Category Archives: conference

It’s Wednesday. You’re in Detroit. What did you forget?

We’ve all done it. We go through our mental checklist of all the stuff we need to pack. Some of us even have a paper checklist. We gather all of our stuff and try to jam it into a bag. We drive a few hours, get to the hotel and check in. It’s going to be the best. conference. ever!

You unpack your bags and then it hits you. The cellphone charger you thought you packed is still in the kitchen. It’s right next to the iPad cord. DOH!

Don’t let that happen to you this year. You are the few, the proud, the always prepared! You are super teacher! (Yeah, that was Marines + Boy/Girl Scouts). Here are a few things you might consider taking with you to the ‘D’:

Laptop or netbook – fully charged. Don’t forget the power adapter.
Powerstrip or a handy 3-outlet adapter. Outlets are usually in short supply both in your hotel room and in Cobo Hall. I’ve met the nicest people while sharing an outlet.
Wireless phone and iPad charger with data cable – especially if you have an iPhone.
A backpack. The conference tote bags are awesome, but I immediately transfer everything to my backpack. It’s much easier to manage all of your gear and swag you collect in a backpack, plus it’s much more comfortable.
Water bottle – you will get a bit thirsty and standing in line is probably not your favorite thing to do.
A stack of business cards. You’ll meet all kinds of cool people and you’ll want a way to track them down later. I always write what we talked about on the back of their cards.
Your most comfortable shoes. Cobo is a big place, so keep your feet happy and you’ll be happy.
Emergency supply of meds. During the conference 2 years ago on Thursday, I came down with the worst cold. I tried to find Nyquil within a couple of miles of the hotel for 2 hours – no dice. Lesson learned – It’s easier to bring it with you from home.

OK – that’s my list. What’s on your “Must Bring” list?

MACUL 2013 Information

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Greetings MACUL Participant,

In just a few short days, over 4,000 people will be descending on Detroit for the 37th Annual MACUL Conference. We are pleased that you will be joining us!

As you pack your bags and plan your time at MACUL, here are some things to remember:

Parking

Parking will be at a premium, not only because of so many coming to MACUL, but there are several other events in downtown Detroit Wednesday – Friday. Please refer to the MACUL web site for parking locations as well as information on using the Detroit People Mover. If you are driving in the same day of your conference attendance, it is highly recommended that you arrive an hour early to give yourself plenty of time to find parking, register, and locate your first session.

Planning

New this year is an online Conference App that can be viewed both online and on your mobile device. You can use it now to begin planning which sessions you would like to attend. You can also get up to date notifications, a layout of the Exhibit Hall, social media links, and a directory of all Exhibitors, presenters and attendees. Thanks to Michigan Virtual University for sponsoring this great resource. Visit www.conferencebeat.com/macul/#home

Good Network Neighbor

MACUL prides itself on providing free access to the Internet that is able to handle the many conference participants. As you are packing for the conference, consider being a good network neighbor and bring only one wifi connected device (i.e. no need to have your smart phone, laptop and tablet all connecting!). Also, when connecting, avoid high bandwidth usage such as connecting back to your local district or viewing videos not related to the conference topics. Your fellow participants will appreciate it!

Party at the Roostertail – Location Info

MACUL is sponsoring a free event Thursday evening for MACUL registrants – Come gather at the Roostertail on the Detroit waterfront for an evening of fun, fellowship, and networking. Enjoy the Nightline Band whose music ranges from classic rock, Motown classics, and current hits. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Transportation will be provided from the conference hotels starting at 7pm.

Registration

Arrive early! Registration is located at Wayne Hall, Cobo Center. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and beginning as early as 7:00 a.m. on Thursday. You do not need to bring anything with you to registration as your name badge and other important information will be available on site. You will need to wear your name badge throughout the conference, particularly in the exhibit hall.

If you are a speaker, please, visit the Speaker Check-In counter to receive your name badge and conference materials.

Evaluation

We take evaluations very seriously. Please give your feedback during and just after the conference at www.conferencebeat.com/macul/#evaluations/index. We literally begin planning next year’s conference on the last day of this year’s conference. Your ideas/feedback is critical!

Much more information can be found at www.macul.org.

Enjoy MACUL 2013!

Steve Schiller
2012/13 President – MACUL

What’s Awesome About the MACUL Conference?

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The MACUL Conference is less than one week away…w00t! Here’s a list of some of the awesomey awesome stuff that’s on the way.

1. We have an app. That’s right, check out all the sessions and more with the 2013 MACUL Conference App. Features include scheduling, favorites, speaker handouts, a vendor hall map, social media links, and more. Access the app online now, but it will be available in the iTunes store soon!

2. Your friends are there. I don’t know how many, but lots. Online friends, meatspace friends, friends you haven’t even met yet. The MACUL Conference is the largest educational conference in Michigan, and one of the largest ed tech conferences in the country. Find some of your friends on the conference app.

3. Ed Tech Giant Alert. There are very few events where you have the opportunity to see National and International educational technology superstars.

4. We’re in the Zone. In the middle of the exhibit hall is the MACUL Zone, where you can check out the Auction, network in the Social Media Cafe, or extend your learning with Spark Sessions.

5. There’s a party. Once again we’re off to the Roostertail on Thursday night to unwind, meet new friends, listen to great music, and have fun. If you’re not planning on being there, you’ll be sorry!

If you’re not excited yet, I’m giving you official permission to get it in gear!

The MACUL Conference App is Live!

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We heard your feedback loud and clear from past MACUL conferences that you would like to have both up to date and mobile versions of the conference agenda and happenings. We’ve responded by providing a fantastic mobile-enabled conference application. You can access the app here.

Once you click sign in and create your account, you can access the app to give you up to the minute notifications, the full conference agenda, get biographical information on presenters, check out the exhibit floor map and vendors, and follow the Twitter stream from attendees. All this in the palm of your hand, on your tablet or laptop!

Get your account set up right now so you can start planning which sessions and vendors you don’t want to miss.

A MACUL Night at the Museum

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Grand Rapids Public Museum If you attended the MACUL Conference last year you know everyone had a great time on Thursday night. Hundreds of attendees were at the Roostertail enjoying great food, live music, and each other. For 2012 the tradition continues with another great social gathering at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. A short walk across the river and you’ll arrive at MACUL Night at the Museum.

Thursday night starting at 7:00 pm you’ll be ready to join your friends, and make new friends, all while listening to great music from Mid-Life Crisis. If you’ve never been to GR’s Public Museum, this will be the perfect chance to check out some of the exhibits as well as ride the carousel out over the river.

OK, so if that’s not enough information to get you excited, here’s a few other reasons to make it to the MACUL Night at the Museum.

“Light refreshments” will be available (and a cash bar).
How often do you have the chance to stand under a whale skeleton?
MACUL Night at the Museum is free and open to all MACUL conference attendees.
Ride a giraffe round and round in circles. (If giraffe’s frighten you, choose a goat, deer, or horse.)
This a great time to debrief with your colleagues about all the awesome sessions you were in as well as compare notes on which vendor is passing out the best swag.

Is that enough? Hey, this is a no-brainer. Thursday, 7:00 pm, across the river at GR’s Public Museum. Be there or be square!