Going to a homeschool convention? Is it your first? Even if you have went before these tips might serve as a reminder. This is written as for couples, but singles adjust to fit your needs. This is just a quick off the top of my head list, but it still should be quite helpful especially for newbies.

1. If you can afford it, try staying at a nearby hotel and come the night before. Some hotels will let you have 6 or 7 in a room. Or you can get two adjoining rooms in a cheaper hotel. Saves on rushing.
2. Call the hotel directly and ask for specials or try online services such as orbitz.com etc… Better deals usually than the so called ‘convention specials’. You won’t get much choice however, but maybe a good deal.
3. Bring a page or two of those address labels that pile up because we email, online bill pay and otherwise do not use snail mail much anymore. Use them on sign up sheets to avoid hand cramps and loss of time.
4. On those address labels above, have the kiddo’s put your email address on them beforehand too.
5. Sometimes the audio companies offer good deals on an mp3 Cd of all the speakers – sometimes not.  Find out first, then if you can’t get or don’t want to pay the price for the Cd, pick the speakers you really don’t want to miss.
6. If you need the ‘couple’ time, go to the speakers together unless they are husbands or wives only. Otherwise, go to several different ones, and share your notes or thoughts later than evening.
7. If they aren’t the same, pick a mix of speakers you really want to hear, and those you really need to hear.
8. You may want to consider taking Grandma along with to help out.  At Indianapolis, she can get in for only $10 extra.
9. You may also want to consider leaving the kids at Grandma’s and making it couple’s time altogether.
10. Get a Rainbow Resource Catalog. It doesn’t have everything on Earth homeschooling, but it sure can seem like it.  Decide on some items ahead of time rather than spur of the moment shopping. You may want to wait to buy them there, though because they may be discounted.
11. If you are easily overwhelmed… do NOT do #9 above right before the convention!
12. Start saving for next year so NO credit cards at least next time.
13. Cell phones don’t always work everywhere in the buildings, so have a regular meetup place and time.  You won’t want to waste time hunting for each other.
14. Not likely to be a problem, but have a plan if you should become separated from your kids especially. Have a picture of them handy and know exactly what clothes they have on.  
15. Get a rolling tote to take with you and/or get a locker right away. There may also be a package holding booth for a fee.
16. If you can get your items shipped to you for free, take them up on it if you have a lot to carry already.
17. Do NOT wait until the last minute to buy what you want. It will take longer than you expect and you will run out of time. Indianapolis for instance WILL shut the lights off on you and often the vendors leave early. Do not wait until the last hour!  On the other hand, don’t buy everything right away, use up your budget, and wished you’d waiting to decide. Be a little choosy and perhaps sleep on it the first night?
18. The convention center may not let you bring in food, but you will want to find a way to have it elsewhere or eat at McD’s because convention center food is outrageously expensive. We’re talking $4 or $5 for a pop. Try staying at a hotel with breakfast included and have your fill, then wait until evening to have dinner right away. Or use a very close hotel and go back and make pb&j sandwiches etc…
19. You will buy stuff you end up, well, hating. There are places online to sell it to those people who are selling the stuff they bought but hate but would love your curriculum instead. Do not fret and worry. Don’t spend without thought, but you cannot always know. Just do your best to fix it (ie. sell it and buy something else). And let it go.
20. Couples, agree on a budget beforehand.  Singles decide on a realistic budget.
21. Dads please get and read the book Help! I’m Married to a Homeschooling Mom. (short read!) by Todd Wilson.
22. Agree to not get stressed. This should be an enjoyable time!  Find things to compliment each other about. Don’t be afraid to do it once in front of others, but be honest and sincere and not for you too look good! Make this fun and emotionally nourishing time and God-honoring as well.  Make that a rule for yourselves.  A loving secure family is more important than algebra, state capitals, or composition for your children and both of you too.