The closest airport near Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is Orlando International Airport (MCO). MCO is located approximately 19.3 Miles from the hotel.

We’re so excited to announce the return of our exclusive, Beta-only event to be held at Universal Studios Florida! This is a separately ticketed event offered only to National Convention attendees – only 5,000 tickets per event will be available! 

Beta Serves is a service initiative that gives National Convention attendees the opportunity to demonstrate our motto, Let Us Lead by Serving Others. Attendees are encouraged to donate items upon arrival and volunteer their time during National Convention.

The Beta Shop is open to all National Convention attendees. It features apparel, trading pins, drinkware, accessories and more. The Beta Shop accepts cash, debit/credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Beta Shop Hours:

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center accepts credit card and mobile payments ONLY, including front desk, food and beverage locations, retail, special events, parking, etc. The Beta Shop accepts cash, debit/credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Trading pins is a fun and innovative way to connect with other Betas attending National Convention.

• Many clubs produce pins that best represent their club and trade them with other attendees.
• A variety of trading pins are available for purchase in the Beta Shop.
• Trading pins can be displayed on a convention lanyard, on a lapel, a pin towel, etc.
• All six National Sponsors and the National Beta CEO have their own trading pin. New for 2025: Daily, one-hour, designated pin trading times with the National Sponsors.
• Attendees that collect all six National Sponsor pins can receive a prize at the Beta registration desk.

Preferred Vendor: Trading Pins Direct

Since 2022, we have partnered with TJM Promos, Inc, and TradingPinsDirect.com as our preferred trading pin vendor. They provide all National Beta clubs with discounted pricing on any orders when you order through the link. They are committed to excellence and service.

This Code of Conduct content can be used for school records ONLY. This content should NOT to be returned or submitted to National Beta.

National Beta is thrilled to host our first-ever College & Career Fair at the National Convention in Orlando, FL! This event is the perfect opportunity for high school students (grades 9-12), parents, and educators to explore future pathways.

• Dress for National Convention must be in good taste. Many attendees wear their club t-shirts.
• Adults are to follow the same dress code as students.
• Name tags will be issued at registration and must be worn at all times.
• Sponsors/chaperones should monitor student dress to ensure its appropriateness.
• Students running for National Office will be dressed in suits.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center has electric vehicle charging stations (subject to availability).

• CEO/National Office/Convention Staff will implement Severe Weather Safe Area procedure.
• All students and attendees shall proceed to designated safe areas and remain quiet to hear further instructions.
• Sponsors should follow standard student accounting procedures and notify National Beta Club staff of any issues.
• Occupants of shelter areas shall remain in that area until the “all clear” is given.
• In the event of building damage, students and attendees shall be evacuated to safer areas of the building or from the building.
• If evacuation occurs, do not reenter the building until given the “all clear.”

• DROP to the floor, take cover under a nearby desk, table, or chair and face away from the windows.
• COVER your eyes by leaning your face against your arms.
• HOLD on the desk, table, or chair legs and maintain present location/position.
• If no cover is available, get against inside doorway or crouch against inside wall and cover head; stay away from outside walls, windows or other expanses of glass, and potential falling objects.
• Leave doors open to minimize jamming if the building shifts.
• Do not attempt to run through the building or outside due to risk of falling objects.
• Wait for further instructions.

• Implement evacuation procedures to outside assembly area.
• Assist any students needing special assistance.
• Follow standard student accounting procedures.
• Do not re-enter the building until being given the “all clear” to do so.

• If an evacuation response is initiated, modify evacuation routes as necessary based on the possible location of bomb.
• If what appears to be a bomb is found, DO NOT TOUCH IT; the police department will take charge.
• Turn off cell phones and DO NOT transmit with radios.
• Leave the environment as it is.
• Avoid altering any electrical items or systems (DO NOT turn on or off lights, DO NOT change thermostat, etc.).

Watches: Indicate that conditions are right for the development of a weather hazard. Watches cover a larger area than Warnings. Watches usually have lead times of approximately 1-2 hours (tornado or thunderstorm), 3-12 hours (flash flood), and 12-36 hours (river flood or winter storm).

Warnings: Indicate that a hazard is imminent and the probability of occurrence is extremely high. Warnings are issued based on eyewitness reports or clear signatures from remote sensing devices (radar, satellite). Warnings usually have lead times of approximately 30 minutes or less (for thunderstorm type events), and 6 -18 hours (for river floods and winter storms).

Advisories: Issued when weather is expected to disrupt normal routines, but is not expected to be life threatening (e.g., 2-3 inches of snow, dense fog, etc.). Advisory lead times are the same as Warnings.

Upon Issuance of a Watch or Advisory: CEO/Convention Staff will monitor weather reports for change in conditions.

Urgent Care 24/7 Savannah
210 Fahm St., Savannah, Ga 31401
912-662-8645

Memorial Health University Medical Center
4700 Waters Ave, Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 350-8000

Candler Hospital
5353 Reynolds St, Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 819-6000

A survey will be emailed to all sponsors of registered clubs following the close of Convention.

General Sessions feature National Officer speeches, candidate campaign rallies, performing art competition finals and awards ceremonies. It is recommended that all Beta members attend General Sessions, however, attendance is not mandatory. Detailed session information can be found on our mobile app. Livestreams of each General Session are available through Vimeo. Links to each stream can be found in the mobile app or using the links below:

The National Convention handbook details all competition information and includes all forms you need if a competition requires a form. 

In connection with your registered attendance for National Convention, please be advised that you must follow National Beta policies, CDC guidelines and the recommendations of health officials. Please note that any public location where people are present provides an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and National Beta cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed during your visit. By attending National Beta Convention, you acknowledge and agree that you assume these inherent risks associated with attendance.

To view our stay-to-save hotels and booking process, please click the link below.

National Leadership Ambassadors are selected annually by a panel at the National Convention. They help facilitate the their respective Regional Leadership Summits and any Leadership Sessions held during National Convention.

National Leadership Challenges are events for clubs that qualified at a 2024-2025 Regional Leadership Summit. Qualifying clubs must register online during the National Convention registration process. These challenges include: National Ambassador, Collaboration Connection, Project Proposal, and Lead Outside the Box.

Livestreams of each General Session are available through Vimeo. Links to each stream can be found in the mobile app or using the links below:

National Beta is not responsible for any lost or misplaced items during the event. If you have lost an item, we recommend checking the following locations: the registration desk at City Hall, the judges’ table in Exhibit Hall A-E, or the Beta Shop.

Any lost badges may be replaced at the National Beta registration desk. If you find a badge, please bring it to the registration desk.

National Beta welcomes members of the news media to cover National Convention. All media members must email marketing@betaclub.org for instructions.

The National Office provides up to 8 handheld microphones for Performing Arts – Solo, Duo, Trio, Performing Arts – Group and Campaign Skit participants. Participants in Performing Arts – Group also have access to dedicated instrument microphones. An 88 Key Weighted Yamaha Keyboard is also available.

Download the National Beta app on Apple and Android devices. The app features links to schedules, General Session details, the Handbook, winner lists and more!

National Exhibitions are events designed to showcase Betas’ cooperative teamwork, creativity and knowledge in S.T.E.M. areas. A club may enter each of the exhibitions. Since exhibitions are not state competitions, all clubs are eligible to participate. Registration must be completed during National Convention registration. Each exhibition is limited to 100 participating clubs. Exhibitions are: Meeting of the Minds, Reimagine – Recreate – Recycle, Create and Animate, and Convention Invention.

National Officers are elected annually by registered National Beta Convention attendees to serve the following year. Officers preside over General Sessions and are available to assist in a variety of National Convention activities.

Transporation & Parking information can be found below:

Want reserved seating at National Convention General Sessions? Get ready to shine and take on the ultimate test of skill and speed: How many pennies can you stack in just 60 seconds?

Photography and video recording are allowed during National Convention. There will be a professional photographer in attendance. Photographs will be posted on National Beta’s social media platforms following the conclusion of National Convention. Your attendance grants your permission to be in photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes.

Premier Performers are a group of talented singers and dancers who are featured during the opening session of National Convention. These students are hand-selected during their State Conventions and are invited to perform in a special opening number.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to the people and activities happening around you.
• Avoid walking alone. Whenever possible, walk with a group and use well-lit and populated areas.
• Keep your belongings secure. Use hotel safes to store valuable items and carry only what you need.
• Inform a trusted adult if you observe any suspicious or concerning behavior from anyone.
• Before leaving an area, make sure that you have collected all belongings and any personal items (phone, car keys, hotel room keys, jackets, bags, etc.).
• When traveling in separate groups, make sure that someone knows your location/destination and check-in periodically with a group contact person.

• Treat everyone with respect and kindness, including the homeless population. Remember that they are individuals deserving of dignity.
• Maintain a comfortable distance from strangers, including homeless individuals, and only interact with them under adult supervision.
• Do not give money directly to individuals on the street because you could become a daily target for additional funds. It’s often more impactful to support organizations that can address the underlying causes of homelessness.
• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, valuable items or sharing personal information. This can help minimize the risk of becoming a target for theft.

• Keep your phone out of sight when walking in public. This helps prevent distractions and reduces the risk of becoming a target for theft.
• If you need to use your phone, find a safe and well-populated area to do so.
• Stay aware of your surroundings while using your phone. Pause and find a safe spot if you need to respond to a message or check directions.

• Utilize crosswalks and pedestrian signals when crossing streets. Wait for the signal indicating it’s safe to cross before proceeding.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, even if you have the right of way. Always be cautious of oncoming traffic.
• Avoid jaywalking or crossing streets in the middle of the block. Stick to designated crosswalks for your safety.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of vehicles. Ensure they have seen you and are stopping or yielding before proceeding.
• Stay alert for turning vehicles, even when you have the right of way. Always be prepared to yield if necessary.

• Familiarize yourself with the convention center layout and the location of any emergency exits.
• Keep emergency contact information saved on your phone or written down in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Follow the instructions and guidance of event organizers, security personnel, and law enforcement if any emergency situation arises.
• For groups traveling together, make sure that everyone in the group has each other’s contact information or way to reach everyone in the group.
• Have a dedicated meeting spot if someone were to get lost or for everyone to meet should an emergency occur.

All National Beta attendees are welcome to participate in an online scavenger hunt, hosted through Goose Chase. The scavenger hunt is a great way for your Betas to take advantage of any down time between competitions. New hunts will go live every day of National Convention. The top three teams each day will receive a custom trading pin.

The National Convention schedule of each convention is available within the mobile app and linked below. Detailed general session information can be found under the Sessions icon on the mobile app. All scheduled events are listed in Eastern Standard Time and are subject to change.

The experience of attending a National Beta Convention is enhanced by loud, sudden audio, flashing/strobing lights, video display boards and other elements. Participants with sensitivities to these experiences should be aware of their use, especially during General Sessions. All Sessions will be broadcast via livestream for any attendees who may choose to view in a separate location.

Follow National Beta on Facebook, X, and Instagram to see all news and highlights during National Convention. Be sure to tag National Beta or use the hashtag #betacon25 to be featured.

Fill out this survey to shout out a National Beta staff member or share a highlight.

The stage will be at least a 60 x 40′ performance area.

Transporation & Parking information can be found below:

All National Beta members registered for National Convention can vote for National Officers. All voting is electronic and may be completed on a smart phone, tablet, etc by visiting www.betaclub.org/vote or by clicking the Vote icon in the National Beta mobile app. Pre-registered members will vote using the membership number printed on their name badge. Because ID numbers are required for voting, a device can be used for more than one member. Students, that register onsite, will vote at a designate area immediately following the campaign session.

There are so many ways to travel to the National Convention—you can drive, fly, or ride—but have you ever thought about walking? Not actually walking there on the streets, of course, but taking on the challenge of walking 535 miles, the distance from the National Beta Office in Spartanburg, SC, to the Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida. Take on the challenge!