ANNUAL HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION

Event Policies

CHEA’s Annual Homeschool Convention promises to be one of the most exciting homeschool conventions around, with many new and unique offerings and a new location, Biola University. Our goal, as always, is to provide you with the resources you need to train your children, and to give you a quality event with an atmosphere that glorifies God. We continue to offer the popular Exhibit Hall, exhibitor workshops, and great speakers. This year, CHEA again hosts a Mini-Conference on Thursday, free for those interested in homeschooling, a “Life After High School” Night, free for high school students and their parents, a High School Graduation, Children’s Convention, and Teen Convention, among others.

It is important that you read the information provided here to help you navigate the wealth of information related to the operation and benefits associated with the Convention. By registering for this event you are signifying that you have read and agree to abide by the Event Policies for this event.

ADMITTANCE & CONFERENCE ID

The wristband is your admission ticket to all areas of the Convention. Wristbands are for the sole use of the registered attendee and may not be transferred or shared. Each registered adult and accompanying minor family members will receive one wristband for all days of the Convention. All Additional Family Members will also receive a wristband. Teens registered for the Teen Convention will have a different wristband from their parents–one band for both days of the event. Children registered for the Children’s Convention will also receive separate wristbands for the Children’s Convention.

CELL PHONES AND MOBILE DEVICES

Please turn off all cell phones and mobile devices (or place on silent/vibrate mode) so you will not disturb the speaker, other attendees, and session recording. If you receive a call during the session, please wait until the session is over or leave the room to answer the call. Parents with children attending the Children’s Convention must place their cell phone on vibrate so Children’s Convention staff can contact you if needed but not interrupt other Convention activities.

CHANGES IN REGISTRATION

If you wish to make any changes to your registration prior to Convention, please contact our office Monday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or email us at [email protected]. If you wish to make changes at Convention, please visit the Registration Booth by the Biola Fountain.

CHILDREN AT THE CONVENTION

There is no childcare available for children under four. Children three and under are welcome to join their parents, at no charge, in all parts of the Convention. All older children (ages 4-18) must either be included in Family Registration (no extra charge, but children’s names must be listed) or registered for Children’s Convention or Teen Convention. Seating is limited in all meeting rooms. We ask parents with children to take advantage of the family seating in the back of the room. Strollers may be used for the Exhibit Hall, however you must leave strollers outside or in specially designated areas of meeting rooms due to space limitations and Fire Marshall Regulations. Strollers may never be left in aisles or walkways.

Children must remain with their parents at all times. Parents are responsible for the supervision and behavior of their children. While we are welcoming of children in all of the workshops, we encourage you to bring something to keep your children occupied so as to not disrupt the speaker or other attendees. CHEA staff and/or Convention volunteers may ask you to step outside if your child/ren become disruptive to others during a session. Please do not allow children to sit or play in aisles or walkways.

CONTACTING CHEA DURING THE EVENT

CHEA can be reached during the event by calling 562-864-2432. This number is for use during Convention during the following hours:

• Thursday, May 9: 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 10: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 11: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

DISCLAIMER

The presence of a particular speaker or exhibitor at this Convention does not constitute an endorsement of their product or service or imply that a comprehensive evaluation of specific products or services has been made by CHEA. CHEA endeavors to present speakers and exhibitors whose materials are compatible with biblical principles, and our first choice is always to have Christians presenting these materials; however, if a speaker or exhibitor has material which would be beneficial to home educators, their participation is not restricted because they may not subscribe to specific religious doctrines. If you have convictions about doing business with non-Christians or are uncertain about the content of specific material, please clarify this with the individual speaker or exhibitor before making your purchase or signing a contract for services.

FIRST AID

Major injuries or illnesses should be reported to the Information Booth immediately. Bandages, aspirin, and other over-the-counter medications are available for purchase at several nearby stores and pharmacies.

FOOD & DRINKS

Biola has a wonderful cafe that serves three meals a day, and meal ticket plans are available for purchase by all Convention attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers. If you are staying on campus with us, a full meal plan is included in your reservation. There are also various types of drinks and snacks available at other eateries/coffee shops on campus (be sure to check hours of operation). For nearby attractions, information will be available at the CHEA Information Booth, or on the Discover La Mirada website.

FULL WORKSHOP SESSIONS

We know it can be very disappointing when you can’t get into the session you were looking forward to hearing. We do the best we can to select appropriate room sizes for speakers. Please understand that if you are turned away by a room host/hostess, it is due to Fire Marshall Regulations that do not allow seating on the floor or standing in the back. We suggest you try to arrive at the room early, and have an alternative workshop in mind just in case. You may also choose another session and order the missed session’s audio from our online Audio Store. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

GETTING AROUND

A facility map will be included in your Convention Program.

HEALTH & SAFETY WAIVER

I acknowledge and understand that my participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, even if arising from the negligence or fault of CHEA, Biola University, and event sponsors. I hereby knowingly assume the risk of injury, harm and loss associated with the Activity, including any injury, harm and loss caused by the negligence, fault or conduct of any kind on the part of CHEA, Biola University, and event sponsors. All attendees are required to follow all applicable state and local ordinances in place at the time of the Convention.

LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION

No unauthorized literature may be distributed in any area of the Convention. Only items pre-approved by CHEA may be distributed or displayed. If you are approached by a solicitor anywhere outside the Exhibit Hall, please report it to the Information Booth or to a CHEA Convention volunteer.

LOST & FOUND

Items left in workshop sessions or in the Convention area may be left or picked up at the Information Booth until the close of the Convention Saturday evening. Items not claimed will be held at the CHEA office for one week.

MEDIA RELEASE

By entering the Convention site, I understand that I am giving my permission to Christian Home Educators Association of California to use any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings, or any other records taken while I or my child is participating in the Convention and engaged in any activity or event sponsored, promoted, or organized by Christian Home Educators Association of California, including publicity, advertising, or any legitimate purposes.

NURSING MOTHERS

A nursing mother’s room is available all hours of CHEA’s Parenting & Homeschooling Conference.

PROGRAM

One Convention program, including the schedule and workshop descriptions, will be provided for each Family Registration at check-in. At-the-door registrants receive programs as available. Additional or replacement programs will be provided as available. A digital PDF copy will be available on the Convention website.

REFUNDS & ADJUSTMENTS

We regret that refunds are not possible and registrations are non-transferrable, including Thursday mini-cons. We must contract for and reserve space and services in advance; therefore we cannot issue refunds. Unredeemed registrations can be used as a tax-deductible donation. Upon written request, we will issue a receipt for tax purposes.

WELCOME BAG

A free Welcome Bag is distributed to each registered family and is full of information about resources to help you in your parenting and homeschool journey.

WHEELED CARTS

Because of safety and congestion problems created by the proliferation of wheeled items in the Convention facility, only small rolling suitcases and carts will be permitted. Wagons and other large carts will not be permitted. Wheeled units must be kept next to attendee when viewing curriculum or conversing with others. Carts may not block aisles and walkways in any Convention space.

ADDENDUM

All Convention attendees must, additionally, abide by the regulations from Biola University as outlined in Appendix B. Please note that #12 does not apply to a family or couple in a room or suite.