New to all this?  Here are some tips to make your first conference a great one!

Before You Come — First Timer Tips

• Book your room early.  We negotiate the best possible rate at the official hotel.  Even though there are other options, you may end up paying the difference in transportation costs or having to walk long distances at late hours.  (Also, our conference costs go up if you stay somewhere else.)
• The conference hotel does not offer free shuttle service.  It is easy to get from the airport to the hotel via transit. Take the Canada Line to Waterfront Station, then it is a short walk (about .5K or a hop in a taxi to the hotel.
• Order your logo apparel and coffee mug online – a limited number of items and sizes will be available at the boutique.
• Wear comfortable clothing, you will be moving and up and down all day. Also don’t forget to pack something nice to wear on Friday and Saturday nights.

At the Conference

• Visit the Registration Desk after you arrive to pick up your conference materials.  Then head for the Hospitality Desk. The volunteers there will be able to help you get oriented. This is also the place for lost-and-found items.
• Don’t forget to put your name on your conference notebook.  Many people like to slip their registration form into the back cover.  This form is your ticket to your sessions. Putting it on the back keeps it handy to show at the door and identifies your notebook.
• Maps of the hotel are located in the back of the conference notebook.  Take the time to map your route from session to session.
• Don’t miss the children’s performances at ???? p.m. on both Friday and Saturday in the ballroom.
• The opening session on Friday and the AGM on Saturday let are wonderful opportunities to get to know the people who are involved in making this organization strong.
• The evening sessions are one of the best ways to meet new people from across the country and have great fun.
• Visit the BC Orff Boutique at the back of the exhibit hall for hand-made manipulative, fun gift items, creative lesson ideas and much more.  There will be a silent auction and raffle tickets for purchase to win great prizes.
• If you would like to switch sessions, there are a limited number of tickets available for sessions on that day.  Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis, so check at the registration booth early on that day.