The Windy City … Chi-town … The City of Broad Shoulders … The 312 ... no matter what you call it, Chicago is home to the 2019 NFDA International Convention & Expo (October 27-30). We can’t wait to see you there. Here are our top ten tips to help you get your convention experience off on the right foot.
1) Download the NFDA Convention app and start planning your time now! In the app, you can customize your schedule with all of the workshops, general sessions and special events you want to attend. Also, be sure to bookmark your must-see booths in the Expo Hall. Learn more about the app here.
2) Check the shuttle schedule! When you arrive in Chicago, your first stop will likely be your hotel. Those of you who booked rooms through Experient, NFDA’s official housing provider, have access to complimentary shuttle transportation to and from McCormick Place. Shuttle service starts on Saturday; look for signs in your hotel. There’s also a shuttle schedule in the NFDA Convention app.
3) First stop: Registration! Your Badge is your most fashionable - and useful - accessory during the NFDA Convention. It’s your ticket to workshops, the Expo Hall and more! Visit NFDA Registration as soon as possible to get your badge and event tickets. You can also get your NFDA Convention bag full of info about specials and other goodies.
- IMPORTANT:
- General session and workshop access is included with all Full Convention, Student and Exhibitor Badges. Simply show your badge to gain entry.
- Expo-only Badges are valid for the exhibit floor only; visit registration to purchase general session/workshop badges.
- You must bring both your badge and event ticket for entry into ticketed events.
4) Don’t miss out on the special events! Did you forget to purchase tickets for the Under 40 Party at Acebounce Ping Pong or Wednesday’s closing party, An Evening Under the Sea, at Shedd Aquarium? Ask about ticket availability at Registration! You won’t want to miss these spectacular events with your friends.
5) Pack something pink! Participate in “Think Pink” day for breast cancer awareness! Get your pink badge ribbon and wear pink on Monday to show your support. If you forget to pack something pink, a variety of items that support breast cancer research will be available in NFDA Central.
6) Great Big Giveaway! As if you needed another reason to thank our fabulous convention sponsors – be sure to visit them in the Expo Hall on Wednesday, where they’ll be handing out tickets for your chance to win one of 22 remarkable prizes, such as American Express gift cards, Amazon Echo Shows, Apple Watches and a trip to the 2020 NFDA International Convention & Expo in New Orleans! Winning ticket numbers will be announced during the General Session on Wednesday (12:45-2 p.m.) and you must be present to win.
7) Looking for handouts? If you still haven't downloaded the NFDA Convention App, here's a good reason: workshop handouts! Any handouts that have been provided to us by workshop presenters are available exclusively in the app. You can follow along during presentations, download them to your electronic device or even email them to yourself.
8) NFDA Central is the place to be during convention. Stop by and learn more about your NFDA member benefits, discover how NFDA can help you connect with your community, check out the new NFDA Live area and more. And, if that’s not enough, we hear you can sample some Garrett’s famous popcorn on Monday and Tuesday!
9) We've got two amazing opening and closing keynote speakers - Seth Godin on Monday and Ethan Morse on Wednesday - but don’t miss our special general session events! On Monday, we’ll recognize the best and brightest in the profession during the All-Star Recognition Ceremony. On Tuesday, during the Service of Remembrance, we will explore the moving customs associated with celebrating the lives of first-responders and honor the memory of funeral service family members who died this year.
10) Look for our smiling faces! If you need anything in Chicago, just look for our friendly NFDA staff. They’ll be easy to spot in their blue (pink on Monday!) polo shirts and black cardigan sweaters.
Complete details about the 2019 NFDA International Convention & Expo are available at www.nfda.org/chicago2019.
We’re looking forward to an amazing NFDA Convention. We wish you safe travels to Chicago.