Of course, nursing babies are always welcome. We provide a special area for Moms and Babies, with a changing table and comfy chairs for nursing.
Teens are welcome, too, and this year we have many more Teen Track workshops. Please see the schedule for all the available options.
Finally, this year we've made a special effort to have more options for children's programs. The lower level, which was available as a "play area" last time, isn't available as it's now storage space for the conference center. Instead, this year we'll have:
A family "rest area" in the main hall, with a place for parents to sit and take a break with their smaller children, to read a story or have some quiet play time
Many children's programs in Classroom 2 (check the website closer to the conference date.
There is a park a few blocks away, where parents can take children for some run-around time, weather permitting.
Another opportunity for fun and excercise is s found immediately next to the conference site at the Pettit National Ice Center, an Olympic-size ice rink. Contact the Pettit for costs and open skate times on the conference weekend.
Q:
What about parking?
A:
Free parking for 200 cars is available in front of the Tommy Thompson Center. If that's filled, you may park in the Pettit National Ice Center lot, which is just next door and also free. There's also lots of street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods, all of it free.
Q:
Must I pay the full fee even if I'm only coming one day, or just for the vendor fair?
A:
Yes. Our fees are very reasonable and we depend on the full rate to be able to sponsor a high quality conference.
Even if you come for just one day, or just for the vendor fair, it would be worth your while in savings on shipping as well as the opportunity to browse before you buy, therefore avoiding costly ordering mistakes.
If you are interested in volunteering, you may reduce your admission fee $5.00 for each hour worked for a total of your admission fee. Volunteer positions are limited so you must contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Ellen Schlosser (eschlosser@wi.rr.com) to see if there are positions available.
Please tell Ellen when you're available to work, and for how many hours, on either
Thursday, April 23 in late afternoon / early evening (set up), or
Friday, April 24, anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (helping vendors set up), or
Friday, April 24, anytime from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (registration, room moderators), or
Saturday, April 24, anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (registration, room moderators, general conference help, or helping vendors take down)
Q:
Is there any way I can help with this conference?
A:
We would love it! :-) This is an all-volunteer organization. Also, if you volunteer, whether an adult or a teen, you may reduce your admission fee $5.00 for each hour worked for a total of your admission fee.
If you're interested in helping, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Ellen Schlosser (eschlosser@wi.rr.com) to see if there are positions available.
Please tell Ellen when you're available to work, and for how many hours, on either
Thursday, April 23 in late afternoon / early evening (set up), or
Friday, April 24, anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (helping vendors set up), or
Friday, April 24, anytime from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (registration, room moderators), or
Saturday, April 24, anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (registration, room moderators, general conference help, or helping vendors take down)
If you'd like to help by making a donation, that is very much appreciated as well. We are registered as a 501(c)3 charitable educational organization with the IRS and a non-profit organization with the state of Wisconsin. Your donations will be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law; we will provide you with a receipt for your records.
Q:
Is the facility stroller and wheelchair accessible?
A:
Yes, the conference is conveniently contained in one accessible building, with almost all vendors and talks on the first floor. Elevators are available to go up to some of the teen events and a few talks which are on the 2nd floor.
Q:
Will the talks be recorded?
A:
Yes, all talks will be recorded on CDs by LCE Media. Individual CDs will priced at only $6 each, and a complete set of 16 talks will be just $79! The CDs will be available the day of the conference, as well as via this website or the LCE ordering website afterwards.
Q:
What kind of payments do vendors accept?
A:
Most, but not all, accept major credit cards. We suggest bringing some cash and your checkbook as well, especially for individual used book sellers who may be cash or check only. An ATM machine is located inside the main vendor hall, though of course we can't guarantee it will be operational at all times.
Q:
Will meals be available at the conference site?
A:
Yes, you may purchase a box lunch in advance only by March 31. Also, there will be a complimentary continental breakfast served after Mass.
In addition, there are a number of vending machines with drinks and snacks available on site. We will provide information about nearby restaurants for dinner on Friday or lunch on Saturday. Too, you may bring a bag lunch to eat either on the Center grounds or at a nearby park. The Center requests that we not bring any food from outside (from home or purchased) into the facility. There will be chairs in the Main Banquet Hall for those who pre-order lunch; thanks for your cooperation!
Q:
Must I register at the door if I miss the early-bird deadline of March 31?
A:
Yes, please register at the door if you miss the March 31 deadline for mail-in registrations. That way, we don't have to worry that your registration will not make it to us in time for processing before the conference.
