Planning for a Conference: How Much Time Between Classes?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around planning for an upcoming conference, particularly focusing on the timing between classes and appropriate footwear for the event. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on both topics.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that there is usually plenty of time between workshops, suggesting a 30-minute gap is adequate for restroom breaks and transitioning to the next class.
  • Another participant shares their experience of congestion and confusion in navigating the venue during the previous year's conference, noting improvements on the second day.
  • Several users discuss the appropriateness of wearing tennis shoes at the conference, with some expressing a preference for comfort over appearance.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, states that they plan to wear tennis shoes again despite concerns about their appropriateness.
  • Another participant expresses that Crocs, while comfortable, may not be suitable for a business casual setting, advocating for more professional footwear options.
  • Some participants mention seeing a variety of footwear at the last conference, including sneakers and jeans, suggesting a relaxed approach to dress code.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the appropriateness of footwear, particularly tennis shoes and Crocs, with some participants advocating for comfort while others emphasize a more professional appearance. There is no clear consensus on the best approach to dressing for the conference.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences and opinions based on past conferences, focusing on logistics and attire for an upcoming event.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for the conference may find insights on class scheduling and footwear choices relevant to their planning.

nikkijo
nikkijo
Messages
1,551
I'm registering for confrence right now and how much time should I leave between classes??

TIA!

Nikki
 
There is usually plenty of time between workshops. At the end of each workshop there is time for people to come up to the mike and ask questions. I usually stay and listen for a few minutes and then slip out to get in line for the restrooms! I think they allow 30 minutes between workshops and that is plenty of time to find your next class and hit the restroom or get a drink. Bring lots of paper for notes and wear comfortable shoes :)
 
You can only choose one class per class time. They don't overlap - at least, they don't look like they do!
 
Hopefully it will be a little more organized than last year, there was mass congestion:eek: and confusion:confused: on the stairway and escalator to get to some of the classes on the next floors. The second day it was a little better, but not 100%.
 
jdavis said:
Hopefully it will be a little more organized than last year, there was mass congestion:eek: and confusion:confused: on the stairway and escalator to get to some of the classes on the next floors. The second day it was a little better, but not 100%.
Click to expand...

Yes, last year there were definitely more traffic jams than usual. I think it had something to do with construction in parts of the building. Of course...our group keeps growing each year too! :)

The one thing that has always impressed me at the McCormick center is that signage. It is very easy to find your workshop and get around. The people that have the most trouble would be the guys trying to find an open restroom!!:D They should give them a paper in their registration packet with maps to the men's room!
 
Does comfy shoes include nice/new tennis shoes?

TIA
 
lizcooks4u said:
Does comfy shoes include nice/new tennis shoes?

TIA
Click to expand...
Take a long walk in your shoes. Wear them all day. How do your feet feel? If they don't hurt, the shoes would be considered comfy.
 
lizcooks4u said:
Does comfy shoes include nice/new tennis shoes?

TIA
Click to expand...
You know, I think they really frown on tennis shoes! I'm not 100% sure on that, but I remember taking some with me and never wearing them because it didn't feel appropriate to me. But that could just be me, but I think I remember them not really approving! Just like how a lot of people say we really shouldn't demo in tennis shoes either, just something I've heard, don't shoot the messenger!:D
 
MissChef said:
You know, I think they really frown on tennis shoes! I'm not 100% sure on that, but I remember taking some with me and never wearing them because it didn't feel appropriate to me. But that could just be me, but I think I remember them not really approving! Just like how a lot of people say we really shouldn't demo in tennis shoes either, just something I've heard, don't shoot the messenger!:D
Click to expand...


Get yourself a nice pair of croc's. They make them in so many different styles anymore. I love the little MaryJane's! Too cute, and COMFY! Also, if you go to the Croc website, they have little FlibbertyJibitz that you can accent your crocs with. (Even some Cheffy ones!!)
 
I went shopping for those Mary Jane crocs and tried some on and they were the ugliest things ever, and not as comfortable as some other shoes I have. I couldn't justify paying $30+ for plastic shoes. They look much cuter on kids.
 
I bought myself some comfy Mary Jane style Sketchers for one of my outfits, may get a 2nd pair in another color for my other outfit! :)
 
I agree with Kristin! CROCS!!! I'm wearing my black MJs right now. Wore them to church last week. :)
 
do NOT bring shoes you have either never worn or not worn for very long. There is alot of walking and you do not want blisters.
 
To wear or not to wear, that is the question!Ok, I'm all for the business attire and attended things at the McCormick Center where I have walked the ENTIRE day in business casual shoes and my feet hurt. I just hate for someone's preconceived notions or perceptions to affect my pain level! LOL! JMHO...

I know they frown on tennis shoes, but they are much more comfortable and safer. I'd rather get a few frowns then blisters on my feet that hurt me for longer than that frown may stay on that person's face...













Will I be sporting my tennis shoes for Conference - come to Wave 2 and find out! :)
 
Janet~

Here's another Wave 2 attendee who will be in one of two types of shoes:

1. Croc's...hot pink mary janes and a new pair of light blue "nile" Croc sandles are on order right now! (I am pretty certain that my Crocs will be what I will be in unless it's raining cats and dogs!)

OR

2. Tennies!

This will be my second conference...I am all for looking nice and I will have PC shirts/capri's or Khakis on along with my cool crocs! But, I am also all for being comfortable with all of the walking we will be doing inside McCormick Place and out in Chicago!
 
heat123 said:
I bought myself some comfy Mary Jane style Sketchers for one of my outfits, may get a 2nd pair in another color for my other outfit! :)
Click to expand...
Heather~

You are just too cute! I forget what wave you are in...will I get to see you in your new birthday present outfits...WITH matching shoes?!?! :p
 
I wore nice pants & shirts or nice capris & such last year to the workshops & general sessions, but I wore them with tennis shoes. I plan to again this year. I don't care how stupid it might look--I have problems with my feet without all the walking! Plus I'll be 6 months pregnant this year, so you can bet I'm going for comfort!
 
Ok--I must be totally out of the loop. What are crocs? What do they look like?
 
Go to crocs.com

They are those "silly" looking plastic shoes that I SWORE I would never wear!! Well, I am eating my words cuz they are the greatest! Soooooo comfy!
 
Here are the two pair I will be sporting at conference!

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/KellyTheChef/CrocsNilelightblue.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t24/KellyTheChef/CrocsMaryJaneFuchia.jpg
 
I must be in the minority here, because I think that, even with their supposed comfort figured in (and I don't have a pair, so I'm basing this on what everybody says about them) Crocs are not appropriate business casual shoes for Conference. Wear them for going out in Chicago, but not to Conference itself. There are a lot of comfortable, presentable shoes on the market today. Business casual does not mean that you have to wear 3" stilettos - a decent pair of ballet flats or loafers are completely acceptable.

I go to Conference to further my business. Even with the socializing, it IS a business event. I dress like it, and put myself in a more professional mindset to get more out of it. Save the sandals and sneakers for travel days and free time.

That's JMO.
 
I saw lots of SNEAKERS last year--not tennis shoes--SNEAKERS. I say, hey, as long as you look neat and don't stink, have at it! There were also plenty of people in jeans, too. I also saw lots of logoed PC shirts as well.

I love a professional look, but ya know, after spending the money for conference, spending the money to get to conference, you shouldn't have to buy new clothes. Just look neat and clean (oh yeah, and don't stink!), as professional as you can afford to be and you will be fine.
 
Last edited:
AJPratt said:
I saw lots of SNEAKERS last year--not tennis shoes--SNEAKERS. I say, hey, as long as you look neat and don't stink, have at it! There were also plenty of people in jeans, too. I also saw lots of logoed PC shirts as well.

I love a professional look, but ya know, after spending the money for conference, spending the money to get to conference, you shouldn't have to buy new clothes. Just look neat and clean (oh yeah, and don't stink!) and you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Anne~

LOL
 
Gee, Anne. Were you stuck next to someone who was, shall we say, less than springtime fresh last year? :D
 
KellyTheChef said:
Janet~

Here's another Wave 2 attendee who will be in one of two types of shoes:

1. Croc's...hot pink mary janes and a new pair of light blue "nile" Croc sandles are on order right now! (I am pretty certain that my Crocs will be what I will be in unless it's raining cats and dogs!)

OR

2. Tennies!

This will be my second conference...I am all for looking nice and I will have PC shirts/capri's or Khakis on along with my cool crocs! But, I am also all for being comfortable with all of the walking we will be doing inside McCormick Place and out in Chicago!
Click to expand...

I don't have crocs because they are quite expensive around here and being the wife of a missionary, just don't spend much money on myself, but I do have a pair that are similar to crocs but the sandal style from Payless last year...they are SOOOO comfortable (just can't wear them on HO tour...).
They are bright orange though. After seeing your pink though, I may be sporting them for walking days.




...and to the other points, I am there to further my business, but my customers are out and about town, not at Conference. After working 8-5 daily for years in business-wear, I look forward to a little casualness...

Like Anne said though, clean and neat. I won't be showing up in mud stained torn jeans with dirty old tennis shoes...
 
janetupnorth said:
I don't have crocs because they are quite expensive around here and being the wife of a missionary, just don't spend much money on myself, but I do have a pair that are similar to crocs but the sandal style from Payless last year...they are SOOOO comfortable (just can't wear them on HO tour...).
They are bright orange though. After seeing your pink though, I may be sporting them for walking days.




...and to the other points, I am there to further my business, but my customers are out and about town, not at Conference. After working 8-5 daily for years in business-wear, I look forward to a little casualness...

Like Anne said though, clean and neat. I won't be showing up in mud stained torn jeans with dirty old tennis shoes...
Click to expand...


Oh yeah - and don't stink! (LOL!)
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Oh yeah - and don't stink! (LOL!)
Click to expand...

Thanks - I'll remember that! My Secret Prayer Pal at church just got me Liz Claiborne perfume as a late Easter early Mother's Day gift so I have a whole bottle to use! :D


...just kidding...my cousin used to drench himself in cologne...it was disgusting...took my other cousin and I YEARS to teach him to apply it right (...and to go take a shower!!!!).
 
KellyTheChef said:
Go to crocs.com

They are those "silly" looking plastic shoes that I SWORE I would never wear!! Well, I am eating my words cuz they are the greatest! Soooooo comfy!
Click to expand...

Oh my! They have Disney Crocs...can't let my son see those...he'll be asking ALL the time!!!!!!!!!!! :eek:
 
Here is what I have in bright orange...

http://www.payless.com/Catalog/ProductDetail.aspx?&TLC=Mens&SLC=MensSandals&BLC=MensSandalsCasuals&Width=Regular&ItemCode=54069&LotNumber=045233&Type=Adult&Popularity=155&DescriptiveColor=Black

...and in womens'...I found them much more comfy than the clogs on my feet...but Payless doesn't have them in women's this year... :(

I only paid $9.99 for mine...
 
I only paid $15 shipped for my Crocs MJs. Just have to watch the sales and coupon codes. :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should I plan between classes at a conference?

It's generally recommended to allow at least 15 to 30 minutes between classes. This gives you enough time to transition, network with other attendees, and take breaks as needed.

What factors should I consider when planning time between classes?

Consider the size of the venue, the location of the classes, and whether there are any activities or networking opportunities scheduled in between. Also, think about how much time you might need for personal breaks or to gather materials.

Is it better to have longer breaks between classes?

Longer breaks can be beneficial for networking and relaxation, but they can also lead to less engagement with the conference schedule. A balance of 15 to 30 minutes is often ideal to keep the momentum going while allowing for necessary downtime.

What should I do if I feel rushed between classes?

If you feel rushed, try to plan your schedule in advance and prioritize which classes are most important to you. Arriving early to sessions can also help you feel more prepared and less hurried.

Can I skip breaks between classes to attend more sessions?

While it might be tempting to skip breaks to attend more sessions, it's important to allow yourself time to process information, network, and recharge. Skipping breaks can lead to burnout and reduce your overall experience at the conference.

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