Day 31 - 2 p.m."Welcome to National Conference 2009 - July 9-11, 13-15, 16-18

[pampered1224]

I talked to quite a few newbies last year and they loved the first-timer orientation. They said it was well worth the time. The HO tours take about an hour but - the trip there and back takes about 1 and 1/2 hours. You spend about 45 minutes on a bus there and the 45 back depending on traffic. After living down there for several years and doing the HO tours several times, I never recall a time when there was clear sailing on any freeway down there! I think they are always in rush hour mode!

 

[pampcheflisa]

I also noticed there's no HO tour on the last day
Now I have to give up time visiting Merrill on the first morning if I want to go to HO

Someone please, please, please tell me that the Merrill people learned from past years and will be better this year.......PLEASE!!!!!

(wishful thinking.....I know)

 

[raebates]

Of course they've learned, Lisa. They'll be much better this year. Then again, I believe weather forecasters, too. [sigh]

 

[babywings76]

Question...on Day 1, I'm thinking I'll do the Home Office Tour #1 from 7-11:30 am, then go to First Timer Orientation from noon-12:30. If Workshops start at 1pm, what should I plan on doing for lunch? I'm just trying to figure out logistics. Do they have things there for us to buy or are there quickie places near the building that I can grab a bite fast? Or do I just pack some snacks and such ahead of time? I know directors and above get a luncheon, but nothing is scheduled for regular consultants, right?Also, Day 2 it says "Executive Director Banquets", so are the banquets only for directors, or does everyone attend, but go to specific ones depending on who their director is?

 

[jbdowd0798]

there is a McD's and a small italian place 3 min walk from the first timer's session (if its the same place as last year). Also, we packed small snacks in case we got hungry (nuts, trail mix, etc.)

If its what I'm thinking of- The Ex. Banquets are for everyone. You will attend your director's dinner. So for example my NED is Nancy Jo Ryan so I will attend her dinner. we had a good time last year.

 

[pamperedcntrycookin]

is the executive director banquet for everyone?

 

[chefann]

Yes. You'll be assigned to a banquet based on who your Executive (or higher) Director is.

 

[esavvymom]

First-timer here and of course have a few questions:
(1) "Registration Opens" - do I have to go to a registration area first? How much time would you allow for that? We're traveling into the city by the Metra from one of the suburbs (my in-laws home). It's about an 1 1/2 ride not counting a cab to my hotel to get my luggage dropped off and my DH and boys checked in (they are site-seeing while I "work") and then a shuttle or cab to McCormick. My First-time orientation is at 12.

(2) "General Breakfast" and "General Lunch" - are for all consultants?

(3) Looking at the schedule on the original post....is it safe to assume that ALL day the 2nd day is booked solid- with maybe 4-7:30pm as "Free time"...assuming I went to the ED Banquet?

(4) I know I saw this somewhere, and will try to find it again- but how much are the Surprise packs usually?

(5) And what takes place at these Exec Director Banquets that takes 3 hrs?? is it worth it? I know PC doesn't do anything half-way, but I also know my body- after being all day on my feet/moving/thinking, etc, I'll be desperately needing a pillow. I just spent this past weekend at a conference- i was so messed up by the end of the day (just workshops- much like this will be), I didn't even bother with dinner. I ate bagels in my room!


Thanks! I'm just trying to figure it out a bit ahead of time- my DH was hoping I'd be able to join him and the boys at least one night for dinner at Navy Pier or something. I can already see I may be a bit more rushed on Thursday morning arriving into town then I had originally hoped, and I know I'll be leaving on my own on Saturday (DH leaving with boys for the train station after we check out of the hotel because of a family function later that afternoon at his mom's).

 

[raebates]

1) Yes, you'll need to go to the registration area first. You'll get all of your tickets to enter each event and workshop there. 2) Yes, those are for everyone.3) You're reading it right. That's a packed day. You won't need to worry about any meals on your own. There is a bit of free time before your banquet, but most of us use that time to visit vendor booths.4) They've had $20 and $40 ones in the past. There may be other options. I haven't purchased one for a few years. 5) It depends on your ED, but you don't want to miss it. Prizes and awards are given out. There's a good meal. It's worth it.You'll have Thursday evening when you can do whatever you want with your guys.

 

[esavvymom]

Thanks Rae!