear to the Gala Banquet?
The Gala Banquet is a semi-formal event. Some attendees choose to wear gowns or tuxedos, but many opt for a dress or buttoned down shirt and slacks. The Banquet room temperature is moderated for the number attending and may seem cool to some guests. Because of this, many attendees choose to bring a wrap or sweater. Ultimately, we recommend you wear what will be most comfortable for you.
Can I bring a guest to the Banquet?
You are more than welcome to bring guests who are not otherwise attending the conference. The Gala Banquet is a special ticketed event, and tickets are available online or through the Portrait Society office or website for $59 each. Tickets for your guests will be with your Banquet and other special tickets in the back of your name badge.
After the close of the 2012 conference on Sunday, attendees have two options for the afternoon excursions. First option is to visit Brandywine River Museum or ride the trolleys to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Studio Incamminati or The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
How much are Bus Trip tickets?
Brandywine Bus tickets are $30 each. The $30 fee covers the bus ride to and from the museum as well as admission into the museum. Trolley tickets are $7 each. This does not include the admission into the Philadelphia museums and will need to be provided by the attendees when they arrive at the museums.
Exactly when do the buses leave and return?
Trolley's and bus will return to the Sheraton at approximately 6:00pm. We do everything we can to maintain a tight schedule on the bus trips; however, if you have concerns, please check your transportation arrangements do not conflict with bus travel times.
If I attend one of the Sunday Bus Trips, what will I do about lunch?
The conference hotel offers the option to pre-purchase boxed lunches for those attending the Sunday bus trip. Boxed lunch orders are taken on site, at a table near the Cashier station. Please contact the Portrait Society office or the Registration desk with special dietary concerns. Lunches will be distributed as attendees load the buses. Alternately, the museum cafés generally offer light lunch and snack options.
Can I do both the Bus trip to the Brandywine River Museum and the Trolley rides around Philadelphia?
No. Both bus trips are held at the same time. Also, you will not have time to fully experience either activity if you divide your time.
What if I need to cancel?
If your plans change, please notify the Portrait Society in writing before February 15, 2012 to receive a full refund. After February 15, 2012, you will receive an educational credit for your tuition less the $100 registration deposit. This educational credit may be applied to future conference or membership dues. Because of reservation requirements, banquet & bus tickets are non-refundable.
ATTENTION: If you do need to cancel, please contact the Portrait Society office at 850-878-9996 before you cancel your hotel room.
Does the tuition include all the classes?
The tuition covers everything, except the following ticketed events, which are purchased separately:
• Gala Banquet
• Sunday Bus Trips
Which classes and events require pre-reservation?
The following events require pre-registration:
• All Friday Breakout Sessions
• Saturday Lunch & Learn
These events consistently fill well in advance of the conference. Register as early as possible to better ensure you will be able to attend the events you wish.
I only want to go to one class/ event; do I have to pay the full tuition?
We offer day rates for those interested in particular events. To attend any class or event, you must have a name badge, or the door monitor will not let you in. Contact the Portrait Society office with questions about Day Rates and reserving space in particular classes, toll-free at 1-877-772-4321.
Will I be able to get into the classes I want?
The earlier you register the better chance you will have of getting into a particular event. Early registrants are offered first choice of classes.
I am registered for the drawing workshop. What materials do I need?
You may bring what you feel most comfortable using, excepting charcoal per the hotel management.
How is the International Portrait Competition related to the conference?
The International Portrait Competition is hosted by the Portrait Society of America. Exhibition and judging of the top placing works are held at the conference. Winners are recognized at the Gala Banquet on Saturday evening.
Do I have to be signed up for the conference to enter the competition?
No, but if you place in the top 15 works, you must be on site at the conference with your artwork to be eligible for top prizes.
When is the deadline to enter the International Portrait Competition?
The postmark deadline is April 2, 2012.
Do you accept entries on slides or CDs?
Starting this year (2012 competition) we will be accepting submissions online only. If you are unable to submit online, please email us at info_portraitsociety.org regarding alternate options.
How many entries can I submit?
You may submit up to three unique artworks for consideration. Please only submit one image of each entry, except in the case of sculpture.
For sculpture entries, we will accept up to three views per artwork. If you are submitting a sculptural work, please contact the Portrait Society office at 850.878.9996 to receive a link for uploading additional views.
What are the file size requirements for digital entries?
Files should be TIFF or JPEG format and no larger than 3 MB each. The images should be 300 dpi.
Is the hotel stay included in the price? Can I get a discount on my hotel room?
The room rate is not included in your tuition, but we are offering special room rates through the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown ($139 SNGL, $159 DBL) until April 22, 2012 or the room block fills, whichever occurs first. You can check availability or reserve rooms online on The Art of the Portrait event page. You can also reserve rooms at the discounted rate by calling toll-free, 1-800-325-3535, and mentioning you are attending the Portrait Society event.
I want to share a room, but I don't know anyone else who is attending. How can I find a roommate for the conference?
If you are interested in sharing a room with another conference attendee, contact the Portrait Society office with your arrival and departure dates, any special rooming requirements and contact info. We will call or email you if another attendee with similar rooming dates and requirements is looking to share a room. You will be responsible for making arrangements and hotel reservations with this person.
What will I do about meals?
Boxed lunches will be available to order on site and may be charged to your room. Phillips Seasfood Resturaunt offers Seafood and upscale casual dining. There is an A la Carte buffet on the Terrace. The Sheraton also features a lounge and room service for hotel guests.
Additionally, the area surrounding the hotel in is filled with opportunities for shopping and dining. Information about dining will be included in your registration packet for your convenience.
Will I have the opportunity to network?
Certainly. With over 850 artists, agents, art materials manufacturers and gallery representatives in attendance, the conference provides ample opportunity for networking. Displaying your portfolio in the Exhibit Room and socializing with other attendees are excellent ways to network at the conference. Additionally, contact your State Ambassador to see if there are plans for an event on site with members from your area.
Will there be agents or gallery representatives there?
Agents and gallery representatives will be on site as attendees and guest faculty at the portfolio review tables.
How can I meet other artists from my state or region?
Contact your State Ambassador to see if any events or informal gatherings are being planned for the conference.
I want to show my work at the conference. Can I bring my portfolio?
We welcome you to bring your portfolio to share at the portfolio tables in the Exhibit Room and the one-on-one critiques offered during lunch hours in the Grand Ballroom Foyer on the first floor. Other than the invited top 15 artworks from the International Portrait Competition and invited works from the Members Showcase Competition, the display of original artwork at the conference is prohibited.
Can I pay at the door?
Paying at the door is an option; however, most Breakout Sessions and other ticketed events are expected to fill by the date of the conference. We recommend registering as early as possible to guarantee you are able to get the classes and tickets to events which you want.
Do you offer day rates?
We do offer a day rate of $125. You are welcomed to pre-register for select days by contacting the Portrait Society office, toll-free at 1-877-772-4321 with your Visa or MasterCard. Guests to the Gala Banquet are required to have a purchased Banquet ticket, but need not pay an additional day rate to attend.
Do I have to be a member to attend the conference?
No, you do not have to be a member; however, the member discount is $10 shy of the cost of your annual membership. When you attend the conference, your membership practically pays for itself!
How much is the member discount?
The member discount is $60. The difference between the non-member rate of $455 and the member rate with membership dues, totaling $465, is a mere $10. Your contribution of membership helps us to provide The Art of the Portrait Journal quarterly, an annual subscription to the educational publication International Artist Magazine, and access to educational opportunities like the Artist to Artist Critique Program, the Cecilia Beaux Forum and the Members Showcase Competition for all our members.
Do you need volunteers?
Volunteers are the backbone of our event and make the conference experience more enjoyable for everyone. As a way of thanking volunteers who offer 1.5 days of the 4-day event helping, we offer free conference tuition. Volunteering is often as simple as helping at the Book Table, watching the portrait room or being a Breakout Session door monitor, and it's an excellent way to meet and network with other attendees. Contact Carolyn at the Portrait Society office, toll-free at 1-877-772-4321, for more information on volunteering.
•Gala Banquet
•Bus Trip on Sunday
•Friday Breakout Sessions
•Saturday Lunch and Learn
What is the deadline for placing a deposit on the tuition?
The last day to place the $100 deposit is February 1, 2012. After this date, you must pay in full to register for the conference.
After October 1, 2011, placing a deposit will not allow you to take advantage of early discount rates.
When is the deadline to register for the conference?
We will take registrations up to and on site at the event, space allowing; however, we cannot guarantee you will be able to attend the ticketed events you wish, as most fill well in advance of the conference. Online registration is now closed. Please call the the Portrait Society office at 1-850-878-9996 to register.
Can I register online?
You can now register online for the conference! This is our second year offering this option, and you can pay with a credit card or PayPal account via the Portrait Society website. We will contact you as the conference approaches to select your Breakout Session classes. Early registrants are offered first choice of classes.
Can I reserve my space without paying in full?
We are taking deposits up to February 1, 2011. You must at least place a deposit to reserve your space.
If your plans change, please notify the Portrait Society in writing before February 15, 2012 to receive a full refund. After February 15, 2012, you will receive an educational credit for your tuition less the $100 registration deposit.
When does the conference begin?
The conference kicks off at 4:30 pm, Thursday May 24, 2012 with packet pick-up, the FaceOff demonstration and competition and Opening Night for Exhibitors and Vendors.
Where and when should I sign in?
Your first stop should be Packet Pick-up, taking place in the vendor room located in the Independence Ballroom on the second floor. Your packet will contain your name badge, tickets, schedule and other important documents. Your event tickets will be in the back of your name badge. Check that the number and type of tickets match those listed on the labels on your badge and packet envelope. Any corrections can be made at the Registration counter.
Where can I find a full schedule?
Before the Conference - Prior to the conference, schedules will be mailed to all Portrait Society members and past conference attendees. The full agenda is also be available in PDF format on the website. You may also receive a conference agenda brochure by calling the Portrait Society, toll-free, at 1-877-772-4321.
At the Conference - Once you are on-site, you will find the full agenda as an insert in your packet. As well, the full agenda will be posted on signs in the foyer and surrounding areas.
How will I know when and where events are?
Every attendee receives a schedule in their packet. Additionally, full schedules and signs with event titles and times will be placed throughout the hotel. Staff members or volunteers are also available to help attendees. Staff members have burgundy ribbons on their name badges and volunteers have Kelley green.
I have a special need/ dietary concern? Who should I talk to?
Please contact the Portrait Society office if you have a special need or dietary concern, and we will work with the hotel to accommodate your need as best possible.
We are not, however, involved with room reservations, so please direct special requests regarding hotel rooms to the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center at 1-800-325-3535.
Are all events handicap accessible?
The Sheraton Philadelphia City Center is an ADA compliant facility. The Sheraton and the Portrait Society work to make our event an enjoyable experience for all attendees. For any special accommodations needs, feel free to contact the Portrait Society, toll-free, at 1-877-772-4321, or the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown at 215-448-2000.
How can my business become a Sponsor of this event?
To become a sponsor of The Art of the Portrait Conference, download a Sponsor form from the Portrait Society website, or contact Carolyn at the Portrait Society office, toll-free, 1-877-772-4321.
What benefits do Sponsors receive?
