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

[heather223]

Thanks Rae!!

 

[dkitten13]

I'm so excited but have to earn some bucks with my first two shows this week to buy my tix and registration!

 

[raebates]

Today is April 17. There are only 90 days left until the start of Wave 3!If you’ve never gone to NC before, you’re in for a real treat. They treat us well. I’ll be sharing travel and NC tips in the coming days. Feel free to ask questions. Feel free, too, to add any hints or tips you can think of.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 18. There are only 89 days left until the start of Wave 3!I haven’t seen anything about dress code for this year, but I’ll assume that it will be similar to what it’s been in the past. Here’s the official word from last year:

Pampered Chef requires that at all official Pampered Chef functions you dress business casual. No denim or shorts. Chicago can be hot in the summer, but keep in mind that you are indoors most of the time and the air conditioner can be chilly. Packing a light blazer or sweater is a good idea since you can easily take it on and off when needed.

There are those who will argue that they should be allowed to (or always have, or by golly intend to) wear their denim and/or shorts. Be that as it may, the HO has set the rules, and I am an inveterate rule follower. (Remember, I’m not trying to start a fight or a huge discussion. I’m just trying to offer helpful hints so the countdown doesn’t get boring.)Start now to take a good look at your available wardrobe in light of the rules. If there’s something you need to add, you have almost 3 months to search out sales, resale shops, and consignment shops for whatever you need. If you start now, you won’t be as tempted to spend a lot just to get something.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 19. There are only 88 days left until the start of Wave 3!I wonder if there will be any way to earn extra ribbons this year. For newbies, when you get your name badge you'll receive a first-timer's ribbon to attach to your badge. Directors and above have special ribbons. There are buttons, ribbons, and lanyards for things like earnings, recruiting, and charitable giving.

 

[peachey]

Woohoo.. only 88 days to Wave 3! I am so excited about NC and Chicago!!

 

[chefvickyb]

Hi all,

I've been selling Pampered Chef since October and this will be my first time attending conference. Any helpful tips would be appreciated. I have my flight booked and also my registration has been done. The only issue I'm having is that the people fom my cluster that I was going with have backed out. Is there usually people looking for roommates?

Vicky

 

[raebates]

Today is April 20. There are only 87 days left until the start of Wave 3!Just keep an eye on CS. People will start looking for roommates as we get closer. CS is also a great place to get ideas for what to take, what not to take, and how to really prepare for NC.

 

[chefvickyb]

Thanks Rae for the heads up. I am so excited about attending NC.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 21. There are only 86 days left until the start of Wave 3!You'll probably only have a few cluster/team meetings between now and NC. Write down anything you want to discuss with your clustermates so you can ask at the meetings. What do they usually do during down time? Do they usually move about as a group or will you be mostly on your own? Do they usually choose expensive restaurants, mid-range meals, or cheap & cheerful cuisine? Your roommates and travel buddies will be good sources of info.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 22. There are only 85 days left until the start of Wave 3!Is it weird that I'm already excited?

 

[Krista Burson]

Today is April 22. There are only 85 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Is it weird that I'm already excited?

Nope, not weird at all! I'm right there with ya! Especially since I'm returning to Chicago for the first time since '91, and can't wait to get down to that Lake front to take pics.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 23. There are only 84 days left until the start of Wave 3!Begin now making a list of the things you hope to learn at NC. If you’ve never been before, think about what you most want to know. Write down your questions. Read them over frequently. This will plant them in your brain, and you’ll be more likely to recognize an answer when you hear it. That’s one of the best things you can do to prepare your mind for NC.

 

[nldavis321]

Thinking about staying in the Hard Rock in Chicago. It is .9 miles away from the Hilton where I could get on the Conference Bus (at least that is what I was told. can i take the bus if I am not staying at hilton?) Would that be insane to walk/get a taxi/be dropped off there?The room is $111 a night right now and is soooo much nicer than the Travelodge for the same price. (Travelodge is .2 miles away from HIlton).Any thoughts or helpful hints/suggestions would he great! Thanks in advance!

 

[chefvickyb]

I thought for sure Rae would have already updated the countdown.

Here goes....

Today is April 24th - There are only 83 days left until the start of wave 3.

I just love seeing the countdown. I can't wait till NC and be able to meet you ladies & gents.

Vicky

 

[raebates]

Rae was out of town for a few days. Today is April 26. there are only 82 days left until the start of Wave 3!Nicole, I'm so glad you asked. You can ride the shuttle no matter where you stay. You will be reminded not to wear your name badge while walking around Chicago, since it really pegs you as a tourist. However, your badge will act as your shuttle pass.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 27. There are only 81 days left until the start of Wave 3.Have you made your travel plans? My group is driving in, but if you're planning to arrive in Chicago by train, plane, or bus you'll want to make your plans and reservations soon.

 

[nldavis321]

Thanks Rae! Any opinions on the Travelodge vs. The Hardrock?

 

[raebates]

Sorry. I always stay at conference hotels. It's partly a security issue for me. There are lots of us coming and going at the same time, so I don't feel like a woman traveling alone.

 

[nldavis321]

Yes I really wanted to do the same, but it is just Mom and I traveling. She prefers to stay with just us two. We are saving almost $300 each by staying in another hotel. Ugh.

 

[PampMomof3]

Any thoughts or helpful hints/suggestions would he great! Thanks in advance!

Hey Nicole,

R u flying out of Orlando? I'm not sure where Tamarac is. When are you going out? We're flying out of Orlando and arriving in Chicago on the 15th @ 4pm

 

[raebates]

Today is April 28. There are only 80 days left until the start of Wave 3.I was able to see the guy from What Not to Wear at an event I worked recently. He pointed out that fit is the first element of style, and when your clothes fit right they'll be comfortable. He also said that on the show they shop for 2 solid days and consider themselves lucky if they find 7 outfits. If the only clothes you have that would be appropriate for NC aren't comfortable, you need to do something. You can have the clothes you already have altered. Or, you can buy new. Just remember that it can take lots of time to find clothing that fits your body and your budget.Here are a few more suggestions I gleaned from Clinton Kelly:Try everything on.If you can't immediately picture it with at least 3 things already in your closet, don't buy it. You'll be wasting money and closet space.A bit of alteration (a dart here, hem there) can make all the difference.

 

[heather223]

I love that show! Rae is also right- if your are not comfortable in your clothes you will not be comfortable at Conference. Take it from someone who knows! I will be going shopping soon for some new COMFORTABLE clothes for conference.

 

[nldavis321]

Is it business casual? Thanks Rae! Great tips! Kristi ~ Tamarac is outside Fort Lauderdale. I am actually going to be in the Pittsburgh area with family. My mom and I are driving to Chicago!

 

[pckellyd]

Can't wait till conference! It's my first!!!!!! I booked my airfare, my director booked the hotel, and I'll be sending in my registration as soon as I see if I'm getting anymore PC $$ after my next party on the 2nd!

Oh and Deb, I'm from the Pittsburgh area!!

 

[raebates]

Nicole, they haven't posted the dress code yet. In the past it's been

Pampered Chef requires that at all official Pampered Chef functions you dress business casual. No denim or shorts. Chicago can be hot in the summer, but keep in mind that you are indoors most of the time and the air conditioner can be chilly. Packing a light blazer or sweater is a good idea since you can easily take it on and off when needed.

 

[Chef Bobby]

Has anyone had a problem with PC polo shirts shrinking? I thought about getting a couple of those.

 

[Chefstover2]

I signed up for my workshops the first day but just got my airfare today...flying out of Ft. Lauderdale with my clustermates. Can't wait!

I haven't looked through all the posts...has a Meet & Greet for Wave 3 been discussed yet?

 

[raebates]

Briefly. Last year we met at the bar in the Hilton. That seemed to work well. We'll firm those plans up as we get closer to NC.

 

[raebates]

Today is April 29. There are only 79 days left until the start of Wave 3.If your loved ones are questioning your desire to go to NC, do your best to include them in the excitement. Use CS to talk incessantly about NC. Your family probably doesn't want to hear constant chatter about it. However, do make sure they know that you'll miss them; you'll bring them souvenirs; and they'll benefit from the extra money you'll make because of the business boost you'll get.