Central Soapers Workshop

Weather Conditions

For those of you traveling into Kansas City for Central Soapers Workshop 2013, I’m sure you’ve heard about all the crazy snow we’ve gotten over the last week and how unusual it is! Kansas City hasn’t seen snow like this in years, but don’t worry – it should all be gone by the time you get here!

According to my favorite meteorologist and weatherman, Gary Lezak, it should be nice and dry during CSW 2013. According to his website:

If you have travel or wedding plans to Omaha, Kansas City, Des Moines, or St. Louis, expect a chance of rain & thunderstorms. It will turn colder and dry out by the weekend of March 9th-10th. Expect above average temperatures early in the week and colder than average temperatures over the weekend. See more at: http://www.weather2020.com/

Average temperatures for the weekend of CSW sit around 50 F, so I would expect anywhere from low 40s to mid 50s. Kansas is known to be one of those places were the weather can change abruptly, but keep an eye on Gary’s forecast when you pack up and you should be golden!

At CSW 2013

A few registrants have been wondering what all they should bring to CSW 2013, here’s a list of things that will be provided for you:

• Food: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, and Beverages will be provided throughout the day on both days.
• CSW Booklets: Each registrant will receive a CSW Booklet that will feature information about CSW, it’s speakers, workshops, and room for notes.
• CSW Swag Bags: Each bag is nicely sized and will have a bit of extra room for stashing.
• Pens: We’ll have plenty of pens on hand at the registration table, and each swag bag will contain one, too.
• Name tags: Every registrant of CSW will pick up a name tag at the registration table, please wear it!

So what does that leave to bring? Consider bringing the following:

• Business cards: The best part about conferences is meeting up with other like-minded folks. Bring some business cards to trade info!
• Comfortable shoes: While you may be sitting for a good portion of the conference, there will also be plenty of milling about and standing/walking. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t kill your feet!
• Casual clothing: The main goal of CSW is to be a casual retreat for soapmakers, come comfortable. Wearing layers is a smart idea, as the conference center could be a little cool or warm depending on what the weather is doing.
• Medication & healthcare info: It may seem like a n0-brainer to remember medication, but I have to admit, I’ve forgotten! Also, make sure to bring your healthcare information, including an insurance card, just in case.
• Mini first aid: Bandaids, tissues, hand lotion/sanitizer, and aspirin are always lifesavers when you need them.
• Room for swag: Make sure you have a plan for any swag you might pick up from CSW – whether you are going to ship it back home or pack it in your luggage!

Other considerations

Check out these awesome blogs by conference attendees for various industries to see if anything sparks your fancy in your must-pack list.

• What should you bring to a conference? – Little Miss Mocha
• 10 Must Haves – SOCAMOM.COM
• What to Wear to a Conference – Wardrobe Oxygen
• How to Pack for a Conference – the Contemplative Mammoth

Plus, you might want to check these posts out if you’ve never been to a conference. They may or may not apply to CSW, but there’s some good information in these!

• 27 Things to do Before a Conference – Chris Brogan
• How to Get the Most out of Conferences – Scott Berkun