Timeline for ABCA Convention & Hotel Registration


2022 ABCA Convention Logo which features a Wrigley Field scoreboard background with Chicago and 2022 on the front The American Baseball Coaches Association is excited to host the largest ABCA Convention ever in Chicago January 6-9, 2022! We are lining up the clinic speakers, helping exhibitors get ready for the Trade Show, and planning all of the other meetings and events that make the ABCA Convention great!

There will be extra safety precautions in place, as needed, and the ABCA will be working closely with the McCormick Place Convention Center and the hotels to ensure a successful event. The ABCA and facilities will be following all state and local health guidelines that are in place at that time. These may or may not include social distancing, masks, proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or proof of negative tests, all of which will be out of the ABCA's control.

The Main-Stage Clinics as well as the Youth Coaches Session will be live streamed during those dates for any coaches not attending in Chicago. The live streaming fee will be $90. Any coaches who register for the Convention or register for live streaming will also receive the on-demand clinic videos as soon as they are ready (before the end of January), with the rest of ABCA member coaches getting access to clinic videos on Monday, May 23, 2022.

Please Note: The American Baseball Coaches Association has a new registration timeline for the 2022 ABCA Convention which is detailed below! A new early registration benefit allows 2020-21 members to get signed up for the 2022 ABCA Convention in Chicago and hold a hotel room before new members and former members who didn't renew their ABCA memberships.

Anyone who is unsure about travel to Chicago in January may register for the Convention and reserve a hotel room, with the option to get a full refund for the registration and cancel the hotel room by Wednesday, December 1. Registrants may also convert their registration to live video streaming any time by Tuesday, January 4. There is no financial risk to getting registered!

REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DATES:

  • August 16 at 10:00am ET: Members who attended the 2021 Virtual ABCA Convention
    • Each registrant may reserve one hotel room at this time (while they last)
  • August 23: All 2020-21 ABCA members
    • Each registrant may reserve one hotel room at this time (while they last)
  • August 29: Last day to reserve a hotel room as part of Early Registration
    • After this, hotel room reservations should be made directly with the hotels
  • September 1: All current, former, or new ABCA members for 2021-22 may register for the Convention
    • Also beginning September 1, any hotel room reservations should be made directly with the hotel
    • Changes to existing reservations also need to be made directly with the hotel

REGISTRATION RATE TIMELINES:

  • August 16-October 15: Early Bird Registration rate of $90
  • October 16-November 19: Advance 1 Registration rate of $100
  • November 20-December 17: Advance 2 Registration rate of $120
  • December 18-January 9 (or until sold out): Late Registration rate of $150


CONVERSION & REFUND DATES:

  • December 1: Last day to cancel hotel room reservations or request a full refund of your Convention Registration
    • Coaches may convert their registration to live video streaming or request a full refund by contacting the ABCA office by December 1
    • Anyone cancelling or changing hotel reservations needs to contact the hotel directly by December 1 to avoid a one-night charge
  • January 4: Last day to convert a registration to live video streaming


Why is Priority Convention Registration Important?
We expect the 2022 Convention to be the largest in our nearly 80-year history and for it to be a sell-out situation, similar to the 2020 Convention in Nashville. We are currently working with local officials on what the attendance limit may be for the 2022 ABCA Convention. Should any limitations be imposed due to COVID-19 regulations or fire safety, registrations will be accepted first come, first served so it's important to register as soon as possible.

Who is Early Registration for? All 2020-21 ABCA Members
 
What's the benefit? ABCA members in the 2020-21 membership year will get an opportunity to register for the Convention in August. They will also have the opportunity to reserve a hotel room in the ABCA room block until they sell out. Registration for the convention and hotels will not open to non-members until September 1. We are hopeful that there are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for the 2022 ABCA Convention, however, registrations will be accepted first come, first served so it's important that you register for the convention as soon as possible in case there are any imposed restrictions.
    
How do I register? Go to ABCAconvention.org at 10:00am (ET) on the date you are eligible! Be sure to have your ABCA username and password handy.

Frequently Asked Questions...


Q: What if things change regarding COVID-19 travel restrictions or my budget? 
A:
Any coaches who register for the Convention but are unable or unwilling to travel to Chicago may request a full refund from the ABCA office by December 1, or convert their registration to live video streaming by January 4.

Q: What if the size of the Convention is reduced due to local health and social distancing guidelines?
A: 
If local health guidelines force us to limit attendance in Chicago, registrations will be honored on a first come, first served basis. For instance, if a limit of 5,000 coaches is imposed, the first 5,000 registrations will be honored and the rest will be automatically converted to live video streaming or refunded at the member's request. If attendance is reduced after December 1, coaches will still be able to request a refund at that time.

Q: Why are 2020-21 ABCA members getting priority access for the 2022 ABCA Convention?
A: This is a benefit that rewards coaches for keeping their ABCA membership active each year!
 
Q: When will new members or non-renewed members be able to register for the 2021 Convention and book a hotel room?
A: Registration will be open to everyone beginning on the traditional start date of Sept. 1, 2021. New members must book hotel rooms directly through the hotel.
 
Q: If I am a 2020-21 member, will everyone on my staff be able to register early?
A: Only if they are also 2020-21 ABCA members.
 
Q: I changed jobs after this season. Can I still get early access?
A: Yes, your membership is for you personally, not your employer. Be sure to keep your contact information updated in your ABCA membership profile so that you receive all the latest updates.
 
Q: Can I reserve a hotel room without registering for the ABCA Convention?
A: Not during the early registration process. Early access for rooms at the discounted ABCA rate is only available while registering for the Convention at the same time.
 
Q: How many hotel rooms can I reserve during Early Access period?
A: One per registered member. Each ABCA member who registers for the 2022 ABCA Convention may reserve one hotel room in the ABCA room block, until they run out, during the early process. If you have multiple staff members who need a room, you will want to get them signed up for the convention at the same time.

Q: If I'm a new ABCA member for 2021-22, should I make reservations directly through the hotels?
A:
Yes, after September 1, any ABCA members may book hotel rooms directly through the hotel website or by calling the hotels.
 
Q: What happens if COVID-19 restrictions limit the number of coaches allowed in the facility?
A: Registrations will be honored on a first come, first served basis. If you are registered but are outside of the limit, you will be automatically registered for video streaming of the clinics. You may also request a refund prior to the Convention.


Planning for the 2022 ABCA Convention is already underway! The event is scheduled to be held in Chicago from January 6-9, 2022. The event will be the 78th annual ABCA Convention and close to 10,000 coaches are expected to join us for the event! Early Convention registration will open in August for current 2020-21 ABCA members. All new and former ABCA members will be able to register beginning September 1, 2021. Registration for 2020-21 ABCA membership is still open and anyone signing up now will be eligible for Early Convention Registration beginning August 23. The Convention will feature four days of coaching clinics across the General Session, Youth Coaches Session and Expo Theater, ABCA Trade Show, Hot Stove and Question & Answer Sessions, award celebrations, committee & league meetings, networking events and so much more! 

Be sure to keep an eye out for more information regarding the 2022 Convention on the ABCA website and our social media platforms as well as in the My ABCA appInside Pitch Magazine and ABCA Press Box e-newsletter. Save the date for January 6-9, 2022 and we'll see you in Chicago!