What is Convention?
Phi Alpha Delta's Biennial Convention and Leadership Conference is held every two years to bring together P.A.D. student and alumni members from around the world. Programming consists of workshops, panels, and guest speakers on a variety of leadership, professional, and legal topics. Convention presents invaluable fraternal networking, professional growth, and leadership development opportunities for both student and alumni members.

Where and when is the 2026 Convention?
Convention will be held in-person August 5-9, 2026 at The Hilton Portland Downtown in Portland, OR.

Attendees will be required to book their own hotel rooms. We have secured a discounted rate of $199/night (applicable to single king bed or double bed bedrooms). Rooms must be booked by Friday, July 10, 2026 to receive this rate. The rate is available to attendees August 4-9, 2026 (meaning any rooms booked within those dates through P.A.D.’s link will have the $199/night price). The deadline to reserve a room in the room block is Friday, July 10, 2026.

Book a room in the room block.

Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International formally acknowledges the land of Indigenous peoples on which the 2026 P.A.D. Biennial Convention is located.

Read the full land acknowledgement statement.

How should we travel to the Hilton Portland Downtown?
The Hilton Portland Downtown is 10 miles (approximately 20 minutes) from Portland International Airport (PDX). The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle. There is a MAX light rail station at the airport, which will take you to the Pioneer Square North MAX station only two blocks away from the hotel. For more information on Portland's public transit visit https://trimet.org/home/.

For those driving to the Hilton Portland Downtown, the hotel offers valet-only parking at prevailing rates.

Parking rates and driving directions are available at https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pdxphhh-hilton-portland-downtown/hotel-location/.

Why should I attend Convention?
Law and Alumni Chapters are expected to send at least one delegate to Convention, but Convention is more than just an obligation. Convention is an opportunity to network with your fellow P.A.D. members and gain skills you can use in your future careers. We host a variety of workshops, guest speakers, and panels; the topics of which are chosen from direct member feedback.

During Convention sessions, chapter delegates have the opportunity to vote for a new International Executive Board and International Tribunal.

What should I bring to Convention?

• Your Chapter’s Banner: Chapter banners are hung in the main Convention hall to show which chapters are in attendance. Click here if you need to purchase a chapter banner.
• Flair that Represents Your Area/School: During the Stanley H. Kohn Reception, members get to know each other by exchanging flair that is representative of your school, city, or state. Flair is usually stickers, pins, or other fun items that you can display on your nametag or lanyard throughout Convention.
• Appropriate Attire: Aim to wear business or professional attire during General Sessions, speaker sessions, and workshops during Convention. The Fredrick Weitkamp awards banquet is black-tie optional. We encourage members to also bring casual wear for all other social events and to enjoy downtown Portland – use this opportunity to show off your style, purple & gold, and your P.A.D. pride!
• Donations: Each Convention, the P.A.D. International Foundation hosts a silent auction fundraiser. If you or your chapter would like to donate an item to the auction, feel free to bring it with you! If you have any questions about the Silent Auction, contact the Executive Office at info@pad.org.

Will there be a virtual attendance option?
We are not currently planning to host a virtual attendance option, but may offer session recordings after the event. More information will be available closer to Convention.

What’s going to happen at Convention?
Convention includes general sessions with keynote speakers, special presentations, and the state of the fraternity. It also includes:

• Workshops tailored to attendees' needs and interests
• Elections for International Officers
• A variety of social and networking events

A tentative 2026 Agenda is posted at www.PAD.org/Convention. If you would like to see copies of past Convention agendas, contact the Executive Office at info@pad.org.

What Convention traditions should I know about?
Over the years, many Convention traditions have been established. Some to know about are:

• Stand Up/Sit Down: At the opening general session, members will be asked to stand up and be acknowledged for the number of Conventions they have attended and/or for other service provided to the Fraternity.
• Name and Chapter: Members speaking on the Convention floor should introduce themselves by stating their name and chapter first. Some members choose to donate $1.00 to the International Foundation each time they forget to introduce themselves this way.
• Social Events: Each Convention features three evening social events, each with their own unique themes and components:
• The Stanley H. Kohn Reception: Get to know your fellow members by exchanging flair that is representative of your school, city, or state. Flair is usually stickers, pins, or other fun items that you can display on your nametag or lanyard throughout Convention.
• The Frank McCown Purple and Gold Party: Show off your P.A.D. pride by wearing your best purple and gold.
• The Fredrick J. Weitkamp Awards Banquet: This black-tie optional banquet is the closing event of Convention and features a seated, plated dinner; the swearing-in of the new International Executive Board; award announcements; and the Convention closing ritual.

How do we register for the 2026 Convention?
Please visit the main Convention event page to register for the 2026 Convention.

What is the registration fee for Convention and what is included?
This year, we are offering tiered options for member Convention registration.

• Law Student Member Attendee: Registration fee includes all Convention sessions and materials, breakfast and lunches (Thursday-Saturday), Convention evening social events, and the Awards Banquet.
• Early Bird Rate (through December 31, 2025): $425.00
• Regular Rate (January 1-July 10, 2026): $475.00
• Late Registration (July 11-Event Start): $525.00
• Alumni Member Attendee: Registration fee includes all Convention sessions and materials, breakfast and lunches (Thursday-Saturday), Convention evening social events, and the Awards Banquet.
• Early Bird Rate (through December 31, 2025): $550.00
• Regular Rate (January 1-July 10, 2026): $600.00
• Late Registration (July 11-Event Start): $650.00
• All Other Attendees (Other membership categories, guests): Registration fee includes all Convention sessions and materials, breakfast and lunches (Thursday-Saturday), Convention evening social events, and the Awards Banquet.
• Registration Fee: $550.00

Please visit the registration page for more details. If you need any assistance with determining which rate is applicable to you, please contact Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Strench at xena@pad.org or 410-347-3118.

Will funding be available for the 2026 Convention?
Yes, we offer multiple funding opportunities for members to attend Convention:

• Chapter Stipends: Each law and alumni chapter in good standing is eligible for a $375.00 chapter stipend, which can be applied to registration fees or used as travel expense reimbursement. Contact Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Strench at xena@pad.org for more information on utilizing this stipend.
• Payment Plans: We offer deferred payment options and interest-free and customizable payment plans for anyone wishing to attend Convention. Plans are flexible in terms of due dates and amounts.
  To enroll in a payment plan you must first register for Convention, then complete the payment plan form. Contact Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Strench at xena@pad.org with payment plan questions.

Set Up a Payment Plan

• Attendance Grants: Phi Alpha Delta offers a number of grants for members to attend Convention. Applications must be submitted by midnight Pacific Time on April 15, 2026.

Learn More and Apply for a Grant

Do I need to pay in full when I register?
No, payment in full is not required. We accept payment plans for all Convention registration fees. Set up your payment plan here, or contact Chapter Operations Coordinator Xena Strench (xena@pad.org or 410-347-3118).

What is the deadline to register for Convention?
Attendees can register up until the start of Convention. However, we suggest registering in advance of July 11, 2026 to take advantage of lower registration fees.

What happens if I register but can't attend or need to change my registration?
If you register but cannot attend or would like to change your registration in any way, please email xena@pad.org. Full refunds and changes will be offered through July 11, 2026. NO REFUNDS OR CHANGES TO REGISTRATION CAN BE GUANRANTEED AFTER JULY 11, 2026.

Who can serve on a Convention committee?
Any member in good standing may be placed on a Convention committee. To check your membership status, please email info@pad.org

What are the current Convention committees?
The current committees are: By-Laws; Rules and Resolutions; Audit; and Nominations. Committees are subject to change and updates will be communicated and updated here and by email. Ensure your email is up to date in your P.A.D. record by updating your profile on www.PAD.org or by emailing info@pad.org.

When do the committees meet?
Committees may meet prior to or during Convention depending on the committee charge as presented by the International Justice.

What are Convention delegates?
Convention delegates are voting members in attendance at Convention. There are multiple types of delegates, including international officers, chapter delegates, and district at-large delegates.

Chapter delegates are the official representative(s) of a law or alumni chapter. Each law school and alumni chapter in good standing is entitled to two (2) delegates and two (2) alternate delegates.

District at-large delegates are alumni members in good standing residing in the district they are representing. Each district is entitled to two at-large delegates selected by the District Justice.

P.A.D. International Officers who may vote include International Executive Board members, International Tribunes, District Justices, International Advisory Board members, and Council of International Chiefs members (these members are automatically granted a vote upon registration).

How are chapter delegates selected and reported?
The two (2) delegates and the two (2) alternate delegates shall be selected by the chapter membership at an official chapter meeting (or as otherwise provided in the Chapter By-Laws) at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of the Convention. All law school delegates and alternate delegates shall have at least one (1) semester, or its equivalent, of additional law school work after a regularly called Convention terminates.

Report Delegates Here:

• Alumni Chapter Delegate Credentials Form (Coming soon)
• Law Chapter Delegate Credentials Form (Coming soon)

How are district at-large delegates selected and reported?
District at-large delegates are selected by the District Justice. In the event there is no District Justice, then the International Justice, with the consent of the International Executive Board, appoints district at-large delegates. To report at-large delegates, email Executive Director Andrew Sagan at andrew@pad.org.

Can members attend Convention if they are not voting delegates?
Any P.A.D. member in good standing may attend Convention regardless of voting status.

Regardless of how many members of a chapter attend Convention, there can only be two (2) voting delegates from each chapter.

If we submit a chapter delegate credentials form, do we still need to submit a registration form?
Yes. Each individual attending Convention must submit a registration form. However, we only need one (1) Delegate Credentials form per chapter.

What should we wear to Convention?
Aim to wear business or professional attire during General Sessions, speaker sessions, and workshops during Convention. The Stan Kohn Reception and Purple and Gold Party social events are casual – use this opportunity to show off your style, purple & gold, and your P.A.D. pride! The Fredrick J. Weitkamp awards banquet is black-tie optional.

Where can I find the 2024 Convention Action Report?
The 2024 Convention Action Report will be made available later in 2025.

What is Seersucker Friday?
Seersucker Friday is a Convention tradition started by the Knoxville Alumni Chapter. In the south, seersucker is acceptable courtroom attire during the hot summer months. In acknowledgement of this classic summer tradition, many Convention attendees choose to wear their seersucker on the Friday of Convention.

Participation in Seersucker Friday is optional.

What is"Take the Pledge"?
The “Take the Pledge” Program (TTP) encourages Convention attendance by having interested members pledge that they will make a strong effort to attend the next Convention. For more information about TTP, contact the Committee Chair Bethany Hughes at bethanynelson19@gmail.com.

What will happen if Convention cannot take place in-person, for any reason?
The Executive Office will be closely monitoring all factors that might impact this in-person event. If Convention cannot take place in-person, all attendees will be notified immediately. Every effort will be made to ensure the event moves forward in a safe and accessible format.

How is P.A.D. making this event accessible?
We are making every effort to have Convention 2024 be a multi-access event to allow attendees to benefit from session content recordings regardless of their ability to attend in person. More details will be available closer to the event.

The Phi Alpha Delta International Foundation provides a variety of grants to help fund the attendance of law students and alumni to Convention. For a complete list, please visit www.PAD.org/grants.

Registration will include fields for you to indicate any accommodations you may need, including, but not limited to, physical accessibility, dietary restrictions, and more.

If you have an accessibility need not listed here or on the registration form, please contact our office. All requests are confidential, and we will do our best to meet your needs.

How is P.A.D. incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the 2026 Convention?
Our professional programming focuses on educating members surrounding current legal-related topics. To prepare members for leadership opportunities, a diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility lens is taken into consideration when choosing presentations, speakers, and content.

Convention offers DEI education programming to support skills training and resource attainment. This education teaches P.A.D. members to better support and provide for the diverse needs and challenges of their chapters, fellow members, schools, communities, and the legal profession.

The Phi Alpha Delta International Foundation offers DEI grants that support members in their attendance to Convention including grants for law student members, non-U.S. citizens, Black P.A.D. members, young (recent) alumni, and military spousal and armed forces members.

To view P.A.D.’s DEI initiatives outside of Convention, please visit www.PAD.org/diversity.

I want more information, or I have a question that's not listed here. Who do I talk to?
Contact the Executive Office at info@pad.org or 410-347-3118.