I definately recommend the two day! I went to Boston last year. It was great. Planning on going again this year and hoping to bring a group of PTO-ers with me. A friend came with me to the second day of the event and said that she really wished that she had made it to both days! You get to attend more seminars. And I definately recommend any that involve open discussion. We had a great time talking with Tim about different fundraising events. Got some awesome ideas at the conference. The two day is definately worth it!
There will be more total unique sessions at the two-day events and there will be some repeat sessions at the second day of the two-day events.
The repeat sessions are a pattern that we've tested carefully at past conferences. What happens is that -- with such good sessions -- it's almost inevitable that an attendee will want to attend two sessions at the same time. By repeating our most popular sessions, attendees have the best chance to hit all of their key topics over two days.
Important to note, too, that a great deal of the learning and enjoyment that takes place at our events (maybe the majority)happens in the social/networking times. Breaks, cocktail reception, lunch, etc. And the two-day events have twice as much of this time, too.
My advice: If you're really into this stuff and have the time (and $$) to travel, a two-day event is great. Last year, we had probably 30 or 40 people fly to one city or another, and (I believe) all will be back this year.
I'd say the 2-day event is probably 100% more sharing/networking, 50% more strict content, and 75% more total time. You can weigh that against the costs for you of attending far away vs. local.
Look forward to seeing you (and a gaggle of friends!) either way.
I'm debating whether to go to Philly or Boston for the conference. With the two day conference, are there actually more different topics, or are they just more sessions of the same topics available in the one day conference (hope this makes sense...).
