ARCOA 2026 Convention - Philadelphia PA (23 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Across Generations and Lines of Service

~ Sharing Stories & Preserving the Legacy of the Long Red Line ~

American Red Cross Overseas Association – 75^th Annual Convention

September 24-27, 2026 – Philadelphia, PA

In the year our country celebrates the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Red Crossers are gathering in Philadelphia where history and the present connect in meaningful ways.

For the first time, ARCOA and the American Red Cross Alumni Network (ARCAN) and one of its affiliate groups, the Disaster Reunion Group, will be meeting at the same time and place. Each group has its own agenda and meeting times. We will collaborate on events that bring Red Crossers together across lines of service: sharing stories, reuniting with colleagues and friends, making new connections, honoring those who served with the SAF Legacy recognition, remembering those who have passed away, and preserving our history.

INFORMATION & LOGISTICS / CONVENTION REGISTRATION / TRANSPORTATION TO PHILADELPHIA / EVENTS, THINGS TO SEE & DO, AND HOW TO GET AROUND

--- Download 2026 Convention Registration Form ---

INFORMATION AND LOGISTICS

The 2026 ARCOA Convention will be at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District Hotel on September 25-27, 2026. Most attendees arrive on Thursday the 24^th; official events begin Friday morning, September 25, and conclude with a banquet on Saturday evening, September 26. Detailed information about Friday and Saturday events will be in the next Oversea’r.

HOTEL: Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District Hotel

400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Website: Hotels in Downtown Philadelphia | Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District | Philadelphia PA Hotels

The Wyndham is now accepting reservations from ARCOA members.

Room rates: Including current taxes and fees are $192 single occupancy, $204 double occupancy, $215 triple occupancy, and $227 quad occupancy. Rates include breakfast vouchers. NOTE: These rates may vary slightly depending on changes made by the hotel since the contract was signed.

Applicable Dates for the rates: September 24-26, departing September 27. This rate is also available for the “shoulder nights,” that is 3 nights before and 3 nights after the contract dates of September 23-26. Reserving shoulder nights is based on hotel availability.

Accessing the group rate:

Web reservations: 2026 ARCOA Annual Meeting
Or call reservations at 877-999-3223. Identify yourself as a member of the group 2026 ARCOA Annual Meeting.
Or call or email Taylor Hays, Sales Coordinator for this Wyndham, at 267-765-3458 and Taylor.Hays @aimbridge.com

To ease you through the website:

If needed, change the pre-populated Check-In and Checkout dates
If you have a roommate, click the 1 ROOM, 1 GUEST box and add to the Adults count; the room rate will automatically update. NOTE: The rates shown on the website are before taxes and fees are added.
Choose SEARCH ROOMS for either a King (1 bed) or a Queen (2 beds) room. Here is where you can choose a “Mobility Accessible Room” for 1 or 2 Adults (only 1 bed).*
Click the BOOK & PAY LATER for the room you want.
You will then be at the page to register for your room and see the total price for your stay.

*Accessible guestrooms: There are two accessible King rooms and one ADA-Compliant King-with-Roll-In-Shower room included in ARCOA’s room block. To reserve one of these rooms, I recommend that you call for your reservation.

Reservation Deadline: August 24, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Any reservations made after that date are subject to hotel availability and may not receive the ARCOA rate.

Cancellation of a hotel reservation: 48 hours prior to arrival.

Through this website you can book, modify, or cancel your hotel reservations and receive updated information about the convention.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Registration Deadline: August 24, 2026

NOTE RE ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT: If you use the Internet to shop, make reservations (airline, hotel, theater, etc.), please take advantage of online registration and payment on www.arcoa.org! Managing checks and paper is a huge task for our volunteers, particularly ARCOA’s treasurer. You will help a great deal to improve efficiency and accuracy if you register and pay online using a credit card. Yes, there is a $3 processing fee, but we hope you will feel generous in donating the fee to save the convention team time and effort and ensure you are getting exactly what you’re registering for.

--- Download 2026 Convention Registration Form ---

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Please note that first-time attendees (including current and new members) have their registration fee waived. Until you have experienced an ARCOA convention, you don’t know how enjoyable and educational they can be. Your stories and experiences are part of the Red Cross heritage—please consider coming and participating. You are WELCOME!
Breakfast is included in the room rate.
If you plan to attend the banquet, please select a meal choice and any dietary restrictions our banquet chair should share with the hotel.
Toasts: A toast is a traditional way of honoring family and friends at important events (weddings, memorial receptions, etc.). ARCOA’s tradition is to offer members an opportunity to give a voluntary gift to honor, celebrate, and/or remember whomever or whatever they choose. Honorees and their donors will be included in the banquet program.
The tour to the Museum of the American Revolution (Museum of the American Revolution - Museum of the American Revolution) is optional, but paying in advance ensures you enter at the group rate (a considerable savings) and at a guaranteed time. The tour is self-conducted so you can spend as much or as little time there as you like. Audio guides are available for a $5 charge. Transportation is on your own via feet (walking 3/10 of a mile) or sharing a taxi, Uber or Lyft. More information is at the end of this document.

TRANSPORTATION TO PHILADELPHIA

For planning purposes, the hotel is located in the center of the city and is convenient to Amtrak’s 30^th Street Station and public transportation as well as within a comfortable walking distance to the historic area, restaurants, shopping, and museums.

Arriving by air: Philadelphia is served by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL Philadelphia International Airport | PHL.org). and Amtrak.

The hotel is 12 miles from the airport if you plan to rent a car.
The hotel does not provide shuttle service.
From the airport to the hotel, there is a flat-rate fare for one (1) passenger of $32.00 one-way. For more information, see Taxis, Limousines and Shuttle Services | PHL.org.

Arriving by train: Amtrak’s 30^th Street Station is 1.75 miles from the hotel, a short taxi/Uber/Lyft ride. If you are in or near the I-95 corridor, consider taking Amtrak (Train Tickets, Schedules & Routes | Amtrak) for comfort, cost, and convenience.

Arriving by car and parking: The hotel offers 363 parking spaces with in and out privileges in a six-story parking garage attached to and with direct access to the hotel; overnight discount parking is $20 plus tax per day.

AGENDA AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

A convention agenda will be forthcoming—watch this site, the newsletter (The Oversea’r), and emails for more information about events, activities, and a schedule (and see below). We will have a hospitality suite, and we are in conversation with ARCAN planners about opportunities to socialize together.

Questions? Contact Jackie Walters, Convention Chair: jjwalters.silverspring@verizon.net; 919-726-2006 (Home).

EVENTS, THINGS TO SEE AND DO & HOW TO GET AROUND

(With thanks to Caroline Smith Morton & Dorris Hecht Heaston)

ARCOA is planning an optional group tour Saturday morning, September 26^th – 10:00 am to the Museum of the American Revolution. Museum of the American Revolution | Visit Philadelphia. Group rate $18 per person. The Museum has 75-minute audio guides available for an additional $5 charge per person. They are available at the museum. You can register and pay for this tour on the registration form! (The museum is a .3 mile walk from hotel.)

Built in 2017, the 118,000 square foot museum is located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia. It presents a compelling and immersive exploration of the American Revolution and its lasting impact on the nation and the world. With 31 different audiovisual experiences and chronologically organized galleries, the museum invites visitors to engage with the dramatic stories of leaders, soldiers, and everyday citizens who shaped the course of history. Through thoughtfully curated exhibits and educational experiences, the museum offers insight into the struggles, challenges, and triumphs that defined this pivotal era, providing a meaningful connection to America’s foundational past.

There is so much to see and do around Philly, which is known as a walking city! This is especially pertinent as ARCOA visits during the country’s 250^th anniversary celebration. Go to https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do to learn more, especially if you are adding extra days to the ARCOA Convention. Consider a stop at the Independence Visitors Center Philadelphia Visitor Center | Plan Your Trip to Philly which is only .2 miles from our hotel.

Many historical sights are within walking distance of the hotel. Hardier souls may want to consider bicycling around town.

For the rest of us, another consideration is the Philadelphia PHLASH Bus:

Schedule: September 4 to December 16: Friday through Sunday only (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
It’s easy with stops in Philadelphia including stops near Penn’s Landing, the Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, The Franklin Institute, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Reading Terminal Market, and the Museum of the American Revolution.
It’s inexpensive at only $2 per person per ride, $5 for a one-day pass and $15 for a family pass (two adults and two kids). A two-day pass is also available for use on two consecutive days — online only — for $9 (with no fees!). Children 4 and under and seniors are always FREE. (Use a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) showing age 65+ when boarding.)
For several days of sightseeing, consider a Go City multipass. This gives reduced rates at venues. [However, the ARCOA rate at the Museum of the American Revolution is a better deal!] gocity.com/en/Philadelphia/attractions
https://www.visitphilly.com/features/philly-phlash-downtown-loop/ (Click on A Complete Guide to the Philly PHLASH for 2026)

Beyond the City Limits:

An hour away from Philadelphia near Chadd’s Ford, PA, visit Longwood Gardens (Longwood Gardens) and The Brandywine Museum of Art (Museum | Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art).

To be worthwhile, this excursion is a day trip if you plan to visit both sites, which are close to one another. Both venues have convenient hours and places to dine. Groups of friends may want to contact these venues for group rates and rent a car or van to share expenses.

The Brandywine Museum of Art is a museum of regional and American art located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania on the banks of the Brandywine Creek. The museum showcases the work of Andrew Wyeth, a major American realist painter, his father, N.C Wyeth and son Jamie Wyeth.

Longwood Gardens is recognized as the best and most extensive botanical garden in the US. Longwood features formal gardens both inside the conservatory and outside, natural meadows with native plants, spectacular Bonsai, waterlily, and orchid collections, idea gardens for those contemplating their own interesting gardens and spectacular orchestrated water fountain displays.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Home - Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library) is located on the Henry Francis duPont estate in the Brandywine Valley in Delaware about 36 miles from Philadelphia. The museum is known for its collections of decorative and fine arts displayed in the mansion. There are 25 miles (not a typo!) of lush gardens and walking trails to explore, which visitors may do on foot or on a narrated tram ride.

ARCOA upcoming events

ARCOA 2026 Convention - Philadelphia PA (23 Sep 2026)