Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.
General Guidelines and Policies
Preface
After decades of inspiration and the joy he brought to the Parrothead world, September 1, 2023 is
recognized as the day that Jimmy Buffett passed away. His last words whispered to his sister, Lucy
Buffett, were “Have Fun.” We as Parrot Heads in Paradise and as Parrothead Clubs are dedicated to
keeping his legacy alive and well.
Overview
After years of success, the locally organized parrot head clubs network has grown to proportions that
none of us ever expected! With many officially recognized clubs in place, and national conventions
occurring annually, our organization continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Our intention is to promote
the national network of parrot head clubs, known as Parrot Heads In Paradise, as a humanitarian group
that shares information and activities for mutual benefit. We all share a common statement of purpose:
Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. was created to promote friendships and organize social activities for
people with similar interests including enjoyment of the tropical spirit of Jimmy Buffett’s music.
DISCLAIMER: We are recognized by but in no way attached to Jimmy Buffett and his business interests
worldwide. We are not associated with HK Management, MCA Records, Island Records, or
Margaritaville Records. We would like to stress that Mr. Buffett’s name, his song titles, lyrics, names of
businesses owned by Mr. Buffett, and the term “Parrot Head” are all registered trademarks and should
not be used for the pursuit of profit. Clubs are allowed to use the term “Parrot Head” on t-shirts, etc.,
but NOT Jimmy Buffett’s name.
In addition, PHiP, Inc. is a non-profit corporation and encourages its member clubs to provide a variety
of volunteer efforts in the local, regional and national community for social and environmental causes.
In the process of making new friends and having fun, we believe in leaving something positive behind.
Our clubs are open to anyone with the tropical spirit and desire to contribute to the betterment of their
communities.
Although PHiP’s recognized club chapters are autonomous, we encourage them to follow our goals and
mission. We hope the following information will be helpful to you in starting a parrot head club in your
area.
Although group tickets may be made available to the clubs through Jimmy’s management or proxy, each
club must first show some level of community service activity, over an initial ONE YEAR period, and
submit a report bi-annually to the Director of membership. All clubs are required to comply with the
guidelines set forth by Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.
BRIEF HISTORY OF LOCAL PARROT HEAD CLUBS
In early 1989 Scott Nickerson of Atlanta, Georgia decided he had met so many great people “tailgating”
before Buffett concerts that he should do something to get those people together more than once a
year. His idea was to create something different than a typical social club or fan club, by forming a group
that would not only enjoy a wide variety of social activities but also provide volunteer support for local
(and beyond) community and environmental concerns. After all, Jimmy had set the example with Save
the Manatees Club, Friends of Florida, etc., so it seemed a good bet that this concept would appeal to
most parrot heads.
After 3 months of brainstorming, and receiving blessings from Margaritaville Key West, Scott put an ad
in a free, weekly entertainment newspaper in hopes of starting the first organized parrot head club.
Scott figured it was hit or miss, but inquiries came pouring in. Within a month, a core consisting of Scott
and two other parrot heads had organized the first group meeting.
On April 1, 1989 approximately 15 parrot heads met at Chastain Park (the site of many previous Buffett
concerts in Atlanta), for the first official parrot head club meeting, then headed to a local patio bar for
margaritas. More and more people began to flock to the club’s bi-weekly happy hours, and it became
obvious that the Atlanta Parrot Head Club was going to be a hit. During the next year or so, the club
participated in several volunteer events with: the Red Cross, Children’s Wish Foundation, S.I.D.S.,
UNICEF, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Chattahoochee River Clean Up, and an “underwater
monopoly” event that not only raised over seventy thousand dollars for Muscular Dystrophy but also
broke the Guinness Book record! The club has been involved in the same types of activities ever since.
A short blurb about the Atlanta Parrot Head Club appeared in the Coconut Telegraph, written by Marty
Lehmann (editor). Parrot head subscribers from everywhere began to call in to ask how to start the
same kind of club in their own towns. Marty was impressed with the way the Atlanta club was running,
so he asked Scott to write this “Guidelines” handbook to help start, and promote consistency between,
clubs. Three years later, Scott was asked to handle all club-related inquiries and be a consultant to all
newly forming clubs.
By the end of 1992, clubs had emerged in Beaumont, Dallas, New York City, Orlando, Detroit, and New
Orleans. The First Annual Parrot Head Convention, or “Meeting of the Minds” as it is fondly referred to,
was organized by Jerry Diaz of the Beaumont club to take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, home of the
newest Margaritaville Store & Cafe, in late December ’92. Approximately 80 people attended and all had
a fantastic time. After all expenses were deducted from the collected registration fees, $200 was left
over and donated to New Orleans Artists Against Hunger & Homelessness. The clubs also “honored”
Jimmy with the lifetime achievement “Silver Chalice” award, which can still be seen high over the
register at the Margaritaville store.
Nearly a year later, a second convention in New Orleans was put together by Scott Nickerson and the
Atlanta Club for late October ’93. By this time, 19 clubs existed and more were on the way. 165 parrot
heads attended this convention, which was highlighted by a parrot head party at Margaritaville Cafe.
The party was opened by a surprise video welcome from Jimmy on the big screen over the stage,
followed by Scott’s Buffett Tribute band, A1A, getting the party into full swing playing everyone’s
favorite Buffett songs. $400 was donated to N.O.A.A.H.H. out of the registration funds that year. During
the convention, a stronger connection was made with Margaritaville by Sunshine Smith’s (Jimmy’s
business partner) presence at our meeting. Prior to that meeting, Sunshine named Scott official liaison
between the clubs and Margaritaville, Inc. Inspired by Sunshine, the national organization, Parrot Heads
In Paradise was established in early 1994, in essence, to provide further guidance and support to the
ever-growing number of local clubs and to give the associated clubs national recognition.
In Nov., 1994, the 3rd Annual “Meeting of the Minds”, was again held in New Orleans. By this time
there were over 50 active clubs. At least 30 founders or representatives showed up to meet and discuss
parrot head club achievements, and over 325 parrot heads attended this convention. Key West, the
Band, provided their renditions of Buffett’s music, and originals, for the parrot head party at
Margaritaville Cafe.
It was evident that the conventions had roughly doubled in size each year! By the 4th Annual
Convention in Nov. 1995 the number of clubs had reached 81 and a record 750 parrot heads attended
the convention.
Over 50 clubs were represented at the Founders Breakfast. Sunshine Smith, Marty Lehmann, and Judith
Ranger of Margaritaville Inc. Key West, and Bob Mercer of Margaritaville Records attended the
breakfast to thank the group for their ongoing community and environmental support. This convention
was organized by a committee chaired by Monte Tolar, Houston Club leader. Monte and his committee
put together a “phenomenal” weekend which included the following events: an auction of various
signed Buffett memorabilia and items donated by Corona Extra that brought in over $8000 for charity.
From registration proceeds after expenses, a check was given to Sister Jane Remson at Margaritaville
Cafe for New Orleans Artists Against Hunger and Homelessness for $2500, and a check in the same
amount was sent to Save the Manatee Club. Additional funds totaling $5000 were distributed to a
variety of charities suggested by club leaders, which brought the total charitable contribution from the
4th Annual Parrot Head Convention to $10,000.
This was highlighted by a professionally made 20 minute video produced by Mike Douglass (Mikey D.).
This video opened with the annual greeting and words of appreciation from Jimmy Buffett and
continued with clips of many of the clubs involved in their respective community service and
environmental projects. Captain Tony Terracino was brought in for storytelling and autograph signing at
the Tropical Isle and Margaritaville Cafe by Capt. Harry Fink and Sara Sunshine of the Tampa Bay Club.
Key West and A1A bands were brought in to open up for Peter Mayer, Fingers Taylor, Roger Guth (all of
Jimmy’s band), and friends for the annual party at Margaritaville Cafe.
Scott Nickerson was given an Award of Excellence from the clubs as well as a harmonica belt signed by
Jimmy Buffett and Fingers Taylor as a gift of thanks from Judith Ranger of Margaritaville Inc. and Fingers.
As an extra treat, Fingers joined A1A onstage for their rendition of his song, “Some White People Can
Dance”.
By the end of 1995 Parrot Heads in Paradise had grown into an association of approximately 15,000
members worldwide. It was time to evolve. Early in 1996, Scott Nickerson formed a board of directors
and Parrot Heads in Paradise filed for incorporation and not-for-profit status with the I.R.S. By-laws were
adopted to further insure the positive direction of the association. Two more successful conventions
were held in New Orleans.
Then in 1998, The Meeting of the Minds moved to Key West, FL for the 7th Annual Convention. The
November event was attended by a record 2000 Parrot Heads in Paradise club members. 80% of the 126
clubs were represented, parrot heads from Canada even joined the phlock. Over $25,000 was raised for
charity, in addition to a book collection for Wesley House and a toy collection for the Margaritaville
sponsored Hurricane Relief Christmas for Keys Kids. And the BEST surprise of all was that it was the
convention ‘LUCKY 7’–Jimmy Buffett appeared at the Saturday night, Parrot Head Street Festival and
played for over an hour with Greg “Fingers” Taylor, Robert Greenidge and the Landsharks.
Due to renovations and increasing prices, a decision was made in 2022 to research potential new
venues in Key West and also outside locations that met the survey results collected by our membership.
Most importantly, our members wanted to stay in the SouthEast region of the United States, on the
mainland, close to the beach, not encroach on any established event location, and #1…be affordable.
After a lot of legwork and a hurricane interfering, the choice was made to move to Gulf Shores, Alabama
in 2023 for the 31st Meeting of the Minds: Kickin In Second Wind. This takes us back to Jimmy Buffett’s
roots not far from his childhood home where it all began, the beaches he sings about, and also family
where you can visit his sister’s restaurant, LuLu’s. It looks like the Stars Fell on Alabama after all!
Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. continues to grow and evolve and we hope you will join us for this
voyage!!! But WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, ANYWAY?
Club members come from a variety of backgrounds. Most are professionals, with an average age range
between the mid-twenties and mid-fifties. Although membership numbers vary greatly from club to
club, from all accounts, our clubs have an average membership of 150. The real beauty of the clubs is
that they seem to attract exactly the right kind of people – people who, through their attraction to
Jimmy Buffett’s music also have a number of other interests in common, most importantly the desire to
give something back to the community in which they live.
Club Charters
1. Every chapter must renew their PHiP charter each January.
2. DUES – Base 2019 yearly dues are $75.00 if application is dated by 3/31/2019, $56.25 if dated by
6/30/2019, $37.50 if dated by 9/30/2019 and $18.75 if dated 10/1/2019 or later. There is a
$1.00 surcharge per member for all members over 75 and will be prorated according to the
schedule above. For International clubs, please note that these monies must be paid in U.S.
dollars. Beginning in 2022, club dues will be paid to PHiP, Inc. at a flat rate of $2.00 per member.
3. All chapter dues checks are made out to: Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. and mailed to the
Director of Membership (email: phipmembership@gmail.com).
4. The penalty for delinquent filing of the Renewal Application & corresponding paperwork is a
monetary penalty as provided for in the PHiP By-Laws.
5. Every chapter must file an Interim Report each year during the month of July.
6. The penalty for delinquent filing of the Interim Report shall be a fine of $100, payable to the
Lone Palm Foundation Parrot Head Emergency Phund.
7. Multiple memberships are permitted, however, an individual may not hold a Board/Officer
position in more than one chapter at any given time. (Not applicable to the Virtual PHC)
8. Applications from an individual or group of individuals wishing to start a new club who are
farther than 50 miles distance from an existing, active PHiP club may submit an application for
consideration. However, said group must have a minimum of 10 prospective members, including
2 club officers, listed by name and address at time of application to PHiP. Of these 10
prospective members, a minimum of 50% must reside within the projected Area of Operation of
the potential new chapter.
9. To ensure that local chapters remain local, all Officers, Board Members and/or Executive
Committee Members must maintain residence and physically reside within the Area of
Operation of the chapter in which they serve. (Not applicable to the Virtual PHC)
10. All newly sanctioned chapters will serve a provisional period of one year, during which time
either party may terminate the relationship with prejudice.
11. All newly sanctioned chapters must establish at minimum an operational website landing page
within 90 days of sanctioning. This must direct club and potential club members where to find
additional club information, meeting locations, club contact information, etc.
12. All established chapters must maintain this web presence as a condition of renewal.
13. All chapters must have at least one Club Officer subscribed to the Club Leaders List at all times.
14. To maintain sanctioning, a Parrot Head Club must maintain a minimum of ten (10) members in
good standing.
15. Active chapters may have their information posted to the Founders page on the PHiP website
any time after their first (1st) anniversary via written request from the current Club Leader to
the PHiP Director of Membership.
16. Club Merchandise is to be sold to PHIP PHC members only and not to the General Public. Do not
advertise it on your website. Jimmy Buffett’s name, his song titles, lyrics, names of businesses,
and the term “Parrot Head” are all registered trademarks and should not be used for the pursuit
of profit. Clubs are allowed to use the term “Parrot Head” on t-shirts, etc., but NOT Jimmy
Buffett’s name.
17. As per Margaritaville Legal, Margaritaville has not objected, and does not object, to PHIP’s use
of the “Parrot Head” Trademark (and all variations) in connection with charitable and
educational activities, generally consistent with its use of the Trademark since its founding in
1989. Clubs must be careful not to utilize this mark for the purposes of revenue, income, DBA,
or tax purposes as a club or individually or may face legal action and/or revocation of their
charter for trademark violations. As per PHiP by-laws, PHiP is not responsible for the actions of
individual clubs or its members.
18. For renewing clubs, please include your club’s member roster as of Jan. 1 (with addresses if
possible), and a listing of all charitable activities with a contact(s) name(s) from the previous
year, your inception date/year, and current contact information including a phone number,
email address (if one is available), and club website.
New Club Application Policy
1. Individuals wishing to create a new club are required to submit an email to
phipmembership@gmail.com to receive a new club packet and application form via email.
2. A non-refundable $25.00 application fee in US dollars, must accompany all applications. This
$25.00 will be applied to membership if the application is accepted.
3. All sanctioned PHiP chapters have a policy of open membership. A charter will not be granted to
any group whose membership is deemed to be restrictive or limited to any particular segment
of the population, ie: fraternities, alumni groups, local government agencies, etc.
4. All Parrot Head Clubs must be independent and not tied to, formed, organized, governed,
managed or supported by any commercial enterprise.
5. Any individual, group of individuals or organization denied a charter are prohibited from
submitting a new application for a period of one year unless significant relevant circumstances
have changed (e.g. non-renewal of an existing club, relocation of applicant, etc.).
6. Applications from “Internet based” clubs, organizations, etc. will not be considered or accepted.
7. Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. will use “GOOGLE MAPS”, or a successor designated by the
Executive Committee, for the purpose of calculating mileage distance between clubs.
8. The Director of Membership for Parrot Heads In Paradise, Inc. will contact all affiliate clubs
within the applicant’s state, and in specific cases bordering states, for the purpose of
determining conflicts that may not be evident by using GOOGLE MAPS, or its successor, alone.
9. When requested by the Director of Membership, an affiliated club must identify what it
considers its “geographic center of activity”, which will then be used to determine if an applying
individual will be granted a club charter. This “geographic center of activity” will remain on file
with the Director of Membership, and may be changed by the club once per year at the time of
club renewal. This “geographic center of activity”, NOT the club’s mailing address, will be what is
used to calculate mileage distance. The “geographic center of activity” should be the area where
the majority of club events were held for the previous 12 months.
10. Under no circumstances will an application for a new affiliate club be accepted or considered if
the proposed club is within 30 miles of an existing and active charter.
11. Applications from an individual, group of individuals or organization desiring to start a new
affiliate club at a location more than 30 miles distance from an existing affiliate Parrot Heads In
Paradise, Inc. club may submit an application for charter membership, however the applicant(s)
must have a minimum of 10 perspective members, including 2 club officers, listed by name and
address at the time of application to Parrot Heads In Paradise, Inc. Of these 10 prospective
members, a minimum of 50% must reside within the projected Area of Operation of the
potential new chapter.
12. Applications from an individual, group of individuals or organization desiring to affiliate a new
club within 30 miles of an existing and active affiliated club will only be accepted or considered if
the following criteria are met:
13. A petition is signed by a minimum of 10 prospective members of this new club. The signers must
indicate their full name and home address and a minimum of two (2) officers must be named at
the time of application. Of these 10 prospective members, a minimum of 50% must reside
within the projected Area of Operation of the potential new chapter.
14. A true and legitimate hardship can be proved by the prospective club showing due cause why it
is not feasible for the applicant(s) to join the affiliate club due to geographical obstruction
and/or unreasonable travel restrictions such as one (1) hour travel times to attend a frequent
meeting or event location.
15. The Director of Membership for Parrot Heads In Paradise, Inc. will investigate all new club
applications as to the conformity to the above policies before bringing the results to the entire
Board of Directors for their vote, which will be considered final.
16. Register your club for charter as soon as you feel things are up and running. Please INCLUDE
your name, address, phone number and email address for the directory and our website
https://www.phip.com along with your dues. Dues checks will be forwarded to our PHiP Treasurer.
17. DUES – Base 2019 yearly dues are $75.00 if application is dated by 3/31/2019, $56.25 if dated
by 6/30/2019, $37.50 if dated by 9/30/2019 and $18.75 if dated 10/1/2019 or later. There is a
$1.00 surcharge per member for all members over 75 and will be prorated according to the schedule
above. For International clubs, please note that these monies must be paid in U.S. dollars. Beginning in
2022, club dues will be paid to PHiP, Inc. at a flat rate of $2.00 per member.
New Club Guidelines and ORGANIZATIONAL SUGGESTIONS
1. ESTABLISH A CORE GROUP: Place an ad in a (preferably) free entertainment publication or use
social media. Create interesting flyers and put them in bars or record stores (with permission, of
course). The Atlanta Club’s initial ad read “The Atlanta Parrot Head Club now forming. For those
who enjoy Buffett’s music, a variety of mostly outdoor social activities, and a chance to
volunteer for community service and environmental projects. Call for more info. First get-
together coming soon.” Initially, you will attract at least a couple of enthusiastic people who will
want to help you get organized. Once you have some assistance, start planning your first get-together.
Always thank those who help out!
2. FIND A CENTRAL LOCATION FOR MEETINGS: We’ve found that two types of meetings are
necessary on a regular basis. A happy hour at a local watering hole to attract new members, and
a planning meeting for the principal organizers of the group. Try to find a popular bar or
restaurant, preferably with a “Buffett”-type atmosphere, that is enthusiastic about having a
regular group of parrot heads meet there casually twice (or once) a month, and who will sponsor club
events, advertise your club’s association with them, and cover small club expenses (such as paying for
club newsletter copies in exchange for advertising their establishment in your newsletter or on your
website).
Planning meetings should be held about once a month in a more sedate setting such as
someone’s house or office. The happy hours should be casual social time, while the planning
meetings are designed for handling club business (organizing volunteer functions and club social
events, planning the newsletter, etc.) We cannot stress how important it is to have BOTH.
3. PURCHASE OR MAKE A BANNER OR SIGN: When you are meeting in a public place, this gives
you instant recognition and build interest amongst other patrons. (Beer companies may make
banners for your club for free. After all, it advertises their beer, and we are parrot heads! But also
check out the websites for great, cheap opportunities)
4. DESIGN AND MARKET A CLUB T-SHIRT: Create a suitable logo design for your club, and have a
professional artists or graphic designers do the artwork. It will be worth the investment. T- shirts
are a small revenue builder, and they provide great recognition for your club. The Parrot Heads
In Paradise, Inc. national club logo is available for use by all PHiP sanctioned clubs to show their mutual
affiliation.
5. ESTABLISH A CLUB NEWSLETTER: Notifies members and potential members of upcoming
activities, and recaps events from previous months. Usually a newsletter every two months is
sufficient, but many of the clubs produce one every month. A calendar of all activities is another
integral part of a good newsletter. You may also want to include parrot head trivia, crosswords,
classifieds, etc. to make your newsletter more interesting and entertaining. While it is a good
idea to always have newsletters on hand at happy hours and club activities, it’s best to establish a
mailing list so that members can receive the newsletter at home.
Stay in touch with the other clubs by sending or emailing your newsletter and club events. It
may become expensive to send extra copies to non-members, so if you want to keep receiving
any particular club’s newsletter, be sure to keep sending them yours – or make arrangements to
“purchase” a non-member subscription.
6. ESTABLISH COMMITTEES: Get members to volunteer for committees that will organize:
social events – i.e., parties, cookouts, rafting trips, sporting events, etc.;
Newsletter – if you decide to tackle producing one, you will need people to write, make
copies, and mail it out. This is involved and is best handled by more than one person;
volunteer events – projects with local charities, community service, environmental
clean-up, etc.;
memberships data base- to have on file at all times pertinent info on all members;
club account – to keep track of membership dues anniversaries and club funds. (Dues
range from $10 – $35 per year depending on the club.);
Communications – to contact members when something spontaneous comes up, or to
remind members of important upcoming events. Get some members to provide social
media, email, and even phone calls or cards to your members. This makes things more
personal and inspires participation in club functions.
7. KEEP YOUR MEMBERS NOTIFIED: You will receive regular club listing updates and
communications to let you know what group activities are being offered: cruises, regional
gatherings, national charity & environmental events, annual Parrot Head Convention info, and
potential opportunities to purchase group seats to concerts or events near your club (see
“disclaimers” on the front page). Make sure this information is passed along to your members!
8. CLUB INCORPORATION: Several of the clubs have taken it upon themselves to incorporate.
The process of incorporation varies from state to state, but in most cases is fairly simple and
inexpensive. Incorporation helps protect you against personal liability. Although many clubs
function fine without being incorporated, it’s worth looking into to see if it would be beneficial
to you. Please contact your Secretary of the State’s Office for information on incorporation in your state.
A tax i.d. number from the I.R.S. is the only thing you need to open a club checking account, and that
does not require incorporation. For further info, call the I.R.S. office that handles your personal taxes.
9. HAVE FUN! When considering starting a Parrot Head Club the most important thing to keep in
mind is this, keep it simple & have fun! Although we do take seriously the community
service/environmental support aspect of our clubs, a parrot head club should be primarily a
source of enjoyment, relaxation, and fellowship.
PHiP USE OF DUES AND RESPONSIBILITY
1. Annual Board Face to Face Meeting cost and reimbursement
2. Assist in the formation of new clubs & referring potential members to all clubs.
3. General consultation regarding club needs.
4. Keeping clubs and Regional Communicators informed with updates on national club listings &
activities through our newsletter, Tradewind Times.
5. Necessary phone calls to acquire group tickets to concerts and/or events for all active clubs.
6. Any funds left over will be rolled over into the following year’s budget.
Election Guidelines For Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.
1. Elections shall be conducted in the manner set forth in the PHiP By-Laws
2. No campaigning is allowed on any of the PHIP run lists including the PHIP and Regional Groups
and the PHIP and Regional Facebook pages. This includes campaigning by proxy.
3. The Elections Officer shall tally the ballots and then email all Official Charter Club contacts,
nominees, current Board of Directors, the PHIP list, and the PHIP Club leader’s list
simultaneously. This shall be done no later than October 20th.
4. The official announcement of the election shall be done at the Club Leaders brunch at MOTM.
5. Under no circumstances should it be communicated who voted for whom. All communications
between the elections officer and point of contact within PHiP shall be confidential. In the case
of an Official complaint, the election disputes committee shall be privy to this information.
6. After votes are tallied, they shall be saved until after the Club Leaders Brunch. Nominees who
believe they have cause for complaint will have until Oct 25 to file a complaint with the Elections
Officer. In case of a complaint, the ballot file will be turned over to a committee of three club
leaders. The three Club Leaders (appointed by the remaining, non-running PHIP Executive
committee) and non-running members of the BOD will resolve all issues during MOTM. The
result will be announced at the Club Leaders Brunch. All files shall be destroyed (deleted) after
Meeting of the Minds in the election year.
7. The PHIP, Inc. BOD shall receive a list of all charter clubs who voted in the Election, this list
should not include how their votes were cast.
8. The Elections Officer shall write a wrap up report. This report shall include suggestions,
critiques, and criticisms. This report should be delivered to the new Board of Directors in
January.
9. All elected and appointed PHiP board members will continue with the policy of signing a non
disclosure/confidentiality/ conflict of interest upon acceptance of office
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. In the common event that chapters overlap in Area Of Operations, it is expected that the clubs
involved will resolve any territorial differences that may arise, using both common sense and
common courtesy. Should said chapters be unable to reach an equitable agreement, the Board
reserves the right to settle said dispute with a decision that is both binding and final.
2. In the event of an existing operating agreement, entered into prior to May 1, 2004, said
agreement shall be held valid and continue in effect under the proverbial “grandfather” clause.
3. Any chapter may hold social functions at a Buffett-owned establishment, including,
Margaritaville, Cheeseburger In Paradise, and Lulu’s, provided that the “home” chapter be
advised of same prior to the date of the function and, preferably, invited to attend said function,
if it is to be an open event.
4. No chapter may approach the management of any Buffett-owned establishment seeking
sponsorship, donations, etc., except the “home” chapter.
5. Parties, functions, fundraisers, events, etc. that are held in conjunction with JB concerts are
exempt from territorial/boundary restrictions. While the Board recognizes that it cannot require
clubs to collaborate on such efforts, it is our sincere hope that wisdom and common courtesy
will prevail, petty differences will be put aside and, in the Spirit of the Great Heart, joint
jubilation will abound.
6. Parties, functions, fundraisers, events, etc. may be held by any sanctioned chapter in
conjunction with Meeting of the Minds. Recognizing, however, sponsorship investment in
sanctioned PHiP events, the Board cannot, in good conscience, recognize, support or promote
any such functions held in direct conflict with any PHiP sanctioned MOTM event.
7. Because it creates confusion and hardship on both the local merchants and the local Parrot
Head Club, PHiP chapters may not approach any local retail establishment in the MOTM Host
City for the purpose of soliciting donations, sponsorships, favors, handouts or charity before,
during or after Meeting of the Minds. Exceptions to this policy are limited to: a)the local PHC
and b) an authorized PHiP representative for MOTM purposes.
8. Regional Phlockings may be held at virtually any destination, provided that the ‘home’ chapter
be given the opportunity to participate in the planning and staging of said event. A Regional
Phlocking is hereby defined as a multi-day event, planned, organized, supported and staged by
two or more sanctioned chapters. In this context, the term ‘regional’ refers to a geographic
area, as opposed to a PHiP established region. Accordingly, chapters banding together to plan,
organize, support and stage a ‘Regional Phlocking’ need not be domiciled in the same PHiP
established ‘region’
MOTM Guidelines
1. Registration – Registration is only open to members in good standing of a sanctioned PHiP Inc.
club. In order for you to receive your convention credentials and attend the convention
activities at the convention site premises, your Club Leaders MUST confirm your membership in
your respective club. For the purposes of the MOTM Convention, ‘members in good standing’
are those club members that have their dues paid in full thru the dates of the convention. One
person per registration form.
2. Registration Fee – The price of registration per attendee shall be determined yearly.
3. Registration Period – Registration is open January 21, 2021 and will close September 15th online
(paid by credit card) or once venue capacity has been reached, whichever occurs first. Mail-in
registrations have to be paid within 30 days from registering online and are not valid until
payment is received. Mail-in registrations will be deleted after 30 days for non-payment. Mail-in
registrations made in August must be received no later than August 31st of the convention year.
Please Do Not send payment via certified mail. Mail in payment by regular mail, DO NOT require
a signature as it WILL NOT be accepted. Checks are for US funds only.
4. Transfers of Registration – There will be no transfers of registration.
5. Late Registration – There are no late registrations. We set a deadline for many reasons. We need
time to handle all the administrative work as well as supplying counts to various organizations
including the venue for fire & crowd control. Day of tickets may be available depending upon
capacity limits.
6. Refunds – There will be NO REFUNDS except in the case of death of the registered person or
deployment, documentation is required. This includes but is not limited to duplicated
registrations and mis-ordered extra t-shirts. All proceeds from the convention registration fees
go to PHIP Charities.
7. Registration Check will be at the host venue – All registered guests will need to check in and
receive their convention credentials and wristband. Registration hours are generally: Thursday
9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9:30am to 11:30pm.
8. Registered Guests – There will be no unregistered convention guests allowed. Everyone in
attendance must be members in good standing of a Parrot Heads in Paradise Inc. sanctioned
club prior to registering, including during the time period of the convention. For the purposes of
the MOTM Convention, ‘members in good standing’ are those club members that have their
dues paid in full thru the dates of the convention.
9. Registration Confirmation – Your Club Leaders MUST confirm your membership in your
respective club prior to your attendance of the MOTM convention activities at the convention
site premises. The Registration Chair will send you a ”Registration Confirmation’ that indicates
you have registered for the convention. It is in no way a ‘MEMBERSHIP CONFIRMATION’ Only
your Club Leaders can confirm your membership.
10. Club Membership – Registering for the convention will not enroll you in a Parrot Head Club. You
must be a member in good standing of a Parrot Head Club in order to attend the convention.
11. MOTM REGISTRATION/CLUB MEMBERSHIP CONFIRMATION EMAIL – This email is your
registration / club confirmation only. This email will be sent as soon as possible AFTER your club
leadership confirms your membership. Bring a valid government issued photo ID to the event to
register. The confirmation email is not required. You will be required to wear your credentials
and wrist band at all times while on the convention site premises.
12. Special VIP Guests – Sponsors, Musicians, City Officials, Etc. at PHiP Inc. BOD Discretion
13. MOTM is an 18 and older event.
14. Attendance Limit – The maximum number of attendees shall be determined by the venue
capacity, plus special VIP guests as described above.
15. Gift Bags – Gift bags are for paid registrants only. Special VIP Guests as described above must
register to receive bags and a convention T-Shirt.
16. Vendors – Vendor Credentials are included in the vendor fee. Vendors must be registered for the
convention to receive Gift Bags and convention T-Shirt.
17. MOTM/PHIP Code of Conduct – Through Meeting of the Minds, it is the intent of Parrot Heads in
Paradise, Inc. (PHiP) to provide an annual social and charitable event for the enjoyment and
benefit of all our members, guests, hosts, sponsors and charities. All attendees shall be required
to follow the PHiP and MOTM Code of Conduct.
18. Members of all PHiP sanctioned chapters, by virtue of their registration and attendance at
MOTM, agree to demonstrate personal responsibility for their words, actions and deeds and to
refrain from behavior that is illegal and/or is harmful or disrespectful to themselves, other
members, guests, sponsors and hosts or their personal property. Our goal is to provide a safe,
pleasant atmosphere in which to share and enjoy our common love of the music and writings of
Jimmy Buffett, the fellowship of other members and to further the charitable ideals that we
seek to uphold.
19. PHiP will not condone behavior contrary to our objectives nor that which we feel is harmful or
injurious to others. Further, PHiP reserves the right to suspend or withdraw the privilege of
attending MOTM of any club member in contravention of this code of conduct. By virtue of your
registration and attendance you have indeed agreed to ‘Party with a Purpose’ in a most
responsible fashion.
