I’m going to attend next week’s NMRA Convention in Cincinnati, and since this is my first NMRA convention, what tips do attendees at previous conventions have for me? I’m booked for some trips, layout tours, clinics, and plan to hit the show on Friday to beat the rush.
Assume any travels away from the convention - prototype tours, layout tours, etc. may run late and complicate your later plans; try not to schedule events too close together.
Clinics aren’t usually a problem time wise, as the organisers are on hand to keep things moving. The biggest problem with clinics is getting to ones you want, as they are often spread all around the host hotel.
Allow time for refreshment and bathroom breaks between events. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. I carried a soft shoulder bag in which I could carry the convention brochure and maps, a bottle of water, camera & supplies, etc.
Have fun!
Bob Boudreau
Like Bob mentioned, layout tours are something that usually runs late. Most clinics are available at least 2 times in the week. The National Train Show usually opens Friday afternoon for the Convention attendees, an then the ‘crush’ happens that evening when they let the general public in! I usually do a fast scan of the entire site, and mark the location of dealers that I see something interesting in a copy of the site map. That way I can find it again before the big rush hits. I do not plan on spending a lot of money this time(maybe…), but I will be doing some serious investigation of new DCC stuff and signaling systems.
Jim Bernier
Hey Newbie, LOL,LOL,
Just go and have a good time with some great people.
Bill North[^]
P.S. Stop into the coffee shop sometime, and I’ll buy.
Make sure you know when your tours leave, from where, and what you need to show to prove you are on that tour. It is easy to get confused. Don’t carry around stuff you do not need to, however. Wear your name tag or badge
I would say the one thing for a newbie is do not be afraid to talk to ANYone. Don’t be rude of course and interrupt someone else’s conversation but even if you see one of the model railroading “superstars” standing or sitting, do not be afraid to approach them and ask questions. My experience is that there are very very few unfriendly model railroaders. Enjoy the clinics – bring something to take notes.
Bus rides are good places to learn a few names, make some friends and thus have people you can join at the banquet and or auction.
Dave Nelson
Dress comfortably-especially shoes
ch
Get to any of the “big name” presenters Clinics early to make sure you get a seat.
remember to drink water , wear comfortable shoes and if you carry a bag of some type you might even consider a spare pair of socks . it’s pretty amzing how hot and tired your feet can get , and if you abuse them on the first day , the rest of the convention isn’t going to be as much fun
I wonder if anyone can positively answer this? On the web site it shows the NTS open to the public from Noon-6 on Friday. I assume this is correct.
Also be sure to visit Tower A at Cincinnati Union Terminal before you leave town. I’m certain folks from the Cincinnati Railroad Club will have information at the convention, if not here is a link to their web site.
It is well worth the time.
Dale
Bring a digital camera & a notebook. Be careful about using flash. Some layouts don’t have enough space for a large crowd, so you may have to wait ouside for your turn. The crowd may make it impossible to get the picture you want. Pay attention to any instructions and stay with the group, so that you’re not always the last person back on the bus.
You’ve done the right thing by having some city trips along with the layout tours. enjoy your stay in Cincinnati. since we seem to be having a hot summer, be prepared & dress to your comfort.
The third requirement is to bring lots of money & go home broke (but happy) with all the train stuff you can get at auctions or the Company Store. Finally, repoer back when you get home on how you liked the convention. We want to see the pictures!
Last year in Seattle convention attendees had Friday morning from 10AM to 2PM when the doors opened for the great unwashed public in.
Bob Boudreau
Be early for your bus trips. They will leave on time, even if they don’t get back on time.
Don’t pass up any layouts on the tour; you can enjoy all of them.
Ask the experienced convention go-ers if there are any don’t miss clinics. I can’t find my book from the last one, but there are some really good presenters.
Don’t pack your day totally full. If you book a morning tour, don’t follow it with an afternoon tour, especially as you may run late. There may be last-minute space on a tour. Do you have steel-toed shoes?
Smile and be pleasant.
Go to the meals and banquets. Take your non-rail to the non-rails lunch. (used to be called railettes but some husband objected.)
Take something you’ve made for the contest. The competion may be stiff, but it will still get looked at and evaluated. You may find a sector with few entries. Points for your MMR certificates.
Most conventions involve four or five catagories of activities, workshops, layout tours,
manufacturer displays and demos, retailers, and a RR flea market. You can’t do it all
so it’s good to decide what your priorities are in advance and concentrate on them, doing the other stuff if and when you can fit it in. Be focused and steel yourself to ignore the hubub while you concentrate on your goals.
I went ot my first convention in Ft. Lauderdale. I met my next room tenents and on a very hot day had cold beer in a cooler in my room. You make freinds fast like that.
Seriously everyone is so freindly that you will have a great time if you make a minimal effort.
Just get ready for one of the best weeks of your life is all!
See and do as much as possible in the time available, even if you’re getting tired toward the end of the week - you can sleep when you get home[:D]
Be prepared for the unexpected. Take some drinks and snacks along on the layout tours. I went to Ft. Lauderdale and had two tours that had the bus break down. One started at 6AM and we didn’t get back till 2AM. It was the hottest day of the week. Even with this it was a great time. Like has been said above, don’t hesitate to talk to anyone and everyone because they are all there to have a good time. Seattle was great also.
First and foremost is to arrive Sunday and pick up your registration packet! It will have all your tour tickets and convention booklet with clinc schedules, hotel maps, bus tour departure locations etc. It’s especially crucial to know when and from where that Monday morning tour leaves. How do I know? I attended one of my first conventions with a ‘seasoned’ NMRA conventioneer and we missed out on our first tour of the convention.
Have fun! Schedule a few extra days off if you can when you get back home, to have a vacation from your vacation.
Mike Tyl