Zumba Convention 2012 Update!!!

This is some information I received from another ZIN Member that I thought was useful. I am really interested in going and if you are too please contact me so that we can coordinate room, classes, and flight!

Re: Convention 2012 Orlando

Tauline Davis Feb 27, 2012 10:41 PM (in response to Tauline Davis)
So to start from the beginning.  Here is some of my advice (folllow me on here and then you should get my posts). You know the dates of convention they have them posted.  So I would start planning your air reservations if you know your going you will get registered if you don't delay.  You will be able to register for four days or three days you have a choice.  Last year I took all flavors (which are the specialty training sessions.  Plan on about $400.00 for Convention registration.

I was lucky enough to get Beto's live class last year and lucky enough to get up front and on the taping (I made Zin 35) it was a blast.  That was my favorite session.  I also was lucky enough to get my picture with Beto (always have your camera or phone you can take pictures with handly you you never know when or where he will appear).

So you won't know any details about registration until they open it -The good classes like live with Beto will fill up immediately and then you won't get in.  So register right away, you can always make a change to your schedule later.  So I suggested going early and staying late-  the reason is you will want to may be do a little sightseeing tourist stuff before the Convention starts.  During convention you are busy with the sessions, parties, get togethers, and networking with folks from all over the country.   Then when it ends, you will be so tired, it is great to not have to get right on a plane.  This is why I rented a resort condo, I want to relax before it starts and after.  It will be nice to be off site away from the noise.

Money - you will spend a lot of money there if you go in the stores.  There are lot's of deals on the older stuff.  You have to get up early and wait in line for hours, then they finally let you in and you go nuts and spend to much.  Then there is the store with new stuff, that we get first pick at.  So if you have trouble controlling your shopping or you are on a budget stay out of the stores....

Food - not a lot of options real close, close - McDonalds, Denny's, Red Lobster, all within walking distance but long lines, overcrowded and you just don't have enough time.  The street is lined with restaurants further down the road but you wont usually have enough time to get to them and in and out in between sessions unless you have a long break.  So if you stay at a hotel I would plan on having sandwiches and stuff, power bars (but I was living on them and got so sick of power bars).  Food in the hotels can be expensive.  I would not go buy a lot of food, there is a little Walgreens there with a few food items.  Best bet is to get with someone who has a car for a grocery run.  You will want lot's and lot's of water, another reason for a grocery store run.

Four days is what I registered for - ok your schedule depends on what you take (if you take a certification) it will be all day starting in the morning ending late afternoon/night.  There were two concerts a party and a guest speaker session.  Then during the day there are lots of vendors set up in the hotel you will want to visit.  Everything has a line.  You spend a lot of time walking to your next session.  Lot's of walking so good comfortable shoes are a must.  The concerts and parties all started late seemed like an hour late for each.   However you have to get there to get in line.

Don't bring a lot of stuff - you won't need it - I would bring some woolite and a few outfits and just wash and rewear no one remembers what your wearing.   You will want a couple outfits a day and a few nice ones for night events.   I didn't wear half of what I brought with me.  If your gonna buy stuff you won't need that much anyway.  Plan on rain it rains a lot in August, bring a small umbrella you will need it.  When it rains it pours.

Registration will be the night before the start of the event, easier to register Wednesday night and then just go to your first session on Thursday. They put your picture on your badge (go make sure you have a picture you like on your profile becuase that is what will be on your badge......

Last year I took all flavors this year I may take certifciation.  Just take this piece of advice if you take a certification you will be in a very large class and may not get the extra time for questions and such, however the upside is you will probably stand a good chance of getting one of the master ZES's.  It's all good whatever you choose!!!