Help us keep the FAQs up to date and current. We have found that if you have a question then so does someone else. If you do not find an answer to a question, please pose the question either on social media's MÂCHÉ convention page or email info@mache.org
Add-Ons
Q: What does the term 'Add-Ons' refer to?
A: 'Add-ons' are the events or products such as Men's Breakfast, Leadership Forum, and Mom's Night Out. You will need to register separately for these events. There is limited space, or head count needed so register early to ensure you are included.
Audio
Q: Will the workshops be recorded? Will there be a special discount if purchasing at the time of registration or during the convention?
A: Yes, the workshops will be recorded. Resounding Voice will be our audio recording service this year. They have a pre-conference bundle for $69. You can add that purchase at the time of registration or you can go by their booth at convention to purchase this.
CEU's
Q: Will I be able to get a certificate for CEU's this year?
A: Yes, we will have two different CEU certificates. If you will only be able to attend one day of the convention we will have an 8 hour CEU certificate. If you complete the whole weekend, we will have a 16 hour CEU certificate. Please visit the MÂCHÉ booth on Saturday afternoon after 2pm to get a copy of your CEU certificate.
Childcare
Q: Will there be childcare at the convention?
A: No, we do not offer childcare at the homeschool convention.
Exhibit Hall
Q: Will there be a full exhibit hall of experienced vendors?
A: Yes. We are excited to have full capacity for exhibitors this year. See our list of exhibitors as it develops.
Q: What are the open hours for the exhibit hall this year?
A: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm, Friday/Saturday
Food & Drinks
Q: Will there be a cafeteria? Will there be food and drink onsite? What are my food options?
A: Yes, there will be onsite eating options. The concession line with healthy food options will be open in the Pioneer Hall South.
Leadership Forum
Q: What is the Leadership Forum? When is the Leadership Forum?
A: Join us for Leadership Forum on Thursday, May 15th from 6-9 pm at the Canal Park Lodge Conference Room, 250 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN! We will be having a time of networking, resource sharing, and information before we start with dinner and then we will end with an evening of fun, laughter, and encouragement with Nancy Manos as she shares about her experiences as a state leader. We hope to see all group leadership, board members, and their spouses there!
Q: What does it cost for the Leadership Forum?
A: $30/person
Men's Breakfast
Q: Does my husband have to attend the convention in order to buy a ticket for the Men's Breakfast?
A: No, as long as there is one parent attending the convention, then you can just purchase a ticket for your husband to the Men's Breakfast.
Nursing Moms
Q: Will there be a room for nursing moms at convention?
A: Yes, you will find signs at the venue to direct you to the nursing mom location on site.
Parking
Q: Will there be parking onsite? Does it cost anything?
A: Yes, there will be parking available. Check with your hotels to see if there is a discount on parking. The garage at the DECC will also have parking. The daily rate is $10 per day. You can leave and return during the day.
Refunds
Q: What if I can no longer attend the convention, can I get a refund?
A: MÂCHÉ does not offer refunds of fees for membership or other MÂCHÉ sponsored events outside of the convention registration. If for any reason you must cancel your convention registration, MÂCHÉ will refund your registration upon written notification of cancellation on or before 30 days prior to the convention, minus a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be offered after that time period. Transfers of a convention registration may be made to another person, but you will process this transfer on your own. MÂCHÉ would also appreciate knowing who has purchased your registration so that it does not cause confusion at the registration tables the day of convention. Please note that your MACHE membership is not transferable.
Registration
Q: When will registration open for the 2025 MÂCHÉ Convention?
A: February 3, 2025
Q: Does the registration fee include my spouse?
A: No, registration is per person. This means that you will need to register everyone individually who will be attending the convention. This helps us keep better track of our needs and participation. Children under 18 months of age are FREE. Teen Track is now a registration option this year along with adult, youth, and grandparent. Please be sure to register for the correct options. Students not registered for Teen Track will not be admitted to Teen Track this year. We had some confusion last year with the youth registration. Teen Track and Youth registration are NOT the same thing. Thank you for helping us distinguish the registration and allow us a good headcount for the teen program.
Q: Will there be on-site registration?
A: Yes, see our mobile registration QR codes that will be located in the lobby of the DECC. The mobile registration is also linked through our website.
Q: Do grandparents get in for free?
A: Yes. You will be offered the option to register grandparents when you register for convention.
Silent Auction
Q: Will there be a silent auction at convention this year?
A: Yes.
Storage & Strollers Check (formerly known as the Coat Check)
Q: Will there be a storage & strollers check (SSC) this year?
A: Yes, there will be a storage & strollers check this year!
Q: What does it cost to check my stroller and/or leave my purchases?
A: It costs $3.00 for one stub and you can check as much as you need or want to under that ticket stub.
Q: How can we pay for stroller & storage?
A: You can pay via PayPay, Cash, Check
Strollers
Q: Will strollers be allowed?
A: MÂCHÉ has always had a no stroller policy. If, however, you have a health issue that requires the use of a stroller for your child, please email info@mache.org with the details. This will allow us to plan accordingly. We will consider the situation on a case by case basis. Under these circumstances you will be given a special stroller tag so that the security team will know it has been approved by MÂCHÉ. All other strollers will be parked by the storage & strollers check location.
Teen Track
Q: Will there be a program for my students between the ages of 12-18?
A: Yes! Please see full details under the Teen Track accordion on the convention page.
Q: Do I need to register my student for a youth admissions as well as the Teen Track registration?
A: No, you will only need to register your student for the Teen Track, if they will be attending the teen track program.
Q: Is Teen Track and Youth registration the same thing?
A: No, Teen Track is not the same as the Youth registration. There was a bit of confusion in 2023. In order to provide each participant with the materials associated with Teen Track we need an accurate headcount.
Used Books/Curriculum
Q: Will there be used books/curriculum sales at convention?
A: Yes, Thursday, May 15th from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Q: Does it cost to come to the used books/curriculum sale?
A: There is no cost for buyers. There is a $50/table rental fee for sellers.
Q: Do I need to register for the used books/curriculum sale?
A: Sellers must register and pay for their tables. Buyers do not need to register this year.
Volunteers
Q: Who is eligible to volunteer?
A: We ask that the volunteers be adults ages 18 years or older, with the exception of the coat check area. The coat check coordinator will want to discuss the opportunity with parents. We ask that coat check or exhibit hall volunteers be mature 15 years and older. We also ask that you have attended at least one previous convention to be considered as a volunteer. Thank you.
Q: How do I volunteer for the convention?
A: Volunteer registration is now closed.
