By: Eden Hensley; Photos by Brooke Dennis and Justin Hackworth for Alt Summit
No event at The Grand America is ever the same. Where would the fun be in that? So that you don’t miss any of the fun, we’re sharing a few more details. See you soon!
Checking In: Follow the Signs.
Don’t be alarmed if you arrive at The Grand America Hotel and don’t see any signs directing you where to go. Registration opens at 2pm on Wednesday January 20, 2016 and signs are put up shortly before.
Be sure not to lose your badge. You’ll need it to get into the parties Thursday and Friday nights.
If you can’t make it to registration before your opening night dinner, that’s ok. You don’t need your badge for dinner. You will need your badge for all other events throughout the week.
Printed schedules are at registration. In them, you’ll find a map of the event as well as information about the sponsors and where to find them. Be sure to grab one so that you don’t miss connecting with a sponsor. (Hint: you’ll find sponsors in a variety of places not just in the lounges. Sitting at Ask an Expert tables or roundtable discussions, speaking in panels, leading Design Camps).
Study your printed schedule. You’ll find details about when and where you can meet Alt Winter 2016 sponsors.
Stowing Your Winter Wear.
If you’re not staying at The Grand America Hotel, you don’t have to worry about carrying your parka with you. There’s a coat rack where you can place it.
Display your business card and check back regularly to see everyone’s creativity!
Showing Off Your Business Card.
Be sure to stop by the lounge and add your business card to the wall display supplied by Sudo. Then visit throughout the event to see everyone else’s creativity. The business card wall is one of the most photographed and shared spots at the event.
Signing Up for Optional Saturday Tours.
Saturday morning you can choose to grab a pastry and coffee and share notes in the conversation lounge or you can head out on a tour. Tours are free. After the Opening Keynote on Thursday, head back to the registration desk to sign up. Some of the tours involve walking so be sure to bring warm clothing. Sign up sheets will be left out until a tour fills.
Drinking and Eating During the Event.
When you registered for Alt Summit you identified if you were a Vegetarian, Gluten Free, or Lactose Free. All food during the event is clearly labeled so that you can avoid allergens. For the plated lunch, simply put your token next to your plate so that your server knows which meal to serve you. The food is included in your ticket; you don’t have to pay separately for your meals.
Before heading into the Opening Keynote, grab a coffee, tea, or Diet Coke in the lounge.
If you’re thirsty, you don’t have to go far. Coffee, tea, and Diet Coke are provided every morning in the lounge. Water is available in the back of every session.
Before heading up to your room to change for the Opening Party Thursday night, head to the Keynote Room for a meet and greet with La Crema and Cents of Style.
Thursday afternoon before heading up to your room to change for the Opening party, toast with wines from La Crema in the Keynote Room.
Hungry? Lunch is provided on Thursday and Friday. Snacks are available in the lounge during the morning and afternoon breaks each day. Make a beeline for Lorissa’s Kitchen. They’ll have their tangy farm to table Steak, Chicken, and Pork snacks to nibble on throughout the day. On Friday afternoon, be sure to stop by the lounge to sample brownies from Foodstirs.
Heavy appetizers are provided during the Opening Party on Thursday night and at the Mini Parties on Friday night. A continental breakfast is available in the Conversation Lounge on Saturday morning.
Got a burning question you’d like an expert opinion on? Our experts are in. Check the schedule to see when financial advisors, accountants, copywriters, designers, and more are available.
Ask an Expert.
Throughout the event Ask an Expert tables are open thanks to Alt Winter sponsor MailChimp (the hallway just past the lounge, you can’t miss them). There’s no need to make an appointment ahead of time. Just stop by the desk and ask your question or join the line if there’s one started.
Here you can get questions about the business side of blogging answered, SEO, and more. Unlike past years, there are different experts in the morning and the afternoon.
- Thursday morning8:00a – 12:00p Ask a Financial Advisor staffed by Alt Winter sponsor Mountain America Credit Union and Ask a Copy Writer.
- Thursday afternoon 12:00p – 4:00p Ask a Designer and Ask a Creative Problem Solver.
- Friday morning8:00a – 12:00p Ask a Blogging Coach and Ask an Accountant.
- Friday afternoon 12:00p – 4:00p Ask a Lawyer and Know Your Audience/SEO Desk.
Whether crafting is your thing or dancing, sample a little of each or choose one. Friday night you have eight mini parties to choose from!
Mingle: No RSVP necessary!
Friday night attend not 1, not 5, but 8 mini parties. (That 8 is not a typo, you’ll just have to wait and see what else we have in store for you!) Go room from room sampling appetizers and sipping drinks while dancing and posing in photo booths. Why not take a walk on the wild side with a temporary tattoo from Tattly.
