There is a 'first timers' meeting right at the beginning of the conference that is very worthwhile. But as a veteran... Dress comfortably! This is not a 'formal' conference as to dress code; and there's too much to see in NOLA to be worried about clothes (be sure to check the weather before you pack, it can get warm and humid, but hopefully, we are before most of the humidity) Plan your schedule online before you go - scope out some things you want to see; and there will always be several conflicts going on at the same time... don't scratch them out - keep them on your schedule until you check out abstracts in the book - your tastes may change when you arrive!! Also, don't be afraid to leave a talk if you find it totally un-useful (ones that I think are iffy, I try to sit in the back so I'm not the epitome of rudeness!) - or, if the first talk interests you, but not the second in a set. If they continue with abstract books as previous years, don't cart them around each day; I usually double check the night before so they can stay in my hotel room - too heavy. Go to talks just because they sound cool - not only because they 'fit' with your teaching load - you never know what opportunities will come up, or will be helpful later in your career. I'm a note-taker in talks, because I find it helps me remember and then transfer good ideas when I get back to the classroom; but from what I've seen, I'm in the minority, so don't feel obligated to get it all down on paper! Be sure to leave time to walk the exhibit floor! For this, people have different strategies - I usually just go up and down the aisles and visit whatever catches my attention - usually great freebies (tons of them) and a way to get great ideas! And if you find you have gathered pounds and pounds of stuff to take home (I always do, even when I think I'm being frugal and green) seriously consider shipping it home - Most of the conference centers these days have a Fedex or UPS facilty "built in" - it's worth it for your back, your luggage, and your sanity! No need to get the highest rates. Bring business cards - most teachers don't have them, but printing out 50-100 on your home printer is well worth it - even though the businesses can scan your badge, it's good for those social networking opportunities (keep a pen handy - clip one to your badge - to make some notes on a card about who/why you want to stay in touch with this person) Don't be afraid to talk to people (easier said than done, I know - although I'm very vocal on the lists, generally in crowds I am quiet) And finally - you'll be in New Orleans - be sure to visit Cafe du Monde, have a Po'boy, visit any of the great restaurants and jazz halls (we are very close to Bourbon Street and the French quarter), walk along the Mississippi (and marvel at it's size - especially if you've ever been to its northern beginnings) Go home tired and refreshed - it's a great experience. kathy g

Assuming you are an earth science person, please check out the National Earth Science Teachers Association[NESTA} Share-a-thons on Friday and Saturday (lots of freebies and new teaching ideas from peers), NESTA's nationally known Rock Raffle on Saturday afternoon, and of course the NESTA Reception on Friday evening. The Exhibits area is genarally filled with earth science organizations [giving away freebies) such as GSA, NESTA, AGI, USGS, FEMA, NOAA, AGU, NASA, etc........it becomes a "feeding frenzy" for the Conference attendees [have fun] This is my 25th Conference and I still enjoy the meeting of old friends, collecting new ideas, and the thrill of the venue city.......Laizzez les bon temps rouler!!!!!! Len Sharp Past President of NESTA Pres. Awd 1995

I love conferences and have been to many area, state and national events through the years. The biggest conferences have a book of workshop abstracts for each day, so you don't have to carry around a big load. I always take a highlighter and sticky notes and make myself a schedule with a few things in mind: I choose at least three or four possible workshops for each time period. That way, if I get to one and it is either cancelled or full to overflowing then I have some backup choices. I rank them in priority order so I can keep them in line with the location. Usually the conference sessions are booked into venues according to discipline, so chemistry sessions are in one place but the earth science sessions may be many blocks away. I also try to get to as many share-a-thons as possible. That's a great bang for your buck opportunity. The commercial workshops are usually a showcase for the company equipment, and you ar often given some wonderful freebies. (I still wonder how the lady in St. Louis got her life-sized human head model through the airport.) If you can take along some snacks, you don't have to use valuable time finding a place for lunch. If there is any down time at all, I head for the exhibits. Yes, DO buy a box and leave it at the box-sitters booth. They let you visit and add to the boxes as you need to and will seal and ship them at the end of the conference. The field trips are often wonderful, although they take up much of your time. I try to base my decision for field trips on the availability of the same experience in other situations. I would be much more likely to go to a behind the scenes type of tour than one I could do as a regular tourist. Don't forget to fill out the evaluations and turn them in. This is how the professional development credits are tracked online for you! Your name badge is useful for vendors. I used to carry address stickers for mailing lists but they can scan your badge and get your info. I still use stickers, but they get used for workshop lists. Talk to people who are sitting near you in workshops. It's always cool to find out how other districts and states do things. You can get great advice on everything! See you in Phoenix next December! Deb in AZ

NSTA has an online scheduler called the "New Orleans Session Browser". You can edit for what type of session you want, make your selections and print it out before you go. I usually have 3 or 4 things I'm interested in and then decide there. The advice about having a back up plan is good - make sure they are reasonably close to each other. (They will be if they are all Earth Science!) I would go over this schedule with the big program to make sure there were no changes, then just carry the small schedule. I take a sheet protector, put the maps in it and then can find and use those maps quickly. Take an extra empty bag inside your bag for all the stuff you will be taking home. Be careful that you only take free stuff you will love! The NASA booth will be giving away lots and not all of it is great. (My students LOVED the hologram post cards and use them as bookmarks!) Wear good walking shoes and layers. I've been surprised by the weather more than once. Atlanta was FREEZING and St. Louis had a thunderstorm that knocked over a postbox outside my hotel. Do a quick sort of the stuff you accumulate during a day that night. Throw out stuff you know you will never use. The NESTA Share-a-Thons are outstanding. The teachers presenting are enthusiastic and helpful and their handouts will help you recreate their demos. Textbook presentations can be okay and always have freebies to walk with. If you're in the market for a new textbook, this can be a great way to check them out. Carry a few of your business cards for those vendors who don't have scanners. It takes less time than filling out paperwork. Don't be embarrassed to get up and leave a session that is not what you want. Go to something else on your list. I sat through a session once because I didn't want to be rude. It was the wrong level of content and a waste of my time. Have fun! Kate Baker