Wandering Pandas Flying Solo to InstructureCon?

[rconroy]

In the beginning, I was going to try and get my husband to come with me since I've never had to do a week trip by myself since we got married. We ended up deciding the week trip isn't worth taking his vacation time since we've got a lot going on this year. Which means I have become a solo Panda for InstructureCon. :smileylaugh:

Just starting this discussion as a point place for any other wandering pandas that are flying solo to InstructureCon.  

[kona]

You definitely won't be the only one flying solo that week! I'm lucky that my husband also uses Canvas so we use it as an excuse for both of us to get away, but I think you'll find that InstructureCon is a VERY friendly conference where people are quick to strike up conversations and network with each other. I know there have been times when we were both so busy pursuing different things and talking to people that we didn't even see or really talk to each other until we met up for dinner!

[rconroy]

That's super great to know,  @kona  ! My little introvert gets nervous at the prospect of an entire week with strangers, but if its anything like the community, I'm sure it'll be way fun! Where are you and your husband intending on staying in Keystone? I didn't find much luck through the Keystone website directly, so I quoted a place in the Dakota Lodge in River Run Village through www.vrbo.com 

[Stef_retired]

My little introvert gets nervous

Ha, nobody believes me when I tell them I'm an introvert--but I totally am! And last year at InstructureCon I was able to bond with like-minded introverts! (How on earth did we introverts find one other? Actually, it's almost impossible not to--InstructureCon is just made that way.) So I hope we can meet up!

[rconroy]

My first thought when you said 

I was able to bond with like-minded introverts!

So great! lol

[Stef_retired]

Yep, that looks like my comfort zone right there!

[traciebosket]

Hi stefaniesanders‌

Is there a Promo Code for InstructureCon? I see an option on the registration page

[awilliams]

Hey traciebosket did you ever get your questions answered about registering for #instructurecon 2017‌?

[traciebosket]

I did, thanks. I was told that it was for internal use.

[kona]

We did the same thing! I just reserved a condo for the Lakeside Village area via VRBO and got a great deal!

[rconroy]

That's SUPER reassuring. I was really hoping it wasn't a dodgy secondhand website, so that puts my mind at ease to know others are booking through them.  

[kona]

No! Definitely not! We booked our Dec trip using VRBO (Rental house in the Florida Key's over Christmas) and had a great experience and were very impressed with the process and the actual rental!

[rconroy]

You may have convinced me to book in Lakeside Village. I didn't realize it was so much closer to the convention center AND its cheaper than the other location I was looking at.  Thanks for the info! 

[kona]

Happy to help and definitely hope to meet you in person at the conference!

[bcrook]

I always travel solo!  And I'm a social introvert!  We should have a gathering there.

[rconroy]

Hooray! Somehow making it a "Gathering" always makes it a little less intimidating. 

And does anyone else in the community feel like InstructurCon is kind of like that DisneyworldCommercial from the 90's for first timers? 

Walt Disney World 1995 Promo 5

[kona]

How funny, but how true!! Did anyone else notice the panda poster on the wall in the background? Too cool!

[rconroy]

I NEVER noticed that! Sharp eye, Kona! That's awesome. :smileygrin: 

[mjennings]

Only problem is that they are packing way to much in the suitcase... no room for swag!!

[kona]

TRUTH ^

Leave LOTS of room for swag!

[DrNufer]

When doing Disney World, yes it's important to pace yourself, but also consider that the best times to be at the park are right when it opens and after dinner.  The weary tourists from the west sleep late given the east coast time zone, and the parks don't get crowded until late morning.  Then they're beat by dinner, so the park crowds thin at around 6-7pm until close.  Get up early, do some activities, then head back to the resort to take a nap before returning.  This way you'll also obviate the harsh UV indexes of the afternoon.  With all that said, the festival of fantasy parade at magic kingdom (3pm) is amazing.  

[mjennings]

I'll be there in just under 2 weeks. This is how we plan our days.

[bcrook]

I just found that if you are wanting a single 1br vs a 2-3, etc, you can find them (and for cheaper!) on airbnb.   My condo in River Run is booked!  WOOHOO! 

[rconroy]

That's so great! I was looking at AirBnB as well, but the deposit for the rooms I found were something like $300 and then the fee for the stay on top. While it was refundable, I didn't really want to deal with having to track a refund to a company card. Super cool! I'm still harassing my accounts dept to hurry and book so I still get good prices for everything. haha

[traciebosket]

Yup, I'll be solo too. We can hang out!

Tracie

[fox]

Looks like I'll be there solo, too! Meals make me the most nervous - it's hard to approach a table with a group already engaged in conversation!

[kona]

There's always people standing up chatting/eating and you can always strike up a conversation with someone while in line and then use that as a segue to then sitting together. In general I'd say this is the least cliquey and most friendly conference I've ever attended. Even though I go with my husband (who also uses Canvas) we often eat/hangout separately and I've never had a problem finding random people to chat with and eat with. Granted I'm not sure if I've ever met a stranger before (LOL), but honestly this is a super friendly conference in terms of the attendees and Instructure employees.

[traciebosket]

Hi Laurie,

I hear you! But just plop yourself down and say hi  I am pretty sure that everyone is going to be very welcoming.

If anyone is mean, we'll vote them off of the island ...

Haaay, we could post our pics so we know each other already. Then everybody goes in with friends!

This is me ...

- Tracie

[Stef_retired]

Oh, please do post pictures! As I mentioned in my post about preparing for InstructureCon (https://community.canvaslms.com/message/60788-instcon2017-prep-calling-all-flatlanders?sr=search&sea...), I really like to study faces before I go. (Does it help me? No, not much, but I try.)

[fox]

Nice to meet you traciebosket‌! 

[traciebosket]

Hey  @fox ‌ , nice to meet you too! See you at InstructureCon?

[rconroy]

traciebosketsince you posted this fabulous picture, I've been wanting to get a more recent avatar up. You've inspired me! Now, bear in mind my selfie skills reign from the era's of MySpace, but at least its more up to date than the one I had from 3 years ago. I love the idea of posting pictures so we can try to recognize each other! 

[traciebosket]

Nice, I love the pic! I'll look for you...

[rconroy]

Likewise!  

[bcrook]

Perhaps we'll just have to come up with our own hashtag for #SoloAtInstcon and post where we are headed at any given time, meals, etc.   LOL   Seriously though, like  @kona  said, this is the most friendly conference I've attended.   I travel solo to all of my conferences and this one is by far my favorite.

[rconroy]

#soloAtInstacon Yes!!! hahaha

[bcrook]

Or #SoloPandas ?  

[michellemeazell]

I'll be solo-ish. My workmates will be there but they usually bring spouses or kids, so I'm the odd duck out that leaves her husband behind so that I can get a break from the chaos     

[garciah]

My situation exactly!

[striglej]

Roxanne,  I see I've found this thread a month on now.  I've flown solo at 3 instructurecons and always had a great time.  I take my wife to another conference that is a driving trip and doesn't involve the flight or pricey guest pass that this one does.  Your time will be filled with plenty of fun.  I just posted in the other thread that I always try to rent a car and I would suggest that if your institution will allow it.  I also take some extra days to enjoy the area, although being from the mountains already, it may not seem as fun to you as it does to me.  If you've got an ounce of energy left after all of the stuff that Instructure plans for us to do, the towns of Dillon and Breckenridge are a short drive away and offer a lot of shopping, music and views.  Get out and about and enjoy all the area has to offer.