Amway New Platinum Conference Guide

Amway New Platinum Conference Guide November 2014

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GENERAL INFORMATION WHAT S INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM: Amway is pleased to be your host during your visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan. As our IBO guest, the cost of up to two airline tickets, one hotel room for three nights, baggage handling, and Amway-sponsored activities is included in your program. Transportation to and from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids is also provided (on trip arrival and departure dates only). TAX REPORTING: The U.S. Internal Revenue Service requires Amway to report payments to IBO guests for all nonbusiness-related items such as activities and amenities. This will be indicated on the Form 1099-MISC you receive from Amway. As business owners, you understand that reporting the correct amount of income to the IRS is important. Every year, we make your Annual Income available online. Examples of items that are included in the Annual Income (at fair market value) include: Bonus earnings Gift cards/giveaways/raffles Cash in lieu of trips/prizes Trip amenities tickets Nonbusiness trips. Most IBO businesses earning over $600 receive a Form 1099-MISC (similar to a W-2 form) from Amway Corp. in January of every year that reports your annual income to the IRS. Currently, 1099s are not sent to IBO businesses that are incorporated. We do, however, furnish earnings information to corporations on the Annual Income. AMWAY POLICY ON CHILDREN/GUESTS: We know that many of you involve your families in your business, and we applaud you! However, Amway event programs and activities are designed exclusively for IBOs who qualify. Children are not permitted to attend, even if accompanied by their parents. Therefore, children cannot be brought into the event functions unless buy-in opportunities exist and tickets are purchased. We appreciate your cooperation in compliance with this policy. SCHEDULES, ETC.: Once you complete your registration for the Amway New Platinum Conference, you will receive additional information prior to arriving in Grand Rapids. Most Amway New Platinum Conference attendees will receive their airline reservations via an e-ticket. WHAT TO WEAR: Attire for most of the activities such as the Business Meetings, Educational Sessions, and Sales Breakouts is business casual; for the group activities, more casual apparel is acceptable. We recommend business or semiformal attire for the Recognition Celebration on the final evening. QUESTIONS: If you have any questions about the Amway New Platinum Conference, please do not hesitate to call Amway Special s at 800-365-9276. If you are uncertain of your qualification status, please contact your National Accounts Representative for additional information. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Amway New Platinum Conference webpage at Amway.com (located in the Business Center under s) Amway New Platinum Conference FAQs at Amway.com Amway New Platinum Conference at Amway.com Hotel Website: AmwayGrand.com 3

ACCOMMODATIONS: Amway Grand Plaza 187 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 Phone: 800-253-3590 AmwayGrand.com EXTENDED STAY AND ADDITIONAL ROOM REQUESTS: If you would like to extend your stay outside of normal trip dates, we will do our best to accommodate your request. We will inform you if your request can be accommodated. You will be responsible for expenses incurred outside of normal trip dates. Our contracted rate at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel is $129 per night plus applicable taxes. If you have any questions about extending your stay, please contact Amway Special s at 800-365-9276. FLIGHT RESERVATIONS: Amway will begin booking air travel on August 25, 2014. Once we have booked your electronic airline tickets, a flight itinerary with confirmation number will be sent to you via the email address you provided. Please print and bring the emailed itinerary (electronic receipt) with you to the airport. Booking Your Own Flights: If, for any reason, you need to book your own flights, you must receive authorization for a flight exception from Amway Special s in order to receive reimbursement. First, complete your Amway New Platinum Conference registration and be sure to select I would like to book my own flights. Then you will need to complete and submit a Flight prior to making any flight arrangements. This form must be approved by Amway Special s for you to be eligible for reimbursement. The Flight Exception Request Form is available on the Amway New Platinum Conference registration site, or you may contact Amway Special s at 800-365-9276 to obtain one. At the time your flight exception is authorized, Amway Special s will also quote your air allowable amount (the maximum amount Amway will reimburse you for your direct round-trip flight to the Amway New Platinum Conference). You can then book your flight. REIMBURSEMENT FOR SELF-BOOKED FLIGHTS: After booking, you will need to submit any passenger receipts and travel itineraries to Amway Special s to obtain reimbursement for the amount paid, not to exceed your air allowable. Your reimbursement will be in your monthly bonus check approximately 6 8 weeks following Amway New Platinum Conference. Please note that Amway does not provide reimbursement for the use of miles from any frequent flier program or Plus tickets. AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Transfers to and from Gerald R. Ford International Airport will be provided on trip dates only. Amway Special s staff will meet you in the baggage-claim area to assist you with transfers to the hotel. DRIVING/MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT: If you drive to Grand Rapids, you ll be reimbursed at the current IRS rate for miles driven on one vehicle, with the total not to exceed the cost of round-trip airfare. Reimbursement is based on the round-trip distance from your home address to Grand Rapids as determined by the most direct mileage route indicated on MapQuest (a leading online resource for maps, driving directions, and routes). You ll receive your reimbursement in your monthly bonus approximately 6 8 weeks following the Amway New Platinum Conference. When you arrive, be sure to fill out and sign the mileage reimbursement form at the Hospitality Desk. You must submit your form before departing the Amway New Platinum Conference. No reimbursement forms will be accepted after the conclusion of the event. Additionally, if you drive to Grand Rapids, Amway will reimburse you for self-parking charges while staying at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel. Self-parking charges will be applied to your guest room incidental account. You will be reimbursed via your bonus after the program s conclusion. Please note that only the amount equal to self-parking charges for three nights will be reimbursed. Valet parking will be reimbursed only at the self-parking rate. 4

LUGGAGE FEE REIMBURSEMENT: Amway will reimburse you for one checked bag each way of your Amway New Platinum trip for a maximum of $50 per attendee. You will receive this reimbursement in your bonus approximately 6 8 weeks after the conclusion of the event. You do not need to submit a receipt. All other charges for additional luggage will be at your own expense. Check with your airline for specific charges. CANCELLATIONS/NO-SHOWS: Amway Special s will make every attempt to accommodate schedule changes. However, if you cancel your trip and wish to attend a future Amway event, you may be responsible for any fees incurred due to that cancellation, including nonrefundable airline tickets. This policy also applies if you fail to attend as a no-show. Amway will pay for only one Amway New Platinum Conference trip per qualified IBO per business (up to two IBOs per business). Both IBOs must attend the same conference. 5

was chosen as this year s Amway event theme to highlight the future business growth that all Amway Independent Business Owners have in their power to generate together, with each other, and with Amway. When individuals grow, we all grow. As a special guest of Amway at the New Platinum Conference, you will gain valuable insights and knowledge to understand how you can drive profitability and long-term sustainable growth for your Amway independent business. Programs will focus on: Relevant income Leadership development Products, promotions, and programs that build credibility and support a sustainable, profitable business We A wonderful part of being in the Amway business is the amazing community of IBOs and Amway staff who all work together to help each other and the business succeed. Oftentimes, that means coaching and learning from one another. Other times, it means celebrating each other s accomplishments. That s why we ve also carried the event theme into all the programs and activities throughout your Amway New Platinum Conference. Look for We phrases everywhere, as we honor all aspects of this incredible Amway business and what we can accomplish together. We Learn will be associated with the Business Meeting, Education Sessions, Tour, and Sales Breakouts We Celebrate will appear at the Welcome Reception, Recognition Photo Session, Recognition Reception, Recognition Dinner, and Recognition Celebration 6

EVENT SCHEDULE Amway New Platinum Conference Grand Rapids, Michigan November 2 5, 2014 DAY 1 Sunday, November 2 Arrivals to Grand Rapids Nutrilite Welcome Reception DAY 2 Monday, November 3 Business Meeting Education Sessions DAY 3 Tuesday, November 4 Amway World Headquarters Tour in Ada, Michigan Best Practices Education Sales Breakouts Recognition Photos Artistry Recognition Reception Recognition Dinner Recognition Celebration DAY 4 Wednesday, November 5 Departures From Grand Rapids is subject to change. 7

AMWAY NEW PLATINUM CONFERENCE EVENT SUMMARY Significance Qualification Period Qualification Criteria Timing & Duration Invitations (for two people per IBOship) Amway North America business conference and recognition of first-time Platinum-level achievement. September 1 to August 31 each year. Must be in good standing and newly qualified at the Platinum level for the first time (based on the current Amway North America Growth Incentives program). Annual 3-day/4-night event two sessions per year (IBOs may attend once in a lifetime). Dates and location are announced at least 12 months in advance. Invitations are sent several weeks in advance. Spots are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis using a tiered invitation process: Invitations first go to qualifiers who have not received a prior invitation to the Amway New Platinum Conference. A few days later, invitations are sent to those who have received a prior invitation, but were unable to attend. After three invitations, qualifiers who have not taken their trip will be removed from the invitation list. When traveling as invited guests of Amway, attendees will receive the following (based on current North American qualification): Air Travel Accommodations Ground Transfers Amenities & Activities Airfare for two people on the business: Below Executive Diamond coach class. Qualified Executive Diamonds and above first class. One hotel room: Below Executive Diamond standard guest room. Qualified Executive Diamonds and above guest suite (if available). Suite assignment is based on in-market qualification level and qualified North America Founders Council points. Airport transfers and Amway-sponsored activity transportation: Below Executive Diamond standard transportation. Vehicles vary, based on availability and suitability. Qualified Executive Diamonds and above private limousine airport transfers. Vehicles for activity transportation vary, based on availability and suitability. As provided by Amway under the event program, for two attendees. Any additions or substitutions must be approved prior to the event. Please contact your National Accounts Representative. 8

Additional information: Incidental Charges Tax Reporting Cash-in-Lieu/ Downgrade Refunds Cancellation/No-Show Invitations (for two people per IBOship) Incidental charges are not covered and are the responsibility of the attendee. Exception: North America Founders Council only all reasonable room charges (except gift shop purchases, business center transactions, and spa products/ services) are covered by Amway. Portions of amenities, gifts, prizes, and activities may be reportable as income for attendees on IRS Form 1099. No refunds or reimbursement will be provided as cash-in-lieu of attendance or for hotel/airfare downgrades. If, for any reason, you register and do not attend the program or change your travel plans, you will be responsible for all charges incurred. If you register and are unable to attend, please contact Amway Special s or your National Account Representative as soon as possible. If you fail to notify Amway of your cancellation, you will not receive another invitation to attend the Amway New Platinum Conference. (IBOs may attend once in a lifetime.) If an attendee s cancellation or failure to attend results in hotel and/or airfare charges being incurred by Amway, the attendee will be required to pay those expenses if they choose to attend a future Amway New Platinum Conference event. 9

FLIGHT BOOKING & EXCEPTION REQUEST FORM Amway Special s will automatically book airline tickets for you after you ve registered for the Amway New Platinum Conference. If, however, you need to book your own flight, you must submit the attached form to request an exception prior to making any flight arrangements. You will be eligible for reimbursement only after your request is authorized by Amway Special s. Do not book any tickets on your own until you receive written confirmation from Amway Special s that your form has been received, approved, and processed. Verbal requests will not be honored. Airline tickets booked outside of Amway Special s without completion and authorization of the Flight will not be reimbursed. REQUESTING AN EXCEPTION TO BOOK YOUR OWN AIRLINE TICKETS: To ensure reimbursement, where applicable, for self-booked air travel to the Amway New Platinum Conference, you must have your flight exception approved prior to booking any flights: 1. Register for the Amway New Platinum Conference and select I would like to book my own flights during online registration. 2. Complete, sign, and submit the Flight (on page 11). Email your completed form to: becky.oudhoff@amway.com Or fax to: Amway Special s Attn: Reimbursements, at 616-682-4107 3. Book your flights only after you receive confirmation from Amway Special s that your form has been received, approved, and processed. Air Allowable Amount: Amway will reimburse round-trip airfare (not to exceed your allowable amount) from your home airport to Gerald R. Ford International Airport based on the best negotiated rates Amway Special s is able to receive for your given program dates. Should you wish to use a specific airline, change your flight plan, or need specific airline flights and/or times, this could alter the cost of your airline ticket. Additional Charges: Any penalties or additional costs incurred due to changes in your airline tickets are considered your responsibility and will not be reimbursed. If, for any reason, you do not attend the program, or you change your travel plans, you will be responsible for all charges incurred. Frequent Flier Tickets: Amway Special s is unable to book airline tickets using frequent flier miles. If you self-book your flight, do not use frequent flier miles to purchase tickets for qualified IBOs, as we will be unable to reimburse you for them. Please contact the appropriate airline carrier directly and follow its standard rules and procedures for using frequent flier miles. REIMBURSEMENT INFORMATION & PROCEDURE: Once your flight exception has been approved by Amway Special s, you are eligible to be reimbursed the ticket price paid for qualified IBO attendees, not to exceed your allowable amount (see Air Allowable Amount). Any penalties or additional costs incurred due to changes in the airline tickets are considered your responsibility and will not be reimbursed. Please fax copies of all travel itineraries and passenger receipts to: Amway Special s Attn: Reimbursement, at 616-682-4107. Or email them to: becky.oudhoff@amway.com. These documents must be received no later than October 6, 2014, to qualify for reimbursement. Your reimbursement will be included in your monthly bonus payment approximately 6 8 weeks following the Amway New Platinum Conference. Please refer to your payment advice when you log in at Amway.com > Business Center > Business Reports > Payment Advice. 10

FLIGHT EXCEPTION REQUEST FORM Amway New Platinum Conference Grand Rapids, Michigan November 2 5, 2014 To request an exception to book your own airline tickets and be reimbursed later, you must complete, sign, and submit this Flight prior to booking your airline tickets. Do not book any tickets until you receive written confirmation from Amway Special s that your form has been received, approved, and processed. I, Independent Business Owner Name (please print) have read and fully understand the above outlined exception procedures for prebooking airline tickets to the Amway New Platinum Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Gerald R. Ford International Airport ONLY). I agree to prepay all costs incurred for these tickets and understand I will be reimbursed the cost paid for my airline ticket, not to exceed my air allowable, after the conclusion of the program. I also agree to provide Amway Special s with copies of all itineraries and passenger receipts for all tickets pre-booked, including the frequent fliers, no later than October 6, 2014. Failure to provide such information by the due date will result in forfeiture of any/all reimbursements. A return email address and IBO number are REQUIRED for faster response and authorization. IBO Signature IBO # Date Daytime Phone # Fax # Email Address FOR OFFICE USE ONLY DATE RECEIVED: AIRLINE TICKET ALLOWABLE AMOUNT: APPROVAL CODE: APPROVED BY: DATE APPROVED: NOTES: For authorization and processing, please email completed form to becky.oudhoff@amway.com or fax it to Amway Special s Attn: Reimbursement, at 616-682-4107. 11

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT FORM To receive reimbursement for driving to the Amway New Platinum Conference, you must complete this form and submit it to the Hospitality Desk before you leave the event. No reimbursement forms will be accepted after the conclusion of the program. Reimbursement will be provided for only one vehicle per IBO business. MILEAGE x IRS RATE x 1 VEHICLE = REIMBURSEMENT DRIVING/MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT: Your mileage reimbursement for driving to the Amway New Platinum Conference will be based on the round-trip distance from your hometown to Grand Rapids as determined by the most direct route indicated by MapQuest. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service rate as of the date of the event (currently $0.56 USD per mile) will be used to calculate your reimbursement. Your total reimbursement will not exceed the cost of roundtrip airfare for your IBO business (i.e., the air allowable). PARKING: When you submit your, self-parking charges at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel during the Amway New Platinum Conference will also be reimbursed. Please note: If you choose to use the hotel s valet parking service, only self-parking rates will be reimbursed. Parking rates are subject to change. Fees associated with valet parking at the Amway Grand Plaza hotel are as follows: $25 + tax per day for overnight (registered guests) $10 + tax for less than two hours (nonregistered guests) $15 + tax for more than two hours, but not overnight (nonregistered guests) Your reimbursement will be included in your monthly bonus payment approximately 6 8 weeks following the Amway New Platinum Conference. Please refer to your payment advice when you log in at Amway.com > Business Center > Business Reports > Payment Advice. Please print the following information: IBO #: NAME: CITY/STATE: MAKE/MODEL: LICENSE PLATE #: SIGNATURE: DATE: 12

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. When and where is the Amway New Platinum Conference? November 2 5, 2014 Amway Grand Plaza hotel & DeVos Place Grand Rapids, Michigan 2. When are official invitations being sent out for the November 2014 Amway New Platinum Conference? Qualifying new Platinum Independent Business Owners (IBOs) will receive their official invitations by email in late July. 3. If I am invited to attend the Amway New Platinum Conference and can t come, can I attend the next conference? The Amway New Platinum Conference has been developed with a focus specific to Independent Business Owners (IBOs) who have recently reached the Platinum level. To make the most of that achievement, we strongly encourage IBOs to attend the conference as soon as they are invited. Platinum IBOs who qualify and are approved for the first time will have the first opportunity to register for the next program. Any remaining spots will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis to those who were not able to attend the previous conference. After three invitations, if you have not attended, you will be removed from the invitation list. Your best opportunity to attend the Amway New Platinum Conference is to register for the first conference to which you are invited. 4. How do I qualify for the Amway New Platinum Conference? For complete details on qualification, please refer to the current Growth Incentives Brochure. Log in at Amway.com and search for: Growth Incentives Brochure. 5. Whom do I contact if I did not receive an invitation to the Amway New Platinum Conference and should have? If you qualified as a new Platinum this past year and have not received your official invitation, contact Amway Special s at 800-365-9276. 6. How do I register? It s simple! Once you receive your official invitation by email, you can register online. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please contact Amway Special s at 800-365-9276. 7. How do I book my flight? Amway Special s must book all qualified IBOs airline tickets. If you need to book your own flights, please call Amway Special s at 800-365-9276 to get your airline ticket allowable amount and the appropriate flight reimbursement form prior to booking your own flight. 13

8. Can I book my own airline tickets? Amway will begin booking air travel on August 25, 2014. If you have special ticket requests or would like to book your own airline ticket, please select I have booked my own flights or I would like to contact Amway Special s to book my flights. By choosing this selection, your flight will not be booked until you contact Amway Special s. Please do so after you complete registration. 9. I live near Grand Rapids and would like to drive to the Amway New Platinum Conference. Can I be reimbursed for mileage? Yes! Reimbursement forms will be available at the Hospitality Desk. Stop by when you arrive to complete your form so you may be reimbursed in a timely manner. Please note that reimbursement of mileage and parking will not exceed the air allowable amount for the Amway New Platinum Conference. Your mileage reimbursement will be included in your monthly bonus payment 6-8 weeks following the conclusion of the Amway New Platinum Conference. 10. Can I arrive early or stay later for the Amway New Platinum Conference? We will do our best to accommodate pre- and post-conference extensions. Please contact Amway Special s at 800-365-9276 if you would like to extend your stay. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of any additional hotel nights incurred if you extend your reservation. You will also be responsible for your airport/hotel transfer. 11. What is the cancellation policy for the Amway New Platinum Conference? Amway Special s will make every effort to accommodate schedule changes. However, if you cancel your trip and wish to attend a future Amway event, you will be responsible for any fees incurred for cancellation, including nonrefundable airline tickets. This policy also applies if you fail to attend as a no-show. Amway will pay for only one Amway New Platinum Conference per qualified IBO per business (up to two IBOs per business). Both IBOs must attend the same conference. 12. Will child care be available at the Amway New Platinum Conference? Can our children attend NPC functions? Child care is not provided as part of the Amway New Platinum Conference. The hotel concierge can provide a list of local resources you can contact for child-care services. Amway will not provide child care and cannot speak to the references provided by the hotel. We know that many of you involve your families in your business. However, Amway New Platinum Conference is only for IBOs who have officially qualified to attend the event. Children may not attend the conference or any of the event functions, even if accompanied by their parents. We appreciate your cooperation in compliance with the policy. 13. Will all our meals be included during the Amway New Platinum Conference? Amway typically provides at least two meals per full program day during the Amway New Platinum Conference. Please check your event schedule for specific details. If an activity is labeled on your own, this means that your meals and activities during that time will not be provided to you by the program. 14. Will vegetarian entrées be available at the meals? Yes, vegetarian options will be available at every meal provided. Please make note of specific dietary restrictions when you register online. 14

15. Is the hotel wheelchair accessible? Yes, the hotel and all meeting rooms are wheelchair accessible. Appropriate seating will be provided, too. If you require a wheelchair-accessible hotel room or any other accessibility arrangements, be sure to make your request in the special needs section of your online registration. If you have questions, please call Amway Special s at 800-365-9276. 16. If I do not want to attend the group meals or buffets, will my restaurant meals or room service be covered by Amway? Sorry, but no. Meal expenses incurred outside of the planned meals will not be covered by Amway. We urge you to attend the group meals. It s a great time to mix and mingle with fellow IBOs. 17. What will the weather be like in Grand Rapids in November? In early November, the average high temperature is about 47ºF and the average low temperature is about 33ºF. Being prepared for cold weather is advised. However, Amway New Platinum Conference program activities generally take place indoors, where the climate is controlled. You may wish to bring a light sweater or jacket in case room temperatures are slightly cooler. 18. What is the proper attire for the Amway New Platinum Conference? Attire for most of the activities such as the Business Meetings, Educational Sessions, and Sales Profitability Breakouts is business casual; for the group activities, more casual apparel is acceptable. We recommend business or semiformal attire for the Recognition Celebration on the final evening. 19. Are we required to attend all the meetings and workshops at the Amway New Platinum Conference? The Amway New Platinum Conference is designed to help you build your business, therefore you are expected to attend all presentations, training, activities, and business-related functions. In addition, Growth Incentive credits may be applicable to certain business-related functions. 20. Will there be prize giveaways during the Amway New Platinum Conference? Yes, there will be prize giveaways during Amway New Platinum Conference meetings. Be sure to attend all meetings and workshops. You wouldn t want to miss the chances to win! Portions of amenities, gifts, prizes, and activities may be reported as taxable income. 21. Will interpretation and translation be provided in my language? Language assistance will be provided for all languages indicated through registration. When registering, please indicate which language you will require onsite. 22. My primary residence is outside the U.S. How do I find out if I need a passport or visa to enter the United States? Online, visit travel.state.gov to learn about passport and visa requirements for entering the U.S. from your country of residence. 15

23. If I do require a visa to enter the U.S., where can I find the information necessary to obtain one? Canadian citizens please visit: canada.usembassy.gov/visas.html Dominican citizens please contact: Rafael Peral, Sales Advisor 809-372-5587 rafael.peral@amway.com 24. Whom do I call if I have additional questions? Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Amway Special s at 800-365-9276. 2014 All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. 67081ENB 16