National Convention in San Jose question

[Greg L.]

I would like to attend some of the Tech Sessions and Seminars at the National Convention in San Jose this July. To do so do I have to sign up or register for each one to ensure that I'll get a seat? If so where or how do I do this?

I found a registration form in the Driveline but it looks like it's for if you want to bring your family or judge or have a car judged or take in some of the tours but I don't see where it mentions anything about the tech sessions or seminars.

So do I have to sign up for these seminars or do I just show up?

[Joe L.]

Re: National Convention in San Jose question

I would like to attend some of the Tech Sessions and Seminars at the National Convention in San Jose this July. To do so do I have to sign up or register for each one to ensure that I'll get a seat? If so where or how do I do this?

I found a registration form in the Driveline but it looks like it's for if you want to bring your family or judge or have a car judged or take in some of the tours but I don't see where it mentions anything about the tech sessions or seminars.

So do I have to sign up for these seminars or do I just show up?

Greg------


All you have to do is to register for the convention. Usually, you don't have to sign up for any of the seminars-----just register for the convention and show up at the seminars. Also, you don't have to register for any of the "extra cost" convention events. Those are all optional and have nothing to do with the seminars.

[Terry M.]

Re: National Convention in San Jose question

Joe is right, but sometimes some of the tech sessions or seminars have a limit on attendance (for various reasons -- like size of the room). In those cases there will be a sign-up sheet at the registration or judging desk. For this reason it is often wise to pick up your registration papers as soon as you arrive at the convention site.

I mention this because the Advanced Judging School is limited to 50 people per day for logistical reasons. It is hard to get more than 50 people around or under a Corvette.

[Greg L.]

Re: National Convention in San Jose question

Okay then so I do have to register if I want to take in any of the tech sessions, correct?

But when I register has nothing to do for ensuring that I can attend any sessions. You sign up for them when you arrive at the event, correct?

The only reservation that I have of registering is if for some reason I can't make it then I'll have wasted the $125. I guess I'll hold on for a bit and worst case I pay the extra "can't make up my mind" fee at the gate.

[Terry M.]

Re: National Convention in San Jose question

Okay then so I do have to register if I want to take in any of the tech sessions, correct?

YES

But when I register has nothing to do for ensuring that I can attend any sessions. You sign up for them when you arrive at the event, correct?

In most cases that is a yes. If you want to, say, go for the dinner cruise or the wine country tour it would be best to register early as some events like that have a limit and often fill early. If your interest is the technical and judging seminars, the sign-up for those (if there is a sign-up) will be at the registration or judging desks.

The only reservation that I have of registering is if for some reason I can't make it then I'll have wasted the $125. I guess I'll hold on for a bit and worst case I pay the extra "can't make up my mind" fee at the gate.

Disclaimer: I am basing my answers on my experiences at many National Conventions. I have no idea of the organizational details of the 2009 Convention, and since each venue is unique I take no responsibility for the accuracy of my comments.