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

[pcsharon1]

Okay I'm interested in finding a room for conference 3 - I plan to arrive on Thursday morning and will be leaving after conference on Saturday or maybe Sunday morning. I would love to share a room and would even consider splitting a room with one other person instead of three or four in a room. Thanks.

 

[Chef Bobby]

If you can't find a conference hotel room, there are a few others (and sometimes cheaper) and close like the one our cluster is staying at. We are at The Essex which is across the street from the Chicago Hilton. The shuttle busses park between the two hotels.

 

[raebates]

Excellent tips, Bobbi!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 11. There are only 35 days left until the start of Wave 3!Peanuts? Granola bars? What snack helps keep you going? You might want to bring some along. With everything going on at NC, a healthy snack to boost your energy mid-morning and/or mid-afternoon may be just what you need to stay alert and get the most out of those great workshops! (Sorry. Sodas, donuts, and candy bars don't count.)

 

[NooraK]

Today is June 12. There are only 34 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Rae, did you forget? I don't have any cool tips...

 

[raebates]

Nope, I didn't forget. I left early this morning. Thanks for taking care of things for me, NooraK.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 13. There are only 33 days left until the start of Wave 3!Be sure to print off the Wave 3 Stage List before you leave for NC. This way you'll know who to cheer really loud for. You should be able to find it here a few days before NC:http://www.chefsuccess.com/f101/you-walking-stage-wave-3-a-53182/

 

[raebates]

Today is June 14. There are only 32 days left until the start of Wave 3!Whether you're traveling by plane, bus, or train, be sure to have your identification handy. Depending on your mode of travel, you may need to show that ID several times. You may need more than one form of ID. You will probably also need ID handy in order to check in at the hotel.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 15. There are only 31 days left until the start of Wave 3!You might want to check with the hotel (or others who have stayed at your hotel in the past) to see what amenities they offer. Some offer a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, etc. If you're not picky about those things, you could leave yours at home. That will give you more suitcase room for your shopping spoils.

 

[Chef Bobby]

You might want to check with the hotel (or others who have stayed at your hotel in the past) to see what amenities they offer. Some offer a hair dryer,

lol, I wish I needed a hair dryer.

 

[NooraK]

Today is June 16. There are only 30 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Cool tips... hmm...

Make sure you check your airline's rules and costs for checking baggage. You don't want to get caught at the airport with an extra charge you forgot about. And try to minimize the amount of things you bring with you, try to fit it into a carry on. It'll save money, and save time at the airport by not having to wait by the baggage carousel.

 

[raebates]

Only 1 month, people!Think about the toiletries you're going to bring. It can be a good investment to pick up a travel kit. You can get them fairly inexpensively ($5 to $15) at discount stores. They save space and time, since you can move everything into and out of the bathroom easily. Mine will even hang on the towel rod or the hook on the back of the bathroom door, saving precious counter space. An additional perk to these is that I can leave mine packed. The only thing I have to add is my makeup, so I’m ready to go at a moment’s notice.

 

[Chef Bobby]

Mark your checked items so you can tell yours from everyone elses. Ribbons or a bandanna works good.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 17. There are only 29 days left until the start of Wave 3!Want to make things easier on yourself while you're trying to get ready in the morning at NC? Pack your clothes in "outfits." Fold all of the clothes (slacks/skirt, top, undies, etc.) that you're planning to wear on a particular day together. Need to hang things up when you arrive? Put everything for that day on the same hanger--underthings and all. No rummaging through your suitcase when it's your turn in the bathroom.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 18. There are only 28 days left until the start of Wave 3!Remember that, when you're ready to come home, a bag of wadded up dirty laundry takes up more room than neatly folded laundry. I know it sounds weird, but fold your dirty laundry before you put it in your laundry bag. It will make it easier to get that bag zipped before you leave.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 19. There are only 27 days left until the start of Wave 3!Label each piece of your luggage, both inside and out, with your name and phone number, but not your home address. If an address is required by your transportation, try not to use your home address. Use your office address, a post office, etc., if possible. Flying? Don't forget to remove old claim checks to avoid confusion. After all, you may want to return to your last vacation spot, but do you really want your luggage to return before you do?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Today is June 19. There are only 27 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Label each piece of your luggage, both inside and out, with your name and phone number, but not your home address. If an address is required by your transportation, try not to use your home address. Use your office address, a post office, etc., if possible.

Flying? Don't forget to remove old claim checks to avoid confusion. After all, you may want to return to your last vacation spot, but do you really want your luggage to return before you do?

Hmmm, this has me thinking...is it possible to lose 30 lbs in 27 days?

 

[raebates]

Not without cutting off a limb.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Not without cutting off a limb.

LOL

 

[raebates]

What can I say? I've done the math.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Hmmm, this has me thinking...is it possible to lose 30 lbs in 27 days?

I was thinking the same thing!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 20. There are only 26 days left until the start of Wave 3!Do you have your Chef Success button? It isn’t a requirement, but it will make it easier for us to find each other. You can find CS buttons here:http://www.chefsuccess.com/f98/chef-success-buttons-2009-a-50231/

 

[dkitten13]

I just ordered my pin! I'm getting so excited - I just joined in March so this is my first convention!

 

[raebates]

Keep checking the Wave 3 section. You'll find out who to look for at your workshops and who to watch for on stage.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 21. There are only 25 days left until the start of Wave 3!Remember to pack tightly. Packing loosely wastes precious space and encourages your clothes to wrinkle. If you’re trying to leave room for things you’ll want to bring home, fill a few large zippered bags with air to take up room. The bags will fold flat when you are ready to travel home. You could even put a few of your purchases in them.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 22. There are only 24 days left until the start of Wave 3!Now that you've been reminded to pack everything tightly, don't waste any hidden space. Tuck things into your shoes, into the corners of your suitcase, etc. These are great places for socks, undies, jewelry, etc. But, on the other hand, be sure to leave an empty pocket or two in that suitcase, so you can fill it with things you may buy while in Chicago!!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 23. There are only 23 days left until the start of Wave 3!What not to take is as important as what to take. Leave the family heirlooms at home. While your hotel should be secure, theft does happen. If it's an irreplaceable piece of family history, you may want to rethink bringing it along. If you're being recognized for a special achievement, and you really want to wear great aunt Bertha's diamond-encrusted brooch, ask about the hotel safe.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 24. There are only 22 days left until the start of Wave 3!If your traveling any way other than car, make sure of the carry-on rules. I don't know about buses and trains, but airlines have strict carry-on policies. You don't want to have to leave things you've carefully packed behind. Contact your airline, train company, or bus company for their rules. Don't forget that the Transportation Security Administration has some rules in place, too. Questions? Get the answers at TSA | Transportation Security Administration | U.S. Department of Homeland Security or 866-289-9673.ETA: I can't believe no one commented on the fact that I didn't change the date or the number of days on this post. LOL! It's corrected now.

 

[ChefMichele1]

Hey Rae, which limb to I need to cut off for the 30lb weight loss? I'm walking the stage for the first time, so I'm hoping that it's not a leg

 

[raebates]

Hey Rae, which limb to I need to cut off for the 30lb weight loss? I'm walking the stage for the first time, so I'm hoping that it's not a leg

In my case it would have to be a leg. Well, unless we could slice off my belly and booty. LOL!