Teacher Meetup: What to Pack!

Ok, so you've signed up for a meetup...You've reached out to attendees.... Now, the age-old question: WHAT DO I PACK?!?

If you're going to a meetup that is not in your hometown, and/or you are staying overnight, you will need to do some planning... I'm hoping I can help...

First things first, CHECK THE WEATHER.... Research the place that you are visiting. Plan for unprecedented weather.  I usually like to pack a few items that I know will be used in many types of weather...

Without further ado, my Top 10 things to bring to a teacher meetup:

1. A Light jacket...

I like this one from Amazon.

Something that will wick away rain (or humidity), and will roll up and fit back in your bag easily.

2. GOOD SHOES. 

If your meetup is going to have ANY activities that will require you to walk (like a scavenger hunt, changing venues, etc), you will be glad for this suggestion. Nothing can ruin a good time worse than feet in pain! I KNOW the importance of cute shoes at an event, but if you plan on being gone for more than a few hours, consider slipping some comfy ones in your bag as well.

3. Business Cards

I didn't know about this important piece until I attended my first meetup. It's a great way to help people remember WHO they met, and it links your blog/TPT store/Instagram to your face! 

4. Cash

Many meetups have your meal, snacks, or drinks included. But, if you are planning on doing anything spontaneous, it's important to have some cash for your fun! For instance, I will be bringing cash for our Happy Hour meetup on Friday at Teachers Take Sacramento, and cash for our bowling night! It also helps when you have a large group to not have to wait to split things a million ways among all the cards. :)

5. An outfit that screams "YOU!"

For me, this is pretty easy. I typically wear black jeans to EVERYTHING, and I like a lot of lace and earrings. You want to be comfortable, but you also want to look cute! You're going to be taking pictures and meeting people for the first time. Show up wearing what you feel your best in!

6. A pen...

What teacher DOESN'T like pens?! You will want to bring a pen to write down numbers, emails, etc. of your new friends!

7. A camera/camera phone

You are going to be meeting people and making new friends... You are going to want to document! Don't forget your camera/phone! 

8. Your name tag!

Often times, your meetup hosts will send you a name tag template for you to print ahead of time. I remember this summer when a friend of mine forgot her meetup name tag and was SO bummed!  Print it, then put it right into your bag!

9. Space in your suitcase! 

MOST meetups have amazing giveaways... You should definitely leave room in your bag for sweet giveaways and swag! 

10. A positive attitude! 

You can never go wrong with a smile on your face! 

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!

Tips for Before a Teacher Meetup from an Introvert!

Happy Saturday! If you are on the Pacific Coast, you may have heard, signed  up, or planned on signing up for the meet up we have coming up in February! If you're anything like me, you may have anxiety about meeting new people, putting yourself out there, and the unknown of a meet up. I have been to 5 meet ups (two of which were in TPT Vegas), and have always been SUPER nervous and considered not going on occasion, for fear of the whole social aspect. Now that I am helping with the planning of an event, I know there are people coming who may have social anxiety just talking about it. As the resident introvert of the planning committee, I wanted to share my top four tips to maximizing and ENJOYING the event in the best way. 

This was KEY for me. I was originally planning on taking Sarah  with me to my very first meet up. She is my outgoing, friendly, energetic friend. And she pushes me to tiptoe/bust out of my comfort zone. That first meet up, I ended up having to go alone (poor Sarah had broken her ankle in Ecuador and was a no-go). More on that later. In Vegas, I was thrilled to have her with me, even if she did (literally) throw me in front of Deanna Jump saying "SHE IS YOUR BIGGEST FAN!" Hey, would I have met her without her doing it? Probably not. Thanks, Sarah.

These pictures ONLY happened with prodding from Sarah....

This is hard for me. Like, REALLY hard. I like to plan. I like to know what I am jumping into. But, sometimes, fun also happens in spontaneity. Make plans to be okay with the host's plans. When you make a new friend, and they want to go do something after the event, get your new friends together and do it! Happy Hour, here we come!!

Use the event hashtags, find the Facebook groups, spread the word that you are attending. Chances are, there are others who are attending who are JUST as nervous as you. This is a way to make a friend ahead of time, in case you can't do #1. Ask around to see if anyone else is needing a roommate, knows of good spots in case you arrive early, etc. This is a great way to get the conversation going prior to the event. 

I, personally, have NEVER regretted going to teacher meetups. Teachers are a special breed, and really do value meeting other educators. People are at this event to be friendly and meet/make friends. When you walk in, take a deep breath and smile. You've got this!!!

If you are looking to attend our meetup in Sacramento, we have a few spots available still. Click this link to find the original post.

Pacific Coast Region Meetup Location Announcement!!!

It's HAPPENING!  The Pacific Coast Region Meet Up is ACTUALLY HAPPENING!!!!  I feel like it was SO long ago that we started kicking around the idea of a HUGE meet up...and here I am sharing it with all of you!

The weekend we have planned is filled with fun and collaboration opportunities!!  We have AMAZING giveaways and an awesome SWAG bag for all of those in attendance!  Space is limited!

When:  February 19th-20th!

Where:  Sacramento, Ca

Cost:  $45  (Includes full dinner, t-shirt, and Swag bag!)

How do I sign up?

1.  Complete the form!  COMPLETE THE FORM HERE!

2.  Pay your $45 using PayPal.  Send money as FRIENDS/FAMILY to BWalterhouse@gmail.com

3.  Book your hotel!  :)  We recommend somewhere in Downtown or Old Town Sacramento!  All of our activities will held around the capital and old town.

Once you are all signed up, you will receive an e-mail closer to the event with even more information and a few surprises!!!  :)  We can't wait to meet you!!!