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FAQ for the 41st PTG Convention and Institute

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers):

What are the dates of the 1998 convention?

Thursday, July 8 to Sunday July 12, 1998

What's the registration fee?

Registration is $195 for PTG members ($230 for non-members) before June 11th.
Don't wait too long because after June 11 it goes up by $35. See the registration page for all the details

What are room rates at the Westin?

The special PTG rates start at $113 for single or double, but you must register before June 11 1998.
See the hotels page for more details.

Are there any other hotels nearby and what are their rates?

Yes, the Holiday Inn also offers PTG members a special rate starting at $85 single if you register before June 18 1998.
See the hotels page for more details.

How do I get from the airport to the Convention Center and how much will it cost?

There is an airport shuttle which leaves every hour, 15 minutes after the hour.
Cost is $9 one way and $18 both ways.
Taxis are always available, and reasonable since its only about 12 minutes.

How far is Providence from Cape Cod? Boston? New York City?

If you're from the mid-west or western United State, you may be surprised and pleased to learn that most popular destinations on the east coast are relatively close by.

Driving times to some selected cities: (approximate)

Maine seaports: about 2+ hours north
Boston and Cape Cod: about an hour north or east (45 miles)
New York City: about 3.5 hours southeast. (185 miles)

Are there restaurants and stores inside the Convention center? Within walking distance of the Convention Center? Is it in a safe neighborhood?

Yes, YES and YES.
Providence is famous for its restaraunts since it has a well-known cooking school.
A number of great restarauts are within walking distance.
See the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau web site for a complete list.

Who is on the Institute staff?

Evelyn Smith is Committee chair, with four able assistants. See the contact page for more info.

Who do I contact if I want to take the RPT exam?

Richard Bittner, chair of the Examinations and Test Standards Committee
email Richard at. HXHP60A@prodigy.com

Will there be any new classes and instructors?

Yes! We're keeping your favorites, but adding a number of new instructors and clases.

We'll have a special group of rebuilding classes, including a new rebuilding applied skills class where you can get hands-on practice to improve your craftmanship.

Not only will you be able to get your hearing tested, you can also be fitted for a pair of musician's ear plugs.

A physical therapist who has worked with piano technicians' aches and pains will be available for private consultations.

Muting Master Class, Dan Levitan, ways to keep time spent handling mutes to a minimum

Bringing Up Baby: Raising the Small Grand to Customer's Expectations, Allan Gilreath, making the best of your time and your customer's money.

The Essential Piano Technician, Dan Reed, basic to intermediate tips for general service of typical home pianos

Benchwarming to Player: How to Get Past First Base and Score a Home Run, Norman Cantrell, in-home player piano service.
See the New Classes page for more info.

What else will be new?

The trip and tour of the nearby Mason & Hamlin factory will be a highlight.

Gallery of Rebuilders will highlight the craftsmanship of some of the finest rebuilders in the country.

The all new Cyber-Cafe on computer technology. This year will feature a "Cyber Cafe" with hands-on computers and computer software. To help piano technicians reap the benefits of computer technology, the Cybercafe will let you learn about the business and technical uses of computers.

Festival of Temperaments will happen Sunday morning, both sessions. Skip Becker will be ringmaster for a five-ring circus explaining, tuning, comparing and listening to five (or more) temperaments on five pianos.

What attractions are available in the greater Providence area?

For starters, contact the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau (PWCVB) at 1-800-233-1636 for a tourist info packet. The PWCVB will also have a booth at the convention where they will offer a restaurant reservation service along with brochures on local attractions.
See the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau for more information.

PTG 1998 Convention Home Page