What is the MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Friends, and Advocates?
The 2017 MCC PAD Conference represents the 9th MCC Conference for People of African Descent (PAD), Friends, and Advocates. MCC people from around the globe will come together to worship and celebrate God’s all-inclusive love in an intentional African-American cultural experience. People of all ethnicities are encouraged to come and experience the diversity that makes the MCC PAD Conference unique.
We use this time together to provide educational opportunities through plenary and breakout sessions. If it is spiritual connection you are seeking, we also there will be daily dynamic worship. If it’s fellowship and networking you are seeking, there will be many opportunities to connect with friends and to make new ones. And remember… all are welcome!
Our theme for this conference is Grounded in Love! We invite you to join us in August 2017 for an exciting and soul-stirring journey!
If I am not a person of African Descent, can I attend?
While the conference is grounded in the African American culture, all ethnicities are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
Are there any events I can attend if I did not register?
YES − All of our worship services are open to the public and do not require a registration to attend. We highly encourage you to register so that you might experience the conference.
Will there be programming for children?
Unfortunately, we will not have programming for children this conference.
What are the temperatures like in St. Louis in August?
The month of August is characterized by gradually falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs around 87°F throughout the month, with moderate humidity. Read more here.
I have a special dietary requirement and/or food allergies?
Please make note of your needs during the registration process.
I wear glasses or contact lenses. What do I need to know?
Bring an extra pair of contact lenses and/or glasses together with all the supplies necessary to care for, clean and maintain your corrective lenses.
I use a mobility device (walker, wheelchair or scooter). What items do I need to plan for when traveling to the conference?
Unfortunately, the conference does not have the capability to secure mobility devices for attendees, thus you will need to bring your own or secure rental of same.
I am traveling with a service animal. What items do I need to plan for?
Please contact the hotel at 314.621.8200 for information on service animals.
Other things to remember when traveling with a Animal:
Service Animal Identification – Ensure that your service animal is wearing an appropriate vest, collar or other identification as a working service animal. All I.D. tags must be current. Bring a copy of your animal’s most recent vaccine information. It is strongly recommended that you bring or ship your service animal’s food. Some pet food brands are regional, and its not guaranteed you will be able to find your pet food in Atlanta.
What happens in the case of a medical emergency?
Expect that medical care and treatment will come at a cost. Contact your health insurance provider to make sure that these costs are covered under your policy. You may need to purchase additional traveler’s health insurance.
I have a medical condition. What do I need to know to plan my trip?
Insurance – Expect that medical care and treatment will come at a cost. Contact your health insurance provider to make sure that these costs are covered under your policy. You may need to purchase additional traveler’s health insurance.
Medical Records – In case of emergency, successful treatment will be dependent on knowing your medical history and any existing conditions. Bring a copy of your medical records. The record should include: any medications you are currently taking (prescription and over-the-counter), any allergies (especially pharmaceutical allergies) and any chronic or other conditions that you have been or are being treated for. Twenty-four hour contact information for your doctor is also important so that local physicians can consult your personal doctor if needed.
You may also wish to get or update a medical alert bracelet or necklace, especially if your medical history includes conditions that may render you unconscious and unable to communicate with the attending medical professionals. See the information about traveling with medication for additional details.
I have serious allergies. What plans do I need to make for my travel?
If you have a condition that may require rescue medication such as asthma, bee sting allergies or extreme food allergies, be sure to carry your rescue medication with you at all times in a clearly identifiable container. Also, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace. See the information about traveling with medication for additional details.
I have a hyperactive or compromised immune system and/or have MCS / IEI / TILT. What types of considerations should I plan for?
As you are aware, it is difficult to assess what chemicals may be in the environment at the hotel or church. We recommend you travel with your own towels, linens and personal care products. Work with the MCC Staff to contact the hotel’s housekeeping department at least 2 weeks in advance of the conference. Discuss your particular needs and share requests for cleaning your room such as removing all bed linens prior to your arrival, using a room with windows that open, limiting cleaning to vinegar and water, or other accommodations.
I am traveling with medication. What do I need to know?
Bring an adequate supply of all medications. Medications must be in their original containers and clearly labeled. Carry a signed, dated letter from your primary physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. Pack all medications in carry-on luggage. It is recommended that you carry a duplicate supply in the checked luggage. If you have significant allergies or chronic medical problems, wear a medical alert bracelet. (For additional information see the Medical Emergencies and Medications and Pharmaceutical Supplies Sections)
Medications and Pharmaceutical Supplies
Travel with enough medication to cover the length of your stay plus enough for two extra days.
For over-the-counter medication and pharmaceutical supplies, have your personal physician prepare a copy of your medical records indicating their need and use.
Carry all medication, pharmaceutical supplies, and documentation with you in your carry-on luggage. Once at the hotel, make sure your roommate or someone who can access your room knows where this information is, and if possible, keep a copy with you in a purse, bag, wallet or pocket.
Refrigerators – When you make your hotel reservation, note that you require a refrigerator.
I am traveling with oxygen. What do I need to know?
Unfortunately, the conference does not have the capability to secure oxygen for attendees, thus you will need to bring your own or secure rental of same.
Air Travel
If you occasionally or regularly require supplemental oxygen, most U.S. air carriers and many overseas carriers can provide service for passengers requiring oxygen. The FAA requires a physician’s statement of your oxygen needs in order to fly on a commercial airline. You cannot bring your own oxygen on-board, you must use airline supplied oxygen. Requirements vary from carrier to carrier, but they all require arrangements be made in advance, and they all charge for in-flight oxygen. Contact the airline’s special services or medical department at least seven days in advance of your trip. Charges range between USD$50.00 and USD$150.00 per flight. If you change planes on your trip, you will be charged twice. If possible, take a direct flight or one with an extra stop but no plane change.
Airlines don’t provide oxygen for in-terminal use, even during layovers. Some airports do not allow oxygen containers to pass through the security check point. You need to make arrangements for oxygen while waiting for your flight and between legs separately. It may be easiest to book your flight through a travel agent that specializes in disability travel. A list of agents is available at https://www.disabledtravelers.com/travel_agents.htm
Oxygen Concentrators
In order to use an oxygen concentrator on-board you must get a written statement indicating that you can see/hear alarms and respond properly, when oxygen is necessary, and the maximum rate of flow as allowed by the cabin pressure. A possible template form for your physician to complete is available at www.inogen.net/faa. Some airlines may require the statement on the physician’s official letterhead.
Before booking the flight, make sure that the airline knows that you are planning to use an oxygen concentrator. Be sure to ask about the availability and type of power supplies available during the flight. Also, be sure to have a backup oxygen supply planned for your final destination.
Make sure your oxygen concentrator is clean and well-maintained. Bring enough batteries for the flight and a few extra in case of delays. Go to the airport early because it may take longer for the oxygen concentrator to pass security. It will also be helpful to have information about your oxygen concentrator from the manufacturer and medical record documentation from your physician of your need. You may encounter a customs agent who is not familiar with this specific piece of medical equipment. After the flight, be sure to recharge your batteries for the trip home.