by Bethany Jett, @BetJett

We are a month away from the start of the Blue Ridge Conference, and we are soooo excited!!!! There is still plenty of time to get your proposals, one sheets, business cards, and pitches together, so no fretting! We want you to feel comfortable, especially if this is your first conference or first time at the Blue Ridge Conference, so let’s cover what you can expect.

Arrival

When you pull into the Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center, expect to be greeted by a friendly gentleman at the gate. Let him know that you are here for the writer’s conference, and he will give you a pass that you will keep inside your vehicle. He will then direct you to the registration area, which is located inside of the lovely Pritchell Hall.

Registration

Registration is from 2-4 PM on Sunday, May 21. During registration,  you will pay any remaining balance, get your receipt (the conference is a tax write-off!), and receive a number of items, including your welcome packet (which has a schedule in it, in case you forgot your print-off from home), a name badge to fill out, the key to your room, your meal ticket (keep this safe—like tucked inside your name badge). If you want to jazz up your name tag, you may wish to bring a colorful Sharpie with you. Black Sharpies are provided.

If you arrive after 4 PM, there will be someone at the registration desk. While we hope you can make the registration times, we want you to arrive alive, so please drive carefully! You will be able to get checked in!

Time to Unpack and Unwind

Once you’ve registered, retreat to your room to unload and unpack. The friendly staff at registration can direct you to your room if you need directions. If you have time before dinner, enjoy the gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge mountains, hang out in the lobby with fellow writers, or take a nap. This conference is for you to not only advance your writing career but to experience God and let Him speak to your soul.

Dinner

Dinner is from 5:30 to 6:30 in the Rhododendron Dining Room. Please remember to pull the faculty members to the front of the line because no matter how many times the faculty are instructed to skip the line, it is extremely awkward to actually do it.

At 6:35, the leadership team will beckon everyone to “Follow the Leaders” from the cafeteria in Rhododendron Hall to the main conference room in Azalea. The campus layout will become second nature by the end of the week, but we want to ensure that no one gets lost or doesn’t make it to the opening session on time.

First Group Meeting

The first group meeting will begin at 6:45. Most group meetings will include praise and worship, a keynote address, and announcements. After this first meeting, Director Edie Melson will introduce the faculty, who will single-file out of the Johnson Spring 2 and go downstairs to Johnson Spring 1 to wait for you to sign up for your appointments.

Appointment Sign-Ups

Refrain from forming a conga line after the last faculty member! Shortly after the faculty are dismissed, Edie will release you to sign up for your two guaranteed appointments with faculty members. We kindly ask you to only choose two appointment slots on Sunday evening. We must ensure that everyone has a chance to meet with their top two picks. If you want to meet with more than two faculty members, don’t worry. You’ll have an opportunity on Monday morning to sign up for more.

Post-Appointment Sign-Ups

Once you’ve filled your two appointment slots, you’re free! Enjoy the crisp night air in the rocking chairs or hang out in the lobby areas. Mt. Laurel has two lobbies and they’re a great place for networking and making new friends.

You will be tired, we have no doubt, and while we want to make sure everyone is well-rested for the next day, be sure to find someone to talk with. If you’re brand new, sink into one of the sofa seats. If you’re a returning attendee, look for someone who looks overwhelmed and say howdy.

Genre Night & Faculty Book Signing

Tuesday night is Genre Night! DiAnn has a great post with all the details regarding this super fun evening. Lots of people dress up, so don’t worry that you’ll be the only one in costume. After the costume presentations, it’s time for the faculty book signing! Be sure to check out the details about Genre Night here.

Awards Night

The Awards Night is a little different this year than previous years. Instead of a banquet on Wednesday evening, we’ll eat dinner like usual. The Awards Night ceremonies will begin at 7:15 in Spillman. You may choose to dress up for the Awards Night. There are lots of photo opportunities after the awards, so feel free to get a little fancy. However, if dressing up doesn’t sound that great, no worries. The attire for the evening ranges from conference-casual to Sunday best…or a little fancier if you choose.

The purpose of the Awards Night isn’t only to have a chance to dress up a bit. We’re thrilled to recognize the hard work of the many authors and writers who submitted entries and books into the different contests. This night is about you, and we want you to enjoy every minute of it.

You will find that everyone on staff at Ridgecrest and at BRMCWC are kind, thoughtful, considerate, helpful, respectful, and love the Lord. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to ask, even if it’s a fellow conferee passing by. Feel free to join us in our lively Facebook group, whether you can attend this year, or not. We’d love to meet ya!

[reminder]If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to chime in. [/reminder]

Bethany Jett is an award-winning author, speaker, ghostwriter, and founder of JETTsetter Ink, a consulting and editing company. An avid learner, Bethany is working on her Master of Arts in Marketing: New Media and Communication. Her newest work, Through the Eyes of Hope is now available online and in retailers nationwide.

Bethany is a military wife and all-boys-mama who is addicted to suspense novels and all things girly. She writes on living a brilliant life at BethanyJett.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.