2023 Convention: Frequently Asked Questions

Scheduling & Events: In Person Convention

Q: When and where is the 2023 National Convention?
A: The NPM 2023 National Convention will take place at the Nugget Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada, July 10-14, and virtually from July 18-20.

Q: How were this year’s sessions and speakers chosen?
A:  It was so difficult to choose from the wealth of incredible sessions that were proposed this year! We received over 200 submissions for the 2023 Convention.  The submissions were received by the Programming Forum, all Forum chairs, and members of the 2023 Core Committee, who were invited to rank the sessions blindly, focused on the proposed title and description.  The sessions with the highest votes from the volunteer leadership are then vetted to ensure that we do our best to meet the needs of our community and address feedback from prior conventions.

Q: What happens to the submissions that were not chosen? 
A: Some of the sessions that were highly ranked but not chosen will be used in the Virtual Convention, as well as in future webinars and NPM programming. 

Q: Where can I find a list of Breakouts at this year’s convention? 
A: You can find the list of Breakout descriptions by clicking here. You can also find the full convention brochure by clicking here, and at the NPM 2023 Convention Information area of the website. (Please note that the Breakout titled “The Liturgies of Holy Week: Increasing Attendance and Participation” will be presented by Michael Ruzicki.)

Q: Why are there blocks of open time on the schedule? 
A: After receiving much feedback from members that the schedule does not allow for adequate camaraderie with fellow pastoral musicians, we wanted to offer a schedule that intentionally allowed for meal breaks and time for networking. Furthermore, we plan to shuttle attendees into downtown Reno to enjoy sessions, events, and local restaurants in between.

Q: Why is a Chanticleer concert ticket an add-on option?
A: While we are thrilled to have Chanticleer joining us for their concert, additional expenses like the Nugget Celebrity Showroom make it impossible for us to absorb the cost into the registration fee. We think you’ll find that the general admission ticket fee will be well worth it! 

Q: What is the Chanticleer VIP package?
A: The Chanticleer VIP package gives you general admission to An Evening with Chanticleer concert, as well as access to the VIP reception following the concert, where members of Chanticleer are scheduled to appear. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and one free drink ticket will also be provided to those who purchase the VIP package. 

Scheduling & Events: Virtual Convention

Q: What can I expect, as a Virtual Convention attendee?
A: The virtual convention will include recorded content from the in-person convention the week before: all Plenum addresses, select Breakouts, and most evening events will be recorded. The virtual convention schedule will re-air these recorded sessions as if they are “live”, with chat boxes in each session to interact with other virtual attendees. 

Q: Are there any additional opportunities at this year’s virtual convention, on top of the replayed recorded sessions from the week before?
A: Yes! We’re thrilled to share the following sessions that will be presented live, via Zoom, during the virtual convention:
1. Whose Table? Sharing God’s Banquet of Love, Pagsasalo sa Hapag – Maria Nieva and Fr. Andy Lubi
2. You Have To Lead a School Mass…Now What? – Gwendolyn Rehm
3. Creative Score Arranging – Lynn Trapp
4. Reflections on Funeral Ministry and Pastoral Care – Brother Louis Canter

These sessions will be recorded and available for all convention attendees to view until September 30.
Moreover, NPM Staff and special guests will be joining the Virtual Convention live all week, joining you for reflection, insights, Q&A and more. 

Registration

Q: Where can I register for the convention?
A: Registration for the convention can be found by clicking here or by visiting your account on The Music Room, NPM’s new database (formerly Cecilia). Please note that members will need to be signed in, in order to receive the registration fee based on their membership level. 

Q: Can I register for the convention without being an NPM member?
A: Yes! Click “Register as Guest” at the login prompt page. 

Q: Can I register a guest for the convention? 
A: Yes! We are offering a guest companion registration for this year’s convention. Standard- and Premium-level members can register a non-member companion at the same pricing as them. There is also spouse registration this year, where NPM members can register a non-member spouse to attend exhibits and prayer ONLY.

Q: What if I registered for the convention but want to add on something else afterward? 
A: The new database (the NPM Music Room) allows you to edit your registration after you’ve completed the registration. Want to add the Choral Institute onto your registration, or want to purchase a convention program booklet? It’s easy. Log into your account on The Music Room and you can add on items and opportunities later. 

Other Convention Questions

Q: What is the Epic Organ Crawl, and what is included in the $225 fee?
A: The Epic Organ Crawl is the chance to begin your west coast travels in Southern California. You’ll get the chance to hear various organs in the Southern California area, including the Hazel Wright Organ at Christ Cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, and more. The $225 fee includes transportation to each church site; lunch on the day of the Organ Crawl; a group shuttle to LAX airport; and the flight from Los Angeles to Reno to begin the full convention the next day. For more information, click here to view the flyer. 

Q: Why is the Convention Program Booklet $19? 
A: We continue to be faithful stewards of our common home and minimize paper waste; for this reason, we are offering the Convention program booklet for free on the mobile app, and as an add-on purchase option for those who wish to have a tangible booklet. 

Q: Why are we having a convention every year? 
A: Our original intent was to begin offering national conventions on a bi-annual basis. But like so many other organizations, NPM has been affected by the pandemic and the increased cost (combined with decreased numbers of attendees). While it is not our permanent plan to have conventions annually, it is our current one. 

Q: Will I have access to any recorded sessions if I’m attending the convention in person?
A: Yes! All in-person convention registrants will receive access to convention recordings (via the convention web platform) until September 30, 2023. More information will be available on the “Continuing the Convention” button on the mobile convention app.