Get the most out of the State and National WCR Meetings…..

As I was making reservations for both the State Meeting in San Diego and the National Meeting in Chicago, I realized how much planning there is to attending these meetings. Advanced planning really makes a difference in your meeting experience.

How do you get the most out of your State and National Meeting? As I thought about this, I thought that if I, after going to numerous meetings, was still a little overwhelmed with the printed schedule then others must be also. Plan out the following 3 things: Clothes; Meetings you should attend; and , of course, fun!

For the State Meetings in San Diego, the dress for the Orientation and meetings is business attire. San Diego should be sunny, but remember the Meeting Rooms can be a little cool so perhaps a sweater. In Chicago, the weather is going to be seasonal and could be cool or cold. I was there in February and I learned what "cold" was at 8 degrees as I walked down N. Michigan Avenue from the Hotel to the WCR offices. Again, the meetings are business attire, and the Installation on Saturday night is Cocktail/formal, while the Welcome Reception will be "whatever" (casual to cocktail). You'll want to layer so that you can be comfortable, but remember that most of the meeting are held within the Fairmont Hotel. Remember, to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing your fair share of walking. Remember, COMFORTABLE is the "secret". Don't forget to bring your "California Vest" for the Caucuses, etc. so they can recognize those great "Californian". Be sure to put in casual clothes for fun.

At the State Meetings, you should be there for the State Orientation ( National Facilitators will be here to present the new pilot program/training for all local officers, committee chairs---EVERYONE); and the meetings on Monday from 8-5 p.m. (Election of 2002 State Officers) and Tuesday from 8-12 Noon. Plan to stay Tuesday afternoon for the CAR Technology Tuesday ( CAR registration reguired) and have fun on Monday evening on the Sunset Dinner Cruise.

The meetings/events that you should make sure to attend in Chicago are the Welcome Reception (ticketed event) on Wednesday evening; , Thursday, the Regional Caucuses to Meet the Candidates, 4-5:00 p.m; Friday , the Annual Meeting, 9-11:00 a.m. (Voting delegates need to sign-in 8-8:50 a.m. and be present); the Leadership Development Training for Local, State and National Officers, 1-2:30 p.m.; Saturday, Regional Caucuses, 2:30-5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, the WCR Governing Board Meeting, 10-1:00 p.m. Plan to attend the 2002 Inaugural Banquet (ticketed event)--Maxine will be retiring as National President.

Meetings/Events that you should try to attend are the committee meetings (Pick from ones that interest you and your Chapters); the education sessions including the LTG Graduate and Candidate Seminar ( LTG or candidates only). If there are several of you from your Chapter, spread out and go to different ones than share the information. The Dutch Treats are a great fun and a way to meet WCR Members from other States. Plan to attend a LTG Class held the day before the meetings start so that you too can become an LTG. There is also time to go to the NAR Expo to see what's new.

Then, I mentioned FUN, and I do believe in having fun…make time to spend sightseeing as you visit the differ cities and having fun with your WCR friends. A little advance planning for places to see, etc. will assure you that you have time to play as well as just "meeting". If possible, come in a little early or stay after to really enjoy the areas.

Don't forget to bring plenty of business cards for networking and sharing with other attendees.

Sharon Telles, State Secretary