Planning for a Conference: How Much Time Between Classes?

[karlene]

I've been going to conference for 8 years and I say: "BE COMFORTABLE". With them moving it to the other end of McCormick last year there was soooo much walking...I'm not sure it will be like that this year...We may luck out and have it all down the end with the Arie Crown Center...much better..But then, I am staying right at the Hyatt Regency attached to McCormick so I'm there already!! whoooohoooo
I had a total hip replacement 3 1/2 years ago (2 days after coming back from conference) so I definitely sport the "tennis shoe" or another shoe that looks like tennis shoes. I have seen just about every kind of clothing and shoe that could possibly be worn at conference...so if you're comfortable with what you have on...good for you
karlene
see ya at wave 2

 

[KellyTheChef]

I only paid $15 shipped for my Crocs MJs. Just have to watch the sales and coupon codes.

I just ordered my light blue Nile crocs today for $19.99 delivered!

That's a great deal you got Deb!

 

[raebates]

I saw lots of SNEAKERS last year--not tennis shoes--SNEAKERS. I say, hey, as long as you look neat and don't stink, have at it! There were also plenty of people in jeans, too. I also saw lots of logoed PC shirts as well.

I love a professional look, but ya know, after spending the money for conference, spending the money to get to conference, you shouldn't have to buy new clothes. Just look neat and clean (oh yeah, and don't stink!), as professional as you can afford to be and you will be fine.

Sounds like there might be some serious issues involved here.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Janet~

Here's another Wave 2 attendee who will be in one of two types of shoes:

1. Croc's...hot pink mary janes and a new pair of light blue "nile" Croc sandles are on order right now! (I am pretty certain that my Crocs will be what I will be in unless it's raining cats and dogs!)

OR

2. Tennies!

This will be my second conference...I am all for looking nice and I will have PC shirts/capri's or Khakis on along with my cool crocs! But, I am also all for being comfortable with all of the walking we will be doing inside McCormick Place and out in Chicago!

Kelly, I purchased a pair of Mary Janes and tried on the Cayman. I wear a size smaller in the Mary Janes. My question is: I want a pair of Nile but they are not available locally so I would need to order them online. Did you get the same size as your Mary Janes and did they fit the same?

 

[BethCooks4U]

It doesn't matter what shoes you wear as long as they are clean and neat and COMFORTABLE.

It is a business conference and we should be professionally dressed but that can easily be achieved in comfort and little expense with a little thought. I agree with the comment that our customers are not there and we are among other consultants but I also believe that we are also being watched by lots of other people who are working and visiting the streets of Chicago and at other conferences at the McCormick and the hotels. Nice capris ARE appropriate in our business. Dress clean and nice and you will be fine.

As far as shoes are concerned: MANY women wear sneakers/tennis shoes with their business suits while walking on their lunch breaks and you will be walking a LOT. (Don't take this as we should wear business suits - that would be over dressing. )

 

[lizcooks4u]

Tennis ShoesI had another thought, but not sure I"ll do it. Wear Tennis shoes, brand new/comfy to walk in and take my dress flat black shoes with me in PC tote and change at meetings. I"m having a laparscopic procedure done on 6-29 and my Dr. Thinks I'll be fine if there's not too much walking, she said to take 1/2 pain pill if I need it thruout the day; I"m a little concerned now about the walking I had a lap px done previously though and didn't think walking really bothered me!!!

thanks

liz

 

[Jules711]

People shouldn't stress so much about this. I wore comfy nice sandals when I went, and will do so again. I wear business casual I guess. Nice capris & maybe a skirt (lovely in the heat)...yes shirts too...no streaking! I WON'T compromise comfort for supposed style. Want to wear tennies? DO IT! I don't b/c I love sandals. They should be clean, not all worn out b/c you need to present yourself well, but to say no tennies? There are even cool tennies out there! Plus, crocs are loud and not at all "dressy". Are they comfy, then great! Wear them. I saw people at the Executive DINNER wearing shorts. There is a wide variety. Figure out what you'd be comfortable doing. Feel uncomfy if you are "under dressed"? Then dress up a little. I say pick mid-road. I'm not presenting. I'm just blending in the crowd. My main goal is to lose my main accessory I have at home (my 3 year old). ;-)

 

[Jules711]

Oh...and if people are really staring at your feet...pointing, staring, the whole bit. Just think. They would be bored SILLY if you weren't there providing entertainment. I think in protest, I'll go barefoot. WITHOUT a pedicure....oooohhh!!!

 

[dannyzmom]

I had another thought, but not sure I"ll do it. Wear Tennis shoes, brand new/comfy to walk in and take my dress flat black shoes with me in PC tote and change at meetings. I"m having a laparscopic procedure done on 6-29 and my Dr. Thinks I'll be fine if there's not too much walking, she said to take 1/2 pain pill if I need it thruout the day; I"m a little concerned now about the walking I had a lap px done previously though and didn't think walking really bothered me!!!

thanks

liz

Last year I wore my sneakers and carried my nice shoes in my bag -- when I got where I was going, I switched into the nicer shows. I plan to do that this year with my crocs.

Last year our NED banquet was in our hotel so that was GREAT...I could wear my dressy heels and not have to go far.

For the class I am presenting, I will wear my crocs to get there, switch into my shoes to present, then switch back to my crocs to walk to my next class. I'll be like Mr Rogers! LOL