Creative Escapes 2009 - Helpful Hints

Something I do after all my trips, is make a list of all the things I wish I knew before hand. If you plan to attend (I've already signed up) Creative Escapes 2010 this will be a helpful list.

1) Arrive a few days early so you can shop at all the stores in the area, it's well worth it. You don't have to stay at the Wild Horse during this time since it's out in the middle of no where.

2) Bring a "big mama" of suitcase at least half empty or one packed into another suitcase, you will need it. CE will have boxes avaiable for a $1.00 and will ship your goodies home for you at a very reasonable rate. We shipped 68 pounds home for $23.00.

3) Although most people used those open square bag totes for the supplies in class, I found that things fell out of them (from the number of tools I saw on the floor walking to the classrooms) and there isn't any room on the tables for them either. The large sling type bags looked like they were working out well. I used an old Cropper Hopper zipper bag and just kept in on my lap.

4) Get a seat in the front row, it made a big difference in finishing the project even with all the teachers using Power Point

5) When you sign up for your group, pick the one with the least amount of people. Our group was not full, so we had room to spread out and more time with the teacher.

6) Mix up where and who you sit with at meal times so you can met other crafters.

7) There are no refrigerators in the room, so plan head. Wireless internet is spotty at best unless you want to pay $$$ to hook up to the hotel's service.

8) Although it's hot hot hot outside the conference rooms get chilly.

9) Shop at the conference store early. Some of the sponsors/manufactures are selling off discontinued items at a huge discount.

10) When it's time to check in for the CE event, wait a few hours before checking in so you don't have to stand in line. Remember there are over 625 people checking in.

11) The technique boutique this year only took 15 minutes to go through all the stations, so again go later and you won't have to wait in line.

12) Ask for a room near the elevators, which makes dropping things off in your rooms easier.

13) If there is a rumor going around - it's probably true.

14) Don't keep any open containers of drinks on the tables (which I thought most crafters already knew) some nasty spills happened.

15) If you are crazy enough to plan to be outside at the resort, bring bug spray.... mosquitoes, spiders (that bite) and other crawly creatures will be waiting for you.