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SOAPBOX FAQ

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Tickets

I would love to go to the conference, but not to the gala (or vice versa). Can I purchase a conference-only or gala-only ticket?

Yes! We have multiple options for you to choose from: 

  • Soapbox & Gala

    • Access to all conference sessions and one ticket to the gala. 

    • Annual Fahrenheit-level FIRE membership.
       

  • Soapbox & Gala (VIP)
    • Access to all conference sessions, one ticket to the gala (with special seating), and access to all VIP experiences and VIP-only spaces. 
    • Annual Fahrenheit-level FIRE membership.
       
  • Conference Only
  • Gala Only

Will there be early bird pricing?

  • Yes — be sure to get your tickets ASAP to take advantage of the early bird opportunity! The most discounted early bird tickets are available from ticket launch to March 1, and less discounted early bird tickets will still be available from March 2 to July 4 (while supplies last).
     
  • Early bird pricing does not apply to VIP tickets or gala only tickets. 

Will there be a nonprofit or student discount?

  • A $50 discount on Conference or Combo tickets is available to employees of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and to currently enrolled students using a valid nonprofit or student email address. This discount is applicable to early bird and standard pricing, and it may not be applied to VIP tickets or gala only tickets.
  • To receive the discount, simply email soapbox@fire.org from your nonprofit or student email address and we’ll share the code with you directly. 

Are tickets refundable?

  • All Soapbox ticket purchases are non-refundable. However, we understand that plans can change due to unforeseen circumstances.
     
  • Cancellation requests must be submitted by September 1, 2026 to soapbox@fire.org. If approved, a $25 administrative fee will be deducted from the refund. Approval is at the sole discretion of FIRE.
     
  • Note: Tickets are non-transferable and issued to a specific individual. They cannot be reassigned.

Will purchasing a ticket buy me an annual FIRE membership?

  • Regular and VIP conference & gala tickets include an annual Fahrenheit-level FIRE membership.
     
  • Conference only and gala only tickets include an annual FIRE membership.

Is my purchase tax-deductible?

  • Because Soapbox includes both a conference and a gala, tax deductibility varies. Conference sponsorships and conference-only tickets are not tax-deductible. Gala sponsorships and tickets are partially tax-deductible, and we will clearly indicate the tax-deductible portion on your receipt after the event. Please contact us if you have questions about this.

How can I pay for Soapbox?

  • We accept credit cards, checks, electronic transfers, and all other standard payment methods. Please note that most donor-advised funds cannot be used to pay for non-tax-deductible purchases. Please contact us if you have questions about this. We're happy to work with you to help facilitate your payment.
     
  • If you are writing a check, please be sure to put Soapbox 2026 in the memo line. It can be mailed to the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, P.O. Box 40128, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Will the event be livestreamed?

  • At this time we have no plans to livestream the event.

When will programming begin on November 4? And when will programming end on November 6?

  • Soapbox will kick off with a welcome reception at 5:00 p.m. EST on the evening of November 4.
     
  • Conference programming will end at 3:30 p.m. EST on November 6. The Gala will begin that evening at 6:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m.

Do attendees need to sign up for sessions before the event? 

  • None of our sessions require signing up ahead of time. However, some of our breakout sessions may only accommodate a certain number of attendees, so we encourage you to review the schedule ahead of time and get to your desired breakout session early to grab your spot. 

Will there be an app for the conference?

  • Yes, there will be an app for the conference which attendees will have the option of downloading. If you register for Soapbox, you’ll receive instructions for how to access the app closer to the event. 
     
  • We will also provide a printed program for attendees that outlines the event agenda, so if you’d rather not use a conference app, no worries! We’ve got you covered, too. 

How can attendees view the event schedule beforehand?

  • The agenda will be made available on the Soapbox website in September 2026. Ticket holders will be alerted as soon as the agenda goes live, so we encourage you to grab your ticket today! 

I have some suggestions of speakers that might be great for Soapbox! To whom can I send my ideas?

  • We have a pretty full slate of speakers already locked in, but please feel free to send any speaker ideas to soapbox@fire.org for our consideration.

Will there be time to relax and connect with other attendees?

  • Yes. Soapbox is designed not just for big ideas, but to foster real connection with other attendees. Through the conference, you'll find dedicated time for conversations and networking.

Which meals will be provided and which should I expect to get on my own?

Provided meals will be as follows:

  • Wednesday, November 4
    • Heavy appetizers and drinks at the welcome reception
       
  • Thursday, November 5
    • Breakfast for all attendees
    • Lunch for all attendees 
       
  • Friday, November 6
    • Breakfast for all attendees
    • VIP lunch
    • Dinner for Gala attendees

Will dinner be provided at the opening reception?

  • The opening reception will feature heavy appetizers. 

Will the VIP ticket include special meals for those who paid the VIP rate?

  • Yes, there will be a VIP-only breakfast on November 5 and a VIP-only lunch on November 6. 

My organization would love to sponsor this event. Who can I contact to hear about sponsorship opportunities?

  • We’re so excited that you’re interested in sponsoring Soapbox! Please reach out to soapbox@fire.org and a member of our team will send you information about sponsorship packages. 

Will there be opportunities for sponsoring organizations to host networking/happy hour events offsite for conference attendees? 

  • Yes, there will be a break in the programming on the evening of November 5 in order to allow sponsoring organizations to host their own events offsite. If you’re interested in making this a part of your sponsorship package, please reach out to soapbox@fire.org. 

Will there be a room block for attendees? 

  • All attendees are responsible for booking and paying for their own hotel room. FIRE has secured a room block at the conference hotel offering a discounted rate to our attendees. The link to this room block, and another option at a nearby hotel, will be made available to you upon the purchase of your ticket. 
     
  • Room blocks are on a first come, first serve basis until they have been filled, so we encourage you to book your room early!

What airport and / or train station are closest to the venue?

  • The closest airport is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), located about 25 minutes away by car or rideshare to Center City. For train travel, the nearest station is William H. Gray III 30th Street Station (Amtrak & SEPTA) which is approximately 10 minutes away.

Are there convenient places nearby to eat meals and go on outings? Will FIRE be sharing “Things to Do in Philadelphia” guidance with attendees prior to the conference?

  • As the conference is located in Center City, there are plenty of walkable options for meals and outings. Check back on this page a few months before the conference for a “Things to Do” guide.

What is the dress code for the conference?

  • While there is no strict dress code, we encourage smart business casual attire.

What is the attire for the gala if I am attending?

  • The gala will be black-tie.