F.A.Q.

When does Treffen Gateway to the West registration open?

Treffen registration normally opens approximately three months prior to the event start date.  Treffen Gateway to the West registration opens on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 3:00 PM (ET). Check your eBrake News, social media, and PCA & Treffen websites for announcements.  Also, check our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/treffennorthamerica for the latest information and updates.

Note: Due to contractual obligations, all attendees are required to stay at the Ritz-Carlton hotel regardless if you live in the local area. Please only book one room per primary registrant.

How does the registration process work and what can I expect?

Go to the Treffen Registration webpage and log into your PCA membership account prior to starting registration. Since all Treffen events have limited capacity, it is possible for the event to be sold out while you are entering or selecting your information (certain destination tends to sell out quickly, usually in less than 10 minutes). At that point please add yourself on the waitlist; a link will appear on the website’s registration webpage. Also see “Is there a WAITLIST for Treffen? What about for Tours?”

Why doesn't PCA expand Treffen participation or the number of events per year?

Treffen, by design, is an intimate, exclusive event intended for a smaller group. It is run by a small team of volunteers, requires a host region(s) near the destination for running tours and assist with administration tasks, and takes about two years to plan each event. There are also many factors, such as resort size, room availability, event space, volunteer availability, costs, etc. that affect our capacity. The optimal size for Treffen is for about 120-135 rooms or roughly 270 participants; there aren’t enough resources to host larger groups for more than two events per year.

Is there a WAITLIST for Treffen? What about for Tours?

If the event sells out during the initial registration process, you will be prompted to add your name and email to the WAITLIST. Do NOT skip this step if you still wish to be part of this event; this is the only process for you to be considered for Treffen after registration closes. Calling or emailing someone to be put on the list will only put you further down the list! The Treffen Registrar will contact you should spots become available. However, we cannot guarantee that your first tour choice will be available. Similarly, if the tour you wanted to sign up for is not available, please email the Treffen Registrar at treffenregistrar@national.pca.org to be added to that waitlist and contacted should spots become available. If you wish to know what number you are on the waitlist, it may take up to a week for us to manually sort out the order of the when people were cut off.

What is the format/schedule of Treffen events?

Treffen events feature three days of non-competitive touring, creative dining, and the opportunity to explore exciting destinations. Arrival and event registration check-in occur on Wednesday afternoon. For Treffen Gateway to the West, escorted driving tours will take place on Thursday and Friday; “Navigators’ Day Off” (NDO) special activities or destination drives on Saturday. Checkout and departure is on Sunday. Click here to see the full list of activities and their descriptions.

What does the Treffen registration fee include?

The base registration fee includes welcome reception, breakfasts, evening social/dining events, event apparel, and other amenities; however, it does not include lodging.  Escorted drives and “Navigators’ Day Off” (NDO) activities have additional fees for rentals, lunch, admission, etc. that are added during the registration process.  Please note that you must register your Co-Registrant at the time of registration to ensure that you receive your first tour choice(s). Adding a Co-Registrant after submitting your registration cannot guarantee availability on tours.

How many people can I register for Treffen?

Because you must be logged in to your PCA account to register, Treffen registration is for a primary registrant and a co-registrant only. You cannot add additional "guests" to your registration as the event and tours may be sold out.

Registration for Treffen Gateway to the West opens Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 3:00 PM (ET). Please check your eBrake News and PCA & Treffen websites for announcements.

What is the refund policy for Treffen and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel?

Treffen Refund Policy: Cancellations received prior to 11:59 PM ET Tuesday, July 25, 2023, will receive a full refund less $200 per person processing and administrative fees. No refunds, regardless of circumstances, will be given on or after Wednesday, July 26, 2023 as we have commitments to pay for contractual and event obligations. We also do not allow transfer of registration. Although not required, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all Treffen events as you would for any travel to cover un-refundable expenses.  

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Refund Policy: Deposits will be refunded if notice is received at least three (3) business days prior to arrival, and a cancellation number obtained.

How do I make hotel room reservations?

Treffen rooms are reserved for confirmed Treffen registrants only. Use the instruction provided in your confirmation e-mail to make reservations; do not pass this information to anyone. The hotel may have limited number of rooms available for pre- and post- event dates at the PCA pricing, but they are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Once those are reserved, you may contact the hotel on your own for rooms at regular rates if they are available. By registering for the event, you are agreeing to give the Treffen Team permission to share your name and e-mail address with other participants for contact purposes. This information will not be made public on our website.

Note: You cannot make any room reservations until you have successfully registered for the event.

Can I reserve a room at the PCA special rate prior to Treffen registration opening?

No. Reservations made by non-registrants will be cancelled by us. 

Can I get a list of attendees after registration? 

We used to post a list of attendees on the website; however, due to personal privacy concerns we no longer provide that information online.

What can we expect at the car wash?

Treffen has a sponsor for the car wash. We will provide buckets, wash mitts, brushes, car shampoo, glass cleaner, tire cleaner, etc. We recommend bringing your own drying towels.

May I participate in Treffen without a Porsche?

The destinations’ roads are best experienced in a Porsche; however, a Porsche is not required. Treffen is seeking information regarding rental Porsches for future Treffens. 

When and where are future Treffens?

Future Treffen events can be found on the Future Treffens page of this website. Please be sure to check eBrake News and the PCA & Treffen websites for Treffen announcements.

How are Treffen destinations selected?

Treffen selection criteria centers around 1) geographic diversity, 2) Region capabilities, 3) attractive destinations, and 4) great resorts. Spring Treffens are sited in the southern half of North America and Fall Treffens in the northern half. Treffen destinations are set to complement the location of Parade each year and occur somewhat remote to the location of Parade.

Are there sponsorship opportunities available for Treffen?

Certainly! Sponsor a drive, social, reception, party, or become the title sponsor. Email events@pca.org for additional information.

 

Disclaimer: By registering for Treffen you hereby consent to the disclosure of your name, region, and email address to PCA support staff and other registrants of this event; however, your information will not be posted to the website or be disclosed to the general public.  Any photo, video, or image taken by or of Treffen guests during the event may appear in PCA or Treffen advertisements, Facebook, and/or Panorama magazine.