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Making The Most of The Convention

Attending the ICHE convention can be overwhelming! With so many sessions to choose from, so many people to talk with, so many exhibitors to visit, so many books to look through it's best to set a plan for your day ahead of time. Here are a few tips from parents who have attended the convention in previous years. Have any to add? Drop us an email info@iche.org with "Convention Tips" in the subject line.

Pray and ask the Lord to help you get His best from the Convention.

Seek the counsel of your spouse. Start preparing before you attend the convention? Discuss: What is our purpose for home educating our children? Pray together and ask for God’s wisdom and direction for your family.

Plan to pre-register. This takes the hassle out of waiting in long lines on the day of the convention.

Come prepared to take notes. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a large tote bag for all your goodies.

Attend the Keynote Sessions. These sessions are designed to give encouragement, vision, and help us to lead our families Biblically. Academic resources are easily available. Vision and encouragement are harder to find.

If you have questions, be sure to write them down. Visit the Home School Oasis, located just outside the Exhibit Hall in The Ministry Center Training Room 130, and talk with veteran Home Educators.

Consider that you and your spouse may want to attend different workshops. Study the schedule and then divide and conquer. If you cannot attend all the sessions you want, plan to purchase mp3’s or CDs at the convention so you can save shipping charges.

Decide on a time and a place to reunite!

Take some time to study the Exhibit Hall map. If you have a "need list" go to those tables first, since vendors do run out of materials on occasion.

As time allows, browse the Exhibit Hall and check the products on your "want list'. Are they as good as you thought? Remember to pick up free samples or brochures.

Shop around the Exhibit Hall. Some exhibitors offer discounts. Carry a small notebook and make notes.

Look for non-consumable reusable materials.

Don't make any major purchases not on your "need list'. Regret may prove to be a high price.

Be fair! If you spend a significant block of time with a particular exhibitor discussing a specific item, repay that exhibitor for his time by purchasing the item from him rather that a competitor.

Relax! The convention is planned to serve you. Take a 15-30 minute break each day.

Consider purchasing the convention audio recordings so you can listen and be refreshed during the year.