First-Time at Conference: What to Expect and How to Make the Most of It

[yummybytes]

Ok -- I accidentally made a new post with this stuff in it...This is my first Conference and I'm really excited. I am in Wave 2 under Chris Manion's line. Think of this as the NEWBIE guide/FAQ for all us new folks so that all of you seasoned vets can pass down pearls of wisdom to us

Can someone tell me the things I should NOT miss? What is the itinerary like? What sort of meals do we have there and what should I plan my budget for otherwise? What should I bring with me as far as clothes go? Anything I should definitely bring with me? Do we sign up for speakers/sessions ahead of time or do we all go to the same things at the same times? Are there people I should defintiely see or ones I should avoid? What is your FAVORITE party about conference??

I've already heard about the HO tour and director's dinner, but not idea how this stuff goes down.

Thanks in advance - can't wait to see you all there?

 

[raebates]

I look forward to meeting you, Jennifer. You'll love National Conference.

 

[yummybytes]

I was SOOOO happy to see you were in my wave. I will have my "Rae Bates radar" on to look for you

 

[DebbieJ]

The HO will be sending us itinerary and workshop info soon. They're changing it up this year, so we won't know yet which meals are included. There's usually one dinner on your own the first day. Dress is business casual and I would recommend LAYERS b/c you never know if they'll have the AC blasting or if it will be broken that day--LOL!

 

[dannyzmom]

The HO will be sending us itinerary and workshop info soon. They're changing it up this year, so we won't know yet which meals are included. There's usually one dinner on your own the first day. Dress is business casual and I would recommend LAYERS b/c you never know if they'll have the AC blasting or if it will be broken that day--LOL!

Yes, definitely layer up -- my first year they kept the workshop rooms at 20-below...then last year they had alomst NO a/c....so be ready for anything - LOL
Wear comfy shoes - every day you'll walk about 5+ miles whether you want to or not.
Pack high protien snacks...food in the conference center is very expensive so you're better off packing your own snacks.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

and if you drink soda or caffinee.... plan on getting some along the way other wise you will probley be only drinking water...... I had a huge headache for the longest time... caffene withdrawls!!

 

[pamperedlinda]

and if you drink soda or caffinee.... plan on getting some along the way other wise you will probley be only drinking water...... I had a huge headache for the longest time... caffene withdrawls!!

Yeah, I hear you on that one!! I was dying without my caffeine! And, the rare coke machine that you could find was OUT!!!! Then, the water that was supplied was in construction-worker-type-canteens....hello???!!! who can walk (very quickly I might add) carrying a large bag and a glass of water while at the same time looking for signs to tell you which way to go to get from one conference room to the other side of Chicago for the next conference room, up and down escalators or stairs...bottles would have been nice! So, I suggest that you carry an empty water botle with you so you can fill-up at the canteens!

 

[DebbieJ]

So, I suggest that you carry an empty water botle with you so you can fill-up at the canteens!

That's what I did and it worked great.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Someone sent me this the first year I went to conference. It is very helpful.

 

[yummybytes]

Very helpful!! Many thanks!!

 

[Kathytnt]

I will be going to my first conference - I am in wave three Nancy Jo Ryan's group