PLA Memberships

---

Can you hardly believe that it is already January 2009!?  That means it is almost time for KinkFest!  It also means that nearly everyone's PLA Membership is coming up on expiration.  BUT WAIT!   Why is it almost everyone?  I thought every member expired on March 31st each year, just after KinkFest?

Well, the PLA Board has gotten rid of the old expiration policy and has returned to the old membership system where each member will expire 365 days from the day they signed up.  This means that if you sign up in January, you won't expire two months later anymore.   Here is the details:

•    All PLA Members can signup online or with a paper form and will be a member for 365 days from that day.
•    Any PLA Member can renew at anytime through out the year and will have an additional 365 days added to their expiration date.
•    2 months prior to their expiration date, they will receive an automated email letting them know they are going to expire soon, along with instructions on how to renew.
•    Renewals can be done online using the PLA Membership Tool at: https://secure.portlandleather.org/pla-membership/index.php and cost $10
•    Updates or member information including mailing address, name, and mailing list subscriptions can also be done at the same place for FREE, 24 hours a day!
•    All memberships will be assigned a password that can be used for not only updating and renewing your membership information, but also for pre-registering for events and workshops at discounted prices, including KinkFest 2009!

PLA Membership FAQ

---

Does attending KinkFest automatically give me a PLA Membership or renew
my existing one?
No!  You must sign-up, renew, and manage your PLA Membership separately on the PLA Website, or by mailing in a paper application along with a check.

Do people have to be a PLA Member to attend KinkFest?
No!  But joining PLA will get you a discount to the event, and other PLA events throughout the year including workshops and 10% off at some online and local retailers.  PLA Membership also will get you invited to exclusive PLA member's only events starting in February!

How do I know if I am a current PLA Member?
The easiest way to check to see if you are a PLA Member is to try and update your membership information using the membership tool at http://secure.portlandleather.org/pla-membership/  If the system tells you that it cannot find your membership information, you either a not a current member, or you are using a different email address than you originally signed up.

How will I know if my membership is going to expire?
PLA will email you 2 months before your membership is going to expire, reminding you how to renew.   We will email you again 1 week before, and then on the day of your expiration you will receive and email letting you know that it has expired.

What happens when my membership expires?
Once your membership expires, you will no longer be a current member, and you will not be eligible for any membership benefits.  PLA will keep your past membership information on file for 1 year past it's expiration date.  You can renew anytime during that 1 year period.  After that time, your information will be removed and you will no longer be able to renew and you would need to get a new membership.   (Note: in the future new PLA Memberships might cost significantly more than a renewal)

I let my membership lapse for six months, and then decided to renew.  Will my membership expire one year from the original expiration date, or will it be one year from my renewal date?
PLA will always give you an additional year from either your existing expiration date, or the date of your renewal, which ever is longer.   You are not required to cover "back dues" on your expired membership.

What is the difference between a "renewal" and a new membership?
A New Membership consists of entering all your information into the system, creation of a PLA Membership Card, and get's you a PLA Membership Pin.  A renewal just extends your membership for another year and retains your original membership number, and start date.  PLA Members that know their original start date are encourage to contact membership@portlandleather.org so that it can be added to the system.   Members that reach 5, 10, and soon 15 years of membership will receive special recognition and perks!

How do I sign up for KinkFest to get my PLA Membership Discount?
PLA Members MUST sign-up through the PLA website, and NOT through the KinkFest Website.   If you sign-up through the KinkFest website you will not be eligible for the discount.   To sign up as a PLA Member:

1. Make sure you know your PLA E-Mail Address and Password and your personal information is correct.  If you don't know your password, or want to update your information go to the PLA Membership Tool at https://secure.portlandleather.org/pla-membership/index.php
2. Next, goto the PLA Member's sign up form for KinkFest at:  https://secure.portlandleather.org/pla-kf-membership/index.php
3. Log in with your PLA Member Information
4. Read all the disclaimer information, and answer the questions below it.
5. Verify your personal information and choose what name you want printed on your name badge.  Update anything that needs correction.
6. If you are a vendor, presenter, or have prepaid, enter your Pre-Paid code in the box.
7. Enter your payment information and verify pricing and any discounts being applied (including PLA Member, and early registration discounts)
8. Read the rules and policies on the confirmation screen.  Choose I accept and confirm.
9. Within 10 minutes you should receive a confirmation email for your application.   Within 72 hours you should receive a communication from the Registration Chair for your application.