2004 ASPA annual conference

[RLD513]

I'll be attending the conference for the first time and am curious as to what to expect. I found the feedback on the 2002 conference, but it was held at the Hyatt then. I believe this will be the second year for it being at the Hilton.

For those who attended last year, how were the facilities?

The internet cafe that's set up in the exhibit hall, is it difficult to get time at one of the stations? I considered bringing my laptop for email, etc., but am concerned about it being stolen from the room.

How are the session rooms set up? Is it set up classroom style?

The dress code is described as casual. Are khakis fairly prevalent? What about at the receptions?

Thanks in advance for any information provided.

Rhonda

[Archimage]

The Washington Hilton is okay. I don't think the rooms are worth what you pay for them. That is the only bad thing I have to say about the conference. Everything else about the conference is done fairly well. The classes are setup in a "classroom style". I think your dress style will be fine. I also think you will get a chuckle out of what other people wear. Last year I saw men wearing some tight striped polo style shirts with suspenders.

[AndyH]

First timers are required to stand on tables and sing.

Seriously, the Hotel is ok at best but the rooms are lousy IMO. It is fairly difficult

to get on the Internet computers.

The Hotel has a nice outdoor area including tennis courts but it has rained constantly the last two years, at least two years ago anyway, but last year's weather was bad also if I recall correctly.

Some of the sessions were comfortable but some were overcrowded, which was not supposed to happen when they switched Hotels.

The speakers are generally excellent but of course what you get out of the sessions also depends upon your knowledge level and also whether or not there is new material to cover.

[AndyH]

Rhonda, I think both 2002 and 2003 were at the Hilton. Previous to that they were at the Hyatt.

Casual or business casual is the norm. Some dress up. Some dress down.

As for the receptions, many dress up but that is certainly not necessary. It is a matter of what your preference is, and that of anybody you happen to be going with.

[RLD513]

Stand on the table and sing? That'll clear the room out quickly!!

The attire sounds like I expected. Thanks for the responses!