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

[raebates]

Have a wonderful time.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 24. There are only 53 days left until the start of Wave 3!You're likely to encounter people in Chicago asking for money. I know I did the last time I went to NC. I always hesitate to give cash, since I don't know how it will be used. I do like to help people, though. Someone gave me a great idea. I take fast food gift certificates with me. There are fast food places everywhere downtown. I can give, knowing it can only be used for food. Plus, I can determine a specific amount before I leave for Chicago. I can give a few of dollars' worth to each one. Once I'm out of certificates, I've given the amount I set aside for those donations.

 

[diradt]

What a kind and awesome thing! Thats a great idea for day-to-day throughout the year!

 

[raebates]

Today is May 25. There are only 52 days left until the start of Wave 3!You're packing your June and July schedules. I know you are. Don't forget to block out a bit of family time before or after. You'll also want to plan for a day or two to absorb all the NC info and start putting new ideas in place.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 26. There are only 51 days left until the start of Wave 3!Travel can cause, um, digestive issues. While at NC, it would be easy to eat too little fiber and drink too little water. Plan ahead. Take some high-fiber snacks with you. Dried fruit, snack bars, and the like are portable and tasty. Make a conscious effort to drink lots of water. If you're picky about your water, take some of your favorite with you. Otherwise, just take along a refillable sport bottle. There are conveniently placed pitchers of water at each workshop. You'll feel better if you’re well hydrated.

 

[diradt]

Ok so I just thought I would make you guys laugh. I have taken Rae's advice and started a to-do list on my computer of the tips/tricks so I can start checking things off. So I decided to go to Wave 1 and 2's countdowns to see if there is anything else I should add....and this is what I found in Wave 1----all of Rae's tips copy and pasted. Aren't we lucky to have her in our wave!!!???

YEA lol

 

[raebates]

Those copy cats! LOL! To be honest, I cheat just a little. I first started doing the tips 3 years ago (if I remember correctly*). I did a lot of research and sought out information wherever I could think to look. Since then I've added a few tips here and there, but mostly I just cut and paste the tips from a file I created after that first year. *I started doing the tips because I got bored really quickly with just putting the date and the countdown. Working from my theory that only boring people get bored, I decided to find a way to occupy myself in a way that might be helpful to others.

 

[diradt]

Well we love you for it. Especially us newbies!!! Going out to buy my water bottle tonight. LOL

 

[raebates]

I love ya right back. That's part of why I share the tips and encourage newbies to ask questions and veterans to share knowledge.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 27. There are only 50 days left until the start of Wave 3!Don't forget to pack sunscreen. Chances are you'll be doing a bit of walking around Chicago. That sun can be brutal in July. We want to make sure you all stay comfortable and healthy. Sunburns are definitely not comfortable, and skin cancer is not healthy.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 28. There are only 49 days left until the start of Wave 3!I know there are lots of fun things to do after the evening sessions. You’re probably already starting to make plans. Just remember to get plenty of sleep. It's hard to believe, but learning is actually one of the main reasons for NC. It's harder to absorb all that great stuff if you're too tired to listen.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 29. There are only 48 days left until the start of Wave 3!If you haven't started a packing list, start it soon. It's probably best to make sure it's portable so you can jot things down as you think of them. Don't over pack, though. How to strike a balance? Why not talk with your roommates? You can probably share some things.

 

[raebates]

Today is May 30. There are only 47 days left until the start of Wave 3!What to pack? Make a plan. You'll need business casual clothing with comfortable shoes for three days of workshops/sessions. You'll need one outfit for your executive banquet. Check with your director to find out what type of dress is expected for yours. You’ll also need toiletries, a pen or two, and paper (note pad, loose paper, whatever you feel comfortable taking notes on).

 

[raebates]

Today is May 31. There are only 46 days left until the start of Wave 3!Okay, so now that you know what type of clothes you'll need, make your plan. Plan out each outfit down to the jewelry you'll wear. Can you wear the same shoes* for more than one of your outfits? How about the same jewelry? Every decision either takes up more suitcase space or allows you more room.*Since we do so much walking and a bit of standing, it would probably be best for your feet if you alternate shoes. Wearing the same shoes several days in a row can cause or worsen foot pain.

 

[pamperedalf]

Ok so I just thought I would make you guys laugh. I have taken Rae's advice and started a to-do list on my computer of the tips/tricks so I can start checking things off. So I decided to go to Wave 1 and 2's countdowns to see if there is anything else I should add....and this is what I found in Wave 1----all of Rae's tips copy and pasted. Aren't we lucky to have her in our wave!!!???

YEA lol

I do it every year, because it saves me a lot of time. Rae I actually made a file this year. I appreciate your organization. Thanks Rae!!1

 

[raebates]

Aww, you're most welcome.

 

[chef131doreen]

Today is May 31 We just booked a NEW hotel Confort Suites it even has a full kitchen frig can't wait Daily breakfast too.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 1. There are only 45 days left until the start of Wave 3!The following was originally shared by ChefAnn. Some of these we have no control over for NC (like planning too much in one day). Not every one applies directly to NC. Still, they’re good general travel tips. 8 mistakes that can spoil any trip
________________________________________1. Winging it. Know where you're going to stay for at least the first night, especially after a long flight.

2. Packing too much. Limit yourself to one suitcase and one carry-on. Put a change of clothes and your daily medication in the carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. 3. Forgetting essential items. Make a list of things you frequently forget and put it in your empty suitcase. 4. Trying to do too much. Limit the number of activities you plan into each day. Schedule free days for long trips. 5. Trying to get too much work done at the last minute. Spread things out. You'll never have enough time to finish everything the day before you leave. 6. Calling the office too much. This can be a sign of insecurity or trying too hard to control everything. Your boss and co-workers know how to reach you in an emergency, right? 7. Misplacing essential items. Keep boarding passes, identification, passports, trip itineraries, and other documents in one small, easy-to-get-to pouch or bag. Put a bright sticker or ribbon on your luggage to make it stand out. 8. Leaving town without making arrangements to have the mail and newspaper picked up - a sure sign to would-be thieves that your house is empty.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 2. There are only 44 days left until the start of Wave 3!Make sure you leave the hotel and conference center info for your family. They'll feel more secure knowing where to reach you in case of an emergency.

 

[Chef Bobby]

Is there a number that we can give family for the McCormick Center?
My wife usually only calls my cell phone, but it might come in handy.

 

[raebates]

This is the information I found online for McCormick Center:McCormick Place
Lakeside Center & Arie Crown Theater
2301 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
312-791-7000

 

[raebates]

Today is June 3. There are only 43 days left until the start of Wave 3!Traveling by air? Photograph your luggage and its contents just before you leave. If it gets lost, you'll have a record for the airline. (And, just being prepared often wards off this type of bad luck. You know, it’s the same principle as carrying an umbrella so that it won't rain.)

 

[raebates]

Today is June 4. There are only 42 days left until the start of Wave 3!Traveling by plane? Squeeze the air out of your toiletry bottles before packing them in your luggage. It lessens the likelihood of them exploding because of air pressure changes.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 5. There are only 41 days left until the start of Wave 3!Once you get to your hotel room, I know you'll be excited to talk with everyone and get started on the NC fun. Your stay will go much smoother, though, if you take just a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Where are the light switches, and which lights do they control? Where are the AC controls, and how do they work? Where is the emergency exit in relation to your room?Oh, yeah, and from personal experience, make sure the room's clock radio isn't set to full volume on a mariachi station unless that's really how the people in your room prefer to be awakened.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 6. There are only 40 days left until the start of Wave 3!Traveling by bus? Check to make sure what their boarding procedures are. On many lines there aren't assigned seats, and they tend to overbook. It may be necessary for you to line up for departure as much as an hour before your departure time. You don't want to delay your arrival because you didn't get a seat. Heck, you could miss out on meeting some of your fellow Cheffers.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 7. There are only 39 days left until the start of Wave 3!While you're in Chicago, be sure to carry your hotel's address with you. After all, there is more than one Sheraton or Hilton. And, while PC is very important, not every cab driver will know where we're staying. This is important whether you’re planning to take a cab or not. Things happen. It’s better to be safe. I simply print the info on a small piece of paper and tuck it in my wallet.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 8. There are only 38 days left until the start of Wave 3!Once you've arrived at your hotel room, unpack. I know it's tempting to drop your bags and run out to meet all the other consultants and, especially, the other Cheffers. However, if you'll take just a few minutes to hang up your clothes, put your toiletries in the bathroom, etc., you'll save yourself time in the long run. Plus, if you're sharing the room, and you're the first one to arrive, you get to stake out prime real estate for yourself.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 9. There are only 37 days left until the start of Wave 3!We've been concentrating on our arrival, but departure is important, too. Why not get everything but the bare essentials packed the night before? It will save you time that last morning when things may be a bit rushed. It will also lessen the likelihood of leaving something behind.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 10. There are only 36 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Pack light. Check out the Chicago weather a few days before you leave, that way you won't feel a need to bring clothes for everything from snow to a heat wave.

 

[esavvymom]

Oh my gosh! That is just coming up fast!!Few additional travel tips- take some sanitizing wipes to wipe down a few commonly overlooked items in your room- the TV Remote, switches, Telephone, etc. Don't want to end your trip with a nasty germ from the room! We can only do so much, but every little bit helps. Also- find out from your hotel staff what the Cab Telephone # is- so you can program it into your cell phone- JUST IN CASE! You don't want to be stuck somewhere and have no way to call a cab....probably not likely- but you never know. Carry a small map of the city with you at all times. Find out if you can get one from the hotel, or just go online. A great travel site I use for Chicago-related info: Chicago Traveler