Originally posted by kmamom:
Tim--I must admit I found Philly a drag. The Adams Mark was WAY overpriced considering it looks as though it's seen better years, and was out of the way, not in central Philly. Why the fixation with Philly?

Adam's Mark did disappoint on the upkeep front last year. Agreed. Turns out the hotel was in the midst of being sold. It will be completely refreshed for 2005. Fixation with Philly? No. But -- as I said above -- when we successfully develop a conference in a certain location, there's definitely a good reason to stick around. We can say with confidence that we can get 400+ people in Philly. In a new location, we might get 400+. We might get 200. We don't know. That affects planning and pricing and a whole host of other things. We did add two new cities this year, but it's almost assured that cities that work will stay in the loop.


That said, I can imagine picking a place must be a pain--you'll never please EVERYBODY (myself included), but still, you asked!

I asked?

NYC - how about trying it sometime?

Would love to. Not sure we'll be in Midtwon anytime soon, but Westchester or North Jersey would be great. That said, so would Orlando and Atlanta and Phoenix and LA and Seattle and Cincinnatti and St. Louis and Minneapolis and Detroit and Denver.... We're trying.

I do realize the one-day conference makes a long, long drive more challenging. Driving 6 hours round-trip is more palatable if the trip is for two days of content and some relaxation. Every year, that's a new decision.

Tim--I must admit I found Philly a drag. The Adams Mark was WAY overpriced considering it looks as though it's seen better years, and was out of the way, not in central Philly. The drive there was...interesting, to say the least. There were a couple of times at one of the NUMEROUS stop lights I got nervous from the surrondings! Why the fixation with Philly?

That said, I can imagine picking a place must be a pain--you'll never please EVERYBODY (myself included), but still, you asked!

I can only speak for those living in the NYC area (and we all know how egocentric WE are!) but--getting to Philly is NOT easy, no matter how it looks on a map. What LOOKS like an hour and a half usually takes a LOT longer, especially on the turnpike. And for a one day show I was disappointed. It was too rushed for the aggravation to get there. I realize NYC is a negative due to cost, but at least you're in NYC, thus making it worth the haul, AND you can do other stuff WITHOUT a car! There are a LOT of reasonably priced places just outside NYC - how about trying it sometime?

POMOM -- Have you registered for our email updates (see above right)? If so, you should get details via email. You can also look at:

Our Conferences Home Page

for updates. The 2005 details and reservation information, etc. will be updated before the end of August. Our Chicago-area conference has sold out three years in a row, but usually not unitl after the New Year, so you have some time. Call us anytime if you have questions.

I think JHB did a great job describing the events. The feedback from parent group leaders is pretty darn good, if I do say so.

To Robin and perhaps others -- yes, all five conferences this year will be one-day events. We did half and half this year, and the one-day model was a nice fit. It's also allowing us to add the 5th city this year.

Apologies (to many) if the dates and schedule don't fit for you. We try hard to make the events work for as many constituencies as possible.

And finally -- to Bertha -- favorites? No, but I can see how you think that. The fact is that it takes a good amount of work and investment to get a conference started in a certain locale. Our second years are always bigger than our first and our third bigger than our 2nd, etc. While moving around more would allow us to get closer to more people in different years, it really wouldn't work all that well business-wise. Again, though, we're trying our best to bring conferences and learning opp's to as many leaders as possible in the years to come.

Tim

Tim
Are these one or two day events. Its pretty hard to drive from Syracuse New York there and back in one day. Like last year - we were unable to make conference because of the one day deal in PA. Thanks
Robin

Originally posted by Rockne:
Final two:

Friday, March 11, Framingham, MA
Sheraton Tara

Monday, May 2, Philadelphia, PA
Adam's Mark Hotel

Complete details coming up later in the month on our Conferences pages.

These will be our big "Conferences" for the year. Still tinkering with the idea of traveling a bit more this coming school year for smaller get-togethers.

Tim

I think last year it was $39-$59 depending if you went for 1 or 2 days and whether or not you are an NPN member. There were some package discounts for registering 4 members from your group.

I've been to the conferences two years and would definitely say they are worthwhile - ESPECIALLY if they are holding one in your "backyard". (The first year I went to Massachusetts and I live in Texas!)

The one thing I would suggest is to go with another person from your group if at all possible. I went solo and had a good time both years, but it would be more fun to be with someone you could pal around with and share the day with.

The day is filled with a wide range of speakers and breakout sessions, wonderful networking opportunities, and a fabulous exhibit area. You'll learn a lot and come away energized. And while the focus often seems to be on PTO officers - any committee chair or volunteer would benefit. And then, on top of everything else, it's just plain fun!

To all knowing...
I live about 30 miles west of the Drury Lane in Oakbrook (I actually used to work in Oakbrook back in the day when I actually collected a paycheck. Now I'm collecting a different type of reward as a professional volunteer at my childrens' schools). What do these conventions consist of and why would it be beneficial for me to attend? What is the cost factor? Do I need to purchase tickets early? Please clue me in or refer me to an informational site. Thanks! [img]smile.gif[/img]