Carlene, I'm sorry to say that I'm taking this year off from National. I've gone every year since 2000, but not this year.
I'm sure you will have a wonderful time. That said, let me offer some tips I've picked up since 2000.
#1 and most important - wear comfortable shoes! You will be doing a lot of walking from place to place.
#2 - Plan in advance what workshops you want to attend, but be flexible. If after ten minutes (or whatever) you don't think the workshop is going to work for you, do not be afraid to quietly gather your things and sneak out. A speaker is not going to be insulted. If you feel self-conscious, look at your watch, and then sneak out as if you're off to an important meeting with an editor or agent.
But you should never feel obligated to sit through a workshop that's not working for you. Different things work for different writers.
#3 - Don't be afraid to talk to people. "Hi, I'm Carlene. What do you write?" is always an appropriate ice-breaker. Equally, don't be bashful about asking, "Is this seat taken? Do you mind if I join you?" Generally speaking, everyone is very nice at the conference. (That said, if you see someone with an industry name tag on and it looks like an important pow-wow going on, don't interupt that. But you already knew that!)
#4 - FREE BOOKS! Yes, there are plenty of free books at conference. You might want to make sure you have room in your suitcase for books. Or you can find a box, pack them up and ship them home. The publishers have special signings at various times - you'll find them listed in the conference shedule. (Just try to avoid being trampled - sometimes it's just insane what a bunch of writers will do for free books if things are not organized. <G>)
#5 - Take advantage of buying tapes or CDs of workshops. Last year I bought the whole thing on CDs for $99.00 I'm hoping they offer that same price this year. That way I got most of the workshops to listen to whenever I want. Ask other people for recommendations of the workshops they got the most out of.
#6 - Don't be afraid to sneak up to your room in the afternoon for a quick power nap. That's the only way I survive conference. <G>
#7 - Enjoy yourself! RWA National is an incredible experience. Have fun!
I am planning on going to Atlanta next year.
Susan G.
