Registration Tips and Planning Guide

Registration will open in two phases, on February 24th and March 1st. Each day it will open at 10:00 AM Eastern. February 24th will begin our PreSale Support Drive, which is a very important fundraiser for our nonprofit event. Between 10:00 AM Feb 24th to 10:00 AM March 1st , ticket prices will be twice the “normal” cost.  Besides the benefit of helping SWFP raise funds for the event, pilgrims who register during PreSale have the best chance of getting into all programs they wish to attend because they have first pick and the number of PreSale tickets is limited. Normal registration at normal ticket prices will begin on March 1st at 10:00 AM and continue until the event is sold out. 
 
Currently, there is an inactive REGISTRATION button on our website home page. This button will go live on February 24th at 10:00 AM Eastern for our PreSale Support Drive and the button will remain active until we are sold out. 
 
TOP 15 TIPS:

1. Review the Program in Advance and Plan Your Pilgrimage! 

• We use “Program” (capitalized) to refer to the full event schedule and “program” for each individual hike or educational session. 
• Carefully review the full Program before registration opens. 
• Plan each day for each person you are registering. 
• Write down preferred selections and alternative choices. 
• Capacities for most events are between 12 – 25 participants. The availability shifts quickly on opening days.

2. Programs are listed by day (Wed, Thursday, Fri, Sat); then by block (All Day, AM, PM, Evening), and then by start time. The Program number and title are there for verification and will not necessarily be in numerical order, like they are in the Program (but they will be close).

3. Complete your registration through payment to lock it in! Your selections and itinerary are not locked in until you complete the registration process through payment. You can reach out to us with questions, and we can best help you if we can see you in the system. 

4. Have backup options because many programs fill quickly, and your first choices may not be available. 

• Identify second and third choices for each time block. 
• If a program fills, it will automatically close and no longer appear on the registration page. 
• You will see a number with the remaining capacity for each available program. 
• If you are registering two people and only one spot remains, you may register one person and monitor the system in case availability opens due to modifications.

5. Watch for time conflicts. 

• Be sure there are no scheduling conflicts (for example, selecting both an ALL DAY session and a session within that same timeframe). 
• The system will flag a conflict but will not specify which selections caused it, so advanced planning helps avoid frustration.

6. Use a laptop/desktop, if possible. 

• Registration is easier on a laptop/desktop than a phone because of the number of program selections in a pulldown menu on one page. 
• It can be completed on a phone or tablet, but scrolling and reviewing options is more manageable on a larger screen.

7. You must have a valid email address for each person, even guests and children 

• We know that some children are too young for an email address and you may need to make a temporary one for them.  The software package that we use for registration requires each person, even children, to have an email address.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

8. How to register multiple people at the same time. 

• Separate individuals (such as friends) may register simultaneously and independently to increase the chance of securing space in the same programs. This is the most streamlined process. 
• But you may also register your partners, spouses, children, or guests within your own registration, however this takes longer.  Especially during the first few hours of registration opening on Feb 24th and Mar 1st, spending a lot of time on your registration might mean that programs fill before you pay and secure your spot in them. 
• You must have a valid email address for each guest before you begin. 
• Guest information is entered on the first page of registration, and you can seamlessly navigate adding them to the same or different programs throughout the process. 
• Guests will receive a basic confirmation email; however, their access is limited. 
• Guests cannot modify their registration or access certain features directly. 
• If changes are needed or maps need to be printed, guests must coordinate with the host registrant. 

9. Keep your confirmation number because it will allow you back into the system. 

• You will receive a confirmation email titled “SWFP 2026 Registration Confirmed – Please Keep This Email.” Save it for future reference. 
• Your confirmation will include: 
  • Your event details and confirmation number (required to re-enter the portal). 
  • Your registered programs date and time. 
  • Your registered programs meeting locations, maps, and directions. 
  • Agreement confirmation for the Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct.

10. Printing Maps – Plan Ahead 

• Cell service is limited throughout the park, so we cannot rely on mobile access. It is a good idea to print or screenshot your maps beforehand! 
• Maps are accessible in several ways: 
  • From your Confirmation Page in the Agenda section. 
  • Click the drop-down arrow next to each session title to view location details and access the map link. 
  • Use the “Add to Calendar” feature; once accepted, the location and map link will appear on your calendar appointment.

11. Modifying Your Registration 

• You may modify your registration/itinerary until approximately one week prior to the event. 
• Use the link in your confirmation email to access your Confirmation Page. 
• Enter the email address used to register and your confirmation number to log in. 
• Select “Modify Registration” to make updates. 
• Complete the final confirmation step to save changes. 
• A revised confirmation email will be sent once updates are successfully submitted. 

12. Badge Information 

• A “Know Before You Go” email will be sent before the event with instructions on how to print your badge. 
• You may print your badge in advance or use your confirmation email for access to your program. 
• Please proceed directly to your assigned meeting location for participation. 
• If you choose to wear your badge, any 4x6 badge holder will work. Fold it lengthwise once, then fold it in half again to fit. Decorated badges have long been a cherished tradition of the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.

13. Billing note: Your credit card statement will show: 
THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH 0736 – BOONE, NC 
This is the account name that manages all SWFP transactions.

14. Cancellation Policy: We sincerely appreciate your support for this event and its mission to bring biologists and conservationists into contact with the public in one of the most biodiverse areas of North America. Due to financial commitments to vendors, partners, sponsors, and facilities, refunds are not provided after March 31st. Fees received after that date will support the event and help keep it accessible to students and children or will be directed to education and science funds within the GSMNP. 

15. You may reach us at [email protected] at any time, especially during registration. We are happy to assist with your registration, answer questions, and more. However – and see Tip #2 – you need to be registered with a confirmation number for us to help you!


​Please Consider Donating:

Contributions are tax deductible and help reduce costs for children, grade school students, and college students. Over the past few years, approximately 100 students have participated annually. Exposure to wilderness, biodiversity, and conservation today helps inspire future stewardship of places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

• We are also happy to work with you directly regarding IRA charitable distributions, estate planning opportunities, or other legacy giving options that support the long-term sustainability of the Pilgrimage. 
• Your support makes a meaningful difference in continuing the educational mission of SWFP. 
• For questions or to discuss giving options, please contact us at: [email protected] 
• Link to Donations

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