If you’re just getting started in homeschooling, you’ve probably wondered what a homeschool convention is and how or where to attend one.
So, what is a homeschool convention? A homeschool convention is a gathering of educational vendors, parents, students and guest speakers for everything homeschool related. It’s an excellent resource for picking up tips and techniques to strengthen your teaching skills.
Read on to see how to
Detailed Description of a Homeschool Convention and How to Make the Most of One
Finding a homeschool convention to attend is easy as they occur in every corner of the USA, and in many places around the world.
However, not all homeschool conventions are created equal as they are hosted by many different companies and vary in their structure and presentation.
With that said, most conventions offer roughly the following structure:
Homeschool Convention Vendor Hall
This is a large open area where vendors display their products including curriculum and services. Here, you can find everything from faith-based teaching material, to the latest tech solutions to help you become a better homeschooling parent.
Most vendor halls are large and can be absolutely overwhelming for newbies! Keep reading for tips on how to attend a homeschool convention like a boss.
Guest speakers
Homeschool is a great place to hear from encouraging guest speakers who share their many gifts during conventions in order to challenge us and help improve our homeschooling skills.
Sitting in on a couple of lectures will both fill you with knowledge and provide encouragement.
Don’t overlook this opportunity and plan to fit some lectures into your schedule. Be careful not to overdo it, and participate only in lectures you really care about.
Networking and Encouragement Opportunites
Homeschool conventions are a great place to network, recharge, and refresh! Although attending a convention may appear as information overload, you will end up soaking up a ton of valuable information and feeling refreshed and renewed for the upcoming homeschool year!
Cost of Attending a Homeschool Convention
Homeschool conventions are not free, but the cost to attend comes with a great return on your investment as you will be better prepared to guide your child through home education.
Scholarships
If raising the money to attend is too large of a hurdle to overcome, know that most conventions offer scholarships which cover admittance.
Once inside, if your budget does not allow for the purchase of educational material, your admittance covers access to guest subject-matter speakers lecturing on many topics applicable to the practice of homeschooling.
Check with your local convention coordinator to see if scholarships are available.
Deciding to Attend a Homeschool Convention
Just do it! It will make a world of difference, you will learn a ton, and have lots of fun.
On a personal note, my wife and I plan a mini getaway around our annual convention to both synchronize our educational plan for the year and spend quality time with each together – more on this later. 🙂
So, you decided to attend a Homeschool Convention, what now?
After attending homeschool conventions for several years, here are our tips on how to get the most out of your experience:
Attending from Out of T own
If you are attending from out of town, secure your lodging as soon as possible, preferably after you have purchased your conference package.
Many conferences work with hotels in the area and have discounted rates for attendees. Rooms fill up quickly so book early! The sooner you book a room, the more you’ll save.
Attending Locally
If your convention is hosted in town, and if you can swing it, we recommend making a special weekend out of it.
As mentioned earlier, my wife and try I to work in a mini staycation into our convention plans each year.
Our main expo occurs in the middle of summer, so we book a nice hotel downtown within walking distance to the event.
During the day, we partner up to get the most from attending the conference. At night, we enjoy some one-on-one time, at either a nice romantic dinner or event.
Sometimes we join other homeschooling parents for dinner as a group which gives us the chance to learn from each other, and gain tips and tricks that work for other families.
Men, trust me, this earns major “hubby points” with the Mrs.! Just do it!
Figure Out Childcare Responsibilities
Many conferences offer children’s daycare, so find out if your young children are eligible to attend if that is something you desire.
If you have older children, they may actually enjoy participating since most conventions offer kid-friendly events and activities.
Figure out childcare well in advance and have a contingency plan just in case.
One more thing, if your babysitting plans fall through at the last minute, do not let it keep you from attending! Adjusting your plans to include the kids will benefit you more than not going at all.
Determine your Personal Homeschool Needs
Prior to your conference, prepare to attend by first determining your main “weak points” in your current homeschool experience.
People attend a homeschool conference for unique personal reasons. What are yours?
- Are you new to homeschooling and looking to improve your methods or approach?
- Do you need help with a special needs child? Or,
- Are you simply looking for some encouragement?
Clarify your current needs to focus your planning by asking the hard questions but be honest with your answers.
After determining what you seek to learn from your
Then, after addressing your family’s needs, enjoy yourself by basking in the information-overload complements of the latest educational materials, techniques, and gadgets available at most conferences.
Prioritize Which Lectures to Attend
When it comes to attending seminars at a homeschool conference, always chose quality over quantity.
At our first conference, Shanon and I were so eager to learn as much as possible, that we split up to attend too many separate seminars in order to cover more ground. However, doing so left us exhausted and with very little time for fun activities.
In our experience, you’ll enjoy yourselves more if you don’t plan more than 3 – 4 classes in a day. Doing so will grant you time for shopping, meals, and reading material.
We later discovered that most conferences offer session recordings for sale, at a cost of around $6 each class. You can always purchase the recordings to take home with you and listen later.
Research the Vendors Attending the Conference
By looking through the list of vendors attending, you can get an idea about which supplies you need most. Solidify your list while there and always compare prices as the same material is sometimes offered by different vendor vendors or online.
If you plan your expenses, you will be less likely to overspend or make purchases you later regret.
Plan your Meals
Meals are very important, especially on busy days! If you’re like me, using your brain too much and low blood sugar do not mix well ( I turn into a grumpy Betty White). So make it a priority to plan your caloric intake to help you keep your focus and stay alert.
Food is often offered at conventions but, the options available are often not the healthiest or least expensive – we prefer to grab breakfast or lunch offsite and always bring snacks and water for all-day conferences.
If you can save on meals during the day by packing a lunch, you can enjoy a nice dinner after the conference without feeling guilty.
Bring a Shopping Utility Cart, Basket or Box on Wheels
Seriously, this is a MUST! Do yourself a favor and save your back. A small shopping cart on wheels is your best friend when hauling heavy educational
There are many types of collapsible shopping baskets available but, we prefer the tall grocery utility folding cart with 360° rolling front swivel wheels. In our experience, they hold plenty, are light in weight and easy to collapse and store when not needed. Make sure to check the convention website to see if carts are allowed.
Check out our Recommended Products page here for details on the cart we use.
Bring a Pen and Paper for Notes
Unless you have a built-in recording device for a brain and can remember everything you hear, take a notebook and pen for some good note-taking.
Consider bringing as well. Most homeschool conferences are held in convention centers or hotel ballrooms and seminars are simply rooms full of chairs and no desks. A clipboard will make it easier to take notes and you can do it while standing or sitting.
Enjoy Yourself
A homeschool convention is a great place to reset, refresh your approach and get ready for the school year. Enjoy your time and learn as much as possible without feeling you have to take in everything – it is simply impossible! Remember, you are in it for the long haul, and homeschooling is a marathon, not a sprint.
Homeschool Convention Related Questions
Can you get Hotel Discounts While Attending a Homeschool Convention? In short, many conferences negotiate cheaper rates and reserve a block of rooms with hotels closest to the convention locations.