Thursday, May 6, 2010

Speaking of the NRA Convention...

Okay, now instead of stirring up the drama, Jay gets to play his favorite game: "Let's pretend Jay is a complete and utter moron"...

I've never been to an NRA convention. I've been a member for six years now, and never managed to make one. Last year's convention was simply too far away - Phoenix would have entailed planes and other undesirable forms of transportation - but this year (and next - yay Pittsburgh!) are close enough to drive to for me.

What do I need to do to get into the convention? The NRA's website has a schedule up; it looks like we can register any time after 2:00 PM on Thursday. Do we just get to the convention center and find the spot that says "registration"? Is it abundantly obvious that I'm used to traveling on business, where we have a dedicated conference coordinator who takes care of all this ahead of time? *g*

Any and all help is greatly appreciated - I'd much rather make an idiot of myself here and now than standing at the locked door to the Charlotte Convention Center looking in pitifully...

That is all.

9 comments:

JohnW said...

"What do I need to do to get into the convention?" Patience and comfortable shoes. The times I've gone all I needed was my membership card. Once you have your credentials you're all set.

Borepatch said...

Make up a list of sessions and/or presenters that interest you. Contact the presenters (if possibly) requesting an interview there at the show. Short will be better than long (5-10 minutes).

Ditto for vendors who will be exhibiting. Their marketing team will probably dig it if you contact them, and you should be able to get some time with their marketing honchos.

And plan in some down time during the day. It's awfully easy to over do it the first day or so.

skidmark said...

The poor guy needs step-by-step instructions. 1) have NRA membership card in hand. 2) have any press credentials in hand. 3) find open door with sign reading something like "NRA Convention Registration Here". 3) step up to table with 1 & 2, say "Hello" to nice volunteer and ask for tote bag for all the papers & "stuff" they hand to you. 4) ask for extra floor maps (you'll use them to map out your hiking tours of sessions & vendors - none of the ones you want to attend are ever near each other). 5) remember where you are staying & wish they had a big hot tub you could soak your poor tired feet in. 6) stay hydrated. 7) post pictures of you with the gun dollies (get their names & phone numbers too.) :>)

Get up the next morning. Lather, rinse, repeat.

stay safe.

Alan said...

You go to the media room, smile at Rachel while she prints your media pass and eat a cookie while you wait.

Jay G said...

Thanks everyone.

I don't need help on what to do once I'm *in* the convention.

I just want to be sure I don't have to arrange anything ahead of time *before* I get in the convention.

Like submit DNA samples or something. This *is* the NRA after all... ;)

Roberta X said...

Do the online registration for press and bloggers. They should send you some info about how to find the Press room and pick up your credentials. It's all gravy after that.

Eseell said...

What Alan said. Find the press room and avoid the ridiculous first-day lines. They'll have your credentials and wi-fi there.

ExurbanKevin said...

Dunno if you already have them or not, but get a hundred business cards printed up with your name, the url of your blog and the like. They come in REAL handy when talking with the new and old media types.

Geodkyt said...

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