Who Can Clue Me in on the Cost of Conference?

[newmexgirl]

As I just posted in the introduction section, I'm a total newb. I just signed my agreement last night and scheduled my first three shows today.

I received word regarding the national conference dates and location. However, I know nothing of the cost, programs, or schedule.

As we have family in the Chicago area, I would very much like to attend the conference either before or after visiting family.

Can anyone provide me with the cost so I can get it in my budget ASAP?

I'm assuming I'll be able to find more information regarding schedule and programs in Consultant's Corner once I receive my consultant number and am able to access.

Leslie

 

[chefann]

Check with your recruiter or Director to find out which wave you're in. There are too many of us to fit in the convention center and hotels all at once, so they break us up into 3 groups. The specific dates for each wave are on Consultant's Corner.Conference Registration is $200. That includes workshops, general sessions, a tote bag, meals on day 2, breakfast on day 3 and some little gifts. You'll want to plan on buying meals on day 1 and day 3, depending on when you arrive and leave Chicago.Usually, Day 1 starts in the morning for Directors, 1:00-ish for non-Directors. Unless you're taking a Home Office Tour. Those are $20, must be selected when you register (they fill up fast!), and include bus transportation to and from HO and a box meal on the bus. They are usually morning Day 1 and some on afternoon of Day 3. Typical schedule:
Day 1 morning: Director event, HO tours (optional)
Day 1 afternoon: general session
Day 1 evening: free
Day 2 morning: general breakfast, Breakfast of Caring; general session
Day 2 afternoon: general lunch, Career Club Lunch; workshops
Day 2 evening: banquet
Day 3 morning: general breakfast, New Director Breakfast; workshop; general session
Day 3 afternoon: HO tours (optional)Official hotels usually work out to about $175-200 per night after taxes. Lots of us choose to make a slumber party out of it, and put 4 in a room. Which cuts down on the cost.Directors who have already received their March newsletters have indicated that it says registration will open at the end of March, and there will be an opportunity for us to earn half price or free registration.

 

[newmexgirl]

Cheffann,

Thanks so much for your prompt reply. Now I can start making some plans, first of which will be to contact my director for more information

Heck, maybe I'll even meet some of my lovely "forum-mates" while there

Leslie

 

[chefann]

We'll have meet 'n greets set up. We did last year, and they were a total hoot. There will also be info posted about buttons so that we can identify each other in the crowd. If you want more detailed info about costs, there are several threads about it from last year. Just know that while Chicago isn't necessarily a cheap town, it is possible to do Conference on a budget, if you're aware of what you're spending and don't get caught up in the frenzy with the vendors. There are some decent places for quickie breakfast neat a couple of the hotels, and if you pack snacks in your suitcase, that reduces your out-of-pocket, too.

 

[wadesgirl]

I know it's too late now but next year you can sign up for Conference Club. I signed up last August and they take a designated amount out of my paycheck to go towards paying for conference. I won't have to worry about a big chunk coming out all at once. By signing up in August, it was only $25 a month.