networking | INANE in MAINE 2014

Greetings!

Being the good nurses that we are, I suspect that when most of us attend a conference, we dutifully attend all the conference sessions that we can manage, meet up with a few friends and acquaintances (there is never time to see everyone), and then leave just in time to make it home for the next event on our busy calendars–all without seeing anything beyond the four walls of the hotel and the sights to and from the airport from the windows of the hotel shuttle!

But this year’s INANE conference in August could be different! Here is the perfect opportunity for a blend of work and fun…a lovely New England setting at the peak of ideal summer weather (not too hot, not too cold–just right!) and a host of things to see and do, many of them off the beaten track. To heighten the fun, Leslie and the Planning Committee have arranged a special opportunity for INANE attendees with Norm Forgey of Maine Day Trip: personalized guided tours for you and your traveling companions. Your trip can take any direction at any pace you wish! Norm is reserving the dates from Saturday, August 2nd, through Thursday, August 7th exclusively for us. Whether you are flying to Portland, or taking the bus or train–here’s your chance to forego a rental car and see a bit more of this beautiful state beyond the environs of the city of Portland. Make a reservation and Norm will meet you at the entrance of the Regency Hotel for a total day of fun, sightseeing, and relaxation!

Norm Forgey, founder and owner of Maine Day Trip

You may notice that Norm’s trips are available before and after INANE as well as throughout the time that our exciting and irresistible conference will be happening. For conference participants, I am sure you will not be inclined to take off for a day trip during this time (see paragraph one if you don’t believe me!). But if you have others traveling with you who are not attending the conference, this is a perfect opportunity for them to get out and about. Norm will schedule trips for groups of one to ten people and create the itinerary based on folks’ interests.

The challenge is that our companions often do not know anyone else, but might appreciate connecting with others to share a day of adventure. And, you might be interested in connecting with other INANE folks for a day trip before or after our conference. You can contact Norm and tell him: 1) day you want to tour; 2) number of people; and 3) what you’d like to see. He’ll create tours based on the input he receives and confirm directly with you when the planning is finalized.

Note that this is a little different from the way Norm usually schedules his trips, but he is willing to be flexible to offer the maximum number of attendees and friends a great day trip. For another way to connect with others about planning and gauge interest about dates and itineraries, consider leaving a comment on this post. Either way, remember that your perfect off-site adventure awaits! Visit our Traveling Further Afield page now to start planning!

A journalist’s hotel room in Sochi

I’ve been watching the Olympics and had a good laugh at some of the horror stories about hotel accommodations for journalists. I haven’t been to the Regency (yet) but Leslie assures me that all the hotel rooms have desks big enough for computers and the water that comes out of the tap is clear, fresh, and safe for bathing, drinking, and brushing your teeth! If you haven’t do so yet, take this as a reminder to register for the conference, reserve your hotel room, and make your travel plans to Portland. The regular registration rate is in effect for another ten weeks so don’t delay. It will go up by $100 on May 1st. I suspect by that time the Casco Bay Cruise and Lobster Bake will be sold out and the best hotel rooms will be reserved. Don’t wait too long and be disappointed!

I look forward to seeing my colleagues in Portland in August. It’s going to be a terrific conference!

Peggy

For the Planning Committee: Leslie Nicoll, Margaret Comerford Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall and Jean Proehl

Vicki Conn, editor of the Western Journal of Nursing Research, sent me a message yesterday asking about networking/connecting with others for pre/post-conference sightseeing and fun. Vicki tells me this is her first trip to Maine and she is very excited to see our beautiful state. She wrote:

I would be interested in suggestions for sightseeing for anyone planning to stay some extra days in Maine. That would help with planning the number of days at the conference hotel.

I think this is a great question. I would love to help people connect but I am not sure of the best way to do so–which is why I started here with the blog. People can ask questions in the comments and I will try to pull them together with answers and more information on our sightseeing page. Right now all the activities that are listed are within walking distance of the hotel but certainly, if people want to go a little further afield, I can provide suggestions. A couple of thoughts that come to mind:

People traveling alone to the conference–interest in connecting with others for sightseeing before or after?
Anyone planning on renting a car–or open to the idea of renting a car–for traveling beyond Portland?

One fun idea, for anyone arriving on Sunday–the Portland Sea Dogs will be playing a home game against the Trenton Thunder, starting at 1 pm. The Sea Dogs are the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox–and the Thunder feeds the Yankees, so this is an intense rivalry. You’d pay a whole lot more to see the Sox vs. the Yankees at Fenway Park than you will in Portland! The Sea Dogs play at Hadlock Field, a nice, small intimate venue that really let’s you see the game. It is about 1.5 miles from the Regency–30 minute walk or a quick taxi ride. I’m not even a baseball fan and I try to get to at least one Sea Dogs game every summer.

Hadlock Field, with the Maine Monster in left field.

Whether or not you are a baseball fan, please share thoughts in the comments. What do you want to know and what are you thinking of for pre/post conference fun? I’ll figure out a way to make networking happen!

Leslie

Planning Committee: Peggy Chinn, Margaret Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall, Jean Proehl