People come for many reasons. Some come early to enjoy the tours and the AVSA reduced rates of the hotel as a vacation/convention. Others come on Wednesday for the convention activities.
It’s not the type of convention where you go from one presentation or activity to the next. There is down time in between activities. Conversations pop up about care, culture, lighting, soil, etc. just to name a few. Everyone does something a little different and you go home with new ideas to try in your own environment.
There is a first-time convention go-er’s meeting on Wednesday afternoon where convention activities are explained in more detail. It gives everyone a chance to meet other first-timers and there is plenty of time for questions.
Plan to spend time in the show and sale rooms on Thursday (afternoon and evening) , Friday and Saturday. Hours can be spent just walking around looking at all the beautiful plants. Shop in the sales room. It opens on Thursday and a line always starts an hour or two before it opens. You’ll find yourself visiting the sales room multiple times as the crowds thin and you find another special plant or supply item that you don’t want to leave behind.
Be sure to attend all the presentations for great education on various topics. Don’t miss the Luncheon Auction where people donate plants and most anything violet related. There’s always a treasure to go home with and each purchase is a donation to AVSA.
AVSA is 99.9% a volunteer organization. Consider volunteering to meet new people and make your own personal contribution to the success of this year’s convention.
Whether you come for the week or only a few days, each person will get something different from the experience. Hope to see you there!