Safety and Health

Phi Theta Kappa is committed to the safety and health of all PTK Catalyst 2026 attendees. In partnership with the Baltimore Convention Center and partner hotels, Phi Theta Kappa will adhere to all federal, state, and local authority guidance, as well as any venue regulations.

When registering for PTK Catalyst 2026, each attendee is agreeing to responsibly monitor their personal health situation. Completing registration indicates that attendees will remove themselves from PTK Catalyst 2026 events if exhibiting any symptoms of illness.

PTK Catalyst 2026 is a weapon and firearm-free event.

Event Registration Bags/Compliant Bags

To provide a safer environment for our attendees and members, PTK has implemented a policy that limits the types of bags that may be brought into international PTK events. A clear bag will be provided to all registrants.

Below are the compliant bags for PTK events:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. An official clear PTK registration bag will be distributed to all attendees that are registered for an international PTK event.
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the event. The small clutch can be placed inside the clear registration bag or handheld. The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and is easily searched.
  • An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a security checkpoint entrance designated for this purpose.
Can attendees carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones, or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?

Yes. Binoculars, phones, cameras, or water bottles can be carried into the event so long as it is not in its own bag. There is not a restriction on items that attendees have been able to bring into the event. It is only a restriction on the type of container used to carry items.

What happens if I show up with a bag that is not permitted?

Attendees carrying bags that are non-compliant are subject to random bag searches. This could delay the process of entrance into a General Session or Opportunity Expo.

If I have certain items that I need to bring into the event for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?

There will be a separate entrance to allow for security screening of these bags and medically necessary items.

Do I have to put everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?

No. We are only limiting the type of bags carried into the event, not the items that you normally bring to the event. Therefore, you can carry items in your pockets or jacket, and you can carry a blanket or jacket over your arms. There will be a separate entrance to allow for security screening of these bags and medically necessary items.

Accessibility and Dietary Needs

Phi Theta Kappa is committed to providing equal access for all participants of PTK Catalyst. As part of the registration process, we include an opportunity for you to let us know of your accessibility and/or dietary needs. The deadline for notification of any accessibility or dietary needs is March 2, 2026. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please email us at events@ptk.org.

Reasonable dietary, physical, cultural, or religious accommodations will be provided upon request if Phi Theta Kappa is given adequate time to secure the requested services, the services are available within the requested time period, and the requested accommodation does not result in an undue hardship as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) (“action requiring significant difficulty or expense”), or as otherwise limited by ADA.

Accessibility at the Baltimore Convention Center

Learn more infomation about accessibility at the Baltimore Convention Center HERE.

Wheelchair and Mobility Rentals

For those interested in mobility equipment, please contact the Lenox Medical Supply directly to reserve a mobility scooter/wheelchair. We highly recommend booking as early as feasible to ensure availability.

Company: Lenox Medical Supply
Phone: 1-866-474-4356  or  202-387-1960
Email: rentals@lenoxmedicalsupply.com
Website: CLICK HERE

Below is their pricing for three days March 26 – 28, 2026.
If you need assistance outside of these dates, pricing will be adjusted accordingly.

Standard Mobility Scooter: $150.00 for the duration of the event
Heavy-Duty Mobility Scooter: $150.00 for the duration of the event
Manual Wheelchairs: $75.00 for the duration of the event

5% discount will be applied at check-out, you MUST let the company know you are attending Catalyst with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in order to receive a discount.

 

All rentals include FREE delivery and pickup to/from the Baltimore Convention Center or your hotel in the Baltimore area.

Photosensitivity and Seizures

Exposure to flashing lights at certain intensities or to certain visual patterns has been known to trigger seizures. While many factors must combine to produce a reaction, persons are advised that graphic and audiovisual effects are used in the General Sessions. When producing these effects, care is taken to limit frequency of flashes and contrasts with background lighting.

Sensory Room

A room dedicated to those who have sensory sensitivities will be available at the Baltimore Convention Center. The room number will be updated here as the event nears. Signage will also direct to this room at the event.

Alcohol, Controlled Substances, and Behavior

Persons may not bring alcohol or controlled substances into any Catalyst event. Courteous, professional behavior is expected. Persons exhibiting inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave.

Smoking Policy

The Baltimore Convention Center is a smoke-free facility. Attendees may smoke in designated smoking areas outside the building.