Frequently Asked Questions- Pawn Conference 2020
Will the Corona Virus (COVID-19) affect the event? We are currently monitoring this on a daily basis. You can read more here. As of now. The event is still on as planned. We will continue to update everyone. You may also register virtually and watch all the speakers from the comfort of your home or pawnshop.
Will the Resort have Covid-19 Restrictions? Florida does not have nearly as many restrictions as other states and are doing well with handling the virus contrary to what you may hear on the news. Right now the only restrictions at the resort are “social Distancing” at tables which will limit the people per table from 8 to 4.
Are the local bars and restaurants open in the area or closed because of Covid-19? Local shops, coffee houses and eateries are all open with little or no restrictions to patrons.
How many people does the registration allow to attend? The registrations allow 3 people to attend for one low price and we encourage you to bring key staff/managers. You can add additional attendees for $250 each. You may also register virtually and watch all the speakers from the comfort of your home or pawnshop.
What is the closest major airport? You can fly just about any major airline carrier into Tampa International Airport. Discount carriers also fly into the Clearwater/St. Pete airport.
How can you get from the airport to the resort? The resort is about 15-minute drive from the Clearwater airport and about 20 minutes from Tampa. You can take Uber, Lyft, airport shuttle or taxi. The address of the resort is 400 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL.
Do you have discounted room rates for us at this event? Yes, we have negotiated steeply discounted rates for single and double rooms as well as suites. You can visit this link for more details and to book your room. The discount is also good 3 days prior to the event and 3 days after so you can come early or stay late for the gorgeous weather and resort!
What is the dress code for the event? The dress code is normal every day dress code for the most part. You will want to bring some shorts, swim trunks etc for the beach and the pool and dress attire for the dinner yacht cruise which might include a light jacket for some as the sun goes down. The normal temps in May are mid to high 80’s or low 90’s.
Will there be downtime for us? – Yes we have scheduled time for not only more daytime down time, but also more time in the evenings to take in the sunsets etc. Our meetings will take place in the ballrooms that overlook the Gulf of Mexico and at any time you need a break, you can step outside on the deck and take in the view and the weather!
Are all guests allowed on the Diner Yacht Cruise? Yes, you may have all of your REGISTERED attendees join us on the yacht for dinner. Regular registrations includes up to the 3 attendees in your registration fee. You may also add additional people for $250 each above and beyond those first 3 and they can attend the dinner cruise and all event presentations etc. If you just wanted to add others for only the dinner cruise, each additional Dinner guest added beyond that will cost $200 each.
What is the resort like? The resort is rated at 4.5 stars and sports the “Best beach in north America”. You will not believe the amenities and the sand and beach that this location has to offer. Find out more here.
Are meals and drinks provided? Yes the meals and drinks for the event are provided beginning with lunch on September 30th through dinner on October 2nd.
Are there restaurants around this resort? What about nightlife? There is just about every kind of restaurant imaginable withing walking distance including beachfront, gulf view, and luxury dining. Within a short trolley, horse and carriage or romantic bicycle tour, you can find even more dining and nightlife. For more nightlife info, click here.
What is the best restaurants in the area withing walking distance? We love the Island Way Grill for its unique waterfront right near the world famous aquarium, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill for the unbeatable sunsets, Frenchy’s original grill for amazing eats, Blinker’s Beachside for more formal and the best steak we have ever had, and finally Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber for steak seafood and more formal dining. Whatever you want, including bar food, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and more, there are will right there by the resort.
Is there shopping around the resort? Yes, there is everything from a grocery store, Walgreens, department stores, and fine shopping within a short distance from the resort.
When do I need to arrive and leave? The event begins at 12:30 pm EST on September 30th and ends around 6 PM EST on Friday October 2nd so you will need to arrive before noon on the 30th or the night before on the 29th and after 730 pm Friday (2nd) or the next day Saturday the 3rd.
Can I Get discounted/free attendee rate? While we do not offer discounted or free attendance this year, you might want to reach out to the sponsors or key speakers such as Bravo, PawnMate, Devoted Pawn Consulting or others. They may be willing to pay partial or all of your registration.