Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: I saw there was a live video that provided this announcement. Where can I watch that for more details?
A: You can rewatch that video on the MARCS Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/MARCSSHOWS.
Q: What aspects of the convention will move to a virtual event?
A: As this will be history making, MARCS is working very hard within the convention team as well as partnering with sponsors, vendors, specialty clubs, ARBA Committees, ARBA Board, etc. to determine exactly how the virtual event will unfold. We plan to hold as much of the convention as possible virtually. Please monitor the MARCS Facebook page or ask to be added to our e-mail blast list for upcoming announcements by contacting us at 2020arbaconvention@gmail.com.
Q: Where will official information be posted about the virtual convention that is being planned or about the cancellation of the event in Harrisburg?
A: The MARCS organization is the only source of official information regarding either event. Information will be communicated in our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/762854477382377/, on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MARCSSHOWS, and on our website https://www.marcsconventions.com/. Additionally you can contact us as seen below.
Q: How can I stay “in the know”?
A: Join our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/762854477382377/. Visit our website https://www.marcsconventions.com/. Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MARCSSHOWS. We are also on Twitter @ARBA2020.@ARBA2020
Q: I have a question that is not answered or I need to contact someone from MARCS. How can I get in touch with someone for help?
A: Only the MARCS team can provide official information and answers to your questions about our event. We recommend that you send us an e-mail at 2020arbaconvention@gmail.com or contact us through our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MARCSSHOWS/.
Q: Will you hold a convention in 2021 or 2022 in Harrisburg?
A: No. Next year we are excited to support Crossroads Rabbit & Cavy Shows for a wonderful convention in Louisville, KY. This is the same group we are co-hosting the 2023 100th ABRA Convention and Show with in Louisville.
Q. Will I receive legs or points from this event?
A. No. Under ARBA rules virtual shows are not sanctioned events. The MARCS board members have no intention of asking the ARBA board to make any adjustments to this rule. While we are doing this with the blessing of the board this is an unsanctioned event.
Q. Is there an entry fee?
A. Yes. The show committee is working to determine the entry fee to cover costs. The plan is to use the majority of the proceeds to benefit the ARBA membership. These groups or committeess will be named in the near future.
ARBA Updates
Q: How are impacts to ARBA Judges Conferences, exams and applicants being addressed?
A: The ARBA Judges Continuing Education Committee is in the final stages of sending recommendations to the ARBA Board of Directors for approval of an online Judges Conference. Once approved this information will be posted on the ARBA Website and ARBA Facebook Page. In addition the ARBA Board of Directors will be providing more information regarding resolves to licensing concerns for applicants in the very near future thus minimizing the impact to members needing shows or a convention event in order to satisfy requirements.
Q: What will happen to the COD presentations in process that were to present in Harrisburg?
A: The ARBA Rabbit and Cavy Standards Committees are sending recommendations to the ARBA Board of Directors for approval of a process to manage this situation. Once approved this information will be posted on the ARBA Website and ARBA Facebook Page.
Q: How will this impact the youth and royalty contests planned for the fall?
A: The ARBA Youth Committee is currently working on plans to host virtual contests. Updates will be provided on the ARBA Website and ARBA Facebook Page.
Volunteers & volunteering opportunities
Q: I signed up to volunteer for the event in Harrisburg. Am I still needed?
A: Yes, we will be shifting gears to a virtual convention. The MARCS team will still need people to volunteer to assist with the virtual convention. Some needs will obviously change.
Q: How can I sign up to volunteer to help with the virtual convention?
A: You can send us an e-mail at 2020arbaconvention@gmail.com or contact us through our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MARCSSHOWS/.
Travel, Hotel & Camping
Q: If I booked my hotel in the convention block through aRres travel via the MARCS website will I need to cancel my room?
A: If you booked your hotel in the convention block through aRes travel via the MARCS website your hotel room will be cancelled automatically in the coming weeks. You should receive a confirmation at that time and no charges will be made. If you do not receive a cancellation confirmation please contact aRes at 1-800-216-1482 but please give them a few weeks to process the reservations through their system.
Q: Will my travel plans (airline, non Ares booked hotel reservations, rental cars, etc.) be refunded or changeable?
A: Due to COVID-19, many travel booking providers have very flexible cancellation or rescheduling options currently but these policies vary by provider. Please contact your travel booking provider directly to inquire about your cancellation or rescheduling options. Unfortunately MARCS has no information about these policies.
Q: I booked camping through the MARCS website. Will that be refunded?
A: Yes we will be processing the refunds over the next week or two. If you do not see the refund hit by your June bank statement please contact us at 2020arbaconvention@gmail.com.
Catalog, Advertising, Vendors, Sponsors, Specialty Clubs
Q: I paid for a catalog. Will I receive a refund?
A: The MARCS team will be producing a catalog for the virtual convention. If you already purchased a catalog you will receive an email in the next week asking if you would like a catalog or would like a refund.
Q: I have reserved a booth as a vendor or specialty club. Will I receive a refund?
A: The MARCS team will be in touch with you shortly about opportunities to continue partnering with us for the virtual event and to discuss refunds.
Q: I have paid for advertising. Will I receive a refund?
A: The MARCS team will be in touch with you shortly about opportunities to continue partnering with us for the virtual event and to discuss refunds.
Q: I have signed up to sponsor the convention in Harrisburg. Will I receive a refund?
A: The MARCS team will be in touch with you shortly about opportunities to continue partnering with us for the virtual event and to discuss refunds.
Judges
Q: I was selected as a Judge for the Convention in Harrisburg. Will I be able to judge for the virtual convention?
A: The MARCS team will be in touch with all convention Judges over the next few weeks. We hope that our current judges will be able to continue to judge with us but we understand that due to the change in the way the judging will be done some judges may not be able to continue with their assignment.