What do I need to know for my first convention?

Oh my,  you absolutely MUST do research before you go!! lol  Well, I’m speaking for myself here, but even as a long-time homeschooler, it can get overwhelming — so much to see! The vendors are nice people, but they DO have to sell to stay in business, and they all do a great job promoting their products so keep that in mind and know yourself.

I would recommend that you carefully (& prayerfully) consider your priorities, your needs, what areas you are actually “looking” for something, etc. And look at your own bookshelves. 🙂  After some research from home, make a list of curriculum purchases that you actually are planning to buy, and make another list of things that you want to look at and review while you area there. Include prices when you write things down… it helps you see how fast it adds up before you even spend it. 😉

Also, once you know which convention you are going to and the time is closer, be sure to look at their list of vendors that will be there so you can plan better and maybe check out their websites and such. They will often give you free shipping on any orders placed during the convention, so for example I was able to write down a few obscure items from Rainbow Resource in advance since I knew they would be there, place the order while there (because they didn’t have those items with them), and now get it delivered for free. “Like” the companies’ FB pages and the convention FB page; sometimes they will have special promos. Be aware of signs AT the convention for texting specials. One vendor from the convention I was just at had a “$5 of $10 purchase” coupon if you texted them — and then over the 2 days they texted a few other coupons that were only available that way.

Establish a budget for purchases. 

Spend the first day looking and thinking; take the evening at home to let it sit in your mind and consider if it will really help you with your goals/priorities; make the purchases the next day if you still want them. Some things may be sold out though, so be aware that is a possibility. Again, many will just ship it to you for free if they are sold out, but if it’s a special deal or closeout item, you might not  have the luxury to wait the extra day.

Attend some seminars!

Lauren, it can be overwhelming!  The MACHE conference has a wonderful used book sale where you can stock up your living library and some very helpful workshops.  The exhibit hall can be a huge temptation to spend money (but I love it anyway!).

I always make a list of things I know I want to buy and I buy each child one fun thing from Nature’s Workshop Plus!  I avoid (large 🙂 impulse purchases and find it wiser to go home without something, think about it and then (yes!) pay for shipping if I decide I really want it.  Usually, I can live without it.   

For researching, you can go click on the links of the MACHE exhibitor list.  That’s a good place to start!

I also did a p”reparing for convention” post a while back.  You can view them here..

http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/search/label/Conventions

If you scroll down and work your way up, you can read them in sequence. 

Blessings,

Melissa

You’re welcome….I just love homeschool conventions and think everyone should have the opportunity to go at least once…..have fun!!