I am soooo looking forward to coming to New York in a couple days for the MTNA conference. This is my 3rd MTNA conference. I’ve never been to New York, but it’s always been on my wish list of places to go. While there I will be cramming in lots of sight-seeing, tours and broadway shows (we are seeing Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera) with my Mom.
For those joining me in New York, I wanted to pass along an awesome tip that I just learned from Mario Ajero… If you have a mobile phone or device, MTNA has put the schedule available for download on the free Guidebook mobile app. You can find the links to download this app by either searching for Guidebook or going to: http://guidebook.com/getit I just downloaded mine and it is AWESOME! This allows you to save your favorites and create your custom schedule. You can also mark the exhibitors you definitely want to visit and there is a map of the hotel showing you where everything is. You will definitely want to take advantage of this tool if you can.
Another little conference tip that I wanted to share is make sure you print out address labels in advance with your name, address, phone number and email. This way when you receive the coupon book of giveaways you just need to stick your label on, versus writing this information over and over. For other tips on must have’s for conference be sure to visit Natalie’s blog here: http://musicmattersblog.com/2010/03/26/the-conference-goers-list-of-essentials/
Now I don’t know about you but I’m having a hard time narrowing my class choices down to one. I may be bouncing around a little, we’ll see. I think I’ll be able to decide a little more once I get a hold of the conference booklet and read the descriptions fully.
Tell me… do you have any other conference tips to share before I leave? Hope to see you there!
I went to NYC for the first time 3 years ago. I got to see Phantom and it was just as thrilling when I saw it in Toronto, Canada. I thought that Broadway theater district would be larger than in reality. I highly suggest purchasing trinkets later online when you get home.
The temptation to take advantage of all the print music publishers’ discounts – buy only a few – composers in the exhibit booths will be happy to autograph books and sheet music. I suggest adding a permanent marker in your tote.
Oh yes! I tend to get so caught up in the “sales pitches” and discounts that I’ve learned over the years to not react so quickly in purchasing. Good tip on the permanent marker, I wouldn’t have thought of that. Thanks! 🙂
Hey Jennifer:
Be sure to drop in Music Educator’s Marketplace. I’ll be helping Karen Koch during the convention. I have a new addition to PianoFonics COORDINATION Tool Box that is a freebie to all previous customers. The freebie is based on Fred Karpoff’s 3-Dimensional Piano – who you should also look at the Convention. I have implemented some of Fred’s ideas with beginning students and completely changed the way I approach all students from the very first lesson. After 35 years of teaching, simple words like IN and OUT and UP and DOWN have an entirely different meaning with his ideas about forearm mechanics and how to execute tone. Drop by and see some thought-provoking ways to work with your beginning students.
Will definitely be stopping by MEM’s booth. Are you going to run any specials on any of the toolboxes at conference? (ie: Reading Toolbox)