The IAFE Annual Convention & Trade Show is almost here; your staff has been busy all week packing boxes to depart for the convention. It is time for the last minute details that will help you plan for YOUR trip to San Antonio!
Our office will close early on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and will remain closed until Monday, Dec. 3 when we are all back from the 2018 Convention.
What to Pack
Most events will be business casual dress. Exceptions would be the Raisin’ for a Reason "Whiskey & Wagons" on Sunday, Nov. 26. Dress is cowboy chic for this ticketed event which is the fundraiser for the IAFE Education Foundation. You also might want to dress up for photos taken of winners at the awards events and general sessions.
- COMFORTABLE SHOES to explore the Riverwalk
- Pack your device. We will have a Tech Pavilion. This is a technology area,that is BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
- Business Cards - You are going to meet lots of great Fair People.
To Do Before You Leave
- Have you arranged for transportation from the airport? SuperShuttle is offering a convention rate. Use this link.
- Downloaded the IAFE 2018 App? Created your profile and schedule?
- Check the weather! San Antonio is generally a very pleasant place to be in November, with average daytime highs in the 70s and evening temperature in the low 50s at night.
What Is New?
Arriving early to get the lay of the land? Join one of the walking tours from your hotel (Courtyard, Hilton Palacio del Rio, La Quinta, Menger, and Residence Inn) to the Convention Center.
Happy Hour on Monday & Tuesday. This is a place for everyone to gather before going out for the night. Wear your wristband each night for two free drinks.
Want to participate in the Story Grip Session? There are just a few more spots to pre-reserve your spot for this interactive session. Stop by the Registration Desk to register.
Legend Led and Power Talks are all new learning events at the IAFE Convention. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the quick serve Convention stands and participate in the "Lunch and Learn" even if you did not purchase a meal ticket (none will be sold on site).
Blast Off! The fast-paced Monday morning session is not to be missed! You're in for some great surprises and you'll go straight from this into the very important Zone meetings.
Purchased a Lunch Ticket? No tickets to keep track of, wear your badge. The plate & fork on your badge is your ticket.
Not New, But Cool
There are over 122 different educational sessions to choose from. The app will help you design your schedule.
The Ed Shed made the trip to San Antonio. It will contain all the tools you need to improve your fair. The Ed Shed is the home to the Camp Fire Sessions, Training Corral (workshop classroom), Legend Led, IAFE Contest displays, Department of Homeland Security booth, Verified Volunteers Booth, Accessibility Booth and a general place to network.
All sessions and the trade show will be in Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Registration opens in the convention center on Saturday afternoon for pre-registered attendees from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. registration will open for Trade Show exhibitors and anyone who needs to register or add a session. You will have time to pick up your badge and head right to the first education session. You will need your badge first. "How to Market Your Facilities" (an IFM course) will begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday in Rooms 221B/C/D.
2019 Committees will meet for the first time on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 1:15 pm . Check the App/Program for location and join in on the fun.
If you find you have a couple of free hours, and would like the opportunity to meet some new people, please consider volunteering in the Ed Shed, or helping people find their way to their sessions. We could use a few more volunteers. Click here to volunteer.
Please post on social media during the Convention using #IAFE2018.
