Maximizing Team Conference Experience: Tips for Multiple Members Attending

[pchefkristin]

This is the first year I have had more than one of my team members joining me at conference. Last year it was just SuzieQconsultant and myself, along with our uplines of course.

This year however, so far I have 5 of my gals confirmed as coming, and another 3 or 4 still on the fence!

I have been trying to think of things to make this conference most memorable for them... all ready picked up some cutie little gifts for them, and am thinking about possibly a scavenger hunt. Could use some help with some fun ideas.

Also, I am scared some of them may get lost in the shuffle of things. Since Sue is my "seasoned" conference goer... I am counting on getting some great tips from her as to what she loved and hated about how things went last year.

What are some MUST DO suggestions... I know there was mass confusion last year with who is meeting where, where are we sitting for general session, etc and so on.... Any tips there? Thinking about doing up a "who's who and who's where" tip sheet. At least then we can all meet up together without having to play cell phone tag and what not.

 

[chefann]

My upper level Director's group always tries to sit in the same general area for General Sessions. Then we know that, even if we get separated, we can go down that aisle and look for the group. Having some cute little thing to wave helps us spot each other as well.

I'd also definitely tell newbies not to overpack and not to overbuy from the vendor (*sigh*, just Merrill this year), because you'll have to haul that stuff around McCormick center (unless you also purchase a surprise box and ship it home in that).

Let them know that it's supposed to be fun. My first year, we had a challenge from my Exec - get tips from people and introduce ourselves. Then she gave a prize to the person who had met the most people.

The little gifts from my upline that I have enjoyed the most at conference (and Leadership) are the things that I could use there: mints and gum, a nail file, water bottle, individual drink mix packets (like Crystal Light or Country Time tubes that you pour into a 20 oz. bottle of water), silly pen, notebook, granola/snack bars, dried fruit packets, etc.

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

The little gifts from my upline that I have enjoyed the most at conference (and Leadership) are the things that I could use there: mints and gum, a nail file, water bottle, individual drink mix packets (like Crystal Light or Country Time tubes that you pour into a 20 oz. bottle of water), silly pen, notebook, granola/snack bars, dried fruit packets, etc.

The directors in my cluster chip in and make gift bags for all consultants that attend conference. In addition to the items listed above, here are some ideas: mini pad/pantiliner , bandaid, chapstick. Last year one of our directors (Chefgirl2 ) purchased a bunch of stuff from a company-employee store....we got Intuition razors with refills (!!), a mirror with suction cups on back, oops I forget the rest but ALOT better stuff than usual

The year we had the Hawaii trip, we gave lei bracelets, sparkly suntan lotion packets, etc. Stuck with a theme...purchased through Oriental Trading Company.

My biggest suggestion is to try to match up/pair up the newbies with each other. You will stress yourself out trying to make sure everyone is happy. Selecting a section of general session to meet up, giving "how to have a great time" tips, are great ideas but don't make yourself responsible for every consultant. They are all adults...they are business owners Give them some information but don't stress yourself out.