Report from Orlando

Kathleen Burke, director of ASCD's Annual Conference, reported from Orlando this morning that the 2,000 Pre-Conference Institute attendees are enjoying beautiful weather, with temperatures expected to reach 85 degrees today.

That's more than warm enough for those waiting to watch the ducks at the Peabody Hotel take their daily promenade from their room to the fountain, but more about the ducks later.

Kathleen also had

• helpful tips for those staying at the Rosen Plaza Hotel
• updates on conference preparations
• information about where to get reports, updates, and news
• more about those ducks

For Those Staying at the Rosen Plaza Hotel
Kathleen wants to make sure that those of you staying at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, which is across the street from one end of the convention center, know that conference registration center is located at the opposite end of the convention center, across from the Rosen Centre Hotel.

Registration, Exhibits, Party with a Purpose
Kathleen reported that ASCD staff is busy setting up the registration center and information kiosks, in anticipation of your arrival at conference. At the same time, exhibitors are arriving and setting up today and tomorrow. Make sure that you use our enhanced online exhibitor guide to quickly find the exhibitors you are interested in. Preparations will also be underway soon for the ASCD service event that is a party with a purpose—the Books and Fun in the Sun Bash.

Stay Tuned
Kathleen wanted to remind everyone that during conference we will post notices and reports from ASCD staff about conference sessions, special events, and news on this blog. You can comment on any posting on this blog by using the comment link at the bottom of any post.

After conference we will continue to update the blog. Look for reports from sessions that you weren't able to attend, audio highlights from key sessions (similar to our Speaker Spotlight audio conference preview), and comments from fellow participants.

About Those Ducks
Kathleen reports that people stake out spots and settle into their folding chairs early in the morning to ensure a good view of the Peabody Hotel ducks. With over 600 conference sessions to choose from, you might not have the time to see the ducks promenade, but you can find out more about the ducks.