We are very blessed to have this conference right here in Winston-Salem, as some drive hours to attend. Please keep in mind that you live in the hosting city and your familiarity with the area can be quite a gift to a visitor.

Due to diligent efforts, the NCHE Conference and Book Fair is very well organized. Many shortcuts have been taken to reduce long lines. But the fact remains that the number of attendees alone it can make things seem chaotic if you don't know your way around.

If you have not pre-registered, leave time to register. If there are long lines, they move quickly. Use this time to learn something about your neighbors in the line. "Share a story and a smile and refrain from the complaint," as you recall the hours others have volunteered for your benefit!

The NCHE March/April Greenhouse Report has a listing of all vendors and speakers. If you don't have a copy, you may want to find a friend who will allow you to copy theirs. It is a good idea to read over this prior to the conference with a highlighter in hand. (I carry my marked-up copy with me.) Ask the 'old-timers' about their favorite speakers/vendors. Note the key to help determine which groups will benefit most from each conference workshop.

You will get a schedule at the conference. It will help you locate all vendors at the book fair and rooms for speakers. There is also an order form for the tapes. The schedule is well prepared for you, so be sure to use it!

Husband and wife may attend different seminars to maximize on the information you can take in. Take notes and share what you've learned in the days after the conference. If you are torn between attending a workshop or going to the book fair, weigh the benefits. The encour-aging speakers will go home in a day or two but curriculum catalogues will remain.

The book fair will be open on Thursday evening. If you can go, this is a good time just to look around or make those purchases you have already determined. (continued)

Plan to take a tour of the room to compare prices and locate items you are looking for. Prepare as much as possible and decide how much you have to spend. At the book fair, you can save money on shipping, but avoid impulsive purchases that cannot be easily returned.

Determine where you can park. Parking can be too much of an adventure if you are not familiar with downtown Winston-Salem. We have parked in one of the decks, which costs a bit more, but pays for itself when it's close by to drop off a heavy purchase of books. Some prefer to park at a distance and ride the trolley. Carpooling may work for you and others who live nearby.

Plan for your lunch. Restaurants in the downtown are quickly overcome when 5000 people are simultaneously sent out to eat. For several years we have taken a picnic lunch and tailgated it. Then you are not preoccupied during the last class before a meal break.

Plan a meeting place for check in with your group. The halls are quite crowded between sessions. A designated rendezvous point and time can save frustration. If you still have questions or need more information call NCHE at 919-834-6243 or email nche@mindspring.com

It would be great if we could organize a list of families willing to help. We could give it to NCHE to for referrals and each participant would be responsible for answering any requests that come to you.

You need to pray and determine: 1- the number of people you can house -- adults and children, 2- what amenities you can offer (can you provide a light breakfast, for example) and 3- Any precautions (Do you live far from W-S or have pets that some may be allergic to?).

I will get more information on this and give any guidelines to those who are interested. Let me know if you are already doing this! Email me to talk about it. Remember that hospitality is an attitude that comes from the heart and home, not the size of the house!