2011 Countdown to National Conference

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SUMMARY

The National Conference (NC) is set to begin in 90 days, with attendees encouraged to prepare early by organizing travel and wardrobe. The dress code for official Pampered Chef functions is business casual, prohibiting denim and shorts, and attendees are advised to pack light layers due to varying indoor temperatures. Tax deductions for travel-related expenses are highlighted, and participants are urged to seek roommates to share costs. This discussion serves as a countdown and resource for first-time attendees, providing essential tips and fostering community engagement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Pampered Chef's business casual dress code
  • Familiarity with tax deduction processes for business travel
  • Knowledge of travel planning and budgeting for conferences
  • Experience in networking and building connections at events
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Pampered Chef's official dress code guidelines for conferences
  • Learn about tax deductions related to business travel expenses
  • Explore travel options and accommodations for the National Conference
  • Investigate networking strategies for first-time conference attendees
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for Pampered Chef consultants, first-time conference attendees, and anyone seeking to optimize their experience at the National Conference.

  • Thread starter
  • #61
This is exactly why a bra fitter is important. Women seem to think that going up a couple of band sizes will make the bra more comfortable. That's not true. The band should be doing most of the work of holding your breasts in place. If you're concerned about back bulges (which can be a problem even for fit women), go with a wider (not larger) band.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #62
Today is April 20. There are 78 days until National Conference. Use CS to talk incessantly about NC. Yes, I said to include your family, but they probably don't want to hear constant chatter about it. However, do make sure they know that you'll miss them; you'll bring them souvenirs; and they'll benefit from the extra money you'll make because of the business boost you'll get.
 
First time to Conference here.. what does Track A and Track B mean? is that just a way to get fewer people in a room at once?
 
Deanna, the general sessions will be for everyone at the same time. But otherwise, yes - it makes it easier to get 7000 people through lunch, workshops, Merrill, etc!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #65
Deanna, if you go to the NC info on CC there's a link to the track assignments. They're based on your National Executive Director (NED).
 
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  • #66
Today is April 21. There are 77 days until the start of National Conference.


If you haven’t done so already, start a file. I keep 2 NC files--1 in a file folder, the other on my computer. This is where I keep all NC materials--confirmations, receipts, lists, etc. I use the computer file for anything I don't want to waste a lot of paper on. The folder is for anything I might want to take with me (like a hotel confirmation, registration confirmation, etc.).

Getting organized now helps me to stay organized all the way through NC.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #67
Today is April 22. There are 76 days until the start of National Conference.lways double-check. It's easy to get used to relying on your director, your recruiter, your clustermates, or your friends here at CS for information. We're good, but we're not perfect. The best source of information is the HO. Make sure you're reading what they send and what's posted on CC.
 
Does anyone know what the cost of NC registration is? I'm a new consultant and have already qualified with sales and shows and earned $200 PC dollars plus the bonus $50 off registration. I'm just wondering how much more I am going to need.
 
Liseit said:
Does anyone know what the cost of NC registration is? I'm a new consultant and have already qualified with sales and shows and earned $200 PC dollars plus the bonus $50 off registration. I'm just wondering how much more I am going to need.

Registration for conference itself (not including hotel, travel expenses, etc) - is $200. So for you, it would be $150...you could use some or all of your PC Dollars towards the fee, and still have some left over.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #70
Today is April 23. There are 75 days until the start of National Conference. I like to look my best at NC. Since I have colored hair in a fairly short style, that means making sure that my cut and color are reasonably fresh. I've already set my appointments for the next couple of months so I can make sure I'm feeling cute for NC. I usually get a manicure the day before I leave for NC. This is a rare treat for me--generally the only professional manicure I get for the year. I'll make that appointment soon. That way I'll be able to get the time that's most convenient for me.If any of this is a concern for you as well, you might want to make your appointment(s) now. Make sure your stylist will be available when you need him/her.
 
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  • #71
Today is April 24. There are 74 days until the start of National Conference.Yesterday I talked about looking good. Today I want to remind you to do what you can to make sure you feel good. NC is physically and mentally stressful. It's good stress, but it's still stress. You have just over 10 weeks to prepare yourself. Here are my suggestions:Make getting rest a priority. If you're not well rested when you arrive, you're likely to struggle. After all, there are lots of things to do, so you might be staying up late and getting up early. Most people don't sleep as well in a strange bed. Most of us will be sharing a room with others, which can impair your sleep. These won't be as much of an issue if your sleep bank is full to begin with. Start walking. There is a lot of walking at NC. Get moving now so you won't feel like you've been hit by a truck on day 2.Eat well. Fueling your body with good food in the weeks ahead is a good way to make sure you're healthy and energetic when you arrive at NC. You know what that means. Eat your veggies. Go for lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid overly processed foods. Avoid empty calories. Who knows? It's possible that these will become good habits that will become part of a healthy lifestyle that lasts long after this NC.
 
Good advice Rae. I was out of shape last year and I could tell it and I've vowed not to be that way this year. Plus, gotta get in shape for that cruise next year!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #73
Today is April 25. There are 73 days until the start of National Conference.Ken Davis shared these ideas on a blog. He was talking about how to get the most out of the conferences he does, but I think they translate well to NC.Make these resolutions to help you maximize your experiences:1. Resolve to RelaxSo many times we go into new situations tense and defensive, fearful of change and concerned about what people will think. We assume a negative posture that stifles creativity and inhibits learning.
  • Anticipate a great experience
  • Believe that you will learn something helpful
  • Don’t set yourself up to compete. You have nothing to prove. Learning is not competition it is absorption. Become a happy Sponge Bob Square Pants. Soak it up!
2. Resolve to Disarm
We put it this way, “Leave your guns at the door.” All those little tricks and stories and shortcuts that you usually use when the pressure is on; the candy stick, shoot from the hip easy way out solutions that keep you from trying new things, leave them at the door. Open yourself up to learn new techniques. Risk by exploring new ideas. When you leave the conference you can pick up your guns and take them with you. You may not need them anymore. OR you may find them more affective with the new material you have learned. By leaving them at the door you will resist the temptation to depend on them and miss out on learning something new. [Rae's note: The basics are always going to be the basics, so also leave your “I’ve heard that before”/“I’ve tried that before” attitude at the door. Be open to trying out the tried and true. It got that way for a reason.]3. Resolve to connect
Dive in. Introduce yourself to instructors and other attendees. Ask questions, offer insight. Eat and talk and laugh with other people. TURN YOUR PHONE OFF! In twenty years of doing workshops I can count on one hand and half of one foot the number of people who said they got nothing out of it. ALL OF THEM remained isolated and refused to get involved with the people around them. Some felt they knew it all. Usually those were sent by someone who knew they didn’t. Others never disconnected from phone - computer - business, so even though they were physically at the conference, mentally they never left the office. 4. Resolve to commit
I ask our students to commit to what we are teaching just for the length of the conference. Long enough to try the principles, get past the discomfort of doing something NEW, and experience the difference it will make in their performance. Once they leave, I give them permission to dump the whole thing and shoot me with the guns they left at the door, BUT BY THEN THEY ARE HOOKED. [Rae's note: I usually commit to trying new things for 3 or 6 months. I promise myself to love them for that long, and then I evaluate the results of the change.]The new grip suggested by a golf pro seems intolerable until you commit to practice it until it becomes natural. Only then will you hit the 250 yard drive or sink the 15 foot putt.Try these resolutions the next time you are at a conference.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #74
Today is April 26. There are 72 days until the start of National Conference.Are your hotel reservations set? If you're staying at a conference hotel, make sure you have all of your roommates listed (with consultant numbers). This really will make things easier in the long run. Be sure to read through all of the rules and guidelines for conference hotels. You'll want to know your rights and responsibilities just in case.
 
I look forward to your daily post and count down! My trepidation is turning to excitement! Thank you for all your little tips:)
 
Ditto what pchockeymom said!
 
raebates said:
This is exactly why a bra fitter is important. Women seem to think that going up a couple of band sizes will make the bra more comfortable. That's not true. The band should be doing most of the work of holding your breasts in place. If you're concerned about back bulges (which can be a problem even for fit women), go with a wider (not larger) band.


Just wondering what the guys are thinking about all this BRA talk, LOL!! Haven't seen any response from them, haha!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #78
Thank you so much for your kind words.And, the guys are used to the bra talk. They know they're in the minority. My guess is that the guys most likely to comment aren't reading this thread.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #79
Today is April 27. There are 71 days until the start of National Conference.

We have just over 2 months before NC. You'll probably have several shows in that time. You'll do host coaching. You'll make lots of calls. Start taking a critical look at what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how it's working.

Here are a few reasons I can think of for taking a close look at your business before NC.

  1. You'll know what areas to target when you're asking questions and taking workshop notes.

  2. You'll know what's working well. You're likely to be asked for tips and advice while at NC. By really studying your business, you'll know what to tell those who ask.

  3. You'll have a chance to make your business better before you even go. You may discover areas where you can change or streamline to make your business what you want it to be.
 
Conference registration is open May 9th. I read something about registering early so I can be sure to get in the seminars I want to attend. So my question is - when, where, and how do I find out about these seminars? And, what if my level changes, say to director, before conference and I am then eligible for more workshops/seminars. Am I able to change the ones I picked or am I stuck? And, if after doing the just mentioned business analysis (great advice by the way), and determine there's an area I'd like to learn more about but am not signed up for a seminar about it, then what? One last question, will all the seminars be recorded and available to purchase cd's of before we leave conference or can we place an order at conference then PC ship the recordings to us when they're ready?

Thanks in advance :D
 
raebates said:
Thank you so much for your kind words.

And, the guys are used to the bra talk. They know they're in the minority. My guess is that the guys most likely to comment aren't reading this thread.
Yes but not a one of them piped up to say ANYTHING!! Even KG!

pchockeymom said:
Conference registration is open May 9th. I read something about registering early so I can be sure to get in the seminars I want to attend. So my question is - when, where, and how do I find out about these seminars? And, what if my level changes, say to director, before conference and I am then eligible for more workshops/seminars. Am I able to change the ones I picked or am I stuck? And, if after doing the just mentioned business analysis (great advice by the way), and determine there's an area I'd like to learn more about but am not signed up for a seminar about it, then what? One last question, will all the seminars be recorded and available to purchase cd's of before we leave conference or can we place an order at conference then PC ship the recordings to us when they're ready?

Thanks in advance :D

When you register it will show you what's available for classes at your level now. You can change any time up until a certain point before conference and can change at conference when you pick up your packet. No CD's but they are usually loaded into the online training center!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #82
In the past they've posted the workshops opening day of registration or maybe a day or two before. They'll be posted on CC with the other NC info. If your level changes you'll be able to change the workshops. As a matter of fact, if you simply decide you want to change you can do that as long as there's still room. After a certain point you need to make those changes at NC at the registration area.Once NC is over the HO chooses the best of the presentations for each workshop and makes those available free as downloads on CC.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #83
Today is April 28. There are 70 days until the start of National Conference.Make sure you have your roommates' and clustermates' phone numbers programmed into your phone. That will help you keep track of one another and adjust plans if necessary.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #84
Today is April 29. There are 69 days until the start of National Conference.Many of us Cheffers will share phone numbers. On my old phone I programmed these under "Cheffer - pampered chef consultant," now I have them categorized as a group. Either way makes it easier for my brain to find the person I'm looking for.
 
Last edited:
So.. Im new to. I was wondering is NC worth it. It would cost me about $800 to go.. Is it worth it?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #86
I always find it worth my cost. I come back energized, informed, and ready to really hit my business hard. That said, I never encourage anyone to spend what they can't afford. If you can't afford to invest $800 right now in your business, don't. Many of us will post notes from NC. Recordings of the workshops will be available on CC. Only you can decide if it's worth it for you.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #87
Today is April 30. There are 68 days until the start of National Conference.I take a hard copy of all of the numbers (roommates, clustermates, and Cheffers) just in case I have trouble with my phone. If something happens (i lose my phone, I break my phone, my phone dies, etc.), I want to be able to use another phone to call.
 
Have 3 spaces available for hotel. 1 blk from shuttles to conference. Free brkfst and free 2 hour happy hour in the evenings. $50.00 each person approx. Suite with living room. [email protected]
 
I take a hard copy of all of the numbers (roommates, clustermates, and Cheffers) just in case I have trouble with my phone.

In the computer age, hard copies of nearly everything are a good thing! Also, a backup off-site from your normal computer area. Easier said than done but wouldn't it be good to know that your photos and all the other important information that is on your computer is also backed up elsewhere, in case of fire or theft? Easier said than done but it really is a good idea!
 
Love the countdown!!!!!!!!!! And I earned conference YAH!!!!!!!!!!
 

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