National Beta is committed to providing every registered club with the opportunity to participate in State Convention in a safe and equitable manner. While our goal is always to host an in-person event, severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances may require adjustments to the convention schedule or format.
Decision Process
When inclement weather is forecasted, National Beta works closely with the convention venue, hotels and State Council to evaluate the situation.
Before making any changes, we consider:
Current and forecasted weather conditions
Road and travel safety
Venue accessibility
The availability of alternate convention dates
The ability for clubs across the state to safely attend
The timeline leading up to National Convention
Our first priority is always to determine whether the convention can safely proceed either as scheduled or with a modified schedule. If that is not possible, we will explore alternate dates with the convention venue. If suitable dates are unavailable, the convention will transition to a virtual format.
Because weather conditions can change rapidly, there is no predetermined timeline for announcing a decision. Our staff continuously monitors conditions and works to notify sponsors before travel begins while ensuring decisions are based on the most current information available.
Every decision is made with participant safety and the overall convention experience in mind.
Virtual State Convention
If a State Convention transitions to a virtual format, registered clubs will continue to participate through an online convention experience.
Students will submit competition entries electronically during a designated submission window. Depending on the competition, submissions may include videos, photographs, written documentation, or other required materials. A virtual convention handbook will be released to clubs explaining the specific requirements for each competition.
Students running for State Office will submit their campaign speeches, skit and question/answer electronically as well.
Following the submission period:
Judges will review all eligible entries.
The State Officer Campaign Rally will be released via Vimeo with an online voting window to follow.
Winners will be announced during a virtual General Session held on Vimeo.
The virtual convention timeline is established in coordination with the National Office and State Council and State Sponsors to allow adequate time for National Convention planning and registration.
Competitions Available
The following competitions are offered during a virtual convention:
Accessorized Design
Apparel Design
Club Trading Pin
Engineering
Living Literature
Marketing & Communications
Onsite Art (Drawing & Painting)
Onsite Cake Decorating
Performing Arts – Group
Performing Arts – Solo, Duo & Trio (Dance, Instrumental, Variety Act, or Vocal)
Robotics
Scrapbook
Service Learning Showcase
Show Choir (Senior Beta)
Songfest (Elementary & Junior Beta)
Speech
Three Dimensional Design
Two Dimensional Design
Visual Arts
Competitions requiring an onsite component may be modified or unavailable during a virtual convention. Specific details will be communicated in the virtual convention handbook, should this occur.
For example, oral rounds for Musicology and Quiz Bowl will not be conducted virtually. Additionally, a second round of “onsite” testing will not occur. National Convention qualification procedures for these events will be communicated at that time.
Refund Policy
Hotel Refunds
Hotels booked through Orchid Events
Reservations will be automatically canceled.
Clubs will receive applicable refunds.
No cancellation fees will be assessed.
Hotels booked outside of Orchid
Clubs will be responsible for contacting the hotel directly.
Refunds and cancellation policies are determined by the individual hotel.
Convention Registration
National Beta will provide refunds for registered sponsors and guests.
Sponsors may also request refunds for student registrations if their club chooses not to participate in the virtual convention, provided students have not submitted competition entries or otherwise participated in the virtual event.
Students receiving refunds will not be eligible to:
Compete
Vote during the campaign rally
Advance to National Convention
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will National Beta decide whether to postpone or virtualize a convention?
There is no fixed timeline. Our staff continually monitors weather conditions while remaining in close communication with the venue, hotels and State Council. We make every effort to notify sponsors before travel begins while ensuring decisions are based on the most accurate information available.
Why doesn't National Beta reserve an alternate convention date each year?
Reserving alternate dates would require National Beta to contract and financially guarantee each convention, including venue space and hotel blocks. This would significantly increase the cost of hosting State Conventions and is not financially feasible.
What platforms are used to facilitate a Virtual Convention?
Competition materials will be submitted through Jotform. The campaign rally and virtual general session will be made available through Vimeo. Links to both the form and Vimeo will be sent via email to all sponsors of registered clubs.
Will the Beta Shop still be available?
Beginning with the 2026–2027 State Convention season, any convention that transitions to a virtual format will feature an online Beta Shop offering convention merchandise with free shipping.
Our club will miss out on pin trading. Do you offer a way for our club to do that?
While we do not offer an option for virtual pin trading, this may be facilitated via the individual BAND channel set up for each convention.