2025 Biennial Session FAQs

I am not a Valley personal representative, secretary, or officer. May I attend?

Absolutely—in fact, we encourage it! Many aspects of the Biennial Session are open to all members, as well as the general public.

I have attended the Biennial Session in the past. Why should I come in 2025?

This is an opportunity to mingle with Scottish Rite Leaders and Freemasons from around the world. It is also a chance to catch up with old friends, make new friends, learn more about our great fraternity and to see the newest exhibits and displays at the amazing House of the Temple.

How do I book my hotel or modify my room reservation?

After completing your online registration, the web page will display a link to the host hotel’s Scottish Rite reservation page, where you can reserve your room at the reduced event rate. You may also call the hotel to book a reservation using the phone number and SR code provided along with the hotel link. **Please note that you are responsible for booking your own hotel room and contacting the hotel if you need to modify or cancel your reservation.**

How much is the room rate at the hotel?

This depends on your type of room, and of course the duration of your stay. Complete hotel rate information is found at this link:
https://book.passkey.com/go/ScottishRiteTheSupremeCouncil

If I am traveling by air, will there be transportation to the hotel available?

Unfortunately, no, you are responsible for finding your own ground transportation. Please research available options before your arrival. You might want to consider connecting with other attendees arriving at the same time to share the cost of taxis, shuttles, or app-based ride services.

When does registration begin?

Online registration for the Biennial Session opened May 1, 2025.

Am I required to register online?

While this method is preferred, if, for whatever reason, you are unable to register online, please call 202–777–3198. Also, you may email [email protected].

I am having trouble registering online. Whom should I contact?

Please call 202–777–3198. Also, you may email [email protected].

Can I register onsite?

Yes, but, if possible, please try to register online in advance, so we can be better prepared. If you need to register onsite, we can accommodate major credit cards and checks.Please do not bring cash.

What does my attendee registration fee cover?

Your specific registration fees depend on which events you choose to attend, and whether you are bringing a guest. Your total will be displayed on the registration form prior to purchase.

$380 Registration Fee Includes:

  • Admission to Welcome Reception on 8/17
  • Admission to Albert Pike Memorial Service on 8/17
  • Admission to the Public Session on 8/18
  • Admission to the Monday Session Luncheon on 8/18
  • 1 Ticket to the Tuesday Honors Banquet on 8/19

$380 Spouse Registration Fee Includes:

  • Admission to Welcome Reception on 8/17
  • Admission to Albert Pike Memorial Service on 8/17
  • Admission to the Public Session on 8/18
  • Admission to the Monday Session Luncheon on 8/18
  • 1 Ticket to the Tuesday Honors Banquet on 8/19
  • 1 Ticket to the Tuesday Ladies Luncheon on 8/19

YOUR NAME BADGE IS USED FOR ACCESS TO ALL “ADMISSION” EVENTS NOTED ABOVE.

What forms of payment do you accept for the registration fee?

We accept all major credit cards, ACH and wire transfer. We cannot accept cash for registration.

What is the cancellation policy?

The 2025 Scottish Rite Biennial Session cancellation and refund policy is as follows: 15% cancellation fee until 8/1, cancellations after 8/1 cannot be refunded. Please note that you are responsible for contacting the hotel directly to cancel your room reservation.

Is there any help with covering expenses?

Your Valley may offer any scholarships or reimbursements for attending the Biennial Session. Please check with your Valley Secretary for details.

How much time should I budget to attend the Biennial Session?

Events begin with a Welcome Reception at the St. Regis Hotel at 1:30 pm on Sunday, August 17. The final event is the Honors Banquet at 7 pm Tuesday, August 19.
On average, attendees arrive Sunday morning and depart Wednesday morning.

I am a past Grand Commander’s Fellow, and I am planning to attend the Biennial Session. May I attend the Fellows event?

Yes, all Fellows, both current and past, are invited to attend the Fellows Reception. You will have a chance to indicate your Fellows status during registration, and you will receive an invitation to attend a Fellows Reception with Grand Commander Cole on Monday, August 18.

Is there a dress code and do I need to wear my regalia?

Public Events
DATE EVENT Dress Code – Men Dress Code – Women
17-Aug Welcome Reception Business Formal, No Cap or Regalia Business/Church Attire
17-Aug Albert Pike Memorial Service Business Formal, No Cap or Regalia Business/Church Attire
18-Aug Public Session Business Formal, Cap and Regalia Business/Church Attire
18-Aug Session Luncheon Business Formal Business/Church Attire
18-Aug Q&A with Arturo, Brent, and Chris Casual  
19-Aug 33° Conferral Ceremony Elects: Black Tie Preferred Observers: Business Formal, Cap & Regalia  
19-Aug Ladies Luncheon   Business/Church Attire
19-Aug SRRS Luncheon Business Formal, No Cap or Regalia Business/Church Attire
19-Aug Honors Banquet Black Tie Preferred, No Cap or Regalia Formal
  All HOT Tours Casual Casual

Will the Biennial Session be live-streamed or recorded?

The Biennial Session will be live-streamed on our Scottish Rite Freemasons YouTube channel and will be visible on our homepage at https://scottishrite.org.

When will the 33rd Degree Conferral be held, and who can attend?

The Conferral of the 33rd Degree is open to 33° Masons and 33° Elects ONLY. Be prepared to display your membership ID card for entrance.

Are there any special tours or events planned?

The House of the Temple will be open for tours for Session guests ONLY. Tour times will be posted in the Session Program. Below is a list of planned events:

  • Scottish Rite Research Society Luncheon – $50 per person. Includes SRRS presentation.
  • Q & A with Brothers Arturo de Hoyos, Brent Morris, & B. Chris Ruli – No Charge (Masons Only). Reservations required. Monday, 8/18, at 2 pm.