Monday, April 19, 2010

Insider Tips to Women's Conference

I posted this last year, but with Women's Conference just over a week away, I thought some of you might need to read it again.

It is one of my favorite times of the year-Women's Conference at BYU. I have attended faithfully for the past five years. Over the years I have gained a wealth of information on how to make those two days really count.  And I will now share this treasure trove with all of you.   This is a must read for anyone attending for the first time.

DON'T be late to the Thursday morning opening meeting. Every year Mary Ellen Edmunds and Sandra Rodgers put together the most hee-hee-larious videos on the etiquette rules of the conference. It is definitely MUST SEE TV. And as far as I know, you have to be there to see it. It doesn't seem to be rebroadcast anywhere.

DO take the time to get some spiced roasted almonds. They are to die for and taste as good as they smell. Don't pass by thinking you'll get some next time, for they may be gone. Trust me, you won't be sorry.

DO go and listen to classes at the conference center. It is just behind the Marriot Center to the east. They have service station rooms set up where you can work while you listen. It is very fun to edge a baby quilt or color ABC kits. Plus it is not that far to walk.

DO bring lots of spending money. As much as Women's Conference is about soaking up the spirit and eating lots of yummy food, it is about the shopping. Be prepared to shop til you drop with all of the "deals" every where you turn. Check out the tent just outside of the Marriot Center if you don't want to go all the way to the bookstore. From books, music, artwork, to tote bags, good deals are everywhere.

DO plan on standing in lots of lines. You could use this time to read one of the books you just bought, or better yet make a new friend with the person standing next to you. It will help the time pass and nothing says bonding like waiting to empty your bladder with 30 other women.

DON'T forget your camera. This is a prime time for stalking and you want photographic evidence. I like to think of it as Disneyland and the General Authorities as the princesses. Someday I hope to have pictures of all of them.

Don't be afraid to go up and get your picture with any of the teachers. Over the years, I have had my picture taken with Julie Beck, Elaine Dalton, John Bytheway, and Susan Tanner. Besides that I have snapped pictures of Boyd K Packer, Jeffery R Holland, Thomas S Monson, and all of the general auxiliary presidencies.

Try it, it is super dee duper fun. *Portal Q is the best place to sit for stalking opportunities. This is right next to the opening where the leaders enter and leave. It is prime real estate for photo ops.

DO wear your most comfortable shoes. This is not time for making a fashion statement. You will be walking and standing a lot. Don't be foolish, choose comfort over style.

DON'T plan on getting any rest. If you are exhausted and are hoping this vacation will restore your sleep debt the size of the deficit, well you will be sorely disappointed. You can sleep anytime, this is the time for visiting with friends and family and soaking in the whole experience. Thursday activities will go from 9 am to 11 pm. And then Friday will start back up before you know it. Try to come as rested as you can.

DO be prepared for a spiritual feast the likes you don't get every day. Wear your spiritual eating pants, if you know what I mean. Any physical exhaustion you will experience will be somewhat compensated by the spiritual rejuvenation you will feel.

DO eat as many mint brownies as possible. They are manna from Heaven and remember calories don't count at Women's Conference. It is part of the magic.  Not to mention the spiced Almonds.  Equally delightful.

So there you have it, my insider tips. Now go and enjoy the benefits of my experiences.

Your welcome.

18 comments:

Barbaloot said...

I used to hate women's conference cuz I worked in the Harman Building and it REALLY threw things out of control when all the women were there for the party. I couldn't find a place to park, or navigate the halls and the creamery was out of the question. One day, I was worming my way through the crowd silenty cursing the whole thing when I bumped into Anne C. Pingree! Yeah-I was a little less quick to curse after that:)

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

That's cool Barb. I can imagine that is it a pain for those who live there. I can remember hating it also because all these crazy ladies invaded the town. Funny thing is never went when I was a student. Too tired of sitting and learning, now I have to travel back to go. Silly, huh?

Homer and Queen said...

I don't go anymore...last time I went The First Born went to jail!

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

Queen, I am so sorry about that. Isn't it strange that my addiction to women's conference happened with you and we didn't even know we would be such good friends.

Allison Barnes said...

I'm not sure if i will make it this year or not...guess i better hury and decide! I'm kindof tired of traveling!

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

Alison, I know what you mean. But could you take Ashley with you and make it a mother daughter trip?

There have been years when I thought I really didn't want to go, but in the end I was never sorry.

TisforTonya said...

oh, I SO wanted to go this year... doesn't look like my life will allow another "me" weekend until next year though :(

at least I know where to come looking for tips :)

Jennifer said...

I cant believe you revealed your favorite stalking spot. You watch, the next time you get to go, Portal Q will be overflowing. :) I will eat some almonds for you!!

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

T oh well I know you are going to the blogger conference, that will be lots of fun.

Jen you flatter me to think that many people read this blog. There are plenty of seats around portal Q, no worries. Plus I have mad elbow skills when it comes to gettig in front of someone, if I need to.

Kris said...

LOL spiritual eating pants!! I love it!! In one week I will be maddly packing and it just won't be the same without ya. You created my addiction by calling me up and saying please come!

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

I know Kris, I thought spiritual eating pants was funny too. Thanks for getting it. You will have a fabulous time.

Smart Helm said...

I'm sorry ur gonna miss it when u know how to do it right. Perhaps u can buy the DVD :-)

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

I usually go also, will be missing it this year--actually scratch that, I've been once, but your tips are right on!

Especially the Mint Brownies...OMGosh!

Eliza said...

You might have to make your own candied almonds and mint brownies and bring them with you to the play. I know its not the same, but it might get you by until next year.

The Crash Test Dummy said...

That was awesome!!!! It reminded me of the old days for some reason. Like before that New Years when you had that lofty goal to post 365 times. That was heelarious. I loved reading this tips. I can't go to Women's conference until you come back though. It won't be as much fun without you. I need a walking tip guide because otherwise I'll have to print this up. hee hee

You make it sound like such a party!

Someday, mark my words, we will go stalking together. We will be the Flat Stanleys and the Where's Waldos of the blogging world.

Can't wait!

Nutty Hamster Chick said...

Mels, I saw someone call you that on your blog and I will now forever call you Mels, are you OK with that? Otherwise build a bridge and get over it. Hee hee. I am pretty funny huh? Thanks for the sympathy.

Eliza, that is not a bad idea about making my own. But I think the almonds just taste better when they are made with an industrial machine, kind of like kettle corn. Kareen does however have an awesome mint brownie recipe. I wonder where I put that?

Shelle, I am glad that you think my tips were right on.

Deb, yes we would really burn up the town together stalking. I won't rest until I get a picture of you with Sis Dalton. I will make it my new life mission, K.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

I've only been to WC twice and it was a billion years ago. I think that it would have been more helpful for me if I had been given your advice those many billion years ago!
CUTE!
Hope you enjoy yourself.
Eat an extra brownie for me.

farmgirl said...

I have never been...it's on The List. My mom and sisters have talked about making a girl trip out of it one of these years and when we do---I'll be back to this post.

You crack me up. Just thought I'd tell you that. :o)