Yes, I finally did connect with Momma Mia the last day of the show and glad I did!

A possible workshop for next year - and I did pass this idea along to the PTO Today staff... a workshop on media. How to get your events in the news. Tips and tricks on writing a press release, etc.

Also, how to handle the press if your school has BAD news or a scandal or just prints incorrect information.

What if the President showed up at your school? How would you whip up a welcome committee in a moment's notice?

I think this workshop would be helpful. Thanks!

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Chicago was awesome!! This was my second show and it was wonderful. I learned so many new and interesting things. Yes, the hotel layout was not great and my feet were killing me also, but I would do it again in exchange for all of the information I received. Momski, it was great to finally meet you.
My husband had a great idea,He said to get parents more involved we should have a "meet the parents" night at our school. For the first month of school, we should focus on one grade at a time and the 1st week have a kindergarten night and the second week a first graders night and so on, Just get the parents together for an hour and a half or so and have cookies and juice so they can get to know some other parents with children their age. I think it sounds great and wish I could've added that suggestion to our sharing session but i'm hoping everyone will read the discussion forum. Thanks to everyone at PTO TODAY for putting on a fabulous show! Looking foward to next year!

Hi, I'm Momski and I'm a first-timer. I attended both days.

Location-wise, Chicago area is perfect - close to O'Hare Airport with lots of travel options to fly in speakers and attendees.

I stayed over night in the hotel and had a good experience and thought it was a great value for the price. I live 80 miles away, but decided to stay and was glad I did. I took that Friday night and wrote notes and notes and notes of all the workshops I attended.

Yes, the multi-level meeting rooms were a challenge and I frequently got lost, but all the attendees were more than helpful in pointing me to the right room.

ALL the workshops that I attended were excellent. I even attended the performer showcase and was volunteered to be a human gyroscope!!! - what a blast!!

I am in the midst of writing a report on parent involvement as well as summarizing all the workshops I attended. (can you say writer's cramp?)

Kudos to the hard working PTO Today staff for their hard work at presenting quality programs.

YOU ROCK!

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This was my first year attending one of your shows. I have to agree that the layout was confusing.... I would like to suggest PTO Today trying their conference to Indianapolis, IN. The city has alot to offer, especially downtown. I look forward to the next show. Good information was received on the sessions I took. Thanks.

I commend you and all the PTO Today staff for putting on such a great show! This was my second year and I left with just as many new ideas as last year. We outlined our plans for next year on the drive home and can't wait to share our new knowledge with others in our organization! My favorite sessions by far are the facilitated sharing sessions.

One suggestion, I did think we had too much time between sessions but I was a two day person and covered the exhibit hall in the first day. I also didn't care much for the lay-out of the hotel. It didn't see like as much networking was happening outside of the sessions because attendees were trying to figure out what room they had to hike to next. I definitely would love for you to stay in the Chicago area but maybe a different place.

The PTO Today staff was extremely helpful and we could really tell you enjoy what you do. The PTO Today shows are a must for anyone in a parent-teacher organization! Great job and can't wait until next year!