Making a List, Checking it Twice!

If you're anything like me (and I suspect a lot of you are, at least in this regard), you tend to be a list-maker when it comes to tasks like packing for a trip. Since our excursion to Possibility City is less than two weeks away, my inner list-maker has already kicked into high gear! I'm mentally deciding which suitcase to bring, planning my outfits (yeah, I know guys, it's probably a girl-thing!), determining if I will REALLY use the Club 360 Fitness Center or if I can leave my running shoes at home, figuring out which audiobooks will have the best chance of keeping me awake on the 300 mile drive from home.

You get the idea.

Even if you don't WANT to admit to making mental lists, and your suitcase contents will be dictated as much by airline weight restrictions as much as your personal fashion sense, we felt that some helpful hints would be, well, helpful as you plan your trip to Louisville!

So in honor of list-makers across our Association, here are some packing tips for the 3oth ACCED-I Annual Conference!

Expect average high temps in the upper 50's and lows in the upper 30's (that's upper teens and zero-ish for our Canadian colleagues!). For some of us, that's a veritable heat wave for this time of year, for others, notsomuch. Dress for the weather, whatever it means for you! It appears that they've seen a bit of precipitation as well, so an umbrella may be a good addition.

Since ACCED-I is making every effort to "go green", you'll want to bring a flash drive to download the handouts/presentations. Also, while you'll still be able to check e-mail at The Buzz and the sleeping rooms do have wi-fi, the meeting rooms are not equipped with wireless.

If you still haven't signed up for your tours, be sure to contact the ACCED-I office or Mint Julep Tours (Call 866.986.8779 or email charlotte@mintjuleptours.com). Louisville has so many great opportunities that you won't want to miss!

The Act of Caring, benefiting Green Hill Therapy, will have THREE great activities, making it easy for you to participate in this annual charitable campaign. The first jewel in our Triple Crown is a supply drive. Green Hill Therapy has expressed an ongoing need for the following items, which can be tucked into your suitcase or carry-on and dropped off at the Hospitality Table in The Buzz.

• Black pens (these can be any type of pens, even if you have extra ones with your institution's logo)
• Postage stamps (a HUGE need for them, as they go through stamps like water)
  
• Tissues
• Construction paper
• Hand cleansing wipes/Hand sanitizing gel

The second jewel in our Triple Crown is our "Yankee Trade". Originally our silent auction, we have a great offering of items. Attendees can purchase tickets at $1 each or 6 for $5. Choose the items that interest you and drop as many tickets as you want into those items. Check out a few of the confirmed items that will be auctioned off!

• Disney package, including two nights at the Hilton in Downtown Disney (site of the 2011 Annual Conference !)
• Indianapolis Colts football, signed by Colts Cornerback Marlin Jackson.
• Taste of Illinois basket
• Goodie Bags from SUNY Institute of Technology
• And many more!
  

Finally, don't forget your "spare change" for the Penny Wars. Pennies will count TOWARD a region's total and all other coinage and paper money will count AGAINST a region's total. Bring both--pennies for your region and coinage/paper money for the other regions! Who will win the bragging rights for this third jewel in our Triple Crown?

Are you STILL wondering what should be on your "must pack" list? Be sure to bring your enthusiasm for all things "possible", and you're sure to win, place and show at the 30th Annual Conference!