Find Your Stride

Hi all! Audra here.

Can you believe there are only 15 days until the ACFW conference in Indianapolis? Where has the time flown? I’m super excited because I can attend this year – haven’t been able to since 2006 and I’ve been in severe withdrawal ever since.

(Hint: It’s taken 4 years for me to recover from sightseeing in Dallas with Ruthy…need I say more??)

So now I’m dusting off my conference paraphernalia and shaking the wrinkles from my conference attire. I’m actually flying in a day early to enjoy the peace and quiet of anonymity, aka no family members popping in my office asking, "whatcha doin’?" and then taking a seat. Can anyone relate?

Actually, I’m not very comfortable when plopped into strange environments, I need a good day to acclimate to my surroundings. I want to be ready when the bell sounds announcing the start of the ACFW conference!

Of course the option of putting on my sneakers and exploring my new surroundings, in and outside of the hotel holds vast appeal, too LOL!

That’s a quick peek inside game plan for conferences. My advice to any first time attendees, or anyone who doesn’t travel well is learn to ride your stride.

The key to any good conference experience?

Don’t Stress Out!

How about a few more pointers from my point of view?

Let’s start with the workshops. ACFW always offers a plethora of great speakers and teachers. I’m sure you’ve had a tough time deciding which Continuing Ed track you’d like and which workshop will give you the best info, especially with so many choices piled into each time slot. Pace yourself. Remember, bestsellers weren’t created overnight and you won’t earn an authorship degree in one weekend! Absorb what you can from the workshops and talks you can squeeze in and pray there are hand-outs for all the rest : )

If it’s financially possible at all, I recommend purchasing the CDs or MP3 set of the conference. Not only do you have the opportunity to hear all the sessions, you can also do that at your leisure. I find slapping on my headphones, tuning in to a workshop that targets my problem area of the day, and taking off for a walk with the dog not only works out my writing issues, but also keeps me walking for the duration of the workshop. Our tubby Corgi benefits from the exercise, too. Win-win.

Now, how many of you are natural night owls? Or do you pour your first cup of coffee at 5:00 in the morning? Consider too, rushing all morning, learning all afternoon, chatting non-stop during dinner, socializing into the wee hours. Is this a normal lifestyle? If it is, more power to you!

Me? I’m an early riser--please pass the coffee about 4:30 am—but I’m dead by 10:00pm. I used to shift into overdrive at conferences for fear of missing the one tidbit of conversation that would change my destiny forever, learning the secret handshake to get me into the club of published. Wore me out. Don’t fret over every opportunity to socialize. Or sacrifice your health. The world won’t end if you take an afternoon nap. You’ll probably be a better person for it in the evening : )

Now, on to my favorite topic: Food.

Personally, I love the food offered at the conferences. Nice variety; great desserts. You never walk away hungry. And there’s the problem. It doesn’t take me long to belly up to the buffet for all the mouthwatering options I NEVER have at home.

This is not good.

Not only are you in a different time zone, sleeping in a strange room, playing with old and new friends every waking minute, but realize gourmet food meant to impress awaits you at every turn. Well, maybe not gourmet, but when you live salad-to-salad the rest of the year like I do, sweet and sour sauce drizzled on succulent chicken becomes a 5-star treat.

Eat, drink and be merry!! But take time to find normal food and drink familiar drinks too, even if it’s a piece of fruit or a granola bar. I don’t know about you, but if I eat lots of new goodies, I’m a goner. You’ll find me nodding off in the back corner during a workshop I’ve waited all conference to attend!

Chocolate, as always, is a free food. Indulge as opportunity arises : )

I know there are veteran conference goers among us who have war stories of survival to share! Please join in and offer your words of wisdom. We can all use ‘em!!!

Remember, if you're feeling lost Indy, find a Seeker and we'll help you feel found!

Leave a comment! I’m giving away a $10 Starbucks gift card. Great for use at conferences (yes, the hotel has a Starbucks) or anytime.

See you in Indianapolis!!