What takes place at a conference?

[mae357]

I'm so excited b/c there are 2 possible conference close to me this year!!! I've never been to a homeschooling conference and wondered what to expect? Will there be a schedule posted or is there another website to check things out?

thanks mamas!

[pjdobro]

Our conference here in NC has the schedule posted on its website as the date gets closer. It is the only conference I've been too, but I'll tell you what happens at it.

First, there is a huge book fair where the vendors set up booths. If you've ever been to any sort of professional convention, it's kind of like that where each vendor has their tables set up displaying and demonstrating their product. Typically they will have their product for sale available there or with free shipping if you order there. The book fair can be overwhelming the first time you go because there are so many vendors and so much at which to look. Of course when you know you are using HOD and have that all planned out, you can just look around at all of the other fun supplemental stuff and not feel overwhelmed. There has been a big difference for me at my last couple of conferences when I went in already knowing that I was using HOD. I was able to just browse around and pick up fun art supplies and other fun things for my dc.

Second, there are classes. At our conference, there are a huge range of speakers and topics. Some vendors will give presentations specific to using one or more of their products. A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of hearing Carrie do a presentation on DITHOR. Some speakers are not vendors but are experts on other subjects. The topics covered range from being a better Mom, Christian, etc. to improving your child's reading. They can be specific to homeschooling or just life in general.

Conferences are a good time to recharge your batteries and be surrounded by others who are in similar circumstances. It is the professional training time for our profession. I enjoy going and I always pick up a new tip or two to help make my year run smoother. It always helps me to focus on why I homeschool and encourages me to hang in there. I really enjoy our conference here in NC!

[mae357]

So it's something to attend without kids?

[pjdobro]

I always go without my children. It's my time to unwind and rejuvenate, but I see many others that come as complete families with children. Some conferences have special activities for children otherwise they would need to be with you. Some classes would be beneficial for children and others wouldn't interest them at all. For instance, I attended a class by Jim Weiss this last year where he narrated a Sherlock Holmes story. It was amazing! I actually got it on CD and my children loved listening to it. Most of the classes that I went to, my dc would not enjoy so if I had them with me, I would bring some other quiet activity that they could work on during the class.

[moedertje]

Our conference in Orlando, Fl is set up similar to the one described above.
To answer your question on bringing children. I tend to go without my kiddo's so I can have time to browse and run on my own schedule, relax and get encouraged by the lectures. I go with some other ladies, but tend to like to hang out by myself and talk to the vendors of my interest or just look through stuff. With doing HOD I never went to the conference frantically searching for what curriculum is best out there I brought my daughter when she was 3 weeks old a few years ago.
There are activities for children 5 and up so check the conference schedule.
There are plenty of families who go with their children. One family had 10 children and 1 on the way
So it is entirely up to you and what you want to get out of the week-end. My hubby enjoys staying home with the kids at their current ages rather than taking them along at this point. So for now, I call it a ladies re-treat
With already knowing what you need, because of Carrie's hard work to put together the manual, it becomes fun to browse and just get some fun stuff to take home to the kids.
Success and hope you enjoy it

[amf1025]

I have been to a conference only once. Can I buy the HOD books right there or do I still have to order??

[pjdobro]

When HOD is at the conference, they usually have all of their books there for purchase, so you'll be able to buy them there. If for some reason, they are out of a book that you want, you can order it at the conference and they will ship it to you for free. I always bought my HOD books at the conference and received most of them on the spot. Once, they were out of one book so they sent it to me right after the conference. There shipping was super fast too!

[amf1025]

Thanks I am sooo excited, cant wait until June