The Conference

Today I attended my very first day of my first conference. It's in Harrisburg and I'm staying at a hotel a ten minute walk from the conference which is in a Hilton hotel. I had a nice portfolio with a legal pad inside for taking notes, business cards and resumes in their pockets and a nice pen. Sure, okay, I didn't actually hand anything out, but I wasn't expecting to- they were just in case the occasion arose, which no one was expecting it to. But I was prepared. That was the point.

I attended a breakfast and then three sessions (each an hour and a half long) and a reception at the state capitol which included dinner, free drinks (lots of variety from what I saw, but I don't drink so I can't comment further) and private tours led just for us, well since we were the only one's there as it was after hours. Being in the newly renovated building after hours was SPECTACULAR. It's got other capitols beat hands down. We were given a tour guide by someone on the conservation team for the building and he had extensive knowledge of the process and history of the building. It was a fabulous tour- and they did several small ones so it was nice not to have to be crowded by people.

Here's a picture of the main area where the reception was I found online for a peek at what's got me so excited:





It was like being in a palace. All the art was renaissance style and spectacular. The food was good, desserts were lovely. I even ate some fruit.

Here's a room on the tour:



Anyway it's almost eleven now and I meant to do a longer entry but I've got day two to get through tomorrow and I must go to bed. And you wont believe it but there was even a hospitality suite back at the Hilton with more free drinks (it's funny, I'm fixated on this free drink thing though I don't drink- I'm simply shocked by it!) and socializing AFTER the reception until midnight, which I of course skipped.

Overall so far it's been interesting. I'm glad I came. I got to dress up in a suit and play professional. Sort of. More later. Hopefully!