Friday Forum FAQ
FRIDAY FORUM FAQ
City Club appreciates our members and guests and their attendance at Friday Forums. The following information and tips can help City Club keep your Forum experience flowing as smoothly as possible.
Q: Why isn’t a Forum listed for an upcoming Friday?
A: City Club lists upcoming Friday Forums and opens reservations as soon as a topic, speaker and date are confirmed. We want to provide as much time as possible for you to make your plans. As soon as we know, you know.
Q: Why should I pre-register for my lunch?
A: Jake’s Catering at The Governor Hotel requires the number of lunch reservations on Wednesday at 2:00 PM. Although City Club makes every effort to accommodate late lunch reservations, we cannot guarantee that there will be meals available after the deadline or at the door.
Q: Can I reserve a table?
A: Absolutely. At most Friday Forums, City Club is happy to reserve tables for eight ($180) or ten ($220) people. At the most popular Forums (such as the State of the State address), we will reserve tables for groups of ten. All seats must be paid for by a single party by the standard reservation deadline. It is best (though not required) to book tables by phone. Please call 503-228-7231 x110 to book your table and to ensure that City Club knows what name to put on the table tent. City Club does not need the names of all your guests - it is easiest for them to check in using the name on your table tent, i.e. "Hi, I'm with City Club of Portland."
Q: I have a question about today’s Forum. Why isn’t anyone answering the phone?
A: Friday mornings are a busy time for City Club staff. We all leave the office early and go to the hotel to prepare for the Forum. We will do our best to answer your question at the venue, or will call you back after the Forum.
Q: Where is the Forum?
A: It is at The Governor Hotel, 614 SW 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97205. A sign in the lobby will direct you to the correct floor.
Q: Why is that registration line moving so much faster than this registration line?
A: The pre-paid ticket line always moves faster than the “pay at the door” line. If you would like a quick and easy entrance into the Friday Forum, we recommend paying for your lunch ticket in advance.
Q: When should I arrive at the Forum?
A: Doors open at 11:30 AM, with a few exceptions. At very large Friday Forums, for example, doors may open early to expedite check-in. You should arrive in time to check-in, seat yourself, eat lunch and network before the program begins at 12:15. If you are hoping to purchase a coffee/tea ticket at the door, the closer to 11:30 that you arrive the better - these tickets tend to sell out fast.
Q: What if I’m running late?
A: If you have not prepaid, your lunch ticket may be released for sale five minutes before the program is scheduled to begin. If you have pre-paid, we will have a lunch ticket for you. However, the wait staff stops serving lunch shortly after the program begins in order to keep the focus on the speaker. If you miss lunch entirely, please speak to a City Club staff member.
Q: I’m not vegetarian, but I don’t like the meat entrée. Can I get a vegetarian meal?
A: Although we are happy to accommodate your request if possible, we do not always have extra vegetarian meals. We need to save the vegetarian meals we do have for those who pre-ordered them.
Q: I am strictly vegetarian or vegan, but I forgot to order a vegetarian meal. Am I going to go hungry?
A: Please talk to City Club staff when you check in and we’ll see what we can do.
Q: I have an [insert special dietary requirement here]. Can I get a meal?
A: Yes, but you absolutely need to let us know before the Wednesday, 2:00 PM deadline. Jake’s Catering at The Governor Hotel will do their best to meet your needs.
Q: What’s for lunch on Friday?
A: Good question! We don’t know… yet. Jake’s Catering informs us of the menu when we arrive at the Governor Hotel on Friday. This “chef’s choice” menu helps to keep our lunch ticket prices low.
Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: We’re sorry, but for liability reasons the hotel cannot permit outside food at the Forum.
Q: Where should I sit?
A: Well, that depends.
- If your group reserved a lunch table, look for a table with a sign that has your host’s or group’s name.
- If you are not with a group, you may sit at any table that does not have a sign.
- If you bought a coffee/tea ticket, look for a table sign that says “Coffee/tea ticket holders only please.” These tables also have a different color tablecloth than the others in the room.
- If you are not eating lunch and will be sitting in general admission, you may sit in any chair that is not at a table.
Q: Can I ask a question at the microphone during the audience question and answer period?
A: Asking questions is a privilege of City Club membership. If you are a City Club member, we welcome your question. If you are not a member, we invite you to become one during the Friday Forum (just talk to City Club staff) so that you may ask a question at the microphone. Non-members are invited to write their questions on one of the index cards on the table. Staff collects these cards and the City Club president reads at least one of them during the Q&A period.
Q: I have great idea for a Friday Forum. What do I do?
A: We invite you to submit a Forum idea via our website’s Submit a Proposal page. This is the best way to ensure that your program idea is reviewed by the Friday Forum committee.
Q: Can I listen to or watch a past Friday Forum?
A: Yes! Each week’s forum is broadcast on the radio and on television during the following week. You can find a complete listing of broadcast times on our website. You can also visit our online archive to hear Forums from weeks – or even years – past.
If this didn't answer your question, please contact City Club at 503-228-7231 x100 or email amy@pdxcityclub.org.
