I just got back from the Dallas show. Don't worry about being hungry, so many delicious samples to try. (Thank you, Krispy Kream!) One thing would be a bag on wheels. My shoulder got tired from carrying all the literature and the freebies I was picking up. I made several trips up to the room to unload. School supply lists would have helped. Most of all, share ideas and have fun.
Glad you got a nice rate. Looking forward to seeing you.
For you (and anyone!), if you do book a room on your own (without using the PTO Today name or discount), could you please just send me an email with your name and the nights you're staying. Won't affect your rate at all, but it will allow us to get credit with the hotel for the "room nights" (which is a big deal).
My email is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by SFilak: One hint I can give from attending many PTA conferences is, bring address labels. In the vendor area, many of the vendors do door prizes and mailings. If you bring prepared labels, it will save you from filling out your information at each vendor booth.
Include your name, pto name, mailing address(school or home-your preference), email and phone number(only if you want a million calls-I learned that one the hard way). I usually bring about 10 sheets of 2"x3"labels and just stick them to the info cards.
Also, it tends to be either too warm or too cold in conference rooms, for some reason it's never just right! To be comfy, wear a t-shirt with a sweater and you can adjust to room temps.
Also, if you are staying at a hotel in your home state and are sales tax exempt, bring a copy of your exemption certificate to save ALOT of money on your room. I know NY state is 8% sales tax PLUS 10% room tax. It adds up. If you have an "Entertainment" book, check to see if your hotel has a discount. The Philly hotel is in it and you can get 50%off the "rack" or "standard" rate. For instance, Adams Mark rack rate today is $169, use your entertainment book and get that same room for $85 a night. We used it for the NYS PTA convention in November and got a room at a Crowne Plaza for $55 night.
Just a few suggestions. Good luck!<hr></blockquote>
Hi SFilak
I just wanted to say thanks for the info
I had our treasurer who is coming with me
to the show call up the hotel and use
her coupon from the entertainment book
we saved alot of money - and the idea
about the labels is a great heads up
I have already put ours together for the
show. Thanks again
This is my first year attending a PTO show, but I have attended other conferences and I always bring FOOD!
I know it sounds silly, but if you're staying overnight and you just want a quick snack or breakfast, pack an apple or some fruit, a muffin, some micro popcorn / granola bars. Stuff that doesn't need refrigeration.
It will save you time - no waiting in line at the restaurant and let you sleep in a few more minutes before you start the next day of information overload.
1. Take a bit of time and think of the 4 or 5 best things that your group has done in the past couple of years, and share those ideas at the Show. There's a lot of time for idea-sharing and it's really the best part of our Shows. You'll get back ten times as many ideas as you share.
2. Think about bringing as many friends/colleagues as you can. One of the frequent frustrations we hear is that individuals have to miss great sessions, because they're attending a different great session. That's one reason why we added the second day, but it's still going to be an issue. Divide and conquer (and take good notes) is my advice.
3. Try and take advantage of some of the less-crowded times (afternoons typically) to do the Exhibit Hall thing. We'll have more than 80 exhibitors at the show, and you can probably do almost all of your 2003-2004 homework right at the Show IF you give yourself the time to ask questions and explore.
One hint I can give from attending many PTA conferences is, bring address labels. In the vendor area, many of the vendors do door prizes and mailings. If you bring prepared labels, it will save you from filling out your information at each vendor booth.
Include your name, pto name, mailing address(school or home-your preference), email and phone number(only if you want a million calls-I learned that one the hard way). I usually bring about 10 sheets of 2"x3"labels and just stick them to the info cards.
Also, it tends to be either too warm or too cold in conference rooms, for some reason it's never just right! To be comfy, wear a t-shirt with a sweater and you can adjust to room temps.
Also, if you are staying at a hotel in your home state and are sales tax exempt, bring a copy of your exemption certificate to save ALOT of money on your room. I know NY state is 8% sales tax PLUS 10% room tax. It adds up. If you have an "Entertainment" book, check to see if your hotel has a discount. The Philly hotel is in it and you can get 50%off the "rack" or "standard" rate. For instance, Adams Mark rack rate today is $169, use your entertainment book and get that same room for $85 a night. We used it for the NYS PTA convention in November and got a room at a Crowne Plaza for $55 night.
