What can I do now to prepare for National Conference 2010?

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Discussion Overview

This thread focuses on preparations for the upcoming National Conference 2009, particularly for participants in Wave 3. Members share countdown updates, tips for attending, and personal experiences related to the conference.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions the importance of reserving hotel rooms early to avoid waiting lists.
  • Several users express enthusiasm about the conference countdown and share updates on the number of days remaining.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a positive experience with Merrell shoes, noting their comfort during the conference.
  • Another participant expresses excitement about attending their first conference and seeks advice on what to bring and how to dress.
  • One user discusses the tax deductibility of conference-related expenses, providing categories for tracking deductions.
  • Several participants indicate a desire to share tips and helpful hints as the conference approaches.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on specific tips and experiences related to conference preparations, and no clear consensus emerges on all topics discussed.

Contextual Notes

The thread reflects a community of Pampered Chef consultants preparing for a significant event, sharing personal experiences and logistical considerations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants planning to attend the National Conference may find the shared experiences and tips relevant as they prepare for the event.

Today is April 30. There are only 78 days left until the start of Wave 3.Start a file. I keep 2 NC files--1 in a manila folder, the other on my computer. This is where I keep all NC materials--confirmations, receipts, lists, etc. I use the computer file for anything I don't want to waste a lot of paper on. The folder is for anything I might want to take with me (like a hotel confirmation). Getting organized now helps me to stay organized all the way through NC.
 
Today is May 1. There are only 76 days left until the start of Wave 3.Somehow I got off track with my count, so we have 1 day less than I thought. Gee, it's coming quick. This brings something important to mind. Always double-check. It's easy to get used to relying on your director, your recruiter, your clustermates, or your friends here at CS for information. We're good, but we're not perfect. The best source of information is the HO. Make sure you're reading what they send and what's posted on CC.ETA: Found where I went wrong. I'm such a doofus sometimes.
 
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Today is May 3. There are only 74 days left until the start of Wave 3.I like to look my best at NC. Since I have colored hair in a fairly short style, that means making sure that my cut and color are pretty fresh. I've already set my appointments for the next couple of months so I can make sure I'm feeling cute for NC.If this is a concern for you as well, you might want to make your appointment now. Make sure your stylist be available when you need him/her.
 
Today is May 4. There are only 73 days left until the start of Wave 3.Yesterday I talked about looking good. Today I want to remind you to do what you can to make sure you feel good. NC is physically and mentally stressful. It's good stress, but it's still stress. You have just over 10 weeks to prepare yourself. Here are my suggestions:Make getting rest a priority. If you're not well rested when you arrive, you're likely to struggle. After all, there's lots to do, so you might be staying up late and getting up early. Most people don't sleep as well in a strange bed. Most of us will be sharing a room with others, which can impair your sleep. These won't be as much of an issue if your sleep bank is full to begin with. Start walking. There is a lot of walking at NC. Get moving now so you won't feel like you've been hit by a truck on day 2.Eat well. Fueling your body with good food in the weeks ahead is a good way to make sure you're healthy and energetic when you arrive at NC. Who knows? It's possible that these will become good habits that will become part of a healthy lifestyle that lasts long after this NC.
 
Today is May 6. There are only 71 days left until the start of Wave 3.

Ken Davis shared these ideas on a recent blog. He was talking about how to get the most out of the conferences he does, but I think they translate well to NC.


Make these resolutions to help you maximize your experiences:

1. Resolve to Relax

So many times we go into new situations tense and defensive, fearful of change and concerned about what people will think. We assume a negative posture that stifles creativity and inhibits learning.

Anticipate a great experience
Believe that you will learn something helpful
Don’t set yourself up to compete. You have nothing to prove. Learning is not competition it is absorption. Become a happy Sponge Bob Square Pants. Soak it up!​

2. Resolve to Disarm
We put it this way, “Leave your guns at the door.” All those little tricks and stories and shortcuts that you usually use when the pressure is on; the candy stick, shoot from the hip easy way out solutions that keep you from trying new things, leave them at the door.

Open yourself up to learn new techniques. Risk by exploring new ideas. When you leave the conference you can pick up your guns and take them with you. You may not need them anymore. OR you may find them more affective with the new material you have learned. By leaving them at the door you will resist the temptation to depend on them and miss out on learning something new.

3. Resolve to connect
Dive in. Introduce yourself to instructors and other attendees. Ask questions, offer insight. Eat and talk and laugh with other people. TURN YOUR PHONE OFF!

In twenty years of doing workshops I can count on one hand and half of one foot the number of people who said they got nothing out of it. ALL OF THEM remained isolated and refused to get involved with the people around them. Some felt they knew it all. Usually those were sent by someone who knew they didn’t. Others never disconnected from phone - computer - business, so even though they were physically at the conference, mentally they never left the office.

4. Resolve to commit
I ask our students to commit to what we are teaching just for the length of the conference. Long enough to try the principles, get past the discomfort of doing something NEW, and experience the difference it will make in their performance. Once they leave, I give them permission to dump the whole thing and shoot me with the guns they left at the door, BUT BY THEN THEY ARE HOOKED. [Rae's Note: I'd change this just a bit. I'd resolve to commit to the new ideas for more than just the time of the conference. Give yourself a few weeks, a month or two, to try the new stuff.]

The new grip suggested by a golf pro seems intolerable until you commit to practice it until it becomes natural. Only then will you hit the 250 yard drive or sink the 15 foot putt.

Try these resolutions the next time you are at a conference.
 
Today is May 7. There are only 70 days left until the start of Wave 3!Are your hotel reservations set? If you're staying at a conference hotel, make sure you have all of your roommates listed (with consultant numbers). This really will make things easier in the long run. Be sure to read through all of the rules and guidelines for conference hotels. You'll want to know your rights and responsibilities just in case.
 
Today is May 8. There are only 69 days left until the start of Wave 3!I can't believe I forgot to update this thread this morning. My memory isn't what it used to be. That brings to mind a good tip for NC. Don't trust your memory. Write down, print off, or save in your computer all information and lists. It's the best way to make sure you don't forget or miss out on things.
 
Today is May 9. There are only 68 days left until the start of Wave 3!Just over 2 months isn't all that much time. It will go by quickly. CS is a great source for NC info, tips, warnings, and more. One of my favorite things about NC is a chance to meet some of my CS friends. Keep an eye out for information about Meet N Greets (often abbreviated MNG), breakfasts, and where everyone's staying.
 
Today is May 10. There are only 67 days left until the start of Wave 3!Happy Mothers Day to everyone who shows loving care to others. Whether you've got children of your own or not, you're a mom.Thinking about Mothers Day got me thinking about expressing appreciation. My recruiter is no longer with PC. While I'm at NC I usually send her a postcard thanking her for what she did to introduce me to the PC business. It's simple, but little things like that often mean a lot. If there is someone who has helped you in your business, consider expressing your gratitude.
 
raebates said:
Today is May 10. There are only 67 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Happy Mothers Day to everyone who shows loving care to others. Whether you've got children of your own or not, you're a mom.

Thinking about Mothers Day got me thinking about expressing appreciation. My recruiter is no longer with PC. While I'm at NC I usually send her a postcard thanking her for what she did to introduce me to the PC business. It's simple, but little things like that often mean a lot. If there is someone who has helped you in your business, consider expressing your gratitude.
Click to expand...

Rae, you are always so thoughtful and ready to share your knowledge! I've been following this post to help me prep for NC....thanks for being you and for helping us out! I love the idea of appreciation, and will definitely do as you suggested! Happy Mother's Day to you....and May you always remain just as you are! God Bless!
 
Thank you, Laurie.
 
Today is May 11. There are only 66 days left until the start of Wave 3!We have just over 2 months before NC. You'll probably have several shows in that time. You'll do host coaching. You'll make lots of calls. Start taking a critical look at what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how it's working. Here are a few reasons I can think of for taking a close look at your business before NC. 1. You'll know what areas to target when you're asking questions and taking workshop notes.2. You'll know what's working well. You're likely to be asked for tips and advice while at NC. By really studying your business, you'll know what to tell those who ask. 3. You'll have a chance to make your business better before you even go. You may discover areas where you can change or streamline to make your business what you want it to be.
 
Today is May 12. There are only 65 days until the start of Wave 3!I'm getting really excited! I hope they post details soon--the NC bag, the added incentive for attending, etc. I'm keeping an eye on CC.
 
Today is May 12. There are only 65 days until the start of Wave 3!

I'm getting really excited! I hope they post details soon--the NC bag, the added incentive for attending, etc. I'm keeping an eye on CC.
 
Be sure to edit your home numbers and your cluster mates in your cell phone to include the area codes.
 
Today is May 13. There are only 64 days left until the start of Wave 3!Good suggestion, Bobby. That leads to a thought about today's tip. Make sure you have your roommates' and clustermates' numbers programmed into your phone. That will help you keep track of one another and adjust plans if necessary. Many of us Cheffers will also share numbers. I program these under "Cheffer - pampered chef consultant" in my phone. It makes it easier for my brain to find the person I'm looking for.I also take a hard copy of all of the numbers (roommates, clustermates, and Cheffers), just in case I have trouble with my phone. If something happens, I want to be able to use another phone to call.
 
Wow I just made the decision to go to conference yesterday (had some family trials that delayed the decision) but now I am superexcited...and overwhelmed! This thread is fabulous and I now know to start shopping...scrubs and jeans dont sound okay for NC!! WOO WOO. Thanks for all the tips :)
 
raebates said:
Today is May 12. There are only 65 days until the start of Wave 3!I'm getting really excited! I hope they post details soon--the NC bag, the added incentive for attending, etc. I'm keeping an eye on CC.
Click to expand...
Did you see in the Newswire yesterday that there will be more info in the June CN about a special July incentive if we attend conference? :sing::sing::sing:New on Consultant's Corner This Week ... * The National Conference 2009 page has been updated to include two testimonials from Consultants who attended National Conference last year in Chicago. Plus: Hold and submit two Shows in July and attend National Conference and you'll receive an exclusive promotional item available only to Conference attendees (see the June Consultant News for details). Register today!
 
Yippee! I love those incentives. I've already got 4 bookings for July, so I'm in line to get whatever they're offering. :)
 
diradt said:
Wow I just made the decision to go to conference yesterday (had some family trials that delayed the decision) but now I am superexcited...and overwhelmed! This thread is fabulous and I now know to start shopping...scrubs and jeans dont sound okay for NC!! WOO WOO. Thanks for all the tips :)
Click to expand...

You'll be so happy you decided to go. No, scrubs and jeans won't be appropriate, but you've got plenty of time to find great deals on comfy, appropriate clothing.

I love doing the tips. It keeps me on track so I'm not trying to do a bajillion things at the last minute. I'm glad you're finding them helpful.
 
Today is May 14. There are only 63 days left until the start of Wave 3!One of the things we usually get when we register is a tote of some kind. There will be an announcement soon about this year’s tote (assuming there is one). I take the things I want to be sure to carry with me (paper, pens, snacks and such) in a plastic bag. This way I can fold up the bag or toss it as soon as I get everything situated in my new tote.
 
Today is May 15. There are only 62 days left until the start of Wave 3!Not taking along a laptop? Go ahead and set up your email auto response today. Most email services let you set a start and end date for vacation responses. I usually set mine to start the day I leave and end a couple of days after I get back. That gives me a little time to get around to reading through all of the emails. I simply say that I’m off learning how to become an even better consultant and getting a sneak peek at the new products that will be out this fall. I leave my cell number so they can get to me if they have a PC emergency.
 
Very good tip Rae! Thanks! Now I just have to remember to do it! lol Thanks!
 
That's why I do mine now, while I'm thinking about it, instead of waiting until right before NC when I have 15,000,000 things to do.
 
raebates said:
Today is May 15. There are only 62 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Not taking along a laptop? Go ahead and set up your email auto response today. Most email services let you set a start and end date for vacation responses. I usually set mine to start the day I leave and end a couple of days after I get back. That gives me a little time to get around to reading through all of the emails. I simply say that I’m off learning how to become an even better consultant and getting a sneak peek at the new products that will be out this fall. I leave my cell number so they can get to me if they have a PC emergency.
Click to expand...

OOHHH, that just gave me an idea for the response... "I’m off learning how to become an even better consultant and getting a sneak peek at the new products that will be out this fall. Reply to this response and book your party or catalog party between Sept. 1 - 15 and choose one of the new items FREE (up to $20)."

What do ya think?
 
Sounds great, Krista.
 
Today is May 16. There are only 61 days left until the start of Wave 3!I want you to make me a promise. If you take a picture of me at NC you’ll make sure that you’re taking it from slightly above my eye line and not below it. People look better from this angle. With digital cameras it’s common for people to hold the camera down just under their own eye line or even under their own chin level. If you’ll hold it slightly above your eyes (or even better, a little above your head--especially if you're short like me), your subjects will look better. People will love you for it. Start practicing now so it will be habit by the time you take pictures at NC.
 
Today is May 16. There are only 61 days left until the start of Wave 3!

I want you to make me a promise. If you take a picture of me at NC you’ll make sure that you’re taking it from slightly above my eye line and not below it. People look better from this angle. With digital cameras it’s common for people to hold the camera down just under their own eye line or even under their own chin level. If you’ll hold it slightly above your eyes (or even better, a little above your head--especially if you're short like me), your subjects will look better. People will love you for it. Start practicing now so it will be habit by the time you take pictures at NC.
 
I just had to share with people who understand....I officially got my vacation from my 'dayjob' approved yesterday and I am ON MY WAY to Conference! Woohoo!! Chicago..are you ready for this???? LOL
 
raebates said:
Today is May 16. There are only 61 days left until the start of Wave 3!

I want you to make me a promise. If you take a picture of me at NC you’ll make sure that you’re taking it from slightly above my eye line and not below it. People look better from this angle. With digital cameras it’s common for people to hold the camera down just under their own eye line or even under their own chin level. If you’ll hold it slightly above your eyes (or even better, a little above your head--especially if you're short like me), your subjects will look better. People will love you for it. Start practicing now so it will be habit by the time you take pictures at NC.
Click to expand...

Too bad I won't be there and letting you take my pics Rae....I'm so not photogenic and could use a few good shots! lol
 
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