FAQs About the 2026 Color Bearer Conference

REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE

Who is invited to attend the Donor Thank You Weekend?

This invitation-only event is open to all levels of Color Bearers - from Regimental to National Color Bearers. Your membership must be active at the time of registration and at the time of the event.   

Can I bring my spouse or friends to this event?

Each Color Bearer may bring one additional person to attend the weekend. Guests must be registered under the Color Bearer who is attending the event. Guests cannot attend on their own.    

How do I register for the event? 

Registration opens on February 24, 2026.

I need to make changes to my current registration. How can I do that?

You can make changes to your own registration and a guest registration at the same time. 

Go to the registration portal on the event web page and click the "Already Registered?" link. From there, enter the email address you used to register, as well as the unique confirmation number that was emailed to you in the initial registration confirmation. You will be able to review what you signed up for, change tours, update what meals you plan to attend, and more. If you cannot locate your unique confirmation number, please contact us at events@battlefields.org.

My first-choice tour is full. Can I be added to the wait list?

Yes, but in the meantime, please register for another tour. After completing your registration, please email us at events@battlefields.org and ask to be placed on the waitlist for your first-choice tour. If there are cancellations on the tour you are waitlisted for, we will move you to that tour and send you an email with an update. The waitlist is first come-first served. 
 

PLANNING FOR YOUR TRIP

What is the host hotel for this event? 

The host hotel is:

The Westfields Marriott
14750 Conference Center Drive
Chantilly, VA. 20151

• To make reservations by phone, please call  (703)-818-0300. Please mention that you are with the American Battlefield Trust to receive the group booking rate.
• To make reservations online, click here (opens in a new window).
• The group room rate is $195+/night. This rate is good until Tuesday, May 6, 2026.
• Non-valet parking is included with your stay. 

What are the closest airports to the Westfields Marriott?

• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 10 miles
• Ronald Regan Washington National Airport (DCA): 29 miles
• Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI): 63 miles

Registration & Refundable Deposit

How does the refundable deposit work?

All attendees will place a deposit during registration checkout. This includes Color Bearers and their guest(s). 

You will receive an email after the event with the option to have your deposit refunded OR donate it to the American Battlefield Trust. 

Why do I have to place a deposit?

We ask for a deposit due to an excessive number of last-minute cancellations and no-shows at our 2025 events. The deposit secures your spot at the event and helps offset the costs of no-shows. The deposit helps to ensure folks attend while also giving us an accurate number for tour entrance fees, caterers, and hotel space.

What does my $150 refundable deposit cover?

Your deposit ensures your spot at the 2026 Color Bearer Conference, and grants you access to all tours, meals, and activities on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Can I place my deposit at the door?

No, all deposits must be placed with the American Battlefield on or before May 6, 2026. Failure to place your deposit on or before said date will result in the forfeiture of your event registration.

Do I have to place a deposit for my guest?

Yes, all attendees must place the refundable deposit.

Can I get my deposit back?

Yes. If you attend the event, you will have until June 30, 2026, to request a refund of your full deposit for the 2026 Color Bearer Conference.

If we do not hear from you by June 30, 2026, your deposit will be automatically donated to the American Battlefield Trust.

When will I get my deposit back?

All refunds will be issued to the credit card used during your CVENT registration.  All refunds will be issued on or before July 31, 2026.

What if I don't place a deposit? 

Anyone who does not place a deposit will forfeit their spot at the 2026 Color Bearer Conference. 

What if I need to cancel my reservation for the 2026 Color Bearer Conference?

Should you need to cancel your event reservations, please notify the American Battlefield as soon as possible. To receive a full refund of your deposit, you must cancel on or before May 22, 2026. You will automatically forfeit your $150.00 deposit if: (1) you cancel your event reservation after May 22 OR (2) you register for the event and do not show up!

How do I cancel my reservation?

Simply email us at events@battlefields.org.

DURING THE EVENT

What meals are included in the weekend?

As part of your registration, you are provided with the following meals:

• Friday: Friday evening's reception will include food stations and beverages.
• Saturday: Breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner.
• Sunday: Breakfast buffet.

Will there be American Battlefield Trust merchandise for sale at the event?

No, we will not have merchandise for sale. However, you can get your American Battlefield Trust "swag" on our improved and well-stocked online store here.   
 

What is the attire for the activities scheduled during the weekend?

This is YOUR vacation, and we want you to be comfortable and casual. However, for particular events, we can suggest the following:

• Friday Evening: Business Casual for the Welcome and Dinner Reception at The Westfields Marriott.
• Saturday and Sunday Tours: Casual clothing with closed-toed walking shoes. We strongly suggest long pants for battlefield tours. Please remember to check the weather and be prepared. We also recommend you bring a hat, umbrella or rain jacket, sunscreen, and bug spray.
• Saturday Evening: Business Casual for the Saturday Night Dinner at The Westfields Marriott.