Countdown to National Conference

[raebates]

Today is May 25. There are 48 days until the start of National Conference.Make sure you leave the hotel and conference center info for your family. They'll feel more secure knowing where to reach you in case of an emergency. Cell phones are are wonderful, but they aren't perfect. Knowing exactly where you'll be is helpful.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 26. There are 47 days until the start of National Conference.Traveling by air? Photograph your luggage and its contents just before you leave. If it gets lost, you'll have a record for the airline. (And, just being prepared often wards off this type of bad luck. You know, it’s the same principle as carrying an umbrella so that it won't rain.)It's also a good idea to squeeze the air out of your toiletry bottles before packing them in your luggage. It lessens the likelihood of them exploding because of air pressure changes.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 27. There are 46 days until the start of National Conference.Are there things on your list that you’ll need to purchase before you leave? Start purchasing them now. By buying one or two things each week or two, you’ll spread out the expense so that it’s barely noticeable.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 28. There are 45 days until the start of National Conference.Once you get to your hotel room, I know you'll be excited to talk with everyone and get started on the NC fun. Your stay will go much smoother, though, if you take just a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Where are the light switches, and which lights do they control? Where are the AC controls, and how do they work? Where is the emergency exit in relation to your room?

 

[raebates]

Today is May 29. There are 44 days until the start of National Conference.

From personal experience, make sure the clock radio isn't set to full volume on a mariachi station unless that's really how the people in your room prefer to be awakened. Seriously, have a discussion with your roommates about the morning routine. Who will get up first? Do the others want to be woken up, or will they set their own alarms?

 

[raebates]

Today is May 30. There are 43 days until the start of National Conference.Traveling by bus? Check to make sure what their boarding procedures are. On many lines there aren't assigned seats, and they tend to overbook. It may be necessary for you to line up for departure as much as an hour before your departure time. You don't want to delay your arrival because you didn't get a seat. Heck, you could miss out on meeting some of your fellow Cheffers.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 31. There are 42 days until the start of National Conference. Once you get to the 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.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 1. There are 41 days until the start of National Conference.While you're in Chicago, be sure to carry your hotel's address with you. After all, there is more than one Sheraton or Hilton. 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.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 1. There are 41 days until the start of National Conference.

While you're in Chicago, be sure to carry your hotel's address with you. After all, there is more than one Sheraton or Hilton. 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.

 

[angel7581]

Rae these are awesome ideas. Again, thank you.

 

[raebates]

My pleasure, Angel. Thanks for reading them.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 2. There are 40 days until the start of National Conference.Once you've arrived at your hotel room, unpack. I know it's tempting to drop your bags and run out to meet all the other consultants and, especially, the other Cheffers. However, if you'll take just a few minutes to hang up your clothes, put your toiletries in the bathroom, etc., you'll save yourself time in the long run. Plus, if you're sharing the room and you're the first one to arrive, you get to stake out prime real estate for yourself.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Today is June 2. There are 40 days until the start of National Conference.

Once you've arrived at your hotel room, unpack. I know it's tempting to drop your bags and run out to meet all the other consultants and, especially, the other Cheffers. However, if you'll take just a few minutes to hang up your clothes, put your toiletries in the bathroom, etc., you'll save yourself time in the long run. Plus, if you're sharing the room and you're the first one to arrive, you get to stake out prime real estate for yourself.

Especially bathroom space!

 

[raebates]

That's true. Though, I tend to keep most of my stuff in a kit that I can easily carry in and out of the bathroom.

 

[raebates]

I forgot to include one odd thing I do in with my last tip. I clean my room. I take along a small travel pack of wipes and use them on the light switches, doorknobs, phone, clock/radio, and remote. These are things that aren’t necessarily cleaned by the housekeeping staff, and I just feel better giving them a quick wipe.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 3. There are 39 days until the start of National Conference.Take some time to familiarize yourself with our guest speakers. I like to Google the speaker(s) and read through what they offer. If they have a free enewsletter, I usually sign up for that. This way I know a little about what to expect from them at NC. Most of our speakers pack a lot of information in their workshops. If I already know the basics I’m not too overwhelmed by what they have to say. I can dial down on the details easier this way. You can find this year’s speakers at http://www.goforno.com.

 

[angel7581]

Rae, I think this last little bit of advice is excellent. Last year I went to Tammy Stanley's workshop and found all the info to be a bit overwhelming. As phenomenal as she was, I probably would have gotten even more out of it had I done my homework.

 

[wadesgirl]

39 days! I'm so excited to go!

 

[raebates]

Angel, I had the pleasure of meeting Tammy on FB before I ever went to NC. It was so much fun to get a hug from her, since she felt like she knew me. And, yes, I felt like I got a lot of detailed stuff from her. I was really glad I'd acquainted myself with her main points before NC.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 4. There are 38 days until the start of National Conference.We've been concentrating on our arrival, but departure is important, too. Why not 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.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 5. There are 37 days until the start of National Conference.Pack light. Check out the Chicago 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 the computer 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 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.

 

[BlueMoon]

Today is June 5. There are 37 days until the start of National Conference.... I’ve found a great website. It’s 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.

WOW!!! Packwhiz is SOOOO cool! Thanks for sharing that! I love it!I am not going to conference, but I read this thread every day because it has so many cool tips in it and it is so positive. Thanks, Rae, for this thread. There are so many cool free sites out there, my bookmark section was too hard to use to keep track of it. I use Diigo.com (Diigo - Web Highlighter and Sticky Notes, Online Bookmarking and Annotation, Personal Learning Network.) because it even lets me write notes as to why I bookmarked it. It's free too, and helps me keep all the great web2.0 stuff organized in my computer.Can't wait to use PackWhiz for my next trip. You can even save lists to refer to and update later.:love:Marghi

 

[bridedream]

Thanks for the info! I just tried Packwhiz and I think I'll use it. I'm forever over packing!

 

[raebates]

I'm pleased that you're finding my tidbits helpful.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 6. There are 36 days until the start of National Conference.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! (Sorry. Sodas, donuts, and candy bars don't count.)

 

[raebates]

Today is June 7. There are 35 days until the start of National Conference.Be sure to print off the Stage List before you leave for NC. This way you'll know who to cheer really loud for. You should be able to find it here a few days before NC:http://www.chefsuccess.com/f104/whos-walking-62177/?highlight=walking

 

[raebates]

Today is June 8. There are 34 days until the start of National Conference.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.

 

[ChefGwendolyn]

Today is June 6. There are 36 days until the start of National Conference.

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! (Sorry. Sodas, donuts, and candy bars don't count.)

TRAIL MIX is my go to! It's that perfect mix of salty and sweet!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Today is June 6. There are 36 days until the start of National Conference.

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! (Sorry. Sodas, donuts, and candy bars don't count.)

I found these at Costco - I'm going to put them in my Gang's goodie bags! These are the perfect snack, I think!

http://store.secondnaturesnacks.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16139&cat=0&bestseller=Y

 

[raebates]

For me it's Cliff Bars. They have a good mix of fiber, protein, and good sugars. Plus, they have a great variety of flavors.