Countdown to National Conference 2015

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SUMMARY

The National Conference (NC) is set to occur in 57 days, with attendees encouraged to prepare for both the logistical and experiential aspects of the event. Key recommendations include organizing travel and accommodation receipts for tax deductions, planning a comfortable yet professional wardrobe, and establishing a list of learning objectives. Attendees should also engage with fellow participants to maximize networking opportunities and actively participate in workshops to enhance their learning experience.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of tax deduction processes related to business travel.
  • Familiarity with professional dress codes, particularly business casual.
  • Basic organizational skills for managing travel documents and materials.
  • Networking strategies to effectively connect with other attendees.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research tax deduction guidelines for business-related travel expenses.
  • Explore business casual attire options suitable for conferences.
  • Learn effective networking techniques for professional events.
  • Investigate workshop topics and prepare questions to enhance learning at NC.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for conference attendees, business professionals, and anyone looking to optimize their experience at the National Conference, particularly those new to such events.

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  • #31
Today is June 6. There are only 40 days until National Conference!Once you get to your hotel be sure to ask for the phone number for a good cab company. Program that number into your phone. That way you can call for a cab without any problem, no matter where you are. You may not need it, but it could be a lifesaver if you do.
 
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  • #32
Today is June 7. There are only 39 days until National Conference!While you're in Rosemont, be sure to carry your hotel's address with you. After all, there is more than one Sheraton or Hilton in the area. And, while PC is very important, not every cab driver will know where we're staying. This is important whether you’re planning to take a cab or not. Things happen. It’s better to be safe. I simply print the info on a small piece of paper and tuck it in my wallet.
 
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  • #33
Today is June 8. There are only 38 days until NC!Think about the workshops you’ve signed up for. Take (or re-take) any online courses related to those topics. Most of our speakers pack a lot of information in their workshops. If you already know the basics won’t be too overwhelmed by what they have to say. You can dial down on the details easier this way.Take some time to familiarize yourself with any guest speakers you might be hearing. Google them and read through what they offer. If they have a free enewsletter, sign up for that. This way you will know a little about what to expect from them at NC.
 
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  • #34
Today is June 9. There are only 37 days until NC!We've been concentrating on our arrival, but departure is important, too. Get everything but the bare essentials packed the night before you leave NC. It will save you time that last morning when things may be a bit rushed. It will also lessen the likelihood of leaving something behind.
 
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  • #35
Today is June 10. There are only 36 days until NC!Remember to pack light. Check out the Rosemont weather a few days before you leave, that way you won't feel a need to bring clothes for everything from snow to a heat wave.Now, I’m a natural list-maker. I keep my lists on an app so that all I need to do is update my National Conference Packing List from last year. However, if you’re not like me, I’ve found a great website. It’s http://www.packwhiz.com. It asks you a few opening questions, then generates a general list. You can add or delete items. You can rearrange the list. It’s pretty user-friendly. It even has a list of things to do before you leave.
 
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  • #36
Today is June 11. There are only 35 days until NC!Peanuts? Granola bars? What snack helps keep you going? You might want to bring some along. With everything going on at NC, a healthy snack to boost your energy mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon may be just what you need to stay alert and get the most out of those great workshops. I'm sorry, but sodas, donuts, and candy bars don't count. Think protein and complex carbs.In case you’re wondering, my favorites are RXBars. They're delicious and easy to carry. They aren’t available at many retail outlets, so I order them online. Just be sure that you don’t confuse them with MetRX Bars; they aren’t the same.
 
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  • #37
Today is June 12. There are only 34 days until NC!Whether you're traveling by plane, bus, or train, be sure to have your identification handy. Depending on your mode of travel, you may need to show that ID several times. You may need more than one form of ID. You will most likely also need ID handy in order to check in at the hotel.
 
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  • #38
Today is June 13. There are only 33 days until NC!You might want to check with the hotel (or others who have stayed at your hotel in the past) to see what amenities they offer. Some offer a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, etc. If you're not picky about those things, you could leave yours at home. That will give you more suitcase room for your shopping spoils.
 
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  • #39
Today is June 14. There are only 32 days until NC!Want to make things easiest on yourself while you're getting ready in the morning at NC? Pack your clothes in outfits. Fold together all of the clothes (slacks/skirt, top, undies, etc.) that you're planning to wear on a particular day. Need to hang things up when you arrive? Put everything for that day on the same hanger—underthings and all. No need to rummage through your suitcase when it's your turn in the bathroom.Some people pack their own hangers. If you have 4 people in your room, you might not have enough hangers for everyone—especially if everyone hangs pieces separately. This would be a good thing to discuss with your roommates.
 
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  • #40
Today is June 15. There are only 31 days until NC!Remember that a bag of wadded up dirty laundry takes up more room than neatly folded laundry. I know it sounds weird, but fold your dirty laundry before you put it in your laundry bag. It will make it easier to get your suitcase zipped before you leave.Oh, and here’s something to watch for. Make sure you only bring home your own laundry. Several years ago one of my roommates used a PC bag for her dirty laundry. So did I. We were packing near one another to go. I thought I’d packed my laundry, but there it was, right by my suitcase. When I got home I realized I had two laundry bags. That’s right; I’d brought home her dirty laundry, too.
 
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  • #41
Today is June 16. National Conference starts one month from today!Label each piece of your luggage, both inside and out, with your name and phone number, but don’t put your home address on the outside. This can be a safety issue. If an address is required by your transportation, try not to use your home address. Use your office address, a post office, etc., if possible. Flying? Don't forget to remove old claim checks to avoid confusion. After all, you may want to return to your last vacation spot, but do you really want your luggage to return before you do?
 
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  • #42
Today is June 17. Only 29 days until NC!If you haven’t already done so, print out all of your paperwork now—hotel confirmation, NC registration & workshop list, travel stuff (plane/bus reservations, maps, etc). Gather everything together so that you’ll have all you need in one convenient place. If you don't do paper, make sure that all of your digital stuff is conveniently collected in one easy-to-access place.
 
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  • #43
Today is June 18. Only 28 days until NC!Think about your wallet. Take only what you’ll need while you’re gone—one or two credit cards, your id, cash. Don’t take along your children’s Social Security Cards or other vital information that you won’t need. Now, lay the contents of your pared-down wallet in orderly fashion on the glass of a copier. Make a copy of the front and back of everything including your driver’s license. Leave the copy at home in a secure place. Imagine how grateful you will be if your wallet is lost or stolenYou might also want to carry your plastic separate from your cash. This way if you get robbed there’s a good chance you still have either the plastic or cash so you won’t be stranded.I’m not trying to say that Rosemont or NC is unsafe. It’s just that it’s a good idea to be prepared. To be honest, I’m much more likely to lose my wallet than to have it stolen. These ideas would still come in handy for a lost wallet.
 
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  • #44
Today is June 19. Only 27 days until NC!What not to take is as important as what to take. Leave the family heirlooms at home. While your hotel should be secure, theft does happen. If it's an irreplaceable piece of family history, you may want to rethink bringing it along. If you're being recognized for a special achievement, and you really want to wear great aunt Bertha's diamond-encrusted brooch, ask about the hotel safe.
 
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  • #45
Today is June 20. There are only 26 days until NC!Make sure of the carry-on rules. I don't know about buses or trains, but airlines have strict carry-on policies. You don't want to have to leave things you've carefully chosen behind. Contact your airline or bus company for their rules. Don't forget that the Transportation Security Administration has some rules in place, too. Questions? Get the answers at www.tsa.gov or 866-289-9673.
 
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  • #46
Today is June 21. There are only 25 days until NC!Okay, so you have your list done. Gather together the clothes you're planning to take. Check each piece carefully.
  • Does anything need a good cleaning? Check for spots and stains.
  • Is everything in good repair? Check for dropped hems, hanging threads, and seams in need of repair.
  • Do you have everything you need to complete each outfit? Don't forget any special undergarments (slips, strapless bras, etc.). [Sorry guys. I'd include any special undergarments for you men, but I just keep picturing some of our CS guys in strapless bras. ]
You don't want to be at NC, in the process of getting ready, and realize that you've forgotten something or that something needs to be cleaned or repaired.
 
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  • #47
Today is June 22. There are only 24 days until NC!While you're checking all of your clothing to make sure they’re clean and in good repair, why not see if you can eliminate an item or two. Instead of bringing different shoes for each and every outfit, can you get by with just a couple of changes? If you're bringing sweaters or jackets in case the rooms are chilly, do you have one that will work with every outfit? Remember, the less you take with you, the more room you'll have to bring stuff back.Speaking of shoes, DO NOT take brand new shoes to NC. We will be doing a lot of walking. If you buy new shoes for NC, be sure to take at least one day to really walk in them. Make sure it’s a day of serious walking on concrete—like power shopping. This way you’ll know if they’re comfortable enough to wear all day and whether or not they rub in any areas. If they’re miserable, don’t take them. It’s not worth it. If they simply have an area or two that rubs, you can probably get by with wearing a bandage in that area. If they’re fine but the ball of your foot aches, try an insert. If that’s the route you go, try taking a second day to wear them with the bandages and/or inserts to see if that works. I’m serious. Miserable feet can ruin NC.
 
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Today is the last day to register so if you haven't done so get over there and get it done! There are so many benefits open to you and as things go in the industry our company offers an amazing amount for the cost!
 
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  • #49
Today is June 23. There are only 23 days until NC!Don’t arrive at NC all frazzled. Take a good look at your schedule leading up to your departure. Have you been realistic? Be honest. Can you really get everything done in the time allotted without driving yourself insane? If not, be ruthless. Eliminate. Delegate. Do whatever it takes to make sure you get some rest and a little time with your family before you leave. You’ll get more out of NC if you aren’t exhausted.
 
raebates said:
Today is June 11. There are only 35 days until NC!Peanuts? Granola bars? What snack helps keep you going? You might want to bring some along. With everything going on at NC, a healthy snack to boost your energy mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon may be just what you need to stay alert and get the most out of those great workshops. I'm sorry, but sodas, donuts, and candy bars don't count. Think protein and complex carbs.In case you’re wondering, my favorites are RXBars. They're delicious and easy to carry. They aren’t available at many retail outlets, so I order them online. Just be sure that you don’t confuse them with MetRX Bars; they aren’t the same.
Click to expand...
This is great! Bringing health snacks will help keeping alert too, my favorite bars are larabars, the fiber in them keep me feeling full for a long time, but not sluggish
 
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  • #51
Jasmine said:
This is great! Bringing health snacks will help keeping alert too, my favorite bars are larabars, the fiber in them keep me feeling full for a long time, but not sluggish
Click to expand...
Lara bars are great, and they're easier to find than my RXBars. The ratio of protein to carbohydrates in the RXBars works better for me, but anything with good protein and fiber will be better than the junk you can get from a vending machine or snack bar. (Though, I will admit that that junk can be tasty.)
 
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  • #52
Today is June 24. There are only 22 days until NC!Do you live outside of the central time zone? Start making the adjustment soon. After all, people on Eastern Daylight Time will probably be sleeping in at NC. Those to the west will probably be getting up earlier than usual. If you adjust your schedule 15 minutes every few days, you’ll feel better than if you have to make a two-hour adjustment overnight.
 
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  • #53
Today is June 25. There are only 21 days until NC!Here’s a great idea adapted from Julie Ann Jones that I’ve used for years. Take three index cards with you to each workshop. Label one “Wow! Do it now!” for things you can implement immediately. Label the second “Great idea! Do it soon,” for those ideas that will need a little planning and/or research before your start them. Label the third “Think about this.” That third card is for things that you think you’d like to do but will need a lot of planning or re-adjustment to your current way of doing things. When you’re sitting in a workshop and they give you a great idea, write it down on the appropriate card. Or, take some time that evening to go over your notes and transfer ideas to the cards. Either way will make it easier to implement the ideas once you get back home. Remember, no matter how great the training, if you don’t implement the ideas you’ve wasted time and money.
 
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  • #54
Today is June 26. There are only 20 days until NC!Kristi shared a great idea several years ago. She made a care package to leave behind for her family—little treats and gifts to be opened each day. Now, The Furry Guy is used to being on his own, so some cookies, a pan of mac & cheese, and a few phone calls to touch base while I’m gone will be just fine for him. However, if you have young children at home or a spouse who’s not used to being on his or her own, a few treats could help them deal with your absence and may make them more willing to let you go next time.
 
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  • #55
Today is June 28. There are only 18 days until NC!Want to make things nice for your roommates? Give them a little something. In the past I gave each roommate a survival kit on our first night together. It included ear plugs in case I snored, breath mints in case they needed to offer me one, and chocolate to elevate their endorphins after a few days rooming with me. These days I’m more likely to do pillow gifts—something small each night. If you promise not to tell, I’ll let you in on what I’m doing this year.
Night 1: Water bottle with tag “Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Stay hydrated to stay successful.”Night 2: Purse-size hand lotion with tag “Hands down, you’re one of the best. Thanks for helping me succeed.”Night 3: Box of mints with tag “Your help has ‘mint’ the world to me.”​
My group has three nights together, since we drive in the day before everything starts.
 
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  • #56
Today is June 29. There are only 17 days left until the start of NC!Don’t forget to bring along a bit of cash for tipping. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of singles. Here are some rules of thumb:Skycap at the airport—$1 per bag (double if your bags are carted to the counter or elsewhere)Taxi/Limo drivers—10% to 15% of the fareDoorman—It’s not necessary to tip the doorman unless he takes your bags inside for you. If so, tip $1 per bag.Bellman—$1 to $2 per bagParking valet/attendant—$3 to $5Concierge—It’s not necessary to tip a concierge for directions. However, if he/she has helped you with tickets or reservations, $5 to $10 is customary.Wait staff—The etiquette site I use suggests 15% to 20% of your bill before tax. That said, in many larger cities such as Chicago, 20% is considered a minimum for good service.And, remember to tip your hotel housekeeper. Generally speaking, $2 a day (or a dollar a day per person, if that’s more) is considered standard. I used to just leave one tip at the end of my stay. I don’t do that anymore. Hotel staff assignments can change daily. The person who took care of your room on the first night may not be the same as the last night. As a matter of fact, one person could pick up after you for all but the last night. I now take envelopes for each morning labeled “Housekeeping.” I leave my tip inside (along with those of my roommates) and leave the envelope on the bathroom counter where they’ll be sure to find it.
 
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  • #57
Today is June 30. There are only 16 days until the start of NC!I know that I keep harping on the “pack light” thing. Now I’m going to tell you to bring something extra—a small first aid kit. A blister, a headache, or an upset tummy can really make it difficult to enjoy NC. If possible, make it something small you can carry with you during the day. A few Band-Aids, some aspirin, and some tummy tablets will fit in a small zippered bag and are well worth the space they take up.
 
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  • #58
Today is July 1. There are only 15 days until the start of NC!Arriving early or staying an extra day? Talk to your team or traveling buddies about any touristy things you want to do—shop, see a play, visit a museum, etc. Check online for special savings, coupons, and even ideas.
 
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  • #59
Today is July 2. There are only 14 days until NC! Only 2 weeks to go!Be sure to wear comfy shoes when you travel to and from NC. Flying? In many places ALL footwear must be removed for x-ray screening. Shoes that slip off and on easily will save time and frustration. Well, at least some of the frustration.
 
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  • #60
Today is July 3. There are only 13 days until NC!Merrill will be there. Yes, they’ll have clothes, but they’ll also have oodles of other products. Is there something you want to check on? Something you’re running low on? That Merrill room can get crowded and chaotic. Make a list. You might even consider going to their website. Write down anything that piques your interest. At NC you can check those things out to see if you want to buy them. Often there have been specials. At the very least, you'll save shipping. Make the most of your time in the Merrill area.
 
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