Tips for a Successful Event

See also VISA Requirements (PDF)

Plan Early

You should allow at least three or four months before a meeting to prepare. Every employer has different policies regarding the professional development of their staff, so make sure you know what they are before making your arrangements.

• Determine whether the costs for registration, travel, and housing will be your responsibility, your employer's, or somehow shared.
• Those traveling in from outside the United States should investigate whether they have sufficient time to obtain a VISA before travel must begin. See also VISA Requirements (PDF)

Before the Event

• Register early to save money on discounted registration and educational opportunity fees. You may also wish to become a member to save even more. The easiest way to register is by using the online system available here. We also offer a downloadable Registration & Membership Form you can fax or mail.
• Don't forget to register for any and all social events you wish to attend. There is limited availability associated with the VIP Luncheon and the 25-Year Club Luncheon, so you should definitely buy your tickets for those events early.
• Make your hotel reservations fast and easy using the online housing reservation system. Our host hotel is the Louisville Marriott Hotel Downtown. This means that hotel will host many of our social events as well as committee meetings on Monday, October 13. Hotel space fills up quickly so, again, you should reserve your room early. The Rubber Division has reserved a block of rooms for our attendees at a special discounted rate.
• Now you're ready to make your travel arrangements and pack your bags!

At the Event

• Review the Technical Program available here and also available onsite in the convention center and hotels. Session Rooms run concurrently and their times differ from the times the show floor is open, so it helps to plan your schedule ahead of time. Seating space can be limited at popular presentations, so we advise you to arrive early at the sessions of your choice to get a seat.
• Educational opportunities tend to fill quickly, so be sure to register in now and to arrive early on the day of the course to get a decent seat.
• The Internet Cafe is available on the show floor during normal show hours for you to access the Internet. This is a popular spot and, while it is busy throughout the day, the afternoons were busiest so be aware that there may be a line.

Getting Help Onsite

• Your Division staff members are available to assist you at the convention center and the host hotel. If you need assistance, have questions, or need advice, please feel free to stop a staff member. You can also speak to any of our volunteers in the Division Store on the show floor, at the Information Booth, or the on-site Registration area.
• It is our goal to make your experience a pleasant and memorable one, so if you still have questions, please contact us.